Recipe for How To Make French Bread in a Bread Machine
French Bread is really simple to make if you use a bread machine to do the work for you. I’ll show you how to make bread machine french bread with this recipe.
If you’ve ever wanted to bake homemade bread but felt overwhelmed by all the steps (hello, kneading 🙃), this post is for you. This French bread recipe in a bread machine is a total game changer. It’s soft, a little chewy, and way better than anything from the store.
You can let the machine do all the heavy lifting. No sore arms. No flour all over the floor. Just delicious, fresh bread that your whole family will devour.
Let me show you exactly how to make it!
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Here is a link to a bread machine that is similar to the one I use. If you are really in a time crunch when wanting some homemade bread, you can actually mix and bake the bread in a bread machine.
What Is French Bread Made in a Bread Machine?
This isn’t the super crusty baguette-style bread you find at the bakery. Instead, this bread machine French bread is soft, slightly dense, and full of flavor. It still has a nice golden crust (especially with an egg wash and sesame seeds on top), but it’s easier to slice and perfect for soaking up sauce.
The best part? The bread machine does the hard part for you. It mixes and kneads the dough, then lets it rise. All you have to do is shape it and pop it in the oven. Easy peasy.
I grew up with this bread on the dinner table almost every Sunday. My mom would serve it with spaghetti, lasagna, or turn it into warm, melty meatball subs. And now, I do the same.
Ingredients for Bread Machine French Bread
You probably have most of these simple ingredients already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
- 1 egg (beaten, for brushing on top)
- Sesame seeds (optional, but so good!)
Bonus: no fancy ingredients here. Just simple pantry staples. 🙌
How to Make This French Bread Recipe in a Bread Machine
This recipe uses the dough cycle on your bread machine. It does all the mixing, kneading, and first rise for you.
Step 1: Add ingredients to the bread machine in this order:
- Water
- Butter
- Sugar
- Powdered milk
- Salt
- Flour
Step 2: Make a small well (poke a hole oor indentation in the flour to pour into) in the flour and add the instant yeast to it.
Step 3: Place the pan in your bread machine. Select the dough cycle or dough setting and press start. Go do a load of laundry or sip your coffee while it works! ☕️
Step 4: When the dough is done, remove it and shape it into a long loaf on a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment. Or use large bread pan(s) and split the dough between the pans. Place semas down when placing the dough roll.
Step 5: Cut 6–8 deep diagonal slashes or slits across the top using a sharp knife or razor blade.
Step 6: Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you’re using them.
Step 7: Let the loaf rise in a warm place for 20–30 minutes, until it’s doubled in size.
Step 8: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown crust color on top.
Remove to wire racks to cool!
That’s it! You just made a beautiful loaf of French bread without breaking a sweat. 👏 Grab a bread knife and get slicing!
Great Times to Use Homemade French Bread
This French bread recipe is super versatile. Here are a few delicious ways to use it:
- With pasta – Serve it with spaghetti or fettuccine alfredo
- For subs or sandwiches – Make meatball, turkey, or veggie subs
- Toasted for garlic bread – Add butter, garlic, and toast until crispy
- As a side – Pair with soups, stews, or chili
- Snack time – Slice and dip into olive oil and balsamic
- French Toast – This perfect bread recipe is great for whipping up a delicious breakfast!
- Homemade Croutons – Make your own custom croutons to top salads.
Let’s be honest — fresh, warm bread goes with everything. 🍝🍲🥖
Can You Store or Make It Ahead?
Yes, you definitely can.
To store: Wrap cooled bread in foil or a plastic bag and keep at room temp for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
To freeze: Let the bread cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and reheat in the oven before serving.
To make ahead: You can prep the dough a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Common Questions About French Bread Recipe in a Bread Machine
Can I bake the bread right in the bread machine?
Yes! Most bread machines have a bake setting. But I love baking it in the oven so I can shape it into a loaf and get that golden crust.
Do I need bread flour?
Nope! All-purpose flour works great in this recipe.
What if I don’t have powdered milk?
You can try using regular milk instead of water, but be sure to adjust the liquid measurements slightly.
Can I skip the egg wash?
Yes. The egg wash just gives the loaf a shinier, golden top. It’s totally optional.
Does this taste like bakery French bread?
Not exactly — it’s a little softer and denser, but still SO good.
Bread Machine French Bread
Equipment
- bread maching
Ingredients
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon powdered milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
- seasame seeds
- 1 beaten egg
Instructions
- Place ingredients into bread machine pan in the following order: water, butter, sugar, milk powder, salt, and flour.
- Make a small indentation in the flour and add the yeast inside it.
- Insert bread pan into bread machine and select the dough cycle.
- After the dough cycle remove from pan and form a long loaf.
- Cut 6 to 8 diagonal slits in the top of the loaf.
- Brush egg on top and sprinkle with seasame seeds.
- Let rise for 20 to 30 minutes in a warm place until loaf has doubled in size.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Notes
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Final Thoughts
If you’ve been wanting to try homemade bread, this French bread recipe in a bread machine is the perfect place to start. It’s simple. It’s cozy. And it makes every meal feel a little more special.
Print the recipe and give it a try this week. I bet it’ll become one of your new go-to family favorites!
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Happy bread baking, mama! 🥖💛
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I’m Emily, a mom and wife with a passion for crafting, celebrating holidays, and creating memorable moments. From Idaho to the world, The Benson Street is a treasure trove of easy, fun DIY projects, delightful printables, and delicious recipes. With over a decade of experience in blogging and a love for all things seasonal, I’m here to share my tips, ideas, and occasional mishaps. Join me in adding a dash of joy and creativity to every day! Read more…
