There are few things as comforting as the aroma of Soft Fluffy French Bread wafting through your kitchen. This classic loaf boasts a tender, pillowy crumb and a golden, gently crisp crust that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into homemade bread, this recipe brings bakery-level results right to your table. It’s perfect for everything from morning toast to elegant dinner parties, and once you master it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Soft Fluffy French Bread is all about simple, quality ingredients coming together to create magic. Each component plays a special role in building flavor, texture, and that unmistakable freshly-baked aroma. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Active dry yeast: The star of the show, yeast makes the bread rise and gives it that lovely airy structure.
- Sugar: Just a touch helps activate the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to balance the flavor.
- Warm water: At about 110°F, it wakes up the yeast and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Salt: Essential for flavor, salt strengthens the dough and keeps the bread from tasting flat.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, flour provides the structure and that tender crumb we all love.
- Olive oil: Used for greasing, it prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the crust.
- Egg white mixed with water: This simple egg wash gives your loaves a beautiful, shiny finish and a delicate crust.
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the yeast and sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes, until you see a foamy layer form on top. This tells you your yeast is alive and ready to make your bread rise to new heights!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add salt and 2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until everything is smooth, then gradually work in the remaining flour, half a cup at a time. You want to stop once a soft dough forms—it should pull away from the sides of the bowl but still feel a little tacky to the touch.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Turn your dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes. This step is your ticket to Soft Fluffy French Bread! You’re looking for a dough that feels silky, springy, and just a bit stretchy—your hands will tell you when it’s ready.
Step 4: First Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place your dough inside, turning it once so it’s coated all over. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about an hour. When it’s doubled in size, you’re set for the next step.
Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough to release any air. Divide it in half, then shape each piece into a long, slightly tapered loaf. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let rise for another 30 to 40 minutes. This second rise gives your Soft Fluffy French Bread its signature airy texture.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Slashing
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brush the loaves with the egg white and water mixture for that gorgeous golden shine. Using a sharp knife, make three to four shallow diagonal slashes on top of each loaf. This not only looks beautiful but helps the bread expand as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the loaves into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown color and a hollow sound when you tap the bottom of each loaf. Let them cool on a wire rack—if you can wait that long before slicing in!
How to Serve Soft Fluffy French Bread
Garnishes
Sometimes, a little flourish goes a long way. Brush slices with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt, or add a dusting of fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch. For a sweeter twist, try a drizzle of honey or a swipe of homemade jam.
Side Dishes
Soft Fluffy French Bread is a dream alongside soups, stews, and salads. Try it with a bowl of creamy tomato bisque, a hearty beef stew, or a fresh garden salad. It’s also fantastic as the base for bruschetta or served with a cheese and charcuterie board for entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, slice the loaves on a diagonal and arrange the pieces in a basket lined with a colorful napkin. Or, slice the bread thin and lightly toast for crostini. For gatherings, offer a bread bar with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a variety of spreads so guests can build their own perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Soft Fluffy French Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay fresh for up to two days, though it’s at its absolute best on the first day.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap whole loaves or slices in foil and then place in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a fresh-tasting slice.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked taste, warm your Soft Fluffy French Bread in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. If you’re reheating individual slices, a quick toast in the toaster will do wonders.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If using instant yeast, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients. The rest of the process stays the same, and your Soft Fluffy French Bread will still turn out beautifully light and airy.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking. The steam helps develop that classic French bread crunch while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Can I make this recipe by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Yes! This dough is easy to mix and knead by hand. Just follow the instructions for adding flour gradually and kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. It’s a wonderful hands-on experience.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Your loaves should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should be about 200°F. Letting them cool on a wire rack helps keep the crust just right.
Can I add herbs or cheese to the dough?
Definitely! For a flavor twist, fold in chopped fresh herbs, shredded cheese, or even roasted garlic during the last few minutes of kneading. It’s a fun way to make Soft Fluffy French Bread your own.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about pulling a loaf of Soft Fluffy French Bread from your own oven. It’s a recipe that brings joy to any meal and warmth to any kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try—once you taste that first soft, golden slice, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
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Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 2 loaves (about 16 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe yields tender, airy loaves with a golden crust and a delicate crumb. Perfect for sandwiches or as a side to your favorite meals, this bread is easy to make with simple ingredients and traditional baking techniques to achieve authentic French bakery quality at home.
Ingredients
Yeast Mixture
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
Dough
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
For Greasing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Egg Wash
- 1 egg white mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water (around 110°F). Let it sit undisturbed for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Make the dough: Add salt and 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until smooth. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition until the dough becomes soft but not sticky.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6–8 minutes until it is smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed.
- First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil and place the kneaded dough inside, turning it once to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaves: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into two equal parts and shape each half into a long loaf. Place the loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise: Cover the shaped loaves and let them rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaves with the egg white and water mixture to give them a shiny crust. Using a sharp knife, make 3–4 shallow diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the loaves for 20–25 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool down: Transfer the baked loaves to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing. For extra softness, cover the bread with a clean towel as it cools.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of hot water in the oven during baking to create steam.
- This bread freezes well; wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to use.
- Use warm water at approximately 110°F to activate yeast properly without killing it.
- Adjust flour quantity as needed; humidity can affect dough consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
