Baguette — French Bread
Experience the unparalleled joy of baking your own authentic French baguette. The crisp, crackling crust and airy, flavorful crumb will transport you to a Parisian bakery.
Baguette — French Bread
Experience the unparalleled joy of baking your own authentic French baguette. The crisp, crackling crust and airy, flavorful crumb will transport you to a Parisian bakery.
The Key Move
Achieve proper steam injection in the oven for a perfectly crisp crust.
Leagues
Take This Recipe Into Leagues
Find an active challenge, vote, or challenge the current king.
The Setup
- Large Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Wire Rack
- Broiler Pan
The Mise en Place
4Your prep station before cooking begins
The Dry Mix (0/4)
Baguettes are not rising properly.
Ensure the yeast is fresh and the water is lukewarm. The room temperature may also be too cold.
Crust is not crispy.
Ensure proper steam injection in the oven. The oven temperature may also be too low.
Watch the Technique
Video source: YouTube
The Method
MIX
In a large bowl, combine lukewarm water (2½ cups) and active dry yeast (2¼ tsp). Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Yeast mixture is foamy
ADD
Add bread flour (4½ cups) and salt (2¼ tsp) to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
KNEAD
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Dough is smooth and elastic
PLACE
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1.5-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
PUNCH
Punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
DIVIDE
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a baguette, about 15 inches long.
PLACE
Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
PREHEAT
Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a broiler pan on the bottom rack of the oven.
SCORE
Using a sharp knife or lame, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette.
ADD
Time-sensitiveCarefully pour 1 cup of hot water (2½ cups) into the broiler pan to create steam.
BAKE
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the crust is crisp.
Crust is golden brown and crisp • Hollow sound when tapped
COOL
Transfer the baguettes to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Master These Next
Dolmades — Stuffed Grape Leaves
Experience the taste of Greece with these delicate, herb-infused stuffed grape leaves. A perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Scallion Pancakes — Crispy Layers
Unlock the secrets to perfect scallion pancakes! Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor.
Panna Cotta — Vanilla Bean
A classic Italian dessert, panna cotta is pure vanilla bean flavor in a silky smooth package. Simple to make but elegant to serve, it's the perfect ending to any meal.