Description
This homemade baguette recipe yields classic French-style bread with a crisp crust and airy interior. It’s made with just four simple ingredients and requires no special equipment—perfect for sandwiches, cheese platters, or fresh with butter.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups (295ml) warm water (around 110°F/45°C)
Instructions
- Mix the warm water and yeast in a bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each into a long baguette.
- Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet or baguette pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a baking dish with hot water on the bottom rack.
- Score the tops of the baguettes and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- Mix in roasted garlic or olives for a savory twist.
- Swap part of the flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to refresh the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 baguette
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
