Classic French Baguette Recipe
Creating a traditional French baguette at home is a rewarding experience. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy the crisp crust and soft, airy interior of this iconic bread. Here's a step-by-step recipe to guide you through the process.
Ingredients
500 grams bread flour
325 milliliters water (room temperature)
10 grams salt
5 grams instant yeast
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and instant yeast.
Gradually add the water while mixing until a rough dough forms.
Add the salt and continue to mix until the dough is smooth and elastic. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
First Rise:
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Shape the Baguettes:
Gently deflate the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, then fold the long edges towards the center and roll into a log shape.
Place the shaped dough on a lightly floured surface, seam side down, and cover with a damp cloth. Let them rest for 15 minutes.
Final Shaping:
Roll each log into a long, thin baguette shape, about 30-35 centimeters in length.
Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baguette pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 250°C (482°F). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam.
Score and Bake:
Just before baking, use a sharp knife or a lame to make several diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette.
Carefully transfer the baguettes onto the preheated baking stone or sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy:
Transfer the baked baguettes to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Baguettes
Hydration: The dough should be slightly sticky. Adjust the water amount if necessary.
Steam: Creating steam in the oven helps achieve a crisp crust. You can also spray water inside the oven just before baking.
Patience: Allowing the dough to rise properly is key to developing flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade French baguettes with butter, cheese, or your favorite spread. Bon appétit! 🥖
Feel free to share your baking experience or any variations you've tried!