Light and Airy Pillowy Soft French Bread Recipe for Beginners

Baking bread at home fills the kitchen with warm, irresistible aromas that instantly comfort the soul.

This classic French bread recipe creates a pillowy soft texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Simple ingredients come together to produce a stunning loaf that rivals artisan bakery offerings.

Kneading the dough releases subtle gluten strands that develop complex flavors and a beautiful rise.

Salt, flour, yeast, and water transform into a magical culinary experience that connects you to centuries of baking tradition.

Let this French bread become your new weekend baking adventure.

Ingredients for Soft Fluffy French Bread

• Active Dry Yeast: Essential for bread rising, choose fresh with no clumping or off-smell.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and helps activate its fermentation process.
• Warm Water: Activates yeast without killing it, aim for lukewarm temperature around 110°F.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture, look for unbleached variety for best results.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and controls yeast growth, use fine-grain table salt.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and subtle richness, extra virgin preferred for deeper flavor.

• Large Egg: Creates golden, glossy crust when brushed on bread surface.
• Water: Helps create smooth egg wash for even browning.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy bread removal from baking sheet.

Tools to Make Soft Fluffy French Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements for accurate recipe.
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: Covers dough during rising process.
• Baking sheet: Holds bread loaves during second rise and baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents bread from sticking to baking sheet.
• Sharp knife: Creates decorative slashes on bread surface.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
• Egg wash brush: Optional tool for glossy golden crust finish.
• Flour sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Helps evenly dust flour on surfaces.

How to Bake Soft Fluffy French Bread

• Awaken the Yeast

Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture bubble and develop for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

• Create the Dough Base

Incorporate salt and olive oil into the yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour until a soft, slightly sticky dough emerges. The texture should feel smooth and pliable.

• Massage the Dough

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead energetically for 5-7 minutes, pushing and folding until the dough becomes silky and stretchy. Add tiny amounts of flour if needed to prevent sticking.

• First Transformation

Place dough in a greased bowl, coating all sides. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rest in a cozy spot for about an hour. Watch it magically double in size.

• Shape Your Masterpiece

Deflate the risen dough gently. Divide into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangle, then tightly roll from the long edge. Seal the seams and ends securely.

• Final Rise

Position loaves seam-side down on a baking sheet. Cover and let them puff up for 30 minutes until they look wonderfully plump.

• Prepare for Baking

Heat the oven to 375F. Brush loaves with an egg wash for a beautiful golden shine.

• Bake to Perfection

Slash three diagonal lines across each loaf. Slide into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

• Cool and Enjoy

Transfer bread to a cooling rack. Let it rest completely before slicing to preserve its incredible texture.

Soft Fluffy French Bread – Tips & Variations

• Rising Perfectly: Use warm (not hot) water around 110°F to activate yeast without killing it; this ensures optimal bread rising and texture.
• Flour Power: Choose bread flour for higher protein content, which creates chewier, more structured French bread with better gluten development and rise.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor development; remove from refrigerator 2 hours before baking to reach room temperature.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free bread flour blend and add xanthan gum for similar texture; use extra eggs to improve binding and structure.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Knead dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into dough for aromatic, flavor-packed French bread that elevates sandwiches and meals.

Serving Ideas for Soft Fluffy French Bread

• Rustic Sandwich Spectacular: Create hearty sandwiches using thick slices of French bread filled with roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and creamy spreads for a delightful lunch experience.
• Elegant Appetizer Platter: Slice bread into thin rounds, toast lightly, and serve with various dips like herbed olive oil, hummus, or creamy cheese spreads perfect for entertaining guests.
• Breakfast Toast Delight: Transform bread into golden, crispy toast topped with scrambled eggs, avocado, cream cheese, or sweet jam for a satisfying morning meal that feels indulgent and comforting.
• Soup's Best Companion: Cut bread into rustic chunks or long croutons to accompany creamy soups, stews, or chowders, providing a delicious way to soak up rich, flavorful broths.

How to Store Soft Fluffy French Bread

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let bread rest on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, allowing air circulation to prevent moisture buildup and maintain crispy crust texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Store cooled bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag, which keeps bread fresh for 3-4 days at refrigerator temperatures between 36-40°F.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual loaves or slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, ensuring zero air exposure. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Room Temperature Storage: Keep bread in a cool, dry pantry or bread box with slight air circulation. Consume within 2 days for maximum freshness, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 2

Pillowy Soft French Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable soft fluffy French bread celebrates rustic bakery traditions from France. Crisp exterior and tender crumb invite home bakers to craft authentic European bread with simple ingredients and passionate technique.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 2 tbsps active dry yeast
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Yeast Activation: Blend warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Watch the mixture become frothy within 5 minutes, indicating live yeast.
2. Dough Formation: Incorporate salt and olive oil into the activated yeast mixture. Gradually fold in flour, creating a smooth, slightly tacky dough that pulls away from bowl edges.
3. Kneading Process: Transfer dough to a floured surface. Knead vigorously for 6-8 minutes, developing elasticity and smoothness. Add minimal flour if dough remains excessively sticky.
4. First Fermentation: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat entirely. Cover with plastic wrap or damp cloth. Allow to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 60-90 minutes until doubled in volume.
5. Shaping Loaves: Punch down risen dough and divide into two equal portions. Roll each piece into a rectangular shape, then tightly roll from the long edge, creating compact cylindrical loaves. Pinch seams and ends to seal.
6. Second Proofing: Position loaves seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 30-45 minutes until visibly puffy.
7. Preparation for Baking: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Optional egg wash can be applied for enhanced golden sheen. Make three diagonal slashes across each loaf’s surface using a sharp knife.
8. Baking Stage: Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until loaves achieve a rich golden-brown color and produce a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cooling and Serving: Remove bread from oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow complete cooling before slicing to maintain internal structure and optimal texture.

Notes

• Activate Yeast Precisely: Ensure water temperature is between 100-110°F (37-43°C) for optimal yeast activation without killing the microorganisms.
• Knead with Confidence: Develop gluten structure by kneading thoroughly, creating a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when gently pressed.
• Control Humidity During Rising: Place dough in a warm, draft-free area with slight moisture to prevent surface drying and promote even rising.
• Glaze for Gorgeous Finish: Egg wash creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds a professional bakery-like sheen to the bread’s exterior.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg