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