Homemade French Baguette Recipe

Introduction

Nothing compares to the taste of freshly baked French baguette: golden, crusty on the outside, and light and airy on the inside. With this recipe, you can bring the authentic flavor of French bread to your home with just a few ingredients and some patience.

Ingredients

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups (375ml) warm water (around 95°F or 35°C)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast
   In a small bowl, mix warm water with the active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.

2. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until it forms a sticky dough.

3. Kneading
   Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.

4. First Rise
   Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1½ to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Shape the Baguettes
   Gently punch down the dough to release air bubbles, then divide it into 2 or 3 equal portions, depending on the size of baguette you prefer. Shape each portion into a long baguette, about 12–15 inches in length, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.

6. Second Rise
   Cover the baguettes with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.

7. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place an empty baking dish on the bottom rack to create steam.

8. Score and Steam
   Make 3–4 diagonal cuts along the top of each baguette using a sharp knife. Pour a cup of hot water into the baking dish right before placing the baguettes in the oven.

9. Bake
   Bake the baguettes on the middle rack for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a crispy crust.

10. Cool and Enjoy
    Allow the baguettes to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips and Variations

• For added flavor, try adding a sprinkle of flour over the dough before baking for a rustic look.
• To make mini baguettes, divide the dough into smaller portions before shaping.

This baguette recipe is a simple way to bring the essence of French baking into your kitchen. Perfect for sandwiches, with cheese, or simply dipped in olive oil!