There’s a special kind of happiness that comes from pulling a golden, fresh-from-the-oven loaf of Soft and Fluffy French Bread out of your own kitchen. Whether it’s destined for sandwiches, garlic bread, or simply a warm slather of butter, this pillowy homemade bread boasts the tender crumb and light texture that every baker dreams of. Mastering this recipe is simpler than you might think, and the result is a loaf as impressive as anything from your favorite bakery, but with a flavor (and aroma!) uniquely your own.

Soft and Fluffy French Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how this short list of humble pantry staples transforms into something truly special. Each ingredient has a role to play, creating not only the signature soft center but also a beautiful golden crust for your Soft and Fluffy French Bread.

Warm water (1 1/4 cups, 110°F / 43°C): Ensures the yeast wakes up and gets to work, providing the airy lift and texture you want.
Active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons, or 1 packet): The engine of all the rise and fluffiness – check that it’s still in date for the best results!
Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): A touch of sweetness not only flavors the bread but also feeds the yeast so your loaf rises beautifully.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): This is the secret to the irresistibly tender crumb in Soft and Fluffy French Bread.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Brightens the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness – don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups, plus extra for dusting): Provides the structure and stretch necessary for a bread that holds its shape without being dense.
Melted butter (1 tablespoon, optional for brushing): Brushing the crust after baking keeps it soft and adds a touch of richness (highly recommended!).

How to Make Soft and Fluffy French Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, combine your warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, until you see a frothy foam form across the surface. This step is your green light—if the yeast looks bubbly, you’re on track for a loaf of Soft and Fluffy French Bread that will rise to perfection. If nothing much happens, your yeast may be expired or the water too hot or cold.

Step 2: Bring the Dough Together

Stir in the vegetable oil and salt until well mixed. Now, add the flour gradually, one cup at a time, using a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough comes together. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky at first—this is the starting point for all that fluffiness you’re after!

Step 3: Knead for Softness

Lightly dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough with the heels of your hands for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This step is absolutely key for Soft and Fluffy French Bread; it develops the gluten, which gives you that beautiful airy structure.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, rolling it around to lightly coat the surface with oil so it doesn’t dry out. Cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. There’s something so satisfying about seeing your dough grow!

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise

Gently punch down the risen dough to release any big air bubbles. Shape it into a long loaf (think classic French bread shape!) and place it on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover once again and let it rise for another 30 minutes to become even puffier.

Step 6: Score and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). With a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 shallow diagonal cuts across the top of the loaf—this isn’t just for looks; it helps control how your bread expands in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The loaf should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 7: Optional Butter Finish

If you want an extra inviting, soft crust, brush your hot loaf with melted butter right as it comes out of the oven. Allow your Soft and Fluffy French Bread to cool before slicing, so you get neat slices that are perfect every time.

How to Serve Soft and Fluffy French Bread

Garnishes

A warm slice is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your Soft and Fluffy French Bread with simple garnishes like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, fresh chopped herbs, or a brush of garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor. For a special touch, serve each slice with a pat of homemade compound butter—herb, honey, or roasted garlic options are always crowd-pleasers!

Side Dishes

This bread truly shines alongside comfort foods and elegant meals alike. Pair it with hearty soups, rich stews, or classic French onion soup for dipping. It’s perfect for sandwiches or as a base for crostini topped with your favorite savory spreads. Honestly, Soft and Fluffy French Bread is just as at home at a dinner party as it is at a cozy family meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a wow-worthy presentation, try slicing the loaf diagonally, fanning out the pieces on a rustic wooden board, and tucking in fresh herbs for color. Cut it into cubes for an elegant bread basket, or make mini sandwiches with gourmet fillings. You can even assemble a DIY bruschetta bar, letting everyone top their Soft and Fluffy French Bread with whatever they crave.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’re slicing ahead of time, keep the cut sides pressed together to prevent the bread from drying out, and store any leftovers in an airtight container for even better freshness.

Freezing

Soft and Fluffy French Bread freezes beautifully! Slice the loaf and wrap slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked magic, lightly mist leftover slices with water and pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes until warm. If you’re working from frozen, let the bread thaw first and then reheat in the oven to bring back its signature softness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this bread by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?

Absolutely! This Soft and Fluffy French Bread is perfect for hand mixing and kneading. Use a sturdy spoon for mixing the dough and then your hands for kneading—it’s a wonderfully therapeutic process and gives great results.

How do I know if my dough has risen enough?

Your dough is ready after the first rise when it has doubled in size and no longer springs back immediately when gently pressed with a finger. The second rise should give the loaf a pillowy, slightly jiggly look before baking.

What’s the purpose of scoring the bread before baking?

Scoring with a sharp knife allows the bread to expand in the oven without splitting unpredictably, and gives Soft and Fluffy French Bread its beautiful, classic look. It’s also a great canvas for showing off your artisanal baking skills!

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute bread flour if you like a chewier texture and slightly higher rise. Just note that bread flour has a higher protein content and may need a splash more water for the perfect soft and fluffy texture.

How do I get an extra crispy crust?

For a crustier exterior, place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking. The extra steam will help create that classic, crisp crust while still keeping the interior wonderfully soft.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Soft and Fluffy French Bread is a staple in so many kitchens—it’s incredibly adaptable, simple to make, and instantly elevates any meal. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home, too!

Soft and Fluffy French Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make soft and fluffy French bread at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or simply enjoying on its own.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

Optional for Finishing:

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

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Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Stir in vegetable oil and salt. Gradually add flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rise and Shape: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Punch down dough and shape into a long loaf. Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Final Rise and Bake: Cover the loaf and let it rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Make diagonal slashes on the loaf, then bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Optionally, brush with melted butter for a softer crust. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For a crustier loaf, add a pan of hot water to the oven while baking.
This bread is versatile and great for sandwiches, garlic bread, or dipping in soups.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-American