There’s just something magical about the aroma of homemade bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s a Soft Fluffy French Bread. This classic loaf is everything you crave: a golden, shatteringly crisp crust enveloping a cloud-like, pillowy interior. Whether you’re slathering it with fresh butter, building dreamy sandwiches, or simply serving alongside soup, each slice is comfort and elegance all at once. If you’ve never tried making your own French bread at home, you’ll be thrilled by how approachable, rewarding, and utterly delicious this recipe is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baking Soft Fluffy French Bread at home only takes a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient plays an important role in crafting the perfect loaf. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter, so you can appreciate every step along the way.
- Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, 1 packet): Gives the bread its beautiful rise and airy crumb, creating that signature fluffiness.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): Activates the yeast and brings the dough together; make sure it’s just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Feeds the yeast and adds a hint of sweetness to the finished bread.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds tenderness and a subtle richness to the loaf.
- Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Balances flavor and strengthens the structure of the bread.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 to 4 cups): Forms the heart of your bread; start with less and add as needed for a soft, workable dough.
- Egg (1, beaten): Used for the egg wash to give the crust a gorgeous golden sheen and slight crunch.
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Begin by combining your warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—it’s a sign your yeast is alive and ready to create that incredible lift we want in Soft Fluffy French Bread. If you don’t see bubbles forming, your yeast might be expired or your water could have been too hot, so don’t be afraid to start over. This step lays the foundation for that dreamy texture!
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Now stir in your olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix until it begins to come together, then slowly add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until the dough pulls away from the sides. You’re aiming for softness—a dough that’s slightly tacky, but not sticky. Once ready, knead the dough by hand or with your mixer’s dough hook for 8–10 minutes, until it’s beautifully smooth and elastic. This is where you build the structure for that outstanding, pillowy crumb.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly grease a clean bowl and transfer your dough into it. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap so the surface doesn’t dry out, and place in a warm, draft-free spot. Let the dough rise for about an hour, until it doubles in size. Watching it puff up is always a thrill—the yeast is busy working its magic! This slow rise is a key secret to Soft Fluffy French Bread.
Step 4: Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down your dough to release any trapped air, then turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a long loaf, roughly 12 inches in length, and move it onto a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet. Cover lightly and let it rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise gives your bread its final volume and irresistible softness.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Score
While your loaf finishes its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the entire surface of the loaf with beaten egg—this egg wash is your ticket to a glossy, golden crust. For that authentic French bakery look, use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal slashes across the top of your loaf. These slashes don’t just look beautiful—they help the bread expand without splitting as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your loaf into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s deeply golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. For an extra-soft crumb, loosely tent the loaf with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. If you prefer, you can also divide the dough into two smaller loaves—just trim the baking time by 5–7 minutes. Let your Soft Fluffy French Bread cool slightly before slicing so it holds its shape.
How to Serve Soft Fluffy French Bread
Garnishes
A steaming slice of Soft Fluffy French Bread is dreamy on its own, but a few simple touches can turn it into the star of your table. Brush slices with melted butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or drift into elegance with a dusting of fresh herbs like chives or parsley. For those who love a bit of decadence, a smear of garlic butter or a drizzle of good olive oil instantly elevates each bite.
Side Dishes
This bread is the perfect companion for just about any meal. Pair it with steaming bowls of soup or hearty stews for true comfort, or serve alongside a fresh green salad to add contrast and balance. It’s also fantastic with pastas, cheeses, or as the foundation for your favorite sandwiches. The versatility of Soft Fluffy French Bread is truly endless, inviting you to get creative!
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests (or your family!) with one of these fun ideas: slice the loaf into thick pieces and make crostini, tear off rustic chunks for a communal bread basket, or even hollow out the center to create a showstopping bread bowl for dips or soups. With its signature golden crust and soft crumb, Soft Fluffy French Bread always brings a bit of French bakery charm to any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Soft Fluffy French Bread tasting its best, allow it to cool completely and then wrap it tightly in foil or place in an airtight bag. Store at room temperature for up to two days, and avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the crumb. A sealed container helps preserve the bread’s moisture and soft texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to have fresh bread on-demand, this loaf freezes wonderfully! Simply wrap cooled bread (whole or sliced) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Soft Fluffy French Bread keeps for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature while it’s still wrapped.
Reheating
Freshen up leftover or thawed bread by popping it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, wrapped in foil to keep the crumb soft. If you’re reheating individual slices, a quick toast will revive that perfect combination of golden crust and airy softness we all crave.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! Instant yeast can be substituted in equal measure for active dry yeast in this Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe. Skip the initial proofing step and simply mix it into the dry ingredients before adding water.
What kind of flour is best for Soft Fluffy French Bread?
All-purpose flour works beautifully for a tender crumb, but you can also use bread flour for a chewier texture and slightly higher rise. Feel free to use what you have on hand—the recipe is quite forgiving!
How do I know if I’ve kneaded the dough enough?
Well-kneaded dough will be smooth and elastic—it should stretch without tearing when you gently pull it. If you poke it with a finger, it will slowly bounce back. This helps achieve that iconic soft and fluffy interior.
Can the dough be made ahead and refrigerated overnight?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to the first rise, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature and complete the second rise before shaping and baking as directed for Soft Fluffy French Bread.
Is it possible to make this bread vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the egg wash or brush the loaf with a bit of non-dairy milk for a glossy finish. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan, so you can still enjoy Soft Fluffy French Bread with just a simple switch!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a loaf of Soft Fluffy French Bread, fresh from your own oven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying homemade bread for the first time, this recipe is sure to bring cozy joy and a sense of accomplishment to your kitchen. Go ahead and treat yourself—you deserve every fluffy, golden bite!
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Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours (includes rising time)
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious Soft Fluffy French Bread at home with this easy recipe. This homemade bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own. With a crispy crust and a soft interior, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Dough:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until combined, then gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rise the Dough: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape and Proof: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, place on a baking sheet, cover, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush the loaf with the beaten egg, slash the top, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- For extra softness, tent the loaf with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- You can also divide the dough into two smaller loaves for smaller portions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 2.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
