Soft Fluffy French Bread

Name: Soft Fluffy French Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
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)

Isabella

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Soft Fluffy French Bread is light, airy, and perfect for sandwiches or dipping in soups. This easy homemade recipe uses simple pantry staples for a bakery-quality loaf. With a soft interior and tender crust, it’s a must-try for any bread lover. Enjoy it fresh with butter, jam, or your favorite spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and Fluffy Texture – This bread has a light and tender crumb, making it perfect for various uses.

Simple Ingredients – It uses pantry staples like flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.

Versatile – Great for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or serving with breakfast spreads.

Easy to Make – With straightforward steps, even beginners can successfully bake this loaf.

Fresh and Homemade – Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup warm water

2.5–3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

1 tablespoon white granulated sugar

2 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Directions

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, I mix warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast over the top. I let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, I combine 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: I pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, I add more flour gradually.

Knead the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, I knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Rise: I place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Then, I cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.

Shape and Second Rise: After punching down the risen dough to release air, I shape it into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. I cover it again and let it rise for 30 more minutes.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Egg Wash: While the dough rises, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). I then brush the top of the loaf with a beaten egg for a glossy finish.

Bake: I bake the bread for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool: Once baked, I remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 8 slices

Calories per Serving: 170 kcal

Variations

Whole Wheat Version: I substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.

Garlic Herb Bread: I mix in minced garlic and dried herbs like oregano or basil for a flavorful twist.

Cheesy French Bread: Before baking, I sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a cheesy crust.

Sweeter Bread: I increase the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a slightly sweeter version.

Crustier Loaf: Instead of brushing with egg wash, I spray water inside the oven before baking to create a crispier crust.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: I store the bread in an airtight container or a bread bag for up to 3 days.

Refrigeration: While not recommended (as it can dry out the bread), I can keep it in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing: I wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It stays fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To bring back freshness, I warm the bread in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes.

Related Recipes:

Easy Homemade White Bread

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is still active?

If the yeast doesn’t foam up after sitting in warm water with sugar for 5 minutes, it might be expired or the water temperature may be too hot or too cold.

Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, the egg is only for the glossy finish. I can skip it or use milk or melted butter as an alternative.

Why did my bread turn out dense?

Dense bread can result from not kneading enough, using too much flour, or not letting the dough rise properly. I make sure to follow the kneading and proofing steps carefully.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, I can use instant yeast, but I don’t need to proof it first. I can mix it directly into the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe.

What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?

I use a serrated knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing to get clean and even pieces.

Conclusion

This soft and fluffy French bread is an easy, foolproof recipe that brings bakery-quality results right to my kitchen. Whether I use it for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, this homemade bread is a must-try. With a few simple ingredients and steps, I can bake fresh, delicious bread any time.

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