Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Classic Crusty French Baguettes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 26 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 2 baguettes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Classic Crusty French Baguette recipe guides you through creating authentic, golden brown, artisan-style baguettes with a crisp crust and tender crumb. Perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter, these baguettes are made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection using steam to develop their signature texture.

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F)

For Baking

  • Additional flour for dusting
  • Ice cubes (for steam in oven)

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour and salt thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (about 110°F). Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
  3. Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. This initial mixing brings the ingredients together before kneading.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps develop the gluten for structure.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This fermentation process builds flavor and texture.
  6. Shape Baguettes: Punch down the dough to release air, divide it into two equal pieces, and shape each into a long baguette. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a baguette pan.
  7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough loosely and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy, which ensures a light crumb inside.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to achieve a hot baking environment necessary for crust development.
  9. Make Slashes: Just before baking, use a sharp knife to make several diagonal slashes across the tops of the baguettes. This allows steam to escape and encourages expansion during baking.
  10. Prepare Steam: Place a few ice cubes in a metal pan on the lower rack of the oven to create steam, which helps cultivate a crisp, shiny crust.
  11. Bake: Bake the baguettes for 20–25 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a crusty exterior.
  12. Cool: Remove the baguettes from the oven and cool them on a wire rack before slicing to set the crumb structure.

Notes

  • For an even crispier crust, spritz the baguettes with water just before placing them in the oven.
  • Letting the dough ferment overnight in the fridge will deepen the flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/classic-crusty-french-baguettes-recipe-2/