One-Hour French Bread

by Cindy Denning· May 1, 2026

BakingEasy

Homemade French bread that comes together in just one hour — crispy outside, soft and chewy inside. Perfect for any meal.

16 servings·Prep 35 min·Cook 25 min|Total 1h

Ingredients

Servings:16

1.Turn the oven on to warm up and set a timer for three minutes. Turn the oven off when the timer goes off. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.Measure the yeast into the bottom of a liquid measuring cup and pour hot water over the yeast. Combine 3 cups of flour and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir to mix.
3.Pour the yeast water into the flour and stir with a wooden spoon until ingredients are combined. The dough should look shaggy. Add another cup of flour and stir/mix until dough becomes less sticky and more smooth.
4.Transfer dough onto a floured surface and knead (push and fold) until smooth and no longer sticks to your fingers. Add additional flour as needed.