18 Classic French Bread Recipes Delicious

There’s something undeniably magical about French bread—the crisp crust, the tender crumb, the way it turns even the simplest meal into something special. Whether you’re craving a buttery croissant for breakfast, a crusty baguette for sandwiches, or a fluffy brioche for dessert, we’ve rounded up 18 classic French bread recipes that’ll transport your kitchen to Paris. Ready to bake your way through these delicious staples? Let’s get started!

Traditional French Baguette

There’s nothing quite like the crisp crust and airy interior of a homemade baguette—this classic recipe brings Parisian charm to your kitchen with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups (420g) bread flour
• 1 1/2 tsp (7g) salt
• 1 tsp (4g) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105–110°F)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add warm water, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise at room temperature for 1–1.5 hours or until doubled.
3. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each into a 16-inch log, tapering the ends. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Score each loaf diagonally 3–4 times with a razor blade. Bake for 20–25 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

The magic here? That crackly crust and chewy crumb come from the high heat and steam—no fancy equipment needed!

Tip: For extra crunch, place a pan of boiling water on the oven’s bottom rack while baking.

Garlic Parmesan French Bread

This buttery, garlicky bread is the ultimate sidekick for pasta night—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until combined.
3. Spread the butter mixture evenly over both cut sides of the French bread.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the topping is bubbly.
5. Broil for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!) for extra crispiness.

The magic here? The garlic butter soaks into the bread just enough to keep it soft inside while the broiler gives it that irresistible crunch.

Tip: For extra flavor, toast the minced garlic in 1 tbsp of the butter for 1 minute before mixing it into the rest—it mellows the sharpness beautifully.

Herbed French Bread Rolls

These buttery, herb-flecked rolls are the perfect side for soups or salads—soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and packed with fresh flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup warm water, 2 1/4 tsp yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in 2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tbsp rosemary, and 1 tbsp thyme. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining 1 cup flour until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead on a floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape into rolls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush rolls with beaten egg and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden brown.

The fresh herbs infuse every bite with earthy aroma, while the egg wash gives these rolls a glossy, bakery-worthy finish.

Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle rolls with flaky salt before baking.

Crusty French Bread Loaf

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen—this simple French loaf delivers that golden, crackly crust and soft interior you crave.

Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F)
• 2 tsp (8g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp (9g) salt
• 1 tsp (5g) sugar
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in the olive oil and salt, then gradually add the flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
4. Punch down the dough, shape into a 12-inch loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 450°F. Slash the top of the loaf diagonally 3 times with a sharp knife. Bake for 20–25 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

The secret to that iconic crust? The high heat creates steam in the dough, giving you that satisfying crunch with every bite.

Tip: For extra crispiness, place a pan of boiling water on the oven rack below the bread while baking.

Cheesy French Bread Pizza

This crispy, melty French bread pizza is a weeknight hero—ready in under 30 minutes and packed with gooey, garlicky goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, halved lengthwise
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place French bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Spread evenly over the bread halves.
3. Bake for 5 minutes until the butter melts and the edges just start to crisp.
4. Spread marinara sauce over the bread, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Add red pepper flakes if using.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Sprinkle with fresh basil.

The magic here? The garlic butter soaks into the bread, creating a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside base that beats delivery pizza any night.

Tip: For extra crunch, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch closely!

French Bread with Rosemary and Olive Oil

This rustic loaf is infused with fragrant rosemary and a golden olive oil crust—perfect for tearing apart and sharing at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Instructions:

1. Proof the yeast: In a large bowl, whisk warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dough: Add flour, salt, and rosemary. Stir with a wooden spoon until shaggy, then knead 8 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.
3. First rise: Coat dough with 1 tbsp olive oil, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Shape & second rise: Punch down dough, shape into a 12″ oval loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rise 30 minutes.
5. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush loaf with remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Bake 25–28 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

The rosemary infuses every bite, while the olive oil creates an irresistibly crisp-yet-chewy crust. Tip: For extra flavor, rub a garlic clove over the warm crust right after baking.

