Traditional French Baguette
Enjoy the delight of homemade baguettes with this easy-to-follow recipe that brings the authentic taste of France to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour Opt for high-protein bread flour for best results.
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast Make sure it’s fresh; instant yeast preferred for convenience.
- 1 teaspoon salt Sea salt enhances flavor.
- 1.5 cups warm water Water should be about 100°F.
- 1 cup bread flour For dusting your work surface.
- 1 large ice cube Creates steam in the oven for a crispy crust.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of bread flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of active dry yeast. Whisk or mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add 1.5 cups of warm water to the flour mixture. Stir until you have a sticky dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 5 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a baking stone or baking sheet inside.
- Lightly flour your countertop and gently shape the dough into two long cylinders.
- Place the shaped baguettes into a baguette dish or a lined baking sheet. Let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Just before placing the baguettes in the oven, toss an ice cube onto the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- Slide your baguettes into the oven (using a peel if available) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown.
- Allow the baguettes to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Storage: Store baguettes in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Don't rush the rises for best flavor development.