Description
Soft, Fluffy French Bread Recipe: Learn how to make homemade soft and fluffy French bread with a tender crumb and a subtle sweetness. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping into soups, or enjoying with your favorite spreads. This simple bread recipe is beginner-friendly, versatile, and free from preservatives.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Warm water
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- White granulated sugar
- Pink salt (or substitute with table salt)
- Active dry yeast
- Egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Combine warm water and sugar, add yeast, and let it sit until frothy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Form Dough: Make a well in the dry mixture, add the yeast mixture and oil, then mix until a dough forms.
- Knead: Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size.
- Shape: Punch down the dough, shape into a loaf, and place on a baking sheet. Let rise again.
- Egg Wash: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the loaf with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Cool: Transfer to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
- For variations, try incorporating whole wheat flour, herbs, or garlic.
- To achieve a crustier exterior, bake with a pan of water in the oven for added steam.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
