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Easy French Bread Recipe (2 Loaves)

  • Sarah
  • Dec 4, 2025
  • 2 min read

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This classic French bread recipe gives you two golden loaves with a crisp, crackly crust and a soft, tender interior. Perfect for sandwiches, to accompany soups, or just to enjoy warm with a pat of butter, it’s a simple recipe that feels special every time.


Whether you’re baking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy brunch, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift, these loaves are sure to impress. The dough is easy to handle, and with just a little time for rising, you’ll have bakery-style bread right at home.






Two freshly baked golden brown loaves on a parchment-lined tray, set on a stone countertop with eggs and a metal tree decoration nearby.

Why I Love This Recipe


It’s a recipe that feels special without being complicated. The steps are easy to follow, but the results are impressive enough to serve at any meal or gift to friends and family.


And honestly, there’s nothing better than pulling a warm loaf from the oven, breaking it open, and enjoying that first bite with melted butter. This recipe embodies comfort, simplicity, and the joy of homemade baking all in one loaf.



Freshly baked, golden-brown baguette held in hand with eggs on a wooden shelf in the background. Warm, cozy kitchen setting.


Easy French Bread Recipe (2 Loaves)


Ingredients You’ll Need  

  • 1¾ cups warm water (100–110°F / 38–43°C)

  • ¼ cup honey or sugar

  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup melted butter

  • 1 large egg

  • 2½ teaspoons salt

  • 4–5 cups bread flour


Let’s Make It

  1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine warm water and honey/sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let sit 5 minutes until foamy.


  2. Add melted butter, egg, salt, and 2 cups flour. Mix to combine.


  3. Gradually add remaining flour until dough is soft but not sticky. Knead 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.


  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.


  5. Punch down dough, divide into 2 portions, shape into 12-inch loaves.


  6. Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise 30–45 minutes.


  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush loaves with egg wash and score tops.

    Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.



Woman holding a freshly baked golden loaf of bread, with another loaf on a kitchen counter. Background is softly blurred, cozy kitchen setting.

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The Recipe:




Did you try making this Easy French Bread Recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram at Thesproutinghomestead or leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Happy snacking!

 
 
 
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