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!
How to make this soft French bread recipe
Put warm water in the bowl of your KitchenAid stand mixer. (you can mix by hand, too. It will take a few minutes longer.)
Add yeast, sugar, and vinegar. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix on low speed until well incorporated, then 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)
Knead for 2-3 minutes. No need to spend a lot of time kneading.
Pour a few tablespoons oil into the mixing bowl and let it swirl around to coat the dough. Let the dough rest and rise till doubled.
Punch dough down, and let rise a second time. (this second rising time can be omitted if desired.)
Preheat oven to 350*.
Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a long loaf.
Sprinkle cornmeal onto two baking sheets. Place the loaves onto the baking sheets. Beat the egg well, and brush it on the loaves.
Use a sharp knife to cut slash marks on top of the loaves. Let rise till nearly doubled.
Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack. Store at room temperature in a tightly closed bag, for several days.
Tips for making and using French bread
- 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 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.
Soft French Bread Recipe
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
Nutrition
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.