Soft Fluffy French Bread is a classic, airy, and delicious homemade bread that pairs perfectly with soups, sandwiches, or simply enjoyed with butter. This foolproof recipe ensures a golden crust with a tender, fluffy interior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Produces a soft, fluffy interior with a crispy crust.
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or alongside meals.
- Great for beginner bakers.
- Freezes well for future use.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour or bread flour
- Warm water
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Egg wash (optional, for a golden crust)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf or baguettes.
- Place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush with egg wash if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 large loaf or 2 smaller baguettes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
Variations
- Garlic & Herb Bread: Mix in minced garlic and dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Cheese Bread: Add shredded cheese into the dough before baking.
- Whole Wheat Version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Sweet Version: Add honey or extra sugar for a slightly sweet bread.
- Rustic Style: Use a Dutch oven for an artisan-style crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for a fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the flour without proofing.
How do I get a crispier crust?
Place a pan of hot water in the oven while baking to create steam.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free flour, but results may vary in texture.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Tap the bottom of the loaf; it should sound hollow when fully baked.
Can I let the dough rise overnight?
Yes! Let the dough rise in the refrigerator overnight for enhanced flavor.
What can I serve with French bread?
Enjoy with soups, pasta, sandwiches, or simply butter and jam.
Why didn’t my bread rise properly?
Ensure your yeast is active and that your water is warm but not too hot.
Can I use a bread machine for this recipe?
Yes! Use the dough setting, then shape and bake as directed.
How do I make this bread softer?
Brush the loaf with melted butter after baking for extra softness.
Can I add seeds or toppings?
Absolutely! Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or oats before baking.
Conclusion
Soft Fluffy French Bread is a must-try for any bread lover. Whether used for sandwiches, dipping, or simply enjoyed with butter, this homemade recipe delivers perfect results every time. Bake a loaf today and enjoy the delicious, fresh-baked goodness!
Print
Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe – Bex’s Kitchen
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic French bread with a soft, airy interior and a tender crust. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the vegetable oil into the yeast mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add salt and 2 cups of flour to the mixture. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 hour.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf by rolling it out into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly from one long edge to the other. Pinch the seams to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise again until doubled, about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Using a sharp knife, make a few diagonal slashes on top of each loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Variations: For added flavor, consider brushing the loaves with melted butter right after baking. You can also sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for a decorative touch.
- Tips: Ensure your water is at the correct temperature to activate the yeast properly. Too hot can kill the yeast; too cold can slow the activation process.
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