Safeway French Bread Recipe

Do you like soft and crunchy French bread at home? This Safeway French Bread Recipe is very easy. It is soft inside and golden outside.

You can make it with simple ingredients. This bread is great for sandwiches, garlic bread, or with soup and salad. Once you try it, you will love it.

Here, I will show you how to make Safeway French Bread step by step. You will also learn the ingredients for Safeway French Bread and tips to make it soft, fresh, and yummy every time.

My Experience With This Safeway French Bread

I tried this bread last month. I wanted fresh French bread at home. I followed the recipe carefully. The dough was soft and easy to knead.

After baking, the bread looked golden and smelled amazing. When I cut it, it was soft inside and crunchy outside. My family loved it. We ate it with soup and butter.

The next day, I made sandwiches. Everyone asked for the recipe. Making this bread was fun and satisfying. Now, it is one of my favorite homemade bread recipes.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Safeway French Bread
• Servings: 4 loaves
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25–30 mins
• Total Time: 45–50 mins
• Course: Bread / Desserts
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or tray
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or bread lame
• Oven
• Kitchen towel

Ingredients You Need for Safeway French Bread

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7 g) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F / 45°C)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Extra flour for dusting

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Activate the Yeast

Add warm water and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle yeast on top. Wait 5–10 minutes.

2. Mix the Dough

Add flour, salt and oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until dough forms.

3. Knead the Dough

Put dough on a floured surface. Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and soft.

4. First Rise

Put dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel. Let it rise 1 hour until doubled.

5. Shape the Loaves

Punch down dough. Divide into 4 parts. Shape each part into a long loaf.

6. Second Rise

Put loaves on a baking sheet with parchment. Cover and rise 30 minutes.

7. Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a small pan of water on the bottom rack for steam.

8. Make Slashes on Top

Use a sharp knife to make 3–4 diagonal cuts on each loaf. This helps bread expand.

9. Bake the Bread

Bake 25–30 minutes. Bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

10. Cool the Bread

Remove loaves from oven. Let them cool on a wire rack 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Tips to Make the Best Safeway French Bread

• Use warm water to activate yeast properly.
• Knead dough until smooth and elastic for soft bread.
• Let dough rise fully for fluffy bread.
• Bake with steam for a crispy crust.
• Cool completely before slicing to keep bread soft inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water kills the yeast; bread won’t rise.
• Not kneading enough makes bread dense.
• Skipping the second rise makes bread flat.
• Oven too hot or too cold affects crust and texture.
• Cutting bread too soon makes it gummy inside.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with butter or jam for breakfast. Make sandwiches with cold cuts and cheese. Use as garlic bread for pasta meals. Serve alongside soups or stews. Toast and spread with avocado for a snack.

Variations You Can Try

• Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for flavor.
• Brush with butter and garlic before baking for garlic bread.
• Use whole wheat or half whole wheat flour.
• Add sesame or poppy seeds on top.
• Make mini baguettes for snacks or parties.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store bread in a paper bag for 2–3 days.
• Freeze loaves in airtight bags for longer storage.
• Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Avoid storing in plastic at room temperature; crust becomes soft.
• Slice only when bread is cool to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180 kcal
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	5 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	2 g

Health Benefits

Bread made at home has no preservatives. You control sugar and fat content. Can use whole wheat for extra fiber. Fresh bread has more nutrients than store-bought. Homemade bread is healthier and more satisfying.

FAQs about Safeway French Bread

Q1: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, use the same amount. Skip the water proofing step and mix directly with flour.

Q2: How long does homemade French bread last?
It lasts 2–3 days at room temperature. Freeze extra loaves for up to 1 month.

Q3: Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Yes, use dough setting. Shape and bake in the oven for best crust and texture.

Q4: How do I get a crispy crust like bakery bread?
Add a pan of water in the oven for steam. Bake fully and don’t cover bread.

Q5: Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, replace half or all of the flour with whole wheat. Bread will be denser but healthy.

Final Thoughts

This Safeway French Bread Recipe is simple, soft and delicious. It is perfect for family meals or snacks. Making bread at home is fun and satisfying.

Follow the step-by-step guide carefully. Use fresh ingredients and knead the dough well. Bake with steam for a crispy crust and soft inside.

Try this recipe today. Share it with family and friends. You will love your homemade French bread every time. Homemade bread always tastes better and healthier than store-bought.