Let’s be honest, homemade bread sounds like a commitment. Like something you only attempt on a lazy Sunday, apron on, flour everywhere, and four hours to spare. But this? This is different. This is the bread you make when your soup is ready and you suddenly realize—uh oh—we need something to dip. This easy French bread recipe takes one hour, start to finish. I know, I didn’t believe it either. But the crust is golden and crackly, the inside’s pillowy and warm, and the smell? Oh man. It’s the kind that makes your neighbors casually drop by ‘just to say hi.’ And guess what? No bread machine. No sourdough starter from 1998. Just a bowl, a spoon, and a little faith. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party, a weeknight pasta, or just because you’re having a Tuesday, this recipe has your back. And if you’re new to bread making? Perfect. There’s no kneading Olympics here. Just straightforward, doughy comfort—fast.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy One Hour French Bread Recipe
3) Ingredients for One Hour French Bread
4) How to Make One Hour French Bread
5) Tips for Making One Hour French Bread
6) Making One Hour French Bread Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover One Hour French Bread
8) Try these bread recipes next
9) One Hour French Bread
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Fast rise with warm water and instant yeast
Soft crumb with a crisp crust that sings when tapped
Shaped as two slim loaves for quick bake and easy slicing
Simple pantry mix that pairs with soup or salad or pasta
Works on a sheet pan or in a cast iron pan for darker color

2) Easy One Hour French Bread Recipe

We bake bread on busy nights. I reach for an easy french bread recipe and I mean easy. This easy french bread recipe saves dinner and saves me from a late run to the store.

I learned this rush method while testing for Simply Cooked Recipes with Kathy. We wanted warm loaves that felt like a hug from the oven. Short rest, bold oven heat, and focused shaping give lift and chew with clean flavor.

You mix warm water with yeast and sugar. You add oil and salt. You fold in flour until the dough feels soft and springy. The dough rises once, then we shape two long loaves. Steam from a tray of hot water helps that lovely crust. Serve with butter and a calm smile. For reference and more ideas visit https://www.simplycookedrecipes.com.

3) Ingredients for One Hour French Bread

Warm water About the temperature of a warm bath so the yeast wakes up but stays happy.

Instant yeast Quick lift that trims the clock to fit a weeknight plan for the best homemade bread.

Granulated sugar A little sweetness that feeds the yeast and rounds the flavor.

Neutral oil A splash for a tender crumb that tears clean and feels soft.

Kosher salt Brings depth and keeps the crumb from tasting flat.

All purpose flour Start with a moderate scoop then add more until the dough clears the bowl and springs back.

Egg wash One beaten egg with a spoon of water makes a glossy top. Optional but pretty.

Cornmeal A light dust for the pan so the loaves release with ease.

4) How to Make One Hour French Bread

Step one mix Stir warm water with sugar and instant yeast in a large bowl. Let it bloom until foamy and fragrant.

Step two build Add oil and salt. Add flour by the cup. Stir with a sturdy spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step three knead Turn the dough onto a light flour coat. Knead with steady hands until smooth and springy.

Step four rise Place the dough in a clean bowl. Cover and rest in a warm spot until puffy and almost doubled. This mirrors a one hour bread recipe pace.

Step five shape Divide the dough in two. Roll each piece into a tight log. Pinch the seam and set seam side down on a cornmeal pan.

Step six score Slash three shallow lines across each loaf with a sharp knife. Brush with egg wash for shine.

Step seven bake Bake on high heat with a tray of hot water on a lower rack. The steam lifts the crust. This copies cast iron bread recipes that give deep color.

Step eight rest Cool the loaves on a rack until the crumb sets. Slice with a gentle hand.

5) Tips for Making One Hour French Bread

Use a kitchen thermometer for the water so the yeast thrives. Warm like a bath works well. That single check keeps the rise on track.

Measure flour with a light hand. Spoon and level so the dough stays soft. A soft dough gives lift and a tender bite that fits an easy supper.

For steam set a small tray with hot water on a lower rack. The crust snaps as it cools. For deeper color bake on a preheated cast iron pan. That trick links to beer bread recipe fans who love a hearty crust.

6) Making One Hour French Bread Ahead of Time

Mix the dough and let it rise once. Punch it down and cover well. Chill the bowl and rest the dough in the fridge for up to one day.

When you are ready shape the cold dough into two logs. Give the loaves time to shake off the chill. They should look puffy before they hit the oven.

For a tight plan freeze shaped raw loaves on a tray. Move them to a bag once solid. Thaw in the fridge then proof on the counter and bake. This method keeps your easy french bread recipe ready when life gets busy.

7) Storing Leftover One Hour French Bread

Keep sliced bread in a loose wrap at room temp for one day. The crust stays crisp and the crumb stays soft.

For longer storage wrap the loaves and freeze. Reheat in a hot oven until the crust wakes up and the center feels warm.

Stale bread makes great crumbs and garlic toast. Toss cubes with oil and salt then bake for croutons. This keeps food waste low and keeps lunch fast.

8) Try these bread recipes next

9) One Hour French Bread