Irresistible Baguette Recipe: Perfectly Crispy & Soft

The aroma of freshly baked baguette wafts through the air, tantalizing your senses with its golden crust and soft, pillowy interior. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by a warm embrace, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Baguettes are more than just bread; they evoke memories of lazy Sunday brunches and picnics in the park. There’s something magical about tearing into a warm baguette, spreading butter or dipping it in olive oil, that makes any meal feel special.

This baguette has won over my family every time I’ve made it; their faces light up as they take their first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture and flavor in your baguette.

• Active Dry Yeast: Ensure your yeast is fresh to achieve that perfect rise.

• Warm Water: Water should be around 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast effectively.

• Salt: Use sea salt for a burst of flavor that enhances the bread’s overall taste.

• Sugar: A little sugar feeds the yeast and adds a slight sweetness to balance the flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preparation: Begin by mixing warm water with sugar and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit until frothy—this usually takes about five minutes. You’re looking for those bubbles indicating the yeast is alive and kicking.

Dough Formation: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. It should be a bit sticky but not overly wet.

Kneading: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You want to work out some stress here—it’s therapeutic!

First Rise: Place your kneaded dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour or until doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!

Shaping: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release excess air. Divide it into two pieces and shape each piece into long baguettes by rolling them out gently with your hands.

Second Rise: Place shaped baguettes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes while you daydream about how amazing they will taste.

Preheating: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place an empty pan on the bottom rack—this will create steam during baking for a perfect crust.

Baking: After preheating, carefully pour hot water into the empty pan before placing your baguettes on the middle rack. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown—watch them puff up like little clouds!

Cooling: Remove from the oven and let cool on wire racks before slicing. The smell alone will have you salivating!

Enjoying: Slice into those beautiful baguettes and indulge! Whether you choose butter or olive oil as your spread, each bite will be heavenly.

Now you’re ready to impress family and friends with this homemade baguette recipe! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve that perfect baguette, mix your dough first, let it rest for 30 minutes, then shape and proof for about 1-2 hours before baking at 450°F for 20-25 minutes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment by adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a flavor twist. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for an extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store your baguette wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature. For reheating, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its crispiness.

I remember the first time I made baguettes; they were rock hard! My family joked they could double as doorstops, but with practice, my skills improved dramatically.

FAQ

How long does it take to make a baguette?

The total time from mixing to baking is about 4-6 hours, including resting and proofing times.

Can I freeze my homemade baguette?

Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to three months.

What type of flour is best for making baguettes?

Using bread flour with high protein content gives the best texture and structure for your baguette.

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Homemade Baguette

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Experience the joy of baking with this easy homemade baguette recipe. With a crispy golden crust and a soft, airy interior, each bite is a delightful treat perfect for any meal. Whether enjoyed fresh with butter or transformed into gourmet sandwiches, this baguette will impress your family and friends. Follow our simple instructions to create this classic French bread that brings warmth and flavor to your kitchen.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, sugar, and yeast; let it sit until frothy (about 5 minutes).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Punch down dough, shape into two baguettes, and let rise for another 30 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Preheat oven to 475°F; add an empty pan on the bottom rack for steam.
7. Bake baguettes for approximately 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Cool on wire racks before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg