There’s just something about a warm loaf of French bread that makes any meal feel extra special. The crispy, golden crust on the outside, combined with the soft, pillowy, and slightly chewy interior—it’s a bread lover’s dream! If you’ve always wanted to make French bread at home, now’s your chance. This soft, fluffy French bread is surprisingly easy to make, and the results are absolutely worth it. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together to create such a delicious, comforting loaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love the irresistible aroma of fresh bread baking in the oven? This French bread recipe is the perfect balance of a crispy, crunchy crust and an airy, soft interior. The dough is easy to work with, and with just a few simple steps, you can bake a loaf that looks (and tastes) like it came straight from a French bakery. Whether you’re serving it with dinner, making a sandwich, or just enjoying it with butter, this bread will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Warm water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Olive oil (or melted butter)
(For the full list of ingredients and measurements, keep reading below! These basics will set you on the right track.)
Directions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is your sign that the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add the olive oil or melted butter, and stir everything together until a dough begins to form. Once it starts coming together, transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, elastic dough that isn’t too sticky. If it feels too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much—keeping the dough soft is key for a light, fluffy loaf.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. I usually pop it in the oven with the light on—it creates the perfect warm environment for the dough to rise.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a long, cylindrical loaf. You can make it as long or short as you like, but typically, French bread is about 12-14 inches long. Pinch the seams at the ends to seal the loaf, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped dough with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes. The dough will puff up and become light and airy.
Step 6: Score the Bread and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor blade to make a few shallow slashes on top of the dough. This helps the bread expand while baking and gives it that signature French bread look.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you like a crispy crust, you can place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam while baking.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. The bread is best served warm, but it can also be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your water is warm, but not too hot. Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast, preventing your dough from rising properly.
- If you don’t have a sharp knife for scoring the bread, you can use a razor blade or even a serrated knife. Just be sure to make shallow cuts.
- If you prefer a softer crust, brush the bread with melted butter right after baking.
- The second rise is important! Don’t rush it, as this helps create a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Don’t skip the steam! Adding a pan of water to the oven while baking mimics the humid environment of a professional bakery, giving your bread that beautiful, crispy crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Herb French Bread: Add some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the dough for a fragrant twist.
- Garlic French Bread: Mix in roasted garlic or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor in the dough.
- Whole Wheat French Bread: Swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to make a slightly denser, healthier version of French bread.
- Olive Oil French Bread: Instead of butter, you can brush the baked bread with more olive oil for an extra Italian flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
French bread is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it alongside any meal, but it pairs especially well with soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve it with a bowl of homemade tomato soup or a rich, creamy chowder.
- Make a simple garlic bread by slicing the loaf and spreading garlic butter over the pieces, then toasting them in the oven.
- Pair it with a hearty pasta dish, like spaghetti bolognese or fettuccine alfredo.
- Use it for sandwiches—think classic French dip, turkey and avocado, or even a simple cheese sandwich.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Once your bread has cooled, store it in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the bread in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness and crispiness.
4 FAQs
- Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Yes! While a stand mixer can make the kneading process quicker, you can easily knead the dough by hand. Just be patient and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. - Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give your French bread a chewier texture. The recipe will still work perfectly. - Can I add butter to the dough?
Yes, adding a bit of butter to the dough will give the bread a richer flavor and softer crumb. It’s a great variation if you prefer a less rustic bread. - What can I do if my dough isn’t rising?
Make sure your yeast is fresh, and that the water you’re using is warm enough to activate the yeast (but not too hot!). If your dough isn’t rising, try moving it to a warmer place or giving it more time.
Conclusion
This soft, fluffy French bread is everything you want in a loaf: light, airy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, dipping it in soup, or just enjoying it with a little butter, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home. It’s easier than you think to make, and the smell of freshly baked bread will make your kitchen feel like a bakery. Try it out today, and I promise you’ll be baking this loaf on repeat!
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Soft Fluffy French Bread: The Homemade Delight You’ve Been Waiting For
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including rise time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-12 slices, 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This soft, fluffy French bread features a crispy golden crust with a soft, pillowy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a standalone snack, this homemade bread is easy to make and delivers a bakery-quality loaf right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
For the glaze (optional):
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing after baking)
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water with sugar and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
-
Mix the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Add olive oil or melted butter, and stir until a dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
-
Let the Dough Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let it rise for 1-1.5 hours, until it doubles in size.
-
Shape the Dough:
- Punch the dough down to release the air, then shape it into a 12-14 inch long loaf. Pinch the ends to seal and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Second Rise:
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
-
Score the Bread and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Score the dough with a sharp knife, making a few shallow slashes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Serve warm, or store for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven during baking.
- You can add butter on top after baking for a soft crust.
- Ensure your yeast is active before proceeding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg