Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking French bread. There’s something incredibly comforting about a freshly baked loaf that fills the house with that irresistible aroma. The first time I made Soft Fluffy French Bread, it was for a family dinner. My cousin was visiting, and we decided to make homemade bread together. The result was beyond anything we could have imagined! The bread came out golden and soft, with a perfect, crispy crust. We couldn’t wait for it to cool down, so we cut it fresh and spread butter on each slice. We ended up making another loaf because the first one disappeared so fast!
What I love most about this French bread is how easy it is to make, yet it tastes so decadent. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples, but the texture is out of this world. Whether you’re serving it with butter, dipping it in olive oil, or using it for sandwiches, it’s always a hit. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is that you can shape the dough however you like—into a classic baguette, small rolls, or even a round boule. The options are endless, and it’s a perfect base for any meal.
But enough about my love for French bread; let’s get into the details of this recipe. Trust me, you’ll be baking this again and again!
What’s in Soft Fluffy French Bread?
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All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of this bread. You’ll need a good amount of flour for that fluffy, soft texture.
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Active Dry Yeast: The secret behind that beautiful rise. I always use active dry yeast because it works so well for a fluffy, airy texture.
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Warm Water: This is used to activate the yeast. It’s essential that it’s warm, not too hot, to help the yeast bloom properly.
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Sugar: Just a small amount to feed the yeast and help it rise.
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Salt: To enhance the flavor. A little salt goes a long way in making the bread delicious.
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Olive Oil or Butter: For richness and a soft crumb. I sometimes switch between olive oil and butter depending on the flavor I’m going for.
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Cornmeal: This is optional, but I like to sprinkle a bit on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and add a slight crunch to the bottom.
Is Soft Fluffy French Bread Good for You?
While it’s definitely indulgent, this French bread is a great option if you’re looking for something freshly made without preservatives or artificial ingredients. The homemade touch really makes all the difference.
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Flour: Provides carbohydrates, which are a source of energy.
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Yeast: Rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals, helping with digestion and gut health.
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Olive Oil: If you choose olive oil, it offers healthy fats and antioxidants, which are good for your heart.
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Salt: While it’s important to keep salt in moderation, it’s a key part of balancing the bread’s flavor.
Though delicious, keep in mind that portion control is key when enjoying this bread, especially if you’re watching your carb intake.
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread?
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Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This step ensures the yeast is active and ready to make your bread rise.
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Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the olive oil (or melted butter). Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
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Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. You can add a little flour if necessary, but try to avoid adding too much so the bread stays soft.
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First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Shape the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. Transfer it onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf or divide it into two smaller loaves. If you prefer baguettes, roll the dough into a long oval shape. For a round boule, shape it into a ball.
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Second Rise: Place your shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover with a towel and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes, or until it has puffed up.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You can also place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps form a crispy crust.
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Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. The crust should be golden brown and crisp.
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Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. The cooling step is crucial for the bread to set its texture and flavor.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
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For a crispy crust: Brush the loaf with a bit of water or olive oil before baking.
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Add herbs: You can sprinkle in some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to add a fragrant touch to the bread.
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Make it a garlic loaf: Mix in roasted garlic into the dough before the first rise for an extra savory kick.
This Soft Fluffy French Bread is perfect for everything, from sandwiches to a simple side dish. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. I’d love to know how your loaves turn out—don’t forget to share your creations!
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread?
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Activate the Yeast: Start by combining warm water and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water, stirring gently. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast becomes frothy and bubbly. This is the key to making sure your bread rises perfectly.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Once the yeast is activated, pour it into the well along with the olive oil (or melted butter). Stir the mixture until the dough comes together and is somewhat sticky.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but try to keep it minimal to maintain the soft texture of the bread.
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First Rise: Transfer the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and set it aside in a warm place to rise. It should double in size after about 1 to 1.5 hours. The dough will look puffy and airy—perfect for the next steps.
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Shape the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and shape it according to your preference. You can roll it into a baguette shape or form it into a round boule, depending on what you’re craving. The beauty of this bread is in its versatility.
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Second Rise: Place your shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly dusted with cornmeal. Cover it with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes. This rise will make the bread even fluffier and lighter.
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Preheat the Oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For an even crispier crust, place a small pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam during baking. This will help form that golden, crackly exterior we all love.
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Bake the Bread: Once the dough has risen, place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a deep golden color and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If you’re making smaller rolls, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
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Cool and Slice: After baking, remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, as this helps to set the structure and flavor. While it’s tempting to cut right away, this step ensures the soft, fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
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For extra flavor: Try adding some herbs or garlic to the dough for an aromatic twist. Fresh rosemary or thyme will infuse the bread with delightful flavors.
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For a shiny crust: Brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash (a beaten egg with water) before baking. This will give the bread a beautiful, glossy finish.
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Make it whole wheat: For a heartier version, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
I hope you give this Soft Fluffy French Bread a try. It’s a perfect addition to any meal, and once you make it, you’ll want to bake it all the time. Let me know how your loaves turn out—I’m sure they’ll be delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. The main difference is that instant yeast doesn’t need to be activated in water before using. You can simply mix it directly into the dry ingredients and proceed with the recipe as usual. If you use instant yeast, you may notice the dough rises a bit faster.
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Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
Absolutely! You can make this Soft Fluffy French Bread in a bread machine. Simply add the ingredients in the order recommended by your bread machine’s instructions (usually wet ingredients first, followed by dry ingredients). Select the dough cycle to knead and rise the dough. Once the dough is ready, remove it from the machine, shape it, and bake it in the oven as described.
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How can I store this French bread?
To store your French bread, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
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Why did my bread turn out too dense?
There are a few reasons your bread might be dense. First, ensure your yeast is fresh and properly activated—if the yeast doesn’t froth, it’s no longer active and won’t help the dough rise. Also, be careful not to add too much flour while kneading, as this can make the dough too stiff. Lastly, make sure the dough rises long enough to fully double in size. If the dough hasn’t risen properly, the bread will end up dense.
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Soft Fluffy French Bread
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Description
This Soft Fluffy French Bread is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it with soup, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying it with butter, this bread is a guaranteed hit. With its light, airy texture and golden crust, it’s the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so why not try it today?
Ingredients
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3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
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1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F or 43°C)
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
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Cornmeal for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
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In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
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Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf or baguette. Place it on a baking sheet dusted with cornmeal (if using).
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Cover with a towel and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
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Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
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For a glossy finish, brush the dough with an egg wash before baking.
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To make this bread whole wheat, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
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You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes