French Baguette Recipe

Welcome to the heart of French culinary tradition! Today, we embark on a journey to create the most exquisite French Baguette Recipe. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about crafting these golden, crusty loaves that manage to be both rustic and elegant. Picture yourself at a quaint Parisian café, savoring that first crispy bite, the soft, airy crumb inside, perfectly accompanied by your favorite coffee and fresh flowers on the table. This recipe is a delightful way to bring family together, immerse in creativity, and savor the joys of homemade bread. Let’s get started and fill your home with the undeniable warmth and aroma of freshly baked baguettes.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including rising time)
• Servings: 3 baguettes
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F-115°F)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast.
2. Add warm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet inside to heat.
6. On a floured surface, divide the dough into three equal pieces. Shape each piece into a long baguette by flattening it and rolling it tightly.
7. Place the shaped baguettes on a floured linen cloth or parchment paper, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
8. Using a sharp knife, slash the baguettes with three diagonal cuts.
9. Carefully transfer the baguettes to the preheated baking stone or sheet, using a peel or an inverted baking sheet.
10. Pour a cup of hot water into a baking dish placed on the oven’s bottom rack to create steam.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the baguettes are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
12. Let the baguettes cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

Helpful Tips

For a lighter, airier baguette, allow your dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This method develops deeper flavors and a delicate texture. If you’re new to bread making, don’t worry about getting the perfect shape on the first try—practice makes perfect.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover baguettes in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the baguettes tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find instant yeast, active dry yeast works as well—just let it dissolve in warm water with a pinch of sugar for 5-10 minutes before using. Whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition; adjust the water amount slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

Suggested Pairings

Serve these baguettes with a classic French onion soup or a fresh Caprese salad for a delicious meal. Pair with your favorite cheeses, a selection of cured meats, and a good quality olive oil with a dash of balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delightful appetizer. And of course, they are perfect with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

At Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen, making every cooking experience memorable. We hope you enjoy making and sharing these French baguettes with your loved ones. We’d love to see your baking creations, so don’t forget to tag us on social media with your result using #ZynahzBakes. Share this recipe with friends and family, and explore more delightful recipes on Zynahz. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for the latest in delicious inspiration. Happy baking!