Transport yourself to a Parisian boulangerie with this homemade French baguette recipe. The epitome of French bread, a freshly baked baguette boasts a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying with your favorite cheese, this classic recipe captures the essence of French baking.
French Baguette
Transport yourself to a Parisian boulangerie with this homemade French baguette recipe. The epitome of French bread, a freshly baked baguette boasts a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping in olive oil, or enjoying with your favorite cheese, this classic recipe captures the essence of French baking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
Instructions
- In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms, then transfer it to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a shallow pan on the bottom rack.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a baguette shape on a floured surface.
- Place the shaped baguettes on a lightly floured baking sheet or baguette pan, cover them with a damp cloth, and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Score the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife, creating diagonal slashes.
- Fill the shallow pan in the oven with hot water to create steam.
- Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Allow the baguettes to cool on a wire rack before slicing.