This French Baguette recipe creates the classic, crusty bread that’s soft and airy on the inside with a golden, crunchy crust on the outside. Making baguettes at home may seem intimidating, but with a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can achieve bakery-quality results right from your kitchen!
📋 Ingredients:
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 🧂
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 🌾
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C) 💧
- 1 teaspoon sugar 🍬
📝 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, mix the warm water with the sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough begins to form.
- Knead the dough:
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes.
- First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
2. Shape the Baguettes:
- Divide and shape:
- Punch down the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal parts (depending on how large you want your baguettes). Roll each piece into a rectangle, then fold the long edges toward the center. Roll the dough into a log, pinching the seams to seal.
- Final shaping:
- Gently roll each log into a long baguette shape. Place the shaped dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baguette pan.
3. Second Rise:
- Proof the dough:
- Cover the shaped baguettes with a damp cloth and let them rise for 30-45 minutes, or until they have puffed up.
4. Bake the Baguettes:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place an empty baking pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Score the baguettes:
- Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette.
- Bake with steam:
- Place the baguettes in the oven and quickly pour a cup of hot water into the empty pan on the bottom rack. Close the oven door immediately to trap the steam. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and have a crispy crust.
- Cool:
- Transfer the baguettes to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
🍽️ Tips:
- Steam: Creating steam in the oven is crucial for achieving a crispy crust on the baguettes. If you don’t have a pan for steam, mist the inside of the oven with water using a spray bottle.
- Storage: Store baguettes in a paper bag for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
⏱️ Preparation Time: 20 minutes
⏱️ Rise Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
⏱️ Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
⏱️ Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2-3 baguettes
🔥 Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per slice (depending on size)
Enjoy the authentic taste and texture of French Baguettes right at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for pairing with soups, cheeses, or simply enjoyed with butter! 🥖🌿