Description
This Soft & Fluffy French Bread recipe yields a tender, airy loaf with a golden crust. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter.
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 5 to 6 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add oil, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled in size (about 30–40 minutes).
- Punch down dough and divide into two equal parts. Shape each into a loaf and place on a greased baking sheet or in loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally, slash tops of loaves with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
- Brush loaves with melted butter immediately after baking for a soft crust.
Notes
- Use instant yeast for quicker rise time.
- Brush with butter after baking for added softness and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for later use.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
