Easy Baguette Recipe: Classic Baguettes in Just 6 Steps!
This easy baguette recipe is perfect for home and beginner bakers who want to enjoy the aroma and taste of a French baguette at home. With just six simple steps and five ingredients, your can make this quick French bread recipe with a crispy golden crust and a chewy inside in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 565 grams) bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 2 cups (about 420 grams) water
- ½ tbsp (about 10 grams) coarse sea salt
- ½ tbsp (about 6 grams) instant yeast
- ½ tbsp (about 7 grams) sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Pour the water, yeast, bread flour, and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed for 6 minutes, then increase to medium speed for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic. (the dough should be stretchy at this stage.)
- 1st Rise: Place the dough on a lightly floured surface or baking sheet. Dust the dough with flour and shape it into a ball. Cover with kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rise at room temperature about 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
- Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces (they don’t need to be perfect) Use a bench scraper if you have one, a sharp knife also works. Shape each into a ball, then place on a floured surface or baking sheet.
- 2nd Rise: Cover the dough balls with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them rest slightly for about 15 minutes.
- Shape the baguettes: Gently roll each dough ball into a baguette shape, about 13 inches long (35cm) (See the picture and shaping section above). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 3nd rise: Cover the shaped baguettes with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow them to rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
- Create the steam: After leaving the dough rise for about 15 minutes. Place a baking sheet filled with 3 cups of water on the bottom of the oven. Preheat the oven to 480°F (250°C).
- Score the baguette with a sharp knife or razor blade. Sprinkle with a pinch of flour (optional), and spray with water.
- Bake the baguette: Bake at 250°C (480°F) for 15 minutes or until golden brown on top. (it's best to bake in the upper of the oven to ensure even browning on top and bottom.)
Video
Notes
The temperature when I made this baguette: 78.8 Fahrenheit (26 Celsius).
Flour: Baguette recipe requires a high protein at least 12% protein content. If you use all-purpose flour, add 15 minutes in the first and third rising time: Due to its lower protein content than bread flour, the dough made using all-purpose flour takes longer time to develop its structure.
Yeast: Both instant and active dry yeast work for this recipe. If using active dry yeast, keep in mind to activate the yeast by mixing it with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using it, also, using active yeast may lengthen the proofing time.