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Easy Homemade French Bread: Soft, Fluffy, and Crusty

Close-up of a freshly baked french bread loaf, showing the airy, open crumb structure and golden crust.
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You will find this soft fluffy French bread recipe is exactly what you need for dinner tonight. Forget store-bought loaves when you can make amazing, truly soft fluffy French bread yourself with simple ingredients you already have. This recipe makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 1/4 cups Warm Water (about 105-115°F)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for the bowl)
  • 1 Egg White (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  3. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You are aiming for a soft, tender crumb texture.
  5. Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is your first rise.
  7. Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a long, even loaf or two smaller loaves, like a simple baguette recipe.
  8. Place the shaped loaf(ves) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely and let rise for a second time for 30 minutes.
  9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam for a crusty exterior.
  10. Brush the top of the loaf(ves) lightly with the beaten egg white. Score the top of the bread with a sharp knife 3 to 4 times.
  11. Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of hot water into the shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  12. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  13. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this bakery style bread warm with butter.

Notes

  • For a truly crusty exterior bread, use a baking stone if you have one, preheated in the oven.
  • If your kitchen is cold, place the dough in the oven with just the light on to create a warm spot for rising.
  • This recipe is a great beginner bread baking project; do not worry if the first loaf is not perfect.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/easy-homemade-soft-crusty-french-bread/