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–+ servings
loaves of French bread on a wooden cutting board

Easy French Bread Recipe (a bread machine recipe)

Author: Jo-Anna Rooney
This Easy French Bread is a delicious bread machine recipe. Let the bread machine do all of the mixing and kneading, then shape the dough into 2 loaves and bake them in your oven. This is a perfect dinner bread recipe.
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Proofing Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings2 loaves

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/3 cups warm water (not hot)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast

Instructions
 

  • Measure all of the above ingredients into the bread machine.
    1 1/3 cups warm water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 1/3 cups all purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp instant yeast
  • Choose the Dough Cycle.
  • Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the bread dough to a lightly floured surface and cover with a clean tea towel. Let the dough rise for 15 minutes.
  • Separate the dough into 2 balls, then use a rolling pin to lightly flatten each ball into a 12 x 6 inch rectangle. Roll each dough rectangle into an oval loaf, making sure to tuck the ends under and pinch all the seams together.
  • Generously grease the pan under where the loaves will sit (I use olive oil).
  • Place the loaves, seam side down, on the pan (space them apart), then cover with a clean tea towel and let the bread rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, or until they have doubled in size.
  • After this time, use a sharp knife, lame or sharp razor blade to cut diagonal slits into the top of each loaf, about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the loaves into the hot oven, on the middle oven rack, and bake for about 30 minutes. When the bread is done, it will sound hollow when you tap the top, and the top will be golden brown.
  • Right after the bread has baked sometimes I like to brush the top with melted butter. It softens the top and adds a nice buttery flavour. If you prefer more of a crisp crust you can leave out this step.
  • Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
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