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Baguette (The Easiest Recipe) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 2 baguettes (20 slices, serves 10)
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This straightforward baguette recipe offers an easy way for beginners to bake classic French bread at home. Featuring a golden, crispy crust and soft, airy interior, these baguettes are perfect for enjoying fresh with butter or making delicious sandwiches. The step-by-step guide ensures bakery-quality loaves with minimal fuss, filling your kitchen with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the yeast: In a bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture while stirring until a shaggy dough forms that starts to come together.
  3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which develops the gluten structure for good texture.
  4. Let it rise: Lightly oil a large bowl and place the kneaded dough inside. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Shape the baguettes: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into two equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long log shape approximately 12-14 inches in length, resembling classic baguettes.
  6. Final rise & bake: Place the shaped baguettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them loosely. Let them rise for another 30 minutes while preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Just before baking, make several diagonal slashes on top of each loaf to allow steam to escape during baking. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color with a crispy crust.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is warm (around 110°F / 43°C) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • Use a sharp knife or bread lame to make clean slashes on the dough before baking to help control expansion.
  • For an even crispier crust, place a pan of water in the oven to create steam during the first 10 minutes of baking.
  • This recipe yields 2 baguettes, about 20 slices total, perfect for serving 10 people.
  • Store leftover bread in a paper bag at room temperature to keep crust crisp, or freeze for longer storage.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/baguette-the-easiest-recipe-recipe/