Description
Learn how to bake classic crusty French baguettes with this easy recipe that yields perfectly golden and crusty loaves.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by rolling it out gently.
- Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and dusted with cornmeal. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
- Using a sharp knife or a razor blade, make several diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette.
- Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a more flavorful baguette, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the dough during mixing.
- Experiment with different flours, such as bread flour, for a chewier texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baguette slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg