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Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe yields a tender, airy loaf with a perfectly golden crust. Easy to make from scratch, it uses basic pantry ingredients and simple techniques, ideal for homemade sandwiches, toasts, or as a side with soups and salads.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2.5–3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, mix warm water and sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a soft dough forms, adding extra flour if the dough feels too sticky.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten for structure.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  6. Shape & Second Rise: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Shape it into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and allow it to rise again for 30 minutes until puffy.
  7. Preheat Oven & Prepare Egg Wash: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the top of the loaf with the beaten egg to give the bread a glossy, attractive crust.
  8. Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes. The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  9. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its soft texture.

Notes

  • Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Adjust flour quantity slightly depending on humidity and flour brand for the right dough consistency.
  • The egg wash gives a shiny crust but can be omitted for a matte finish.
  • Letting the bread cool fully prevents it from becoming gummy when sliced.
  • Store leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/soft-fluffy-french-bread-recipe-2/