Step-by-Step Baguette Recipe for Beginners

Baguettes are a classic French bread known for their crusty exterior and soft, airy interior. Making your own baguette at home can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it fill your kitchen with the delightful smell of fresh bread, but it also allows you to enjoy bakery-quality baguettes without leaving your home. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners who want to try their hand at bread-making without needing special skills or equipment.

How to Make Baguette

Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature.
4. After resting, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a rectangle.
5. Fold the dough into thirds and let it proof for about 1-2 hours.
6. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or a baking sheet inside to heat up.
7. Carefully transfer the dough to parchment paper.
8. Score the top of the dough with a sharp blade.
9. Transfer the dough (with the parchment) to the hot baking stone/sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Let it cool before slicing.

How to Serve Baguette

Baguettes are perfect for sharing. Slice them up and serve them with butter, olive oil, or your favorite dips. You can use them to make sandwiches or toast slices with toppings like avocado or fresh tomatoes. Pair them with soups or stews for an extra touch of comfort.

How to Store Baguette

Store your baguette at room temperature in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel. This helps maintain its crustiness. Avoid plastic bags, as they can make the bread soggy. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Tips to Make Baguette

• Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements, if possible.
• Let the dough rest for the full 12-18 hours to develop flavor.
• Don’t rush the proofing stage—give the dough time to rise.
• Experiment with different shapes if you’re feeling adventurous—like a round boule for a different style.

Variation

You can add herbs, garlic, or cheese to the dough for a unique twist. Adding seeds like sesame or poppy on top after scoring can also give your baguette extra flavor and crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, bread flour can give your baguette a chewier texture.

2. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour when shaping it.

3. Is it necessary to use a baking stone?
A baking stone helps create a better crust, but you can use a baking sheet if you don’t have one. Just make sure to preheat it well.

Baguette

This easy baguette recipe yields a crusty exterior and soft, airy interior, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Prep Time 13 hours hrs

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 13 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course bread, Snack

Cuisine French

Servings 8 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast.
• Add water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 12-18 hours at room temperature.

Shaping

• After resting, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a rectangle.
• Fold the dough into thirds and let it proof for about 1-2 hours.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or a baking sheet inside to heat up.
• Carefully transfer the dough to parchment paper.
• Score the top of the dough with a sharp blade.
• Transfer the dough (with the parchment) to the hot baking stone/sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let it cool before slicing.

Notes

Store your baguette at room temperature in a paper bag or wrapped in a kitchen towel to maintain crustiness. Avoid plastic bags. Freeze slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for longer storage. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements and don’t rush the proofing stage.

Keyword Baguette, Baking, Easy Bread Recipe, French Bread, homemade bread