Preview: Mix and knead this crusty bread machine French Bread recipe for superior texture. Bake the dough in your oven for the best crust.
Have you ever given somebody a recipe and then, when they turn around and make it for you, you don’t recognize it?
That’s what happened with this Crusty French Bread recipe. I shared it with my daughter-in-law, Amanda. Later, she baked this bread and brought it to a family party.
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 Crusty French bread.
If you are a beginning bread baker, this recipe will build your confidence.
No bread machine? No worries. See alternate directions for using a stand mixer or making by hand in the recipe notes.
What you can expect:
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 it with garlic butter to go with pasta, or make sandwiches with it (see below).
Ingredients and Substitutions
- FLOUR: Bread flour is my preference. It will give you the best rise. My second choice is King Arthur’s Unbleached All-Purpose Flour because of the higher protein content.
Otherwise, go with any unbleached or bleached white flour you have on hand. It will still make a good loaf. This recipe is not written for whole wheat or a specialty flour. Reckless substitutions can be unpredictable. - WATER: I use spring water for all my bread. If you don’t have any, tap water is fine.
My yogurt-making friends may want to try using the whey you drain off yogurt when making Greek yogurt. (This is not the same as protein whey.) - YEAST: Dissolving instant or bread machine yeast (same thing) is unnecessary. I use it in all my bread-machine recipes.
You can now substitute active dry yeast without dissolving it first. Be aware it may be a little slower on the uptake. Allow more time for rising. Adding an extra 1/4 teaspoon of yeast will help. - SALT: Use table salt or sea salt. If you substitute Kosher salt, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon.
Please don’t leave out the salt. It makes all the difference in the way your bread behaves and tastes.
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. If you prefer, I have included a video showing this process.
FAQ
1. Spray the inside of your oven with water using a spray bottle when you first put your loaf into the oven.
2. Set a pan of boiling water on the bottom shelf of your oven while the bread is cooking.
1. Cover your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
2. Spray the sheet with a product like Baker’s Joy that combines flour and oil.
3. Sprinkle cornmeal or semolina flour on your baking sheet. tg sheet to make it non-stick.
Be careful when you’re glazing the loaf not to let it drip onto your baking sheet. It may “glue” your raw loaf to the baking sheet if you haven’t covered it as described above.
Insert a quick-read thermometer into the middle. The thermometer should read 190˚ F. This is my favorite thermometer (paid link) if you don’t have one already. Anybody who cooks much will find many uses for this valuable kitchen tool.
Our favorite sandwich using this bread:
Amanda recently made this bread for my mom’s birthday party. We used it for beef au jus.
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. 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 with Crusty Bread Machine French Bread.
More Bread-Maker Tips, Tricks, and Recipes
- Bread Machine Ciabatta: Advanced bread makers are going to love the challenge of baking this bread.
- Crusty Round Bread (made in a bread machine): Start with a biga to make this incredibly flavorful loaf.
- Really Crusty Rolls | A Bread Machine Recipe: A secret ingredient in the glaze makes the crust on these rolls quite…well…crusty.
- How To Use a Bread Machine to Make Fabulous Bread: Tips for using your bread machine to make really good bread you’ll be proud to serve.
- Six Bread Machine Secrets You Need to Know: Things you should know before you make bread with a bread machine.
Testimonials
“I’ve made this several times since I can’t find much bread in the grocery stores right now. It’s delicious. I’ve got one rising now so that I can make us some french bread pizzas tonight. I’ll be making this instead of buying bread even when the stores are stocked again. It’s so easy to make too. So happy I found this recipe.”
Jen
“This has become my go-to french bread recipe. Comes out perfect every time and so simple!“
Andrea
“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.”
Steph
Do you need an entree to go with your French bread?
Scooter's Spaghetti with French-Fried Onion Rings
Layered spaghetti casserole topped with French-Fried onions is a family favorite!
Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Chicken and smoked sausage gumbo including instructions for making roux in the microwave.
Easy Beef Goulash with Ketchup
This easy recipe can be made in one pot in about 45 minutes on the stove. An Instant Pot version and a slow cooker version is included in the notes below.
Cajun Chicken Fricassee with Mushrooms
Cajun Chicken Fricassee with Mushrooms starts with a roux-based gravy. Add in Cajun seasonings and you've got a winner. A good make-ahead dish.
Did you try this recipe and enjoy it? Consider helping other readers (and me) by returning to this post. Leave a rating on the recipe card itself underneath the picture. No comment required.
If you have a question or tip to share, please leave it in the regular comments after the recipe so I can answer back. Or email me: paula at saladinajar.com.
Thank you for visiting!
Paula
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A Crusty Bread Machine French Bread
This recipe is for 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 (360 grams) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Glaze:
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in bread machine pan in the order listed. Start the dough cycle. After 5-10 minutes, lift the lid and check the dough. If the dough is too sticky (levels out), add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. The dough should be a loose ball that sticks to the sides, then pulls away.
- When the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board. Roll into an oval shape slightly longer than you want your final loaf to be (about 9 x 12 inches is what I do.)
