Do you love eating and smelling bread right out of the oven? Try this Crusty French Bread, mixed up in a bread machine for the best texture and baked in the oven for the best crust.
No bread machine? No worries. See alternate directions in the recipe notes.
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Have you ever given somebody a recipe and then, when they turn around and make it for you, you don’t even recognize it?
That’s what happened with this Crusty French Bread. I gave the recipe to my daughter-in-law, Amanda. Later, she baked it and served it to our family.
Here’s the crazy part.
I asked HER for the recipe thinking it was better than mine. How did that happen? Now she is famous in our family for this French bread.
This bread has a soft, compact crumb with a crispy crust when first removed from the oven. It is NOT a chewy kind of artisan bread with big holes in it.
Nope! Nothing too sophisticated. Just a fresher loaf of bread. Slice it for eating out of hand, smear garlic butter on it to accompany pasta, or make sandwiches with it (see below).
How to shape a loaf of French bread:
Follow me. Start at the left top picture. If you aren’t happy with the shape on the first try, roll the dough in a ball and start over. Nobody will ever know.
How to Make Easy Beef Au Jus Sandwiches with Crusty French Bread:
Amanda recently made this bread for my mom’s birthday party. We used it to make sandwiches for beef au jus after my other daughter-in-law, Susie, introduced me to McCormick’s Au Jus Gravy mix. It’s a touch salty, but I forgive.
Place the browned beef roast in a slow cooker. Pour seasoning mixed with water (according to the package) over the meat and cook it on high for 5 hours or low for 8-9 hours. The result will be perfectly seasoned broth and fork-tender shreds of beef. Serve it with Fresh Crusty French Bread.
Pin the picture below to save for later.
If you make this and enjoy the recipe, it would help me and others if you would return to this post and leave a rating (on the recipe card itself underneath the picture). Although always appreciated, no comment is required. Thank you for visiting! Paula
Crusty French Bread (Mixed in a Bread Machine)
A simple, crusty French bread you can mix up in your bread machine and bake in the oven for the freshest bread ever
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 1-1/2 teaspoons shortening or butter
- 3+ cups bread flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in bread machine pan in order listed. Start dough cycle. After 5-10 minutes, lift the lid and check dough. If dough is too sticky (levels out), add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If dough is too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. Dough should be a loose ball that sticks to the sides, then pulls away.
- When dough cycle is complete, turn dough out onto lightly floured board. Roll into oval shape slightly longer than you want your final loaf to be.
- Starting from long side, roll into a cylinder shape. Pinch seam together. Turn over so seam is hidden. Pinch ends together and turn under making a small rounded shape on each end.
- Carefully place formed loaf onto a greased baking sheet or one covered with a silicone baking sheet. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise in warm place until almost double.
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Make glaze (1 egg white and 1 teaspoon water whisked together) and brush over loaf. Using a sharp knife, (I use a serrated knife) or a single edge razor blade, cut diagonal slashes about 2 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep across the top of loaf.
- Bake loaf for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake another 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Remove to cooling rack or slice and eat immediately.
Notes
Directions for making bread with a stand mixer or by hand:
- To make this recipe in a heavy-duty stand mixer, add ingredients to the bowl in the same order. Turn on low to mix until all ingredients are moistened. Using dough hook, turn speed to 2 or 3 and continue beating/kneading until dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 5-10 minutes. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place. Deflate dough gently and shape rolls as indicated in recipe.
- If making by hand, combine all ingredients into a shaggy ball in a large bowl. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead with your hands until dough becomes smooth and elastic, a process that will likely take 10-20 minutes depending on your experience. Place dough ball into a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until double. Deflate dough gently and shape rolls as indicated in recipe
- Please note: If you substitute regular yeast for instant or bread machine yeast, you must dissolve it first before adding to the dry ingredients. Stir it into about 1/4 cup of the lukewarm liquid called for in the recipe. Let sit for about 10 minutes. Add to other wet ingredients and then add dry ingredients. Proceed as directed to knead and shape rolls.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 43 Total Fat: 1g Saturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 2mg Sodium: 205mg Carbohydrates: 7g Fiber: 0g Sugar: 0g Protein: 1g
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Scott Hartsough
Made this tonight, and it may have been the best loaf of bread I ever made, and so easy. I opted for the Kitchen-aid over the bread machine, and I added about a teaspoon each of basil and oregano for an herb style. I did notice that it took quite a bit more water – maybe an extra 1/4 cup. But this recipe is definitely a keeper.
