The Best Homemade French Bread (Ready in 90 Minutes!)

There is something truly magical about pulling a loaf of homemade French bread out of the oven. The crackle of the golden crust, the soft and airy interior, and that unmistakable fresh-bread aroma instantly elevate any meal. What if you could enjoy all of that without waiting all day? This recipe delivers bakery-quality French bread that’s ready in just 90 minutes—start to finish.

Unlike traditional French bread recipes that require long fermentation or overnight rises, this streamlined method uses a faster yeast activation and smart technique to create incredible texture and flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinner guests, or when you simply crave fresh bread now.

This loaf is crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and sturdy enough for sandwiches while still tender enough to tear apart with butter. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought French bread again.

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Why This Is the Best Homemade French Bread Recipe

This recipe works because it respects the fundamentals of classic French bread while simplifying the process.

What makes it stand out:

• Ready in 90 minutes total
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Crisp, crackly crust
• Light, airy interior
• No special equipment required

It’s approachable for beginners but reliable enough for experienced bakers.

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What Makes French Bread Different from Other Breads

French bread is known for its lean dough—meaning it contains very little fat or sugar. This allows the crust to crisp beautifully while keeping the inside tender and chewy.

Unlike sandwich bread, French bread relies on proper kneading, steam during baking, and shaping technique rather than enrichments like milk or eggs.

This recipe stays true to those principles while speeding up the timeline.

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Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

That’s it—six simple ingredients that transform into bakery-style bread.

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Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the Dough
   Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until combined. Gradually add remaining flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead
   Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Quick Rise
   Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the Loaf
   Punch down dough and shape into a long oval loaf. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Second Rise
   Cover loosely and let rise for 20 minutes.
7. Prepare for Baking
   Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Slash top of loaf with a sharp knife. Brush lightly with water.
8. Bake with Steam
   Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven. Bake bread for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool Slightly & Serve
   Let bread cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Perfect French Bread

• Use warm, not hot water to activate yeast
• Knead until dough is smooth and elastic
• Steam in the oven creates a crisp crust
• Slash the loaf to control expansion
• Let bread rest before slicing

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Easy Variations

• Garlic French Bread: Brush with garlic butter after baking
• Herb Loaf: Add dried herbs to the dough
• Cheese Crust: Sprinkle parmesan before baking
• Whole Wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat
• Mini Loaves: Divide dough into two smaller loaves

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Serving Suggestions

This French bread pairs beautifully with:

• Soups and stews
• Pasta dishes
• Butter and jam
• Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Sandwiches and paninis

It’s also excellent toasted the next day.

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Storage & Freezing

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Freeze sliced bread for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.

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Why Homemade French Bread Is Worth It

Fresh bread elevates even the simplest meal. This recipe proves you don’t need hours—or a bakery—to enjoy authentic French bread at home.

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Fun French Bread Fact

Traditional French law once limited bakers to just flour, water, yeast, and salt when making bread—preserving its simple, iconic character.

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Final Thoughts

The best homemade French bread (ready in 90 minutes!) is a recipe every home cook should have. It’s fast, reliable, and delivers professional-quality results with minimal effort. Once you experience fresh French bread straight from your oven, you’ll never settle for store-bought again.