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Perfect Homemade Baguette Recipe Easy Steps for Bakery-Quality

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Learn how to make bakery-quality baguettes at home with this simple recipe. Enjoy crispy crusts and soft, airy interiors with easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) warm water
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water
  • Optional: rosemary, thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast with 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups (500 g) of all-purpose flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and 1 ½ cups (360 ml) of warm water to form a sticky dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rest for 1-2 hours in a warm place until it doubles in size.
  5. Divide and Shape: Punch down the risen dough to release air, then divide it into two or three equal portions. Shape each portion into a long baguette and place them on a greased baking sheet or baguette pan.
  6. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough with a towel and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour. The baguettes should puff up slightly.
  7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking for a crisp crust.
  8. Score the Baguettes: Use a sharp knife or a razor blade to make 3-4 diagonal cuts across the top of each baguette. This allows the bread to expand evenly in the oven.
  9. Bake: Bake the baguettes for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Mist the oven with water at the start of baking for extra crispiness.
  10. Cool: Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

[‘Allow the dough to rise fully for an airy texture.’, ‘Use steam in the oven to achieve a crispy crust.’, ‘Practice scoring the dough with a sharp blade for even expansion.’, ‘Avoid adding too much flour during kneading to prevent dense baguettes.’, ‘Adjust the length and thickness of baguettes based on oven size.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: baguette, homemade bread, French bread, bakery-quality, easy bread recipe