If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into the perfect homemade bread that’s soft, airy, and just a little bit buttery, this Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. It’s the kind of bread that makes you want to tear off big chunks and savor every bite, with a crust that’s golden and just crisp enough to give way to a beautifully tender crumb inside. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe brings French bakery quality right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that deliver spectacular results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple and classic with these essential ingredients that work in harmony to create texture, flavor, and that irresistible golden crust. Each one plays a crucial role in making your Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe a delight from start to finish.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups, plus more as needed): The foundation for your bread, providing structure and chewiness.
- Sugar (1 tablespoon): Feeds the yeast and adds a subtle touch of sweetness.
- Active dry yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons or 1 packet): The magic ingredient that makes your dough rise and become fluffy.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances flavor and strengthens gluten for a perfect loaf.
- Warm water (1 ½ cups at 110°F): Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour for tender crumb.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a subtle richness to the dough.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Brushed on warm bread for a soft, glossy, buttery crust.
How to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate Your Yeast
Start by stirring together warm water, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl or your stand mixer. Let it sit patiently for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s foamy and alive—this is proof your yeast is ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once your yeast is bubbly, add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix everything until it starts coming together, then slowly add in the remaining flour. Your goal is a soft, slightly tacky dough that will hold together beautifully but won’t stick too much to your hands or the mixer bowl.
Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic
Kneading is where the dough transforms. Either by hand or with a dough hook, knead for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is smooth, elastic, and springs back when pressed gently—this develops the gluten for that signature fluffy texture.
Step 4: The First Rise
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel or plastic wrap, and set it somewhere warm. This rise takes about an hour, during which your dough will double in size—getting soft, airy, and ready for shaping.
Step 5: Shape Your Loaf
After punching down the dough, turn it out onto a floured surface. Flatten it gently into a rectangle, then roll it tightly from the long edge. Pinch the seam and ends closed so your loaf keeps its shape, and set it on a parchment-lined baking sheet for its second rise, about 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Just before baking, use a sharp knife or razor to make 2 to 3 diagonal shallow slashes on top of your loaf. These slashes allow the bread to expand gracefully as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your bread for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when you tap the bottom. If you want that extra touch of softness and shine, brush the warm loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
How to Serve Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this bread is it shines on its own, but something as simple as a dab of herb butter, a sprinkle of garlic salt, or a smear of honey butter can elevate every slice into a little celebration of flavor. Fresh herbs or a dash of flaky sea salt can add a lovely finishing touch if you want to dress it up at the table.
Side Dishes
Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe pairs wonderfully with just about anything: warm soups like tomato bisque or French onion, rustic stews, or a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. Its light, airy texture is perfect for soaking up rich broths or holding up to hearty toppings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your loaf into the star of brunch by slicing into thick pieces for decadent French toast or layering with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for an irresistible open-faced sandwich. You can even transform it into garlic bread by brushing with olive oil, minced garlic, and herbs before popping it under the broiler.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your bread in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag to maintain its crust without getting soggy. Keep it on the counter for up to two days to enjoy that fresh-baked texture and flavor without losing softness.
Freezing
If you want to save your Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe for longer, wrap the fully cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever you crave a fresh slice.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, sprinkle it lightly with water and warm it in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This restores its crust crispness and revives that tender crumb inside, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Bread flour has more protein and can give an even chewier, airier loaf, but all-purpose flour works wonderfully for this Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe and keeps it incredibly soft.
What if my dough is too sticky to handle?
Adding a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, while kneading can help manage stickiness. Be careful not to add too much, or the bread might turn out dense rather than fluffy.
Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
Definitely! Hand kneading is a fantastic way to connect with your dough, and it works just as well as a mixer for this recipe. Just be prepared to put a little elbow grease into those 8 to 10 minutes of kneading.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Stored correctly at room temperature, your Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe stays fresh and delicious for up to two days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to keep its texture and flavor intact.
What’s the secret to a soft crust?
Brushing the bread with melted butter immediately after baking is a simple trick to soften the crust and add a beautiful gloss. You can also cover the bread loosely while it cools to retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking your own Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe—it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with pride. This bread is impressive yet uncomplicated, perfect for everyday meals or special occasions. Once you taste that delicate crumb and buttery crust, you’ll never want to buy bread from the store again. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy homemade bread that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
Print
Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 large loaf
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe creates a tender, airy loaf with a golden crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying fresh from the oven. Made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil, this homemade bread offers easy preparation and a classic French flavor, ideal for bakers of all levels.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 teaspoons salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing, optional)
Instructions
- Activate 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 and ready.
- Mix dough: Add olive oil, salt, and 3 cups of the flour to the yeast mixture. Mix until just combined, then gradually add the remaining flour until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
- Knead dough: Knead the dough by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, which develops gluten to give the bread structure.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape loaf: Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten it into a rectangle and roll it tightly from the long end to form a loaf. Pinch the seam and ends to seal the shape.
- Second rise: Place the shaped loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise for another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat oven and score: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 2–3 shallow diagonal slashes across the top of the loaf to allow steam to escape and help the bread expand while baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom, indicating it is fully baked.
- Optional butter brush: Remove the bread from the oven and brush the top with melted butter for a soft, glossy crust. Let the bread cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra fluffy texture, allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
- To make baguette shapes, divide the dough into two and shape each into a thinner loaf before the second rise.
- This bread is versatile and works wonderfully for sandwiches and toast due to its soft crumb and crisp crust.
