Homemade Bakery French Bread

Name: Homemade Bakery French Bread
Prep time: PT20MIN
Cook time: PT30MIN
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Bread
Ingredients: 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting); 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast; 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting the baking sheet); Optional: 1 egg white plus 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Recipe By Rachel Anne |Updated 2025-08-18 |11 Comments

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Homemade Bakery French Bread

PREP20 min

COOK30 min

Bake the perfect Homemade Bakery French Bread with this easy recipe! Enjoy a golden, crisp crust and fluffy, tender crumb just like your favorite bakery.

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6SERVINGS

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon cornmeal (for dusting the baking sheet)
Optional: 1 egg white plus 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2
Stir in olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of bread flour. Gradually add remaining flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
3
Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, until dough is smooth and elastic.
4
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, until doubled.
5
Punch down dough and shape into a 14-inch long loaf. Place on a cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
6
Cover with a towel and let rise again for 30-40 minutes, until puffy.
7
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Score loaf with a sharp knife and brush with egg wash, if using.
8
Bake 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
9
Cool at least 20 minutes on a wire rack before slicing and serving.