Baguette Bread Recipe

Description
Baguette Bread Recipe

Introduction

This classic French Baguette Bread Recipe, with its crisp, golden crust and airy, tender interior, is beloved around the world for its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it with a rich spread of butter, dip it into a bowl of hearty soup, or use it to create the perfect sandwich, a homemade baguette is a delightful experience from start to finish. This recipe will guide you through the steps of crafting an authentic baguette right in your own kitchen – no need for fancy equipment, just a few quality ingredients, a little patience, and a love for good bread!

Source: Brian Lagerstrom Youtube Channel

Baguette Bread Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 4

Description

Our Baguette Bread Recipe is all about mastering the art of French baking with ease. This recipe captures the essential elements of an authentic baguette: a crisp, golden crust, a light and airy crumb, and a rich, subtly yeasty flavor. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, this recipe keeps things simple with just flour, water, salt, and yeast. By following a few easy techniques – like proper dough handling and baking with steam – you’ll create bakery-quality baguettes right at home. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or paired with your favorite toppings, this homemade baguette is sure to become a staple!

Ingredients

Steps For Making Baguette Bread Recipe

    • Mix the Dough
      In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and yeast. Pour in the warm water and stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

    • Knead and Fold
      After 30 minutes, gently stretch and fold the dough over itself a few times in the bowl. Cover and let it rest again for another 30 minutes. Repeat this stretch-and-fold process three more times, resting for 30 minutes each time. This helps develop gluten and improves texture.

    • First Rise
      Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a cloth and let it rise at room temperature for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size. For a stronger flavor, you can let it rise in the refrigerator for 8-12 hours instead.

    • Shape the Baguettes
      Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface. Divide it into three equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a long, thin baguette by flattening it slightly and folding the edges into the center. Roll each piece into a log, tapering the ends.

    • Second Rise
      Place the shaped baguettes seam-side down on a floured baguette pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover lightly with a cloth and let them rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until puffy.

    • Preheat the Oven
      Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking tray on the bottom rack to create steam.

    • Score the Dough
      Using a sharp knife or bread lame, make 3-4 diagonal slashes along the top of each baguette. This allows the bread to expand while baking.

    • Bake with Steam
      Place the baguettes in the oven and quickly pour 1 cup of hot water into the baking tray on the bottom rack to create steam. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the baguettes are golden brown and have a crisp crust.

    • Cool and Enjoy
      Transfer the baguettes to a wire rack to cool before slicing. Enjoy your freshly baked baguettes with your favorite spreads, cheeses, or simply as they are!

Keywords: Baguette Bread Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a special pan to make baguettes?

No, you don’t need a baguette pan to make great baguettes! A standard baking sheet lined with parchment paper works just as well. However, if you want more structured, uniform loaves, a baguette pan can help shape them during baking.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but bread flour is recommended as it has a higher protein content, which gives baguettes their chewy texture. If you use all-purpose flour, the baguettes may be slightly less chewy but still delicious.

Why is steam important when baking baguettes?

Steam is essential for creating the baguette's signature crust. It keeps the outside of the dough moist at the start of baking, allowing it to expand fully and develop a crisp, golden crust. You can create steam by adding water to a baking tray at the bottom of the oven when you put the baguettes in to bake.

How can I store leftover baguettes?

Baguettes are best eaten fresh on the day they’re baked. To store leftovers, wrap the baguette in a cloth bag or place it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. To revive a stale baguette, you can sprinkle it with a bit of water and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! After the first rise, shape the baguettes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw and rise at room temperature, then bake as directed.

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