Go Back
easy French bread recipe

Katie's French Bread

It's easier then you think to make amazing bread at home. This simple French Bread recipe is so much better than the store bought stuff and will soon become a family favorite!
Print Recipe
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Yeast
  • 3 cups Warm Water
  • 2 tbsp Sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 7 cups flour

Instructions

  • Add yeast and sugar to 3 cups of warm water. Let this sit and rise for 10 minutes.
  • Next add oil and salt and half of flour. Mix until it's as smooth as you can get it.
  • Next add one cup of flour at a time and mix until the flour is mixed in. Keep doing this until your dough sticks to your hands but pulls away.
  • If you do not have a Kitchen Aid mixer you need to knead by hand for 10 minutes. I like to put my dough hook on and knead the dough in the mixer, once I have about 6 cups of flour into the bowl. Then I mix for 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Once your dough has been kneaded, you want to let it rise an hour.
  • Remember the new tips and use a heating pad under the bowl and plastic wrap on top of the bowl to keep the air in. Don't forget to spray the plastic wrap like in tip 5.
  • After your dough has risen for an hour you want to punch it down and then put it on a lightly oiled counter.
  • Lightly spray the counter and the pan you will be baking the bread on. I use a baking sheet.
  • Divide the dough into two equals parts. Roll out one half into a square or rectangle.
  • Then like you are making cinnamon rolls you want to roll the dough into itself to form to long round cylinder.
  • Transfer it to the pan and then do the same thing with the other half of the dough.
  • Once you have the dough on the baking sheet you will need to get a serrated knife and make a few slashes on top of each loaf. I usually do at least 3 on each one.
  • Turn your oven to 350 degrees to pre-heat while the bread has a chance to rise again for a bit.
  • Place the sheet in the oven on the center rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. My oven cooks kinda hot so I tend to not do the full 20 minutes but ovens will vary so keep an eye on your bread.
  • Another tip I learned once is if you flick the top of the bread in the center with your finger and it sounds kinda hallow, it's done. If it sounds thick it probably needs a few more minutes.
  • As soon as I pull the bread out I spread butter all over the top.
Servings: 2 loaves