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Soft Fluffy French Bread

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This Soft Fluffy French Bread recipe yields a light, airy loaf with a golden crust that’s perfect for sandwiches, serving alongside soups and salads, or simply enjoying warm with butter.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 medium loaf (10–12 slices)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional, for a softer texture)
  • Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Warm the water (and milk, if using) to about 110°F (43°C). Stir in sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add olive oil or melted butter if desired.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes by hand (or 4 minutes by mixer) until it becomes smooth and elastic.
  5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it with plastic wrap or a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  6. Once risen, punch the dough down gently, then shape it into a long oval or baguette-style loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30 minutes until puffy. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  8. Just before baking, slash the top of the loaf with a sharp knife and brush with olive oil or butter for shine.
  9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust turns golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Let it cool on a rack for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • For an herbed loaf, add 1–2 teaspoons of chopped rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
  • For a cheesy twist, fold in ½ cup shredded cheddar or Parmesan before shaping the dough.
  • Brush melted garlic butter on the loaf after baking for a garlicky touch.
  • Replace up to 25% of the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
  • For a seeded top, brush with water and sprinkle poppy, sesame, or everything bagel seasoning before baking.

Nutrition

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