The French Bread That Started It All: My First Real Taste of Breadmaking Joy
I didn’t grow up making bread from scratch. Our kitchen was stocked with soft sandwich loaves, the occasional sweet bun, and of course, in our Jamaican household, thick slices of hard dough bread. But ever since I moved to Indiana, finding hard dough bread has been a real struggle. And I missed it—not just the taste, but the texture. I missed the kind of bread that stood tall and proud, with a dense crumb and golden crust. A bread that held the butter instead of being smothered by it. Inspired by these memories, I embarked on a journey to create easy homemade French bread for myself.
So one day, with no bread tins, no stand mixer, and just a whisper of curiosity, I decided to try my hand at something simple: homemade French bread. I wasn’t expecting much. But what came out of that oven? Absolute joy. This easy homemade French bread transformed my baking experience.
The loaves were golden and crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy inside. That moment—standing in my kitchen, holding a warm loaf I made with my own two hands—was the beginning of something bigger. I didn’t know it then, but this was the start of my love affair with breadmaking. Now I make garlic knots, soft rolls, herb loaves, and I even have Cuban bread in the works—because growing up in Fort Lauderdale, those crusty loaves and strong cafecitos from the Miami bakeries were part of my everyday life. (Stay tuned for that recipe—it’s coming soon!)
But French bread is where it all began.
How to Make This Easy Homemade French Bread
This recipe is beginner-friendly and no-fuss. You don’t need a bread maker or any fancy tools—just a large mixing bowl, a sturdy spoon, a clean surface, and your hands. I use my ASETY chef knife to slash the loaves for that classic top split, and I always reach for my stainless steel mixing bowls with rubber bottoms for a no-slip kneading station.
I made these loaves entirely by hand—no tins required. They’re shaped right on the counter and baked on a standard baking sheet. It’s approachable, reliable, and deeply satisfying. This homemade French bread recipe makes creating your own easy loaves a breeze at home.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is simple, but here are a few swap options if you’re working with a limited pantry:
- All-purpose flour can be used in place of bread flour, but expect slightly less chew.
- Active dry yeast can replace instant yeast—just proof it first in warm water with a pinch of sugar.
- Olive oil or melted butter can be brushed on top before baking for a richer crust flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cornmeal or semolina on the baking sheet for extra texture.
Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Try these ideas:
- Add rosemary or thyme into the dough for an herby twist.
- Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking for extra flavor.
- Shape it into smaller sub rolls for sandwiches.
- Brush with garlic butter right out of the oven for a pull-apart garlic bread moment.
You can also pair it with my quick and easy marinara sauce or soak it up with some lasagna.
This easy homemade french bread also goes great with salads! Try our Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad paired with warm slices of french bread at your next brunch table.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough, shape the loaves, and then refrigerate them before the final rise. Just pull them out and let them come to room temp and rise fully before baking. This preparation method is ideal for easy homemade French bread when planning a dinner party or Sunday brunch.
How to Store Homemade French Bread
- On the counter: Wrap in foil or store in a paper bag for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to refresh the crust.
- In the fridge: Avoid unless you’re planning to toast it—bread dries out quickly in the fridge.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp, then reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
(this post contains affiliate links)
Want More Recipes Like This?
Subscribe to my email list to get new recipes, tips, and cozy kitchen inspiration straight from me to you. And if you loved this post or this loaf warmed your heart and your belly…
Buy me a coffee—because carbs deserve caffeine and a little appreciation goes a long way.
With flour-dusted joy and cafecito dreams,
Camille
Homemade French Bread
2
Loafs20
minutes1
hour30
minutes30
2
hours20
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
3½ cups bread flour
1 tablespoon sugar
2¼ (1 packet) active dry yeast
1½ teaspoons salt
1¼ warm water (around 110°F)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg white (optional, for egg wash)
1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Add in the bread flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6–7 minutes.)
- Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled — about 1 hour.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a loaf by flattening the dough into a rectangle and rolling it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams.
- Place loaves onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to make 3–4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Cover and let rise again until puffy, about 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix egg white and water for the egg wash and brush it over the loaves for a shiny, golden finish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @camilles_comforting_cuisine on Instagram and hashtag it with
Like this recipe?
Follow camillescomfortingcuisine on Pinterest
Check Out My Latest Recipes
