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Maya

Classic Crusty French Baguettes: Bake Perfectly Today!

Learn how to bake classic crusty French baguettes with this easy recipe that yields perfectly golden and crusty loaves.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Baking
Cuisine: French
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a shallow pan filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
  8. Using a sharp knife or a razor blade, make several diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette.
  9. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1baguette sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 1gSodium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

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.

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