Classic Homemade French Bread Recipe: Crispy Crust, Soft Crumb

Learn how to make Homemade French Bread from scratch with this simple, reliable recipe. The loaves come out crisp on the outside, soft and airy inside, and are perfect fresh from the oven with butter or to serve alongside sandwiches and appetizers.

I couldn’t resist sharing this easy French bread recipe. If you bake at home even occasionally, you’ll appreciate how much better fresh bread tastes compared to store-bought loaves: cleaner ingredients, superior texture, and a homemade aroma that fills the kitchen.

In my home, French bread and meatballs are a classic pairing—together they make an unbeatable sandwich. After making a batch of meatballs, I wanted bread right away, so I baked these loaves and the results were fantastic.

Once you start baking your own bread, supermarket loaves just won’t compare. Homemade bread is free of preservatives and odd additives, and you can control flavor, texture, and freshness.

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving, suitable for beginners and useful for bakers who want a quick French-style loaf without complicated techniques. Below are the ingredients, the steps to make the dough, shaping tips, and baking instructions so you can make four lovely loaves.

Ingredients For French Bread From Scratch

The dough uses simple pantry staples:

1. Warm water — about 2 1/2 cups (around 110°F / warm to the touch).
2. Active dry yeast — 4 1/2 teaspoons (instant yeast will also work).
3. Granulated sugar — 1/4 cup (cane or brown sugar may be used).
4. Vegetable oil — 1 tablespoon (or another neutral oil).
5. Salt — 1 tablespoon.
6. All-purpose flour or bread flour — about 6 cups (approximately 720 g).
7. Butter — 1 tablespoon, melted, for brushing after baking.

Exact quantities are included in the recipe card below so you can measure accurately.

How To Make Easy Homemade French Bread

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for a minute to dissolve and activate the yeast.

2. Add the salt, vegetable oil, and flour. Mix with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until a rough dough forms.

3. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic (use the stand mixer for 4–5 minutes if preferred).

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1–2 hours depending on room temperature.

5. Punch the dough down to release air. Turn it out onto a floured board, divide into four equal pieces, and shape each piece into a long log or loaf shape.

6. Using a sharp knife, make several diagonal slashes across each loaf about 1/2 inch deep—these help the bread expand and give the classic French loaf appearance.

You can shape your loaves to fit your baking sheet: long and slender or shorter and plumper, depending on the pan size.

7. Place the loaves on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets, cover, and let rise for another 20–30 minutes in a warm place.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the loaves for about 25 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.

9. When the loaves come out of the oven, brush them with the melted butter for a soft, flavorful crust.

The finished bread is slightly salty with a touch of sweetness and has a wonderful crumb that pairs beautifully with butter, soups, or meatball sandwiches.

Serve warm, and enjoy the aroma and texture that only fresh-baked bread can provide.

Watch How To Make Homemade French Bread

There is a step-by-step video that demonstrates shaping and baking technique for this recipe. If you prefer visual instructions, watch the video to follow along with the full process.

More Bread Recipes From Scratch You Might Love:

• Easy Sandwich Bread
• Dinner Rolls
• Milk Bread
• Cornbread Without Buttermilk
• Shawarma Bread

If you try this recipe, please leave a rating if possible — it helps others find it and I love hearing your feedback. Thank you!