There is nothing better than the smell of fresh bread filling your home. It’s just one of those little joys that makes everything feel extra cozy and special.
This soft, fluffy French bread is one of those recipes that feels like a big hug. It’s easy to make, comes out beautifully, and goes with just about anything.
I’ve made this more times than I can count, and it never gets old. Plus, it’s super kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and the kind of recipe that’ll make you feel like a rockstar baker, even if you’re brand new.
Let’s get into it!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water (about 105°F or comfortably warm to the touch)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 5½ to 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Pro Tips
- Check your water temperature. If it’s too hot, it’ll kill your yeast. If it’s too cold, your dough will barely rise. Warm to the touch is perfect.
- Knead until smooth and elastic. If your arms are getting a little workout, you’re doing it right. Smooth dough = soft, fluffy bread.
- Steam matters. Pop a small pan of water into your oven while baking. It’ll give you that beautiful crust without making the inside dry.
- Egg wash for that golden shine. Brushing the bread before baking makes it look extra fancy and bakery-worthy. Totally worth the extra 30 seconds.
- Patience, friend. Let your bread cool before slicing. I know it’s hard. But it’ll be even better if you give it just a little time to set.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or bread lame
- Pastry brush
- Clean kitchen towel
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: You can swap in bread flour for an even chewier texture.
- Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup can step in for the sugar if you want a slightly different flavor.
- Oil: Canola oil or vegetable oil will work if you are out of olive oil.
- Add-ins: Feeling fancy? Toss in some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even shredded cheese for extra flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
- Overnight Rise: After the first rise, punch the dough down and shape it. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Let it warm up and rise again before baking the next day. Super helpful if you’re prepping for a big meal or gathering.
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread
- Proof the yeast. In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it gets foamy.
- Mix the dough. Add olive oil, salt, and 5½ cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until it comes together into a soft dough. If it’s sticky, add more flour a little at a time.
- Knead. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it nice and smooth. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 5 to 7 minutes.
- First rise. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise somewhere warm until it doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 hour.
- Shape your loaves. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Shape each into a loaf and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second rise. Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F.
- Prep for baking. Score the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife. Brush them all over with the beaten egg.
- Bake. Place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven for steam. Bake the loaves for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.
- Cool. Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool before slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Nutritional Info (Approximate per slice)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
Leftovers and Storage
- Room temperature: Keep your bread in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
- Reheating: Warm it up in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to get that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel again.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! Just mix it right into the dry ingredients and skip the proofing step.
Why is my bread dense?
It usually comes down to either under-kneading, not letting it rise long enough, or using too much flour. Make sure your dough is nice and stretchy and give it plenty of time to puff up.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely. Garlic, rosemary, shredded cheese, or even roasted onions would all be amazing stirred right into the dough.
Wrapping Up
There is something really special about baking your own bread. It’s simple, rewarding, and honestly, it just tastes better because you made it yourself.
If you give this soft fluffy French bread a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or what you paired it with.