Paula
Adding herbs is a good idea!!
Andrea
This has become my go-to french bread recipe. Comes out perfect every time and so simple!
Lisa
This is the best bread that we’ve made! We make it every week!
Ju
I’ve also made these the same day (Monday) I made the crusty rolls!!! Best french bread ever. Family so excited to see 2 loaves of them again this morning for their breakfast ???
Carey
Im confused .. Where are the instructions for the glaze??
Paula
Hi Carey,
The glaze instructions apparently got dropped in a recent upgrade. I have fixed the recipe. The glaze is 1 egg white whisked together with 1 teaspoon of water. Hope the bread turns out great for you.
Glykeria
You talking about glaze but you don’t give the recipe I do not know what this glacé
Paula
Glykeria, So sorry. It appears the glaze recipe dropped off when I changed recipe cards. I fixed it now. Glaze = 1 egg white and 1 teaspoon water whisked together. Brush lightly on loaf before putting it in the oven. Thanks so much for letting me know.
Phaedra Wolfe
This is my go-to recipe for everyday french bread. Easy, fast, foolproof, it comes out right every time.
Paula
Easy, fast and foolproof. I couldn’t agree more!
Fiona
Made this for the first time today. Turned out great, except the crust wasn’t…well, “crusty”! I grew up with French bread having a VERY crisp crust (NZ), and cannot find that were I now live (WV). However, this recipe did yield some very scrummy bread, on which I am going to put my home-made chicken liver pate!
Paula
Hi Fiona,
So glad you wrote. I’m glad you liked the bread but sorry you were disappointed with the crust. Wanted to let you know you did nothing wrong. That bread is most crusty when you first bake it. If you want a very crisp crust on your bread, you will have better luck to use a recipe with a “sponge” involved. A sponge is a water/flour/yeast mixture that percolates for several hours before you actually mix up the bread. They will take a bit longer to make. I have some on my blog here, here, and this one for crusty rolls which only requires a special glaze.
Liz
Just wondering, Can I double this recipe, in my bread machine, 2 make 2 loafs?
I’ve made 1 loaf of this bread, so far, and it is very good. I just would like to make
2 loaf at one time. I guess, if I can’t, they will have to be. I’ve tried some of your other recipes, and they all have been keepers. Thanks, Liz
Paula
Hi Liz,
No, I would not recommend making a double batch in your machine. The dough will not be kneaded properly nor will there be enough room for the dough to rise until double. I bought a used bread machine in addition to my favorite machine so I could make two batches at the same time. OR, Make one batch. As soon as the dough finishes mixing and kneading, remove the dough to another bowl to finish proofing and start another batch in your machine.
Karen
Hi I made this bread today it came out great everyone loved it. I just bought a new bread machine first thing I tried was this bread in it (Hamilton Beach) on sale $49 for the price it was a great machine I had a Sunbeam but it rocked so much bounced off the counter twice so needed a new one.Thanks for a great recipe
Paula
Glad to hear this bread turned out good for you. paula
Steph
I have made this a few times now and am IN LOVE!
I’ve tried to make it whole wheat, and it’s possible, but not nearly as good!
I think this is a recipe that simply needs to be left alone. It’s AWESOME exactly as it is.
This will be a repeat in my house for sure. Awesome for cold Canadian evenings and a hot bowl of soup.
Can’t wait to try more recipes from your blog!
-Steph
John
This bread is awesome! I made it a few days ago, and I’m making it again today. My wife and daughters love it!
Thank you for sharing this great recipe. I’m sure it will be a family favourite of ours too.
Misty
Oh this is wonderful! My bagget wasn’t pretty but soo good! Thank you. Will definitely be saving and doing this again!
Ann
I am so making this bread today. I have had a very nice bread machine for 3 years and it sat on the pantry floor. I, like a lot of you, have never really liked the bread out of the oven. My daughter gave me the link to your site and I made the Favorite Dinner Rolls. I have now made that recipe about 4 times in the last month. My daughter insisted that I mail her a batch of them for her Christmas dinner. They were a hit.
