This Soft Fluffy French Bread Is a Must-Have in My Weekly Baking Rotation
There’s something truly satisfying about baking your own bread. The smell alone is enough to lift the mood, but when that first slice is warm, soft, and cloud-like with a tender golden crust? Pure magic. This Soft Fluffy French Bread is exactly that kind of magic—easy enough for beginners, reliable enough for seasoned bakers, and versatile enough to match any meal.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment. Just a bowl, a baking sheet, and a little patience. The result? A loaf that rivals the bakery, perfect for dipping, slathering, or building the ultimate sandwich.
🧡 Why I Love This Bread Recipe
- Fluffy interior + soft, golden crust
- Beginner-friendly and easy to master
- Simple ingredients already in your pantry
- Tastes amazing with both sweet and savory dishes
- Freezes beautifully for later use
📝 Ingredients
- 2½–3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (not hot!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, mix warm water with sugar. Sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it turns frothy. This shows the yeast is active.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2½ cups flour and salt.
3. Combine Wet and Dry
Add the yeast mixture and oil to the flour. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Gradually add more flour, a little at a time, until the dough comes together.
4. Knead the Dough
Transfer to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise
Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Turn to coat all sides, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let it rise again for 30 minutes.
7. Preheat and Egg Wash
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with beaten egg for a glossy finish.
8. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is golden and it sounds hollow when tapped underneath.
9. Cool
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🔄 Tips & Variations
- Softer crust? Brush with melted butter right out of the oven.
- Crunchier crust? Place a pan of hot water in the oven during baking.
- Make garlic bread: Slice and brush with garlic butter, then broil.
- Sweet option: Add cinnamon sugar and serve with butter and honey.
- Freeze slices: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Soft French bread is endlessly adaptable. Try it with:
- Instant Pot Lasagna—perfect for mopping up marinara
- Easy Turkey Wings—a cozy weekend dinner pairing
- Serve with Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a crowd-pleasing fusion twist
- Make it a snack board with Beer Cheese Dip
- Use slices as a base for Crockpot Nacho Dip instead of chips
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Room temp: Wrap in foil or keep in a bread box up to 3 days
- Freeze: Slice first, then freeze with parchment between slices
- Reheat: Warm slices in a toaster or wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven
📚 More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip
- This Instant Pot Lasagna
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- This Beer Cheese Dip
📝 Final Thoughts
Once you make this Soft Fluffy French Bread, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought loaves. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a fresh, golden loaf that feels like pure bakery bliss.
Tag us with your loaf pics or share your favorite toppings in the comments—and don’t forget to follow for more approachable, crave-worthy recipes straight from the heart of your kitchen.
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