If you’ve ever walked past a bakery and been enchanted by the aroma of freshly baked bread, you’re not alone! There’s truly something magical about a warm baguette, with its crisp crust and soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, tearing into with a comforting bowl of soup, or simply slathered with butter, this baguette recipe is not only easy to follow but also brings a sense of satisfaction with every loaf you bake.

Now, imagine impressing your family and friends with homemade baguettes—sounds like a dream, right? Well, with this beginner-friendly baguette recipe, you’ll be a baking superstar in no time! Just like our popular homemade pizza dough (which is also a wonderful way to get the whole family involved in cooking), this baguette recipe requires minimal ingredients and time commitment. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the delightful world of baguette baking, where every bite takes you a step closer to culinary bliss!

What is the Baguette?

Ah, the baguette! A name that rolls off the tongue as beautifully as the bread itself. But what’s with the fancy French name? Are we meant to wave a baguette in our hands with flair, or do we simply eat it like a normal person? With its origins deeply rooted in France, the term “baguette” actually means “stick” or “wand.” Funny when you think about it—why not just call it “bread stick”? But let’s indulge our inner foodies: “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” right? So whether you’re serving it with fancy cheeses or just tearing it apart straight from the oven, this baguette will undoubtedly win hearts and stomachs!

If you’re curious about why one would choose a baguette over other breads, remember that while sourdough and focaccia have their own charm, there’s nothing quite like the classic baguette. It’s a timeless staple that can elevate any dish and turn an ordinary meal into a feast. So why not give this scrumptious baguette recipe a try?

Why You’ll Love This Baguette

This baguette is more than just bread; it’s an experience! First and foremost, the glorious golden crust paired with the ultra-soft, pillowy interior will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Second, making your baguette at home can be a significant money saver compared to buying artisanal loaves from the store. And third, the customizable toppings and spreads—from creamy butter to zesty olive oil—can be tailored to suit any palate, making this a lip-smacking delight for everyone.

If you love the comfort of a fresh loaf but want something quick and easy, you might also enjoy our no-knead bread, which offers a similar taste with even less effort. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this tasty journey into baguette heaven!

How to Make Baguette

Quick Overview

Baking baguettes might seem daunting, but trust me, it’s a straightforward process that yields delicious results. With just five basic ingredients and a little patience, you’ll soon have freshly baked baguettes ready to devour. This recipe combines simplicity with incredible taste, making the whole effort absolutely worth it. Plus, in under three hours, you can have warm, crusty baguettes steaming out of your oven!

Key Ingredients for Baguette

3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
Extra flour for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and mix until all the ingredients are incorporated, and a shaggy dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also perform a stretch and fold method by folding the dough over itself every 10 minutes for about 30 minutes.
First Rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Baguettes: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.
Second Rise: Place the shaped baguettes seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.
Preheat the Oven: About 20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a shallow pan in the bottom of the oven.
Score the Baguettes: Once the baguettes have risen, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make several diagonal slashes across the tops.
Bake: Carefully pour hot water into the pan at the bottom of the oven to create steam. This will help develop that crispy crust. Place the baguettes in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool: Once baked, remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

What to Serve Baguette With

Baguettes are incredibly versatile and can be served with just about anything. Pair them with a velvety tomato soup, a vibrant salad, or your favorite cheese selection. You can even slice them for bruschetta topped with fresh ingredients or simply enjoy them with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Top Tips for Perfecting Baguette

Use the Right Flour: For the best texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour; it has a higher protein content, which helps develop gluten.
Don’t Rush the Rise: Allow the dough to rise properly for the best flavor and texture. Patience is key!
Steam is Essential: The steam created in the oven is crucial for getting that deep, crispy crust—don’t skip adding water to the oven!

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store your leftover baguettes, keep them in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Baguettes can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.

Baking baguettes at home is not just a rewarding skill; it’s an opportunity to create fond memories with loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a delightful homemade baguette that will impress everyone around the dinner table. Bon appétit!

Baguette

A simple and rewarding recipe for homemade baguettes with a crisp crust and soft interior, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 25

Total Time 2 35

Course Appetizer, bread

Cuisine French

Servings 3 baguettes

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

3.5 cups 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour Consider using bread flour for a better texture.
1.5 teaspoons 1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon instant yeast
1.25 cups 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) Warm water is essential for activating the yeast.
as needed cup Extra flour for dusting

Instructions

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast. Pour in the warm water and mix until all the ingredients are incorporated, and a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stretch and fold method by folding the dough over itself every 10 minutes for about 30 minutes.

First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Baguettes

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into three equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

Second Rise

Place the shaped baguettes seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover with a cloth and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes.

Preheat the Oven

About 20 minutes before you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a shallow pan in the bottom of the oven.

Score the Baguettes

Once the baguettes have risen, use a sharp knife or bread lame to make several diagonal slashes across the tops.

Bake

Carefully pour hot water into the pan at the bottom of the oven to create steam. This will help develop that crispy crust. Place the baguettes in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool

Once baked, remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Keep baguettes in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven to restore crispness.

Keyword Baguette, Beginner Baking, bread recipe, Easy Recipe, Home Baking