French Bread Stuffing with Sausage

This hearty stuffing is packed with savory sausage, tender bread, and aromatic herbs—perfect for soaking up gravy or standing tall as a side dish star.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 8 cups French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 loaf, slightly stale)
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 cup celery, finely diced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Brown the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, breaking it into small pieces, until no pink remains (5–6 minutes). Transfer to a bowl.
3. Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter. Add 1 cup onion and 1 cup celery; cook until soft (5 minutes). Stir in 2 cloves garlic, 2 tsp sage, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Combine: In a large bowl, mix bread cubes, sausage, and veggie mixture. Whisk together 2 ½ cups chicken stock and 2 eggs; pour over bread and gently toss until evenly moistened.
5. Bake: Transfer to the prepared dish, cover with foil, and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

The crispy top layer gives way to a custardy interior, thanks to the egg-enriched stock—this stuffing walks the line between cozy and luxurious.

Tip: For extra crunch, broil the stuffing for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).

French Bread Bruschetta

This crispy, garlicky bruschetta is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for last-minute appetizers or a light summer snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread, sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes (about 3 medium)
• ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange French bread slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup olive oil and minced garlic. Brush evenly over bread slices.
3. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and crisp.
4. Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, basil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over toasted bread. Serve immediately.

The contrast of warm, crunchy bread with cool, juicy tomatoes makes this bruschetta irresistible. Bonus: no fancy equipment needed!

Tip: For extra depth, drizzle with a touch of honey or sprinkle with grated Parmesan right before serving.

French Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This rustic loaf is studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and has a golden, crackly crust—perfect for tearing and sharing at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Stir in flour, salt, and sun-dried tomatoes until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3. Grease a clean bowl with olive oil, add the dough, and cover. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled.
4. Punch down dough, shape into a 12-inch loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rise for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F. Brush loaf with 2 tbsp olive oil and bake for 25–30 minutes until deep golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

The sun-dried tomatoes caramelize slightly in the oven, adding pockets of sweet-tart flavor to every slice. Try it toasted with creamy goat cheese!

Tip: For extra crunch, spritz the loaf with water before baking to create a crispier crust.

French Bread French Toast

This French toast recipe turns stale French bread into a custardy, cinnamon-kissed breakfast dream—crispy edges, soft center, and zero waste!

Ingredients:

• 6 thick slices stale French bread (about 1 inch thick)
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cooking)
• Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully combined.
2. Melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each slice of French bread into the egg mixture, letting it soak for 10 seconds per side.
3. Cook the soaked bread for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Add the remaining 1 tbsp butter to the skillet as needed.
4. Serve immediately with a drizzle of maple syrup.

The craggy texture of French bread soaks up the custard like a sponge, giving you the perfect balance of crispy and creamy in every bite.

Tip: For extra richness, swap half the milk for heavy cream.

French Bread with Caramelized Onions

This buttery, savory loaf is a showstopper—soft French bread stuffed with sweet caramelized onions that melt into every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf French bread (about 12 inches long)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice French bread horizontally, leaving one side attached (like a book).
2. Heat 1 tbsp butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low. Add onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until deeply golden and jammy. Stir in thyme.
3. Spread remaining 2 tbsp butter on both cut sides of the bread. Pack caramelized onions evenly onto the bottom half, then sprinkle with Gruyère (if using). Close the loaf and wrap tightly in foil.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake 5 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp.

The magic here? The onions steam inside the foil, infusing the bread with their richness before that final crispy finish.

Tip: For extra crunch, broil the unwrapped loaf for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch closely!

French Bread with Brie and Cranberries

This warm, melty appetizer is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—sweet-tart cranberries and creamy brie piled onto crusty bread for a bite that’s pure comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced into ½-inch pieces
• ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp fresh thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange bread slices on the sheet and brush each with 1 tbsp olive oil. Toast for 5 minutes until lightly crisp.
3. Top each slice with brie and cranberries, pressing them gently into the bread. Drizzle evenly with 2 tbsp honey.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the brie is bubbly and the cranberries soften.
5. Sprinkle with ½ tsp thyme and ¼ tsp flaky salt. Serve warm.

The contrast of gooey cheese, jammy cranberries, and crunchy bread makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for tearing apart and sharing!

Tip: For extra depth, toss cranberries with a pinch of black pepper before baking.