My bread machine now sits on my counter like a proud peacock. I have stocked my pantry with all the ingredients to make any bread product that I wish. I have decided that I am not going to be buying store bought bread for everyday use at all this year. There is no work to making bread this way, and if I hit a day when I really don’t have the time to bake the dough off in my oven, I can always choose to just let the machine take care of it.
I love this website/blog, love these recipes and am now a convert to bread making.
Paula
Welcome to the club, Ann. Happy Bread-eating. Thanks for your kinds words. paula
mark
The post by “Best Bread Machine” (dated OCT 4 2011) has a blog link that goes to a Chinese spammer. You should remove it from your site, please.
lindsay
Hi, I was wondering if I can not only mix this in my bread machine but also bake it I. The machine? Obviously i know it won’t be a long thin loaf. I’m military and have two small children…don’t have the luxury of the extra few minutes to roll out and roll up the dough. Thank you
Paula
Hi Lindsay,
Of course you can bake this in a bread machine but it will be different and not look much like French Bread. As long as you don’t have the wrong expectations, it should work out ok. Honestly, the first couple times may take longer but you will get really fast with a little experience, and I think you will find it totally worth it.
Cathy
I made this and it is ssoo good!
Paula
Cathy,
So glad to hear it turned out good for you. paula
Dale Brackett
Thank you so much for creating this website. I had already prepared my French bread dough in my bread machine, and I wanted to bake it in the oven, thanks for the great tips on how to make it look much more presentable than it would’ve been if I baked it in the machine, It turned out beautiful, Thanks so much from SLC, Utah, Dale Brackett.
April W
Hi! Just wanted to drop by and say that as a novice bread maker, I have yet to fail at one of your recipes! Thank you so much!
Paula
Thanks for writing April. You made my day! Happy bread-making.
Sarah
This bread is absolutely wonderful! I made it to go with Sweet Potato and Carrot soup. We had some left over and made french toast with in the morning, soooo good! Family is coming down and my mom had me make two more loaves so she could have french toast in the morning with our family.
Just one question, what do I need to do to keep the bread from glueing itself to the pan? My first loaf took a lot of convincing to get it off the pan. The glaze utterly glued it to the pan. The second time I tried to oil the pan, hoping that would keep it from sticking, but it still stuck, but not nearly as bad. The oil also smoked and there went the fire alarm! Should I try parchment paper, silpat, or something else?
Thanks, this bread is awesome!
Erin
Thanks to you and this recipe, I haven’t bought bread in two years. This french bread is our everyday bread and it is so good! I have had great results with adding a 1/4 cup or so of wheat bran or a few tablespoons of flaxmeal to up the fiber.
I had such trouble making really good homemade bread, it was always tough and dry, but thanks to your wonderful tutorials, I am now a champion bread baker! I have tried many of your recipes and they have all been a success.
Thank you so much, Paula!
Paula
Erin,
What a day-brightener! You’re most welcome. I have never added anything the the french bread but why not? Can’t wait to try it. paula
Rich Rice
Wonderful recipe- delicious bread. Thanks for posting. This was my first foray into French bread, and it worked beautifully. I actually managed to make it while carving a neck for a bass guitar. 😉 Simple and attractive, not to mention delicious!
VikkiD
This is the first recipe I tried using this method & it turned out fantastic! It was delicious with grilled steaks & roasted vegetables. The leftovers made excellent toast this morning. I can’t wait to try more of Paula’s recipes. I am a new fan of Salad In A Jar! 🙂
Omar
Hi Paula,
Thank you so much for this recipe. Your bread brought to smile to my face 🙂
leslie
How long do you let it rise after rolling it out (step 2 instructions) What did yu use for glaze?
Paula
Hi Leslie,
Let it rise until double. How long it takes depends on the temperature in the room or place you are letting it rise. Normally takes around 30-45 minutes. The glaze is water and egg whites. Amounts and directions are listed in the recipe.
rachel
came out PERFECT the first time! Great directions! My whole family ate th entire loaf while it was still warm.
Judith
Hi there,
Bread looks fantastic. One question, is it necessary to use bread floue or could it all be unbleached flour.
