Print

Soft Fluffy French Bread

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Soft Fluffy French Bread is a tender, cloud-like loaf with a soft interior and a lightly crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or enjoying with a pat of butter alongside soup.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2½–3 hours
  • Yield: 1 medium loaf (6–8 slices)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Bread flour (or all-purpose can be used)
  • Warm water
  • Instant yeast
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fine sea salt
  • Unsalted butter, softened
  • Egg (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, stirring gently and letting it stand until it’s foamy (about 5–10 minutes).
  2. Stir in flour, salt, and softened butter until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough—either by machine or by hand—until it’s smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes.
  4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it to proof until doubled in size (about 1–1½ hours).
  5. Gently deflate the dough, then shape it into a classic baguette or round boule, placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Cover and let it rise again until puffy (30–45 minutes).
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Brush the loaf with beaten egg and score the top with a sharp blade.
  9. Bake for about 25–30 minutes—until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  10. Cool the bread on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Serves 6–8 slices (1 medium loaf).
  • Prep time: ~20 minutes (including kneading), with 1–1½ hours for the first rise and 30–45 minutes for the second rise.
  • Bake time is 25–30 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
  • Store the cooled loaf in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 2 days, or freeze slices for longer storage.
  • For reheating, crisp slices in a toaster or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes, adding steam for the best results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/soft-fluffy-french-bread/