Classic French Bread: A Foolproof Recipe for Home Bakers

A Dream That Smelled Like Bread

The best dream I can remember was about baking bread—no joke. I was kneading dough by hand, the kitchen was quiet, and the whole thing felt grounding and calm. I woke up feeling lighter, like I’d already had a peaceful morning. That’s what I hope you get from this homemade French bread recipe—a moment that feels like a deep breath.

That Fresh-Baked Bread Smell? Pure Happiness

The best part of baking bread—aside from that first warm slice—is the smell. There’s just nothing like it. It makes your home feel cozy and welcoming, even if it’s just you in there with your kitchen timer.

This recipe gives you a loaf with that perfect crusty outside and soft, fluffy inside. I use all-purpose flour because it’s what I usually have in the pantry, but if you’ve got bread flour, go for it. It’ll give your loaf a little more chew, but either way, it’s going to taste amazing.

This Recipe Doesn’t Judge—It’s Very Forgiving

In that dream, I did it all by hand, but real life calls for shortcuts sometimes. Feel free to let your stand mixer do the heavy lifting. This is a very forgiving recipe—great for beginners or for those days when you just want something comforting without the fuss.

If you’re using instant yeast or rapid-rise yeast, go ahead and mix it right into the flour. If you’re working with active dry yeast, you’ll just need to proof it in warm water with a little sugar first. Either way, you’re on the right track.

Tips & Troubleshooting for Homemade French Bread

Don’t rush the rise.
Letting your dough rise fully is key to getting that light, fluffy center. If your kitchen is a little chilly, just give it more time—or place the bowl near a warm oven (but not in it).

Crust too soft?
For that classic crispy French bread crust, try misting the oven with water right after putting the loaf in. You can also place a shallow pan of water on the lower rack while it bakes—steam helps build that crust!

Dough too sticky?
That’s okay! French bread dough should be a little tacky. Add flour just a tablespoon at a time if it’s too hard to handle, but don’t overdo it—too much flour can make your loaf dense.

Want to freeze it?
This bread freezes beautifully. Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and pop it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw it at room temp and reheat in the oven to bring the crust back.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Comforting

Don’t let bread baking intimidate you. This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again—easy, relaxing, and always worth the little bit of time it takes. Whether you’re brand-new to bread making or just want a no-fuss favorite, this French bread from scratch is a keeper.

It’s perfect alongside soups and stews, or simply as a morning treat—warm from the oven, slathered with creamy butter and your favorite jam, paired with a cozy cup of coffee or tea. And if you’re looking for something extra special to spread on it, my homemade apple-pear butter is just the thing. You can find that recipe here—it’s simple and only needs simmering time to do its thing.