We really enjoy this soft French bread recipe, because it is just so good! It is very easy to make, you can't mess it up. I haven't been to France, so I don't know if this bread tastes authentic, but when you spread a warm, thick slice with butter, and taste it - you won't care!
Quick look at the recipe: Soft French Bread
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 2 hours
- ⏲️ Cook Time: 30 minutes
- ⌛ Total Time: 2 hr 30 min
- 🍽️ Servings: 30
- 🔥 Calories: 235kcal
- 🥖 Perfect for beginners or eating on a budget
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy
- 🍯 Serving Suggestions: Serve with comfort potato chowder or easy vegetable deer meat soup.
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Key Ingredients
Bread flour. This is an essential key to the softest bread ever! You may use all purpose flour or whole wheat flour, but bread flour will make the fluffiest bread.
Olive oil. I like to use olive oil for health benefits, but you can really just use whatever oil you have on hand.
How to make this soft, fluffy French bread recipe
- Step 1: Put warm water in the bowl of your KitchenAid stand mixer. Add yeast, sugar, and vinegar. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix on low speed until well incorporated.
- Step 3: Beat on a slightly faster speed till the dough starts to clean the sides of the bowl. If the dough seems too sticky, you may need to add more flour. Add 1/2 cup at a time, until the dough is cleaning the sides of the bowl. (if mixing by hand, the process is the same).
- Step 4: Pour a bit of oil into the bowl and flip the dough over to coat all sides.
- Step 5: Let dough rise till doubled in size. Punch dough down, and let rise a second time. (this second rising time can be omitted if short on time.)
- Step 6: Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a long loaf. Place on greased pan and brush with beaten egg.
- Step 7: Use a sharp knife to slice a few slits on top. Then let loaf rise till doubled in size.
- Step 8: Bake at 350* for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Chef's Tips for making and using the best French bread recipe
- You can roll out each loaf with a rolling pin, then roll into a long loaf, if that makes it easier. I just hold the dough in my hands and form them by pulling and patting the dough. It doesn't have to be perfect - I consider this a rustic bread.
- This soft, fluffy French bread recipe is great for French toast, homemade croutons, garlic French toast, or just eating plain!
- You could split the entire loaf in half, and use for an open-faced hot sandwich.
- Use a whole loaf for a family-sized sub sandwich!
- Cube and use for the best buttery Thanksgiving Stuffing recipe.
More homemade bread recipes
If you tried this soft French bread or any other recipe on my website; pull up a chair and tell me how it turned out in the comments below! Don't forget to leave a 🌟 star rating!
Soft French Bread Recipe
Super easy and flavorful French Bread recipe. Makes two big loaves of bread.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups warm water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons yeast
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoons salt
- 1/3 cup oil
- 6 1/2 - 7 cups flour
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Mix water, yeast, sugar, and vinegar. Let it set 2-3 minutes.
- Add flour, salt, and oil.
- Mix 3-5 minutes., or until well mixed and cleaning the sides of the mixing bowl.
- Let rise till doubled.
- Punch down and let rise again. (second rising is optional)
- Preheat oven to 350*.
- Dust two baking sheets with cornmeal.
- Divide dough into two loaves, form each half into a long loaf. Place each loaf onto a baking sheet.
- Beat egg, brush onto bread. Cut slits in top of loaves. Let raise till doubled.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, or til golden brown.
- Remove from baking sheets and let cool on a wire rack. Store in plastic bags.
Notes
This bread will stay soft for several days at room temperature, as long as it is in a sealed bag. You can freeze it for several weeks, if desired.
To mix by hand:
Use the largest mixing bowl you have. Stir with a spoon until the dough is too thick, then use your hands to knead it until the flour is all incorporated. You do not have to knead longer than that.
Remember: Soft dough equals soft bread! Do not add too much flour!
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 235kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 237mgPotassium: 65mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 8IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Thanks for sharing!! I've been looking for a french bread recipe!
It looks wonderful and probably tastes even better!
I am so glad you have this posted!!! Deals to meals site is now one you have to pay for and I used this recipe fluently!!
Yes, you do have to pay for it, but I have used it so much that I keep paying! 🙂
I am looking forward to trying this recipe in the am but don't have cornmeal to place under the bread before baking. is there another suggestion you have?
You can certainly make it without the cornmeal. Just spray the pan well with oil and it will be fine!
Easy, soft, and so delicious!
what kind of vinegar is it white or apple cider vinegar? Need a response as I would love to make this bread for a gathering at the end of this month
I used apple cider vinegar.
This turned out awesome. I did do the punch down twice . I will be making this for our District Steak Fry. thank you for sharing it's really easy and all ingredients are staples in the home.
Is this a high altitude recipe?
It was tested at 6,000 ft. Ive made it successfully at 7,000 ft elevation, as well.