Discover the art of authentic French baking with this classic French Baguettes recipe—an absolute must-try for bread enthusiasts! With just five simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, salt, and a touch of sugar—these baguettes transform into golden, crusty loaves with a soft, airy interior that’s perfect for sandwiches, soups, or as a standalone delight. This recipe takes you step by step through traditional techniques, from kneading to creating steam in the oven, ensuring a crisp crust and irresistible texture. With a hands-on prep time and a satisfying bake, these homemade baguettes are a true labor of love and taste. Perfect for entertaining or elevating your everyday meals, these artisan-style loaves will transport your kitchen straight to the streets of Paris.
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in 100 milliliters of lukewarm water. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well.
Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Gradually add the remaining 250 milliliters of water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long, thin loaf (traditional baguette shape) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cover the loaves with a clean towel and let them proof for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until puffed up.
Preheat your oven to 240°C (465°F). Place a baking dish with water on the bottom rack to create steam, which is essential for a crispy crust.
Using a sharp knife or razor blade, slash 3-4 diagonal cuts across the top of each baguette.
Bake the baguettes on the center rack for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy!
Calories |
484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.3 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2 g | 1% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 977 mg | 42% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 100.9 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.0 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 25 mg | 2% | |
| Iron | 4.8 mg | 27% | |
| Potassium | 140 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.