Baguette is a classic French bread with a crispy crust and soft interior. It is perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or just as a side for soup, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home! In this post, we’ll show you how to make delicious baguettes from scratch using simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 10g salt
- 5g instant yeast
- 350ml warm water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
- In another bowl, whisk the yeast and water until the yeast has fully dissolved.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms and then knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a damp towel. Allow the dough to rise for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal parts.
- Take one piece of dough and roll it out into a long thin baguette shape. Repeat with the other 3 pieces of dough.
- Place the baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Score the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife and then let them rise for another 20 minutes.
- Bake the baguettes for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack before serving.
Serve the baguettes with butter, cheese, or jam. You can also use them for sandwiches or bruschetta. Baguettes are perfect for any meal and are sure to impress your guests!
Variations
Whole Wheat Baguette
To make whole wheat baguette, replace half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. You may need to add a little more water to the dough as whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid.
Garlic Baguette
Mix some garlic powder into the dough before kneading to make garlic baguette. You can also brush the tops of the baguettes with garlic butter before baking.
Cheese Baguette
Add some grated cheese to the dough before kneading to make cheese baguette. Cheddar or Parmesan cheese work well.
Tips
- Use a sharp knife to score the tops of the baguettes. This will help the bread to rise and give it a beautiful appearance.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Knead until it becomes elastic and smooth, but don’t go overboard.
- Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack before slicing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy.
Now you know how to make delicious baguettes at home! With this easy recipe, you can impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Enjoy!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Baguette?
To make a classic French Baguette, you will need flour, water, yeast, and salt.
Do I need a bread machine to make Baguette?
No, you don’t need a bread machine to make Baguette. It can be made by hand or with a stand mixer.
How long does it take to make Baguette?
The total time for making Baguette is approximately 3-4 hours, including rising time and baking time.
Can I make Baguette ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Baguette ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Baguette?
Yes, you can freeze Baguette. Wrap it tightly in plastic and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make Baguette without yeast?
No, you cannot make Baguette without yeast. Yeast is what causes the bread to rise and gives it its texture.
How do I get a crispy crust on my Baguette?
To get a crispy crust on your Baguette, you need to create steam in the oven while it bakes. You can do this by placing a pan of water on the bottom of the oven or by spritzing the bread with water while it bakes.
How do I know when my Baguette is done baking?
Your Baguette is done baking when it is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How do I store Baguette?
To store Baguette, wrap it in a clean towel or paper bag and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What can I serve with Baguette?
Baguette is traditionally served with butter or cheese, but it can also be used for sandwiches or toasted and used for crostini.
