This Soft and Fluffy French Bread is everything you love about homemade bread—light, tender, and perfect for any meal. The airy crumb and golden, slightly crisp crust make it a great choice for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. With a simple ingredient list and a straightforward process, this bread is perfect for anyone looking to bake a loaf that’s both easy and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French bread recipe is incredibly simple yet yields a soft and fluffy loaf with that perfect bakery-quality texture. Thanks to the combination of olive oil and yeast, the bread becomes wonderfully light and airy, while the egg wash gives the crust a shiny, golden finish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping some fresh bread for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment, and it comes together quickly!
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 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)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add 2.5 cups of all-purpose flour and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time, until it becomes manageable.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle and then rolling it up tightly from one end.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover it loosely and let it rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg to give it a glossy finish. Optionally, you can make a few diagonal slashes on top of the loaf with a sharp knife for a classic look.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 loaf (approximately 12 slices)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Herbed French Bread: Add chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist on the classic.
- Garlic Butter French Bread: Brush the loaf with garlic butter right before baking for a savory, aromatic finish.
- Cheese-Filled French Bread: Sprinkle shredded cheese inside the dough before rolling it up for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
- Whole Wheat French Bread: Substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the French bread at room temperature in a bread box or paper bag for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a toaster or wrap the loaf in foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for olive oil if preferred. The flavor will be slightly different, but the texture of the bread will still be great.
Why do I need to activate the yeast?
Activating the yeast in warm water with sugar ensures that the yeast is alive and will help the dough rise properly. If the mixture doesn’t become frothy, the yeast might be expired, and you’ll need to try again with fresh yeast.
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Bread flour has a higher protein content, which can give the bread a slightly chewier texture. You can use it if you prefer, but all-purpose flour works perfectly for a soft, fluffy result.
Can I make this bread without the egg wash?
Yes, the egg wash gives the bread a shiny, golden finish, but it’s optional. If you don’t have an egg or prefer not to use it, you can skip it and still bake a delicious loaf.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky to knead?
If the dough feels too sticky, add more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes manageable. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bread dense.
Can I make this French bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge overnight. In the morning, shape it and let it rise again before baking.
How can I get the perfect texture for this bread?
The key to achieving a soft, fluffy texture is not to overwork the dough. Be gentle during kneading and let it rise fully during both rises to allow the yeast to work its magic.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a kitchen thermometer—when it reads around 200°F (93°C) inside, the bread is fully baked.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made by hand. Just mix and knead the dough with your hands, and you’ll still get the same great results.
What can I do with leftover French bread?
Leftover French bread makes excellent croutons, breadcrumbs, or French toast. You can also store it in the freezer for later use.
Conclusion
This Soft and Fluffy French Bread is a simple yet delightful recipe that results in a soft, airy loaf perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with butter, turning it into a sandwich, or using it for toast, this bread will add a touch of homemade goodness to your meals. The process is easy, and the result is a bakery-quality loaf that’s sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the fresh, comforting taste of homemade French bread!
Print
Soft and Fluffy French Bread
This Soft and Fluffy French Bread is the perfect homemade loaf with a light, tender crumb and a golden, slightly crispy crust. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter, this simple recipe requires no special equipment and delivers bakery-quality bread in just 2 hours. With easy-to-follow instructions and basic ingredients, you’ll be baking fresh French bread at home in no time!
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Ingredients
- 2.5 to 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)
Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
- Stir gently and let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add olive oil to the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add 2.5 cups of flour and salt to the wet mixture.
- Stir until a soft dough forms. If too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time.
4. Knead the Dough:
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise:
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour (until doubled).
6. Shape the Loaf:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf by rolling it into a rectangle and tightly rolling it up.
7. Second Rise:
- Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover loosely and let rise for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Prepare for Baking:
- Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Optionally, make diagonal slashes on top for a classic look.
10. Bake the Bread:
- Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow when tapped.
11. Cool:
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Herbed French Bread: Add rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
- Cheese-Filled French Bread: Add shredded cheese inside the dough for a cheesy twist.
- Whole Wheat Version: Swap half of the flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Storage: Store in a bread box or paper bag for up to 3 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Kneading, Baking
- Cuisine: French, Homemade
- Diet: Vegetarian
