Description
A classic homemade baguette recipe that brings the warmth and aroma of fresh bread to your kitchen. Easy to follow and rewarding for all bakers!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 100°F)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for a few minutes. Pour the yeast mixture into the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a shaggy dough.
- Kneading: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 60-120 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Baguettes: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release gases. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by rolling it gently.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped baguettes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a shallow pan on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Score the Dough: Use a sharp knife to make a few diagonal slashes on top of the baguettes just before placing them in the oven.
- Baking: Place the baking tray in the oven and pour a cup of hot water into the shallow pan below. Bake the baguettes for about 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and crusty.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with cheeses, sandwiches, or toast slices with butter and jam. Store at room temperature or freeze for later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg