Name: Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Description

This Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe yields a tender, airy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with simple ingredients and a straightforward baking process, this classic French bread brings homemade artisan quality to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
1 tablespoon sugar
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 teaspoons salt
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture is foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
Mix the Dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a dough hook attachment until the dough is smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the Loaf: Punch down the dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and roll tightly from the long end. Pinch the seam and ends closed.
Second Rise: Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30–40 minutes until slightly puffed.
Preheat Oven: While the dough is rising for the second time, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Score the Loaf: Make 2–3 shallow diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf using a sharp knife or razor blade to help it expand evenly while baking.
Bake: Bake the bread for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Finish: Optional – brush the warm loaf with melted butter for a soft, glossy crust. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra fluffy texture, allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
To make baguette shapes, divide the dough and form two thinner loaves instead of one large loaf.
This bread works well for sandwiches and toast.