* 2 ¼ cups warm water (110–115°F) * 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast * 2 tablespoons granulated sugar * 2 ¼ teaspoons salt * 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional) * 5 ½ to 6 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
# Instructions
1. **Mix the Dough**: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes until it gets foamy. Then add the salt, olive oil (if using), and 3 cups of flour. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky. 2. **Knead the Dough**: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic. 3. **Let It Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size. 4. **Shape the Loaves**: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each into a rectangle, then roll it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under. 5. **Score and Bake**: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the tops of the loaves. For a crusty finish, toss a few ice cubes into the oven before baking. Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. 6. **Cool and Enjoy**: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
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# Ingredients
* 2 ¼ cups warm water (110–115°F)
* 1 tablespoon instant or active dry yeast
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 2 ¼ teaspoons salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
* 5 ½ to 6 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
# Instructions
1. **Mix the Dough**: In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes until it gets foamy. Then add the salt, olive oil (if using), and 3 cups of flour. Stir until smooth. Gradually add the remaining flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough is slightly tacky but not sticky.
2. **Knead the Dough**: Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes by hand or with a stand mixer until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. **Let It Rise**: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. **Shape the Loaves**: Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each into a rectangle, then roll it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams and tuck the ends under.
5. **Score and Bake**: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the tops of the loaves. For a crusty finish, toss a few ice cubes into the oven before baking. Bake the loaves for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. **Cool and Enjoy**: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
Happy baking!
Blog post: [Soft Fluffy French Bread Recipe](https://gemrecipes.com/french-bread-recipe/)