Name: The Softest, Fluffiest French Bread You’ll Ever Make
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F); 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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If you’ve ever wanted to bake homemade French bread that’s soft, airy, and perfectly golden, this is the recipe for you! It’s got a light, fluffy inside with just the right amount of chew, making it perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or just slathering with butter while it’s still warm from the oven. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft and fluffy – No hard crust, just pillowy perfection.
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no special equipment needed.
Versatile – Use it for sandwiches, toast, or alongside your favorite meals.
Smells amazing – Nothing beats the aroma of fresh-baked bread!

Ingredients

(Full ingredient list below!)

Flour
Warm water
Yeast
Sugar
Salt
Butter

Directions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this means your yeast is alive and working!

Step 2: Make the Dough

Mix in flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

Step 4: Shape the Loaves

Punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves. Roll each into a log and place on a baking sheet. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For extra softness, brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use warm (not hot) water – Too hot can kill the yeast, and too cold won’t activate it properly.
Let the dough rise fully – Rushing the process will give you denser bread.
For extra softness, brush the loaves with butter before and after baking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add herbs – Mix in rosemary, thyme, or garlic for extra flavor.
Make it whole wheat – Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
Turn it into rolls – Instead of loaves, shape the dough into dinner rolls!

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

With butter and jam – The simplest way to enjoy it fresh from the oven.
As garlic bread – Slice, spread with garlic butter, and toast.
For sandwiches – Perfect for making subs, grilled cheese, or paninis.
With soup – Dip into tomato soup, French onion soup, or chowder.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store at room temperature in an airtight bag for up to 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months – just wrap tightly and thaw when ready to use.
Reheat in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to refresh.

FAQs

Can I make this without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! Just knead by hand for a few extra minutes.
Why didn’t my bread rise?
Your yeast may be expired, or your water was too hot or too cold.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Let the shaped dough rise overnight in the fridge, then bake fresh the next day.
How do I get a shinier crust?
Brush with an egg wash before baking for a golden, glossy finish.

Conclusion

This soft, fluffy French bread is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making sandwiches, serving it with soup, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, this homemade version beats store-bought every time. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

The Softest, Fluffiest French Bread You’ll Ever Make

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This homemade French bread is incredibly soft, airy, and has a beautifully golden crust. With simple ingredients and an easy process, you can bake fresh bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, dipping in soups, or enjoying with butter. Say goodbye to store-bought loaves—once you try this, you won’t go back!

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (about 10–12 slices per loaf) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Make the Dough: Stir in flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two loaves. Roll each into a log and place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaves for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Final Touch: For extra softness, brush the tops with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.