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National French Bread Day

Mar 20, 2026 | Food Blog

What a better day to toast than National French Bread Day. Today is an annual holiday that celebrates the popular bread of France. French bread is a staple of French cuisine and is enjoyed around the world. This holiday is a great opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and make some delicious French bread recipes.
The history of French bread dates back to the Middle Ages, when bakers in France first began to bake large loaves of bread from a combination of flour, water, and salt. This traditional French bread, known as “pain de campagne,” was the basis of the French diet for centuries. In the 1600s, French bakers began to experiment with different types of breads and developed a variety of different styles of French bread. In the 1700s, bakers began to bake their breads in ovens and began to use yeast to help the dough to rise. This type of bread, known as “pain de mie”, is the basis of many French breads that are still eaten today. In the 1800s, French bakers continued to refine their bread–making techniques and began to develop a variety of different styles of French bread. This included baguettes, brioches, and croissants. These breads quickly became popular throughout France and the rest of Europe. In the 1900s, French bakers began to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create new styles of French bread. This included the introduction of sourdough starters and the use of different types of flour. This led to the development of a variety of different types of French bread, such as the baguette, croissant, and brioche. Today, French bread is enjoyed all over the world.
The oldest known published French Bread recipe can be found in a book called Le Ménagier de Paris, written in the late 14th century. The recipe is as follows: “Take ten eggs and the whites of two others and mix with four sips of flour and two sips of good sweet wine, and a little salt; and beat it all very well together, and make your dough; then knead it as you would for buns; and when it is well kneaded, let it stand for a quarter of an hour; then shape it as you like; and let it stand another quarter of an hour; then put it in the oven, and bake it at a good fire.”
According to a study conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Americans consumed an estimated 1.2 billion pounds of French bread in 2018. This is significantly more than the estimated 450 million pounds of French bread consumed in France. This difference is likely due to the fact that French bread is a popular staple in American cuisine, while it is more of a special occasion food in France.
From classic baguettes to cheesy garlic bread, French bread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. 
 
Fun Facts About French Bread
• French bread is usually made from white wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
• French bread is known for its crisp crust and chewy center.
• French bread is traditionally shaped into a long stick or baton.
• French bread is typically eaten with meals or as a snack.
• French toast is a popular breakfast dish made with French bread.
French Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

– 3 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast

– 2 teaspoons salt

– 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt.

2. Add the lukewarm water and mix until the dough comes together.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 10 minutes.

4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

5. Punch down the dough and knead it a few times.

6. Cut the dough into two equal pieces and shape into loaves.

7. Place the loaves on a lightly greased baking sheet and let rise for 1 hour.

8. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown.

10. Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!

For National French Bread Day, why not bake a batch of homemade bread and use it to make a delicious sandwich or use it as a side dish to accompany your favorite dishes. You can also use French bread to make a French toast breakfast or a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. There are endless possibilities for how to enjoy this delicious bread. However you decide to celebrate National French Bread Day, it’s sure to be a delicious day. Bon apetit!  Let us know your thoughts.

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