Soft French Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cwater
warmed to 100-110 degrees f, 454 grams
- 2 tbspsugar
- 2 ¼ tspactive dry yeast
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 5 ½ call purpose flour
- 1 tbspkosher salt
- 1egg mixed with a splash of water
Directions
- 1
Place warmed water, yeast, and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk well to combine and allow to bloom for a few minutes until you see a bit of foaming.
- 2
Add oil, 5 1/2 cups flour, and salt. Mix on lowest setting with a dough hook until a sticky dough begins to form. Increase speed to 2 and mix for 5-7 minutes. The dough should pull away from the sides and may stick a bit to the bottom. If your dough is very sticky, add the extra 1/2 cup of flour a tablespoon or two at a time. I find sometimes I use the full 6 cups (usually on a humid day) and other times I only need the 5 1/2 cups.
- 3
When dough has kneaded for 5-7 minutes, cover bowl and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- 4
After dough has doubled, dump onto lightly floured surface and divide into two equal pieces. I eyeball it but you can weigh it if you want. Working with one piece at a time, flatten dough into a roughly 9x5 inch oval/rectangle.
- 5
Beginning on the 9ish inch side, roll dough tightly, pressing down firmly to secure it to itself as you roll. As you do this the roll will elongate and you will end up with about a 15 inch roll. When you have rolled it completely, pinch the seam together tightly and tuck the ends under. Place seam side down on parchment lined baking tray. Repeat with second dough half.
- 6
Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes until puffed but not quite doubled. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Carefully brush loaves with egg wash and slash with a bakers lame or a bread knife.
- 7
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until browned and loaves sound hollow when tapped. I often cover loosely with foil after about 15 minutes to prevent too much browning.
- 8
Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool on cooling rack. Make sure to tear into one while it's still hot though - you won't regret it!
Soft French Bread Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting aroma and pillowy texture of fresh bakery-style bread right from your own kitchen? This Soft French Bread Recipe makes it incredibly easy to achieve that perfect fluffy loaf at home, a true must for complementing hearty meals.
What sets this French bread apart is its delightful softness and fluffy interior, making it the ideal companion for any meal. Designed for home bakers, it transforms simple ingredients into an impressive, tender loaf that truly feels like a treat.
Prepare for a wonderfully soft crumb and a delicate, satisfying chew that makes every bite enjoyable. This homemade French bread delivers a comforting experience, perfect for soaking up rich stews or complementing hearty soups. You'll find it yields two generous servings, providing plenty to share or enjoy.
The beauty of this Soft French Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing its pure flavor to shine. While designed for its classic appeal, you could certainly experiment with a light herb sprinkle (like dried oregano or rosemary) added to the dough for a subtle aromatic twist, or brush with garlic butter after baking for a quick conversion to a flavorful side.
This fluffy French bread is a quintessential accompaniment for warming soups and savory stews, perfect for family dinners or a comforting weekend meal. Serve it sliced generously, ready to tear and share.