3 Easiest French Bread Recipe in Bread Machine You’ll Ever Find

Forget the fairy tales about baking French bread being some mystical art. My first try was a total flop—think less “crusty baguette” and more “crumbled mess.” I was ready to wave the white flag until my bread machine swooped in like a superhero. Now, I’ve got this recipe dialed in, and it’s so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Here’s the deal: I’m not just giving you one boring loaf idea. I’ve got three killer twists—classic, herbed, and whole wheat—that’ll make your kitchen smell like a French bakery. No fluff, no fuss, just bread you’ll brag about. Let’s dive in.

Recipe 1: Classic French Bread in Bread Machine

This is the OG. Simple. Crusty. Perfect. It’s the bread that says, “Yeah, I’m fancy, but I didn’t break a sweat.”

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Step-by-Step Guide

You’ve got two ways to roll with this: the lazy way or the slightly-less-lazy way. Pick your vibe.

All-in-One Method

1. Dump the ingredients into your bread machine. Check the manual, but it’s usually water first, then salt, flour, and yeast on top.
2. Hit the French bread cycle if you’ve got it. No fancy button? Basic or white bread cycle works fine.
3. Press start. Go binge a show or something.
4. When it beeps, pull out the loaf. Let it cool on a wire rack so it doesn’t get soggy.

Quick Tip: This is my go-to when I’m juggling a million things. Set it, forget it, and bam—fresh bread without the chaos.

Dough Cycle Method

1. Toss in the ingredients like above.
2. Pick the dough cycle. Hit start.
3. Once it’s done, grab the dough. Shape it into a long baguette or whatever you’re feeling—get artsy if you want.
4. Set it on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Let it rise for 30-60 minutes.
5. Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s golden and gorgeous.
7. Cool it on a rack.

Quick Tip: I love this one when I’m craving that extra-crispy crust. Shaping it’s my therapy—kneading out the day’s stress.

Recipe 2: Herbed French Bread in Bread Machine

Want to level up? This herbed version’s got a sneaky flavor kick. It’s still easy, but now you’re the cool friend who makes “fancy” bread.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme, if that’s your jam)

Step-by-Step Guide

Stick to the classic steps, but sprinkle in the rosemary with the flour. That’s it—same deal, new twist.

All-in-One Method

1. Load up the bread machine: water, olive oil, salt, flour, rosemary, yeast.
2. Select French bread cycle—or basic if that’s what you’ve got.
3. Start it up. Let it do the work.
4. Pull out the loaf when it’s done. Cool it on a rack.

Dough Cycle Method

1. Add everything like above.
2. Choose dough cycle. Press go.
3. When it’s ready, shape the dough. You’ll see those herb flecks—pretty, right?
4. Let it rise on a baking sheet for 30-60 minutes.
5. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake 25-30 minutes till it’s golden.
7. Cool on a rack.

Quick Tip: Rosemary’s my ride-or-die, but I’ve tried thyme with soup nights—total game-changer. Keep it to a teaspoon so it’s a vibe, not a punch.

Recipe 3: Whole Wheat French Bread in Bread Machine

This one’s for the “I want it healthy-ish” crew. It’s got that hearty whole wheat vibe without feeling like a brick.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Step-by-Step Guide

Same steps as the classic, just swap in that whole wheat flour. Easy peasy.

All-in-One Method

1. Pour in the water, then salt, bread flour, whole wheat flour, and yeast.
2. Pick the French bread cycle—or basic if that’s your machine’s deal.
3. Hit start. Wait for the magic.
4. Take it out when it’s done. Cool on a rack.

Dough Cycle Method

1. Add the ingredients like above.
2. Select dough cycle. Start it.
3. Pull the dough out when it’s ready. Shape it up.
4. Let it rise on a sheet or pan for 30-60 minutes.
5. Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake 25-30 minutes till it’s a deep, rustic brown.
7. Cool it off.

Quick Tip: Whole wheat can get dense, so I’ve played with ratios. Too heavy? Next time, try 2.5 cups bread flour and 0.5 cup whole wheat. It’s your bread, your rules.

FAQ

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Sure thing! It’ll work, but the chew might soften up a bit. Bread flour’s got more protein for that classic texture. Still tasty either way.

What if my bread machine skips the French bread cycle?

No biggie. Use the basic or white bread setting. It’ll still turn out awesome—French cycle just gives it extra rise time.

How do I get that crispy crust?

For the oven method, toss a pan of water in the bottom rack. Steam’s your friend. Bread machine version? Brush it with water before it bakes. Helps a little.

Can I freeze this stuff?

Yup! Wrap it tight in plastic or foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw it out or warm it up—good as new.

Conclusion

Here’s the truth: French bread doesn’t have to be a drama queen. With your bread machine, you’re basically a wizard whipping up classic, herbed, or whole wheat loaves like it’s nothing. I’ve burned, flattened, and botched enough bread to know these recipes are gold—they’re easy, they work, and they’ll make you look like you’ve got your life together. Pick one, try it, and watch your kitchen turn into the best-smelling spot in town. Got a fave? Snapped a pic? Tell me about it—I’m dying to hear how you nailed it. Now, go bake something epic!