This homemade French bread is delightfully soft, fluffy, and golden, with a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, dipping it into olive oil, or enjoying it plain, this versatile bread is sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and airy texture: The tender crumb makes every bite melt in your mouth.
- Easy to make: Straightforward steps make this bread approachable, even for beginners.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, garlic bread, or paired with soups and stews.
- Homemade goodness: Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is an affordable way to enjoy artisan-style bread at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour: 2.5–3 cups
- Warm water: 1 cup
- Olive oil or vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon
- White granulated sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Active dry yeast: 2 teaspoons
- Egg, beaten (for brushing the top): 1
Directions
- Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour and salt. Stir to evenly distribute the salt. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together. - Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic. - First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. - Shape and Second Rise:
Punch down the dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely with a damp cloth and let it rise for another 30 minutes. - Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the risen loaf with beaten egg to create a glossy finish. - Bake:
Bake the bread for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. - Cool:
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Whole wheat version: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Herb-infused bread: Add a teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Cheesy bread: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the dough before the second rise or on top before baking.
- Garlic bread loaf: Mix a teaspoon of garlic powder into the dough for a garlicky flavor.
- Sweet version: Increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Slice the loaf, wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm the bread in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to refresh its softness.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute instant yeast for active dry yeast. Skip the activation step and mix the instant yeast directly with the dry ingredients.
2. How do I know if the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size and feel soft and airy when gently pressed.
3. Can I make this recipe without egg?
Yes, skip the egg wash for a more rustic, matte finish. You can also brush the top with plant-based milk for a golden crust.
4. What is the ideal water temperature for activating yeast?
The water should be warm, around 105–115°F (40–46°C). Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it.
5. Why is my bread dense?
Dense bread can result from under-kneading, insufficient rising time, or using too much flour. Ensure the dough is soft and elastic after kneading.
6. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour will result in a slightly chewier loaf due to its higher protein content.
7. How can I make the crust softer?
Brush the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.
8. Can I add toppings to the bread?
Absolutely! Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on the egg wash before baking.
9. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The loaf is done when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients, but be mindful of your mixer or bowl size if kneading by hand.
Conclusion
Soft, fluffy, and easy to make, this French bread recipe is the perfect staple for your baking repertoire. Whether served alongside soups, made into sandwiches, or enjoyed fresh out of the oven with butter, its versatile flavor and tender texture are sure to impress. Try this recipe today for a taste of homemade comfort that everyone will love!
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Soft Fluffy French Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade soft fluffy French bread is a must-try for bread lovers. With a light, tender crumb and a subtle golden crust, it’s versatile enough for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on its own. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this easy recipe will fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients
- 2.5–3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing the top)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups of flour and salt. Stir to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Make a well in the flour mixture. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, stirring until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Second Rise:
- Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a glossy crust.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool:
- Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough.
- To make the crust crisper, place a pan of water in the oven while baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
