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Description
Learn to bake delicious, crusty French baguettes from scratch with this simple, step-by-step recipe. Perfect for beginners, this guide uses basic ingredients to create authentic artisan bread at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add lukewarm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down dough and divide into 2 or 3 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a long, thin baguette.
- Place baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a floured couche.
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a baking stone or heavy baking sheet inside. Place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
- Score the top of each baguette with a sharp knife or lame.
- Carefully transfer baguettes to the hot baking stone/sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty.
- Let cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, spray the oven walls with water a few times during the first 10 minutes of baking.
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Kneading time can vary; focus on the dough’s texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baguette slice
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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