- Starting from a long side, roll into a cylinder shape. Pinch seam together. Pinch ends together. Pull ends to reach seams and pinch together with the seam making a small rounded shape on each end. (This is difficult to describe. See the picture above or watch the video if you are confused.)
- Flip the loaf over and carefully place it onto a greased baking sheet or one covered with a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place until almost double.
- Preheat oven to 425˚F. Whisk egg white and water together for glaze. 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 the loaf.
- Bake loaf for 20 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake another 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Bread should reach 190˚F in the middle when cooked through. I love this instant-read thermometer (paid link) if you don't have one.
- Remove to a 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 the 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 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 the dough ball into a greased bowl. Cover and allow to rise until double. Deflate dough gently and shape r as indicated in recipe
Please note: You can substitute active dry yeast for instant or bread machine yeast. There is no longer any need to dissolve it. Be aware that it may be a little slower acting than instant yeast, but it'll get there.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But don't worry. This doesn't change the price you pay.
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Spring Chef Cooling Rack - Baking Rack - Heavy Duty, 100% Stainless Steel, Oven Safe, 12 x 17 Inches Fits Half Sheet Cookie Pan -
HONGLIDA 18-inch Wood Rolling Pin for Baking, Non-stick Pastry Dough Roller without Handles┃Perfect Gifts for Bakers. -
AmazonBasics Stainless Steel Bowl Scraper/Chopper -
Polder Safe-Serve Instant Read Kitchen Thermometer with Torch, Red -
Fleischmann's Yeast for Bread Machines, 4-ounce Jars (Pack of 1) -
Zojirushi BB-PDC20BA Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus Breadmaker, 2 lb. loaf of Bread, Stainless Steel/Black -
King Arthur Flour Unbleached Bread Flour, 5 Pound (Packaging May Vary) -
AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat - 2-Pack
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 sliceAmount Per Serving: Calories: 43Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 205mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
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Terri Riddle
Sunday 10th of January 2021
I just made my first ever loaf of bread. I had a hard time getting mine to pinch together. Too much flour on my surface maybe. Since it’s my first loaf of any kind... I was unsure how long it takes to rise. I am still waiting, so we will see. Using my bread maker to combine the ingredients into was great. I am excited to learn more about this, not sure this loaf will be my best work. Thank you for sharing.
Paula
Sunday 10th of January 2021
Hi Terri, How did your bread turn out? You're probably right about the flour. If that happens again, just touch the edges with the tiniest bit of water. You will know your bread is ready to bake when you push your index finger against the side and it leaves a small dent that doesn't spring back immediately. I hope your bread turned out good enough to inspire you to keep trying. Baking a beautiful and delicious loaf is so satisfying.
Sarah
Wednesday 23rd of December 2020
This is my go-to french bread recipe! So easy to make and tastes so good! I've even given a few loaves away as gifts and they always love it! When I want to make a special treat, I add butter, cinnamon, and sugar to the rolled out dough before rolling it up into a loaf. Little bit more tricky to seal up the loaf, but oh so good in the end. Makes the best french toast with the cinnamon and sugar inside!! (I just learned the hard way not to get your butter too close to the edge, otherwise, when it rises it comes apart! Still tastes amazing, just not as pretty!) Thank you Paula for this AMAZING recipe!!
Paula
Thursday 24th of December 2020
Hi Sarah,
Why have I never thought of adding cinnamon and sugar to this bread? What a great idea! I can imagine that french toast or even bread pudding would be awesome with your version of this recipe since the bread is more sturdy and wouldn't get soggy as quickly as sandwich bread. Can't wait to try this myself. Thanks so much for taking the time to write and share.
Michelle
Sunday 15th of November 2020
Does this make one or two loves?
Paula
Sunday 15th of November 2020
Hi Michelle, This recipe will make 1 (approximately 1.5 lb) large loaf or two smaller ones.
renee
Monday 2nd of November 2020
what shelf in the oven is best for baking the french bread and if you use convection baking mode do you change the temp? thanks...
renee
Wednesday 4th of November 2020
thanks...i've made this twice and both times i've messed it up a bit...i think three times will be the charm...it was still edible:-) it's cheap, easy and good!!! i am thinking this will be my "go to" bread...thank you!
Paula
Monday 2nd of November 2020
Hi Renee,
Nice to hear from you. I bake my bread in the lower/middle part of the oven. Ovens vary so you might experiment. When using convection, which I do all the time, I decrease the temperature by 25˚F. Can't wait to hear how your bread turns out.
Charles Kaiser
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
Hello Paula: Wrote to you previously regarding potato bread. Baked it and it was wonderful, nice and soft and excellent flavor. My next question: do you have a recipe for onion cheese bread that you would share? I found a recipe but it has 4 cups of flour and I want to prepare in the bread machine and bake in the oven. I have a 10 inch bread pan but I believe it is to small for 4 cup recipe. Thanks for upur help Charles Kaiser
Paula
Wednesday 21st of October 2020
Hi Charles,
I am actually working on an onion bread (or rolls) right now. Maybe I'll try adding cheese. What kind of cheese were you thinking?
Unless your 10-inch bread pan is really narrow, I would think it would work for a 4-cup-of-flour recipe. Of course, some recipes rise a lot higher than others, so you just have to experiment.