Thanks
Paula
Hi Judith,
I have not tried it yet but using 100% unbleached flour would probably work. I would expect the texture of the bread to be slightly softer and not quite as chewy because there is less gluten in the unbleached flour. Worth a try. 🙂
Zaneta
Gonna make this morning …can’t wait for waking family’s reaction…thanks sooo much for sharing!
Lori
Wonderful recipe and instructions. I would never have shaped it properly had you not included those instructions. Thanks so much!
Julie
By the way, my (ahem, your) French Bread was a HUGE hit with my family the other night (at my in-laws no less, so score!!, lol). It came out beautifully and was so yummy!!
My only question is that it did taste slightly of yeast (kinda like a yeast roll after taste, which was not bad by any means), but just wondering if that is normal?
Julie
Hi there Paula…
I am also a really BIG fan of yours! I found your blog a few months ago while I was searching salad-in-a-jar… long story short, I have since bought a used bread machine about a month ago (to see if I really liked it before spending the big bucks, lol… which I do! But still haven’t had to upgrade just yet).
I have been coming back here pretty regularly to try new things. I have tried your pizza dough, and it is now a Family FAVORITE! That was the first recipe I tried by using the bread machine only for the dough cycle (scary for me as a newbie)… I have had terrible experiences in the past with trying to make my own breads by hand (before the bread machine) and waiting for it to rise, etc. So, it always makes me a little nervous to do a recipe which requires it to cook outside the machine.
However, recipes like French Bread, and pizza cannot be made in there, so I come look up your recipes, and get inspired every time I do! Thanks a bunch! Love your videos too!!
This time, I like another commenter had a problem envisioning what you were describing when talking about how to form the dough, so I did a quick search and this is a link that shows pictures of exactly what you were describing… I didn’t even read the text, lol…just needed the pics (visual learner thing, I guess):
http://www.steamykitchen.com/75-baking-the-perfect-loaf-of-french-bread.html
Anyway, Thanks again soooo much for your tasty recipes and fun anecdotes!!
Julie
I was coming here to get the recipe for French Bread to make for my family today (Thanksgiving), 🙂 and I saw your updated pics… and I thought, “Awesomeness!!!” Thanks for updating the post and adding the pics, they really do help!
Lenora
Hi there! I am fairly new to Bread making using a Bread machine. I like the concept of using the machine for the dough, and then baking the bread in the oven. I use your pizza dough recipe as well as the focaccia! Yum. Question: When the dough is finished mixing in the bread machine….do you take it out immediately, or do you let it rise in the machine….and then proceed with your instructions? (for example for the French bread)
Paula
Hi Lenora,
I leave the dough in the bread machine to rise the first time. The first rise is part of the “Dough” cycle. That being said, if I’m cooking for a crowd, I will remove the dough at the end of mixing and start all over with a second batch. Then first batch of dough goes into a bowl to rise in a warm place before it’s ready to form. Hope I haven’t confused you. Write back if you still have a question.
Sangeeta
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Since we are employed in KSA French bread isn’t easy to come by.
Ever since my husband got me the Bread Maker I have been trying your recipe. They are great.
Monique T
Just made this and it looks wonderful . . . . too bad my expensive kitchen aid mixer is collecting dust since I got my bread machine,
Paula
Monique,
Your comment made my day!!
Shirley G
I made this tonight, first time I have EVER attempted bread and it was fantastic. So easy and so good. Thank you!
Brandy
I realize this posting was from 2 years ago, but I wanted to stop by and tell you I just found it. I made this bread today and it was wonderful! It looked amazing. It smelled amazing. And it tasted even better. I wont be buying french bread at the store ever again!
Gina
I just made this and it was GREAT! Love your white bread, too. You are my go to blog for my bread needs! Thank you so much for doing all of your posts. I would have given up on bread making with out you!
Paula
Gina,
Your comment is so encouraging. I love bread and love making it. The French bread is so easy, why not?
Stephanie
Horrible idea to look at recipes at 1am when you want to go to bed of course I’m hungry now. I want to try to make this 1 day,once I perfect the art of making Campbell’s soup I will get on this. I have enough trouble with pancakes,bacon&eggs but I swear I’m going to try to learn how to cook I mean I’ll be 30 soon enough I should know how to cook something.
Paula
Hi Stephanie,
Start cooking and keep trying new things and you’ll be a super good cook in no time.