French Bread with Roasted Garlic Butter

This buttery, garlicky bread is the ultimate sidekick for soups, salads, or just snacking straight off the tray—because let’s be honest, no one can resist warm bread.

Ingredients:

• 1 large loaf French bread (about 16 oz), sliced horizontally
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 whole head garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the cloves into a bowl.
2. In the same bowl, mash the roasted garlic with ½ cup softened butter, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp parsley until smooth.
3. Spread the garlic butter evenly over both halves of the French bread. Place on a baking sheet, cut-side up, and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until the edges are crisp and the butter is bubbly.
4. Slice and serve warm. The roasted garlic mellows into a sweet, nutty depth, while the parsley adds a fresh pop—perfect for tearing and sharing (or not!).

Tip: For extra richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the buttered bread before baking.

French Bread with Pesto and Mozzarella

This crispy, cheesy pesto bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for game day, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (about 16 oz), halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place French bread halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
2. Brush each half evenly with 2 tbsp olive oil, then spread 1/2 cup pesto over both halves.
3. Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the pesto, followed by 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges. Slice and serve warm.

The magic here? The bread stays crisp underneath while the cheese gets irresistibly stretchy. For extra flair, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end!

Tip: Swap in sun-dried tomato pesto for a vibrant twist.

French Bread with Olive Tapenade

This effortless appetizer pairs warm, crusty bread with a briny, garlicky olive spread—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a Mediterranean-inspired snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 oz) loaf French bread, sliced into 1-inch thick pieces
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp capers, drained
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Meanwhile, pulse olives, capers, and garlic in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; pulse until combined but still chunky.
3. Spread tapenade generously over warm bread slices. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.

The magic here? Toasting the bread before topping it keeps the slices crisp under the bold tapenade—no soggy bites!

Tip: For a smoother spread, blend the tapenade longer, or stir in 1 tbsp chopped parsley for freshness.

French Bread with Goat Cheese and Honey

This French Bread with Goat Cheese and Honey is the ultimate sweet-savory bite—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a little indulgence.

• 1 (8-oz) baguette, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp flaky sea salt
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil. Toast for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden.
2. Spread each toast with a generous layer of goat cheese (about 1 tsp per slice). Drizzle with 2 tbsp honey, then sprinkle with ¼ tsp sea salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and fresh thyme (if using).
3. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes just to warm the cheese. Serve immediately.

The magic here is in the contrast—creamy goat cheese, crispy bread, and that golden honey drizzle create a bite that’s both rich and refreshing.

Tip: For a fun twist, swap honey for fig jam or sprinkle with toasted walnuts for crunch.

French Bread with Prosciutto and Arugula

This effortless yet elegant sandwich combines crispy bread, salty prosciutto, and peppery arugula for a lunch that feels fancy but comes together in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-inch) French baguette, halved lengthwise
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 4 oz thinly sliced prosciutto
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush cut sides of the baguette with 2 tbsp olive oil and toast for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Spread evenly over the toasted bread.
3. Layer prosciutto on the bottom half of the baguette, then top with arugula. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
4. Close the sandwich, press gently, and slice into 4 portions. Serve immediately.

The contrast of warm, crusty bread against cool, silky prosciutto and spicy greens makes every bite exciting.

Tip: For extra richness, add a smear of softened butter to the bread before toasting.

French Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Butter

This buttery, cinnamon-kissed French bread is the ultimate comfort snack—warm, crisp, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf French bread (about 12 oz), sliced in half lengthwise
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
3. Spread the cinnamon sugar butter evenly over the cut sides of the French bread. Place both halves butter-side up on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the butter is bubbly. Let cool for 2 minutes, then slice into thick pieces.

The magic here? The butter caramelizes into the bread’s nooks, creating pockets of crispy-sweet goodness in every bite.

Tip: For extra crunch, broil for 30–60 seconds at the end—just watch closely to avoid burning!

Conclusion

From crusty baguettes to buttery brioche, these 18 classic French bread recipes bring a taste of Paris to your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, there’s something here to inspire you. Give one (or a few!) a try, and let us know your favorite in the comments. Loved this roundup? Share the joy—pin it on Pinterest for fellow bread lovers to discover!