Print

Easy 90-Minute Homemade Soft French Bread

A freshly baked, golden-brown french bread loaf with crisp scoring resting on a wire cooling rack.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make bakery-style French bread at home quickly. This simple recipe yields soft, fluffy loaves perfect for serving with dinner or making sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°F to 115°F)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing
  • 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes, adding the remaining flour gradually until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky. It should be soft and slightly elastic.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaves: Gently punch down the dough. Divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long, even loaf, about 12 to 14 inches long.
  6. Second rise: Place the shaped loaves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them. Cover loosely and let them rise for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat and prepare for steam: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack while the oven preheats. This pan will hold water for steam.
  8. Bake: Brush the tops of the loaves lightly with the beaten egg white. Using a sharp knife, make three diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the preheated shallow pan to create steam, then quickly close the oven door.
  9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  10. Cool: Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crusty French bread texture, use a spray bottle to spritz the loaves and the oven walls with water three times during the first 5 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a softer crust, skip the egg white wash and the steam pan.
  • This recipe makes two loaves, perfect for dinner bread or sandwiches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/easy-french-bread-soft-fluffy-recipe/