Description
Classic Crusty French Baguettes are a staple of French baking, known for their crisp, golden crust and soft, airy interior. This recipe guides you through creating traditional baguettes at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, producing authentic artisan bread perfect for sandwiches or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1¼ cups (295ml) warm water (110°F)
Additional
- Additional flour for dusting
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the warm water and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing the gluten structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours or until it doubles in size.
- Shape Baguettes: Punch down the dough to release gases, then divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each into a baguette by flattening each piece into a rectangle, rolling tightly from the long edge, and pinching the seams to seal.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet or baguette pan. Cover them and let rise again for 30–40 minutes to gain volume.
- Prepare Oven and Scoring: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Using a sharp knife or lame, make 3–4 diagonal slashes on the surface of each loaf to allow steam to escape and enhance crust texture.
- Bake with Steam: Place a shallow pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam. Bake the baguettes on the middle rack for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown and crusty.
- Cool: Remove the baguettes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Notes
- For a more flavorful crust, mist the baguettes with water just before baking and again after 5 minutes in the oven.
- These baguettes are best enjoyed the same day but can be frozen and reheated for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
