Thereās something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This perfect fluffy French bread recipe brings the joy of baking right to your home, delivering a loaf with a soft, airy texture and a golden, slightly crispy crust. Whether youāre serving it with a hearty soup, turning it into sandwiches, or enjoying it warm with butter, this bread is incredibly versatile and always satisfying.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The dough rises beautifully, creating a loaf with a classic French bread shape and texture. Plus, itās budget-friendly and free of preservatives, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought bread.
Why You Will Love Making This RecipeĀ
- Soft and Fluffy Texture: The breadās pillowy interior makes it perfect for a variety of uses, from garlic bread to breakfast toast.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need flour, yeast, water, sugar, salt, and oilāpantry staples that come together to create bakery-quality bread.
- Versatility: Whether for everyday meals or special occasions, this French bread is a great addition to your table.
- Beginner-Friendly: The recipe includes detailed instructions, ensuring success even for those new to bread baking.
- Healthier Alternative: Homemade bread is free of artificial additives, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome loaf.
This bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, giving you a loaf thatās as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 Ā½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Ā¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Ā½ cups warm water (110Ā°F)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Equipment Used
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
Directions & InstructionsĀ
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375Ā°F.
- Bake: Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutritional InformationĀ
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1.5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Rising Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Garlic Herb Bread: Add minced garlic and dried herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough.
- Cheese-Stuffed Loaf: Roll grated cheese into the dough before shaping into logs.
- Whole Wheat Bread: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser loaf.
Frequently Asked QuestionsĀ
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! Freeze the dough after the first rise. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and continue with shaping and baking.
Q: How do I get a crispier crust?
A: Place a pan of water in the oven during baking to create steam, which enhances crust crispiness.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but note that the texture may vary.
Pro Tips By Elisa
- Use warm water (110Ā°F) to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough until itās smooth and elastic for the best texture.
- Slash the loaves just before baking to allow for proper expansion.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy soups or stews for a comforting meal.
- Use it for sandwiches, bruschetta, or as a side for pasta dishes.
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Perfect Fluffy French Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Clean kitchen towel
IngredientsĀ Ā
- 4 Ā½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 Ā¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Ā½ cups warm water 110Ā°F
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
InstructionsĀ
- Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough: Add salt and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Gradually incorporate the flour, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes with a stand mixer until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaves: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12-inch log and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaves with a towel and let them rise for 30-40 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375Ā°F.
- Bake: Using a sharp knife, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Knead the dough until itās smooth and elastic for the best texture.