There is something timeless about the aroma of freshly baked baguettes filling the kitchen. With a crisp crust and a soft, airy crumb, this homemade French-style baguette recipe brings simple ingredients together to create bakery-quality bread right at home. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients:
- 6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons lukewarm water, divided
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
Instructions:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in ½ cup lukewarm water. Let it stand in a warm place for about 10 minutes, until foamy and active.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture. Begin mixing, gradually pouring in the remaining warm water. Knead until a soft, elastic dough forms and small air bubbles begin to appear.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Gently deflate the dough, cover again, and allow it to rise once more. Repeat this rising process three to four times to develop flavor and texture.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into six equal pieces and shape each into a long baguette. Arrange them on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rest for about 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 392°F. Place an oven-safe dish filled with water on the lowest rack to create steam. Just before baking, carefully pour about ½ cup boiling water onto the bottom of the oven.
Bake the baguettes for 30 minutes, until golden brown with a crisp crust. Halfway through baking, repeat the steam step once more for best results.
Remove from the oven, cover loosely with a kitchen towel, and allow to cool before serving.