Katie
Paula, I’ve been making your honey whole wheat bread since January and I finally thought to try this French bread recipe. I LOVE IT! Thank you again for enriching our family with such yummy bread! 🙂
Paula
Hi Katie,
So glad to hear you are enjoying the bread.
ZojiBread
Excellent recipe! I mixed the dough in my bread maker & it easily made two loaves. It’s delicious & we’re having it with spinach artichoke dip right now!! Yummy!
bread maker reviews
I’ve made this breads 3 times already within the past 30 days and that i can’t get enough! Many thanks so much for sharing your formula,best bread maker!
Pat's Bread Maker Reviews
Looks like a great recipe…I’m always looking for ways to get the crust right!
Thanks for sharing
mhadar
Wow very nice, I tried it, I dont think the yeast likes me too much, but it could be that I made it into two loaves instead of one. It tasted great thou!!
Breadmaker Dan
Looks absolutely fantastic.
I make a lot of bread at home and it never ever ends up looking like that. I’ll give the recipe a shot and pray for the best.
koygote
I’ll dig out the bread machine for this! It looks so good in that sandwich- yum!
Susie
ok, so here’s the verdict….quick dough cycle seemed to work ok, although probably the basic dough would have allowed for more rise time. but this is a denser, crustier bread so it may not have mattered anyway. my loaves (or should i say loaf) weren’t as pretty as yours, but guess this will just come with experience as i make it more. you may want to mention that this recipe makes only 1 loaf (or at least that’s how mine turned out) of about 8 thinner slices. i used bread flour & bread machine yeast. hope this helps someone else out who may be making the recipe for the 1st time
Susie
oh and i’m also trying out the “quick dough” cycle on my bread machine…not enough time for me to allow for the basic dough cycle. i’ll let you know if it turns out…
Susie
i’m just now about to make this recipe for the 1st time (with beef au jus for dinner, of course!)…..is there any way to add a pic or two of the second step? it’s hard for me to follow words & i’m not sure exactly what you are talking about. does the recipe really only call for 1.5 tsp of shortening? that really surprised me. is that correct? guess i’m about to find out.
naomi
The bread looks fantastic!
Duong
I’ve made this bread three times already within the past month and I can’t get enough of it! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe!
Natural Weight Loss Suppliments
I also love bread. btw this really looks perfect!
Edwin
wow..thats awesome..it looks delicious..my mouth goes watery
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
I’ll dig out the bread machine for this! It looks so good in that sandwich- yum!
ldh
I love bread, Paula and this looks perfect! Aren’t bread machines so convenient. Looking forward to trying this recipe.
I want to make your Greek Yogurt too. I have to pick up a strainer though. Years ago I made regular yogurt frequently for my children just using a yogurt maker. This sounds infinitely better!
Jeannette
I think I am finally embracing bread making. I made two loaves of the same bread in two days. Yeast still doesn’t really like me too much but i won’t complain because it was deeelish. I’m thinking of trying this!
Beth
That bread looks terrific. I wish I made bread more often — there’s nothing better than when it’s homemade!
LimeCake
Yum i love good crusty bread! The texture looks delicious!
Amanda
Wow, your pictures look way better than my bread ever looks! Thanks for the recipe we now pass around!:)
Kathy the Bread Machine User
Wow!! Looks great! All the ingredients are really easy to produce. I really love bred making.!
Susie
i agree, the au jus is definitely not for those on a low sodium diet. but is it tasty!
Blond Duck
Popped in from Pam’s to say hi! Oh, my husband loves beef au jus and crusty bread. He’ll be so pleased!
Phoo-d
Ooh, what wonderful loaves! The sandwich is making my mouth water. This looks like a perfect bread for french dip sandwiches.
smspizza
thanks for nice recepts :)))
Clivia
This sounds like a great recipe. We love fresh French bread. I may try it this weekend.
Pam
It looks PERFECT! There is nothing better than fresh baked bread.
Steve
I wonder if I will ever find this bread on our front porch 😉
Paula
You might.
Paula
I really like this kind of bread! I`m going to try this 🙂
have a nice time!
Paula
TheKitchenWitch
I fear the yeast, but it looks like your loaves turned out beautifully! Perfect for that delicious-looking sandwich!
Gina
Looks good! I’ll have to try this. I haven’t been happy with any French bread from my bread machine. Great pictures too, as always!