Simple Homemade French Baguette with a Crispy Crust

Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread in the kitchen, especially when it's a crispy, golden French baguette. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and delivers authentic results with just a few basic ingredients.

Why Make Your Own Baguette?

Store-bought baguettes often lack the freshness and flavor of homemade bread. When you bake your own, you control the ingredients and can enjoy it fresh from the oven, with a crust that crackles and a soft, chewy interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 1/2 cups (440g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water

That’s it—just four simple ingredients.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a bowl, mix the warm water with the yeast. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If it doesn't foam, the yeast may be dead, and you’ll need fresh yeast.

2. Make the Dough

In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a mixer and dough hook.

3. Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Baguettes

Punch down the dough and divide it into two or three pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin loaf. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a floured baguette tray.

5. Second Rise

Cover the loaves lightly and let them rest for another 30–45 minutes. This gives them time to puff up again.

6. Score and Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Just before baking, make 3–4 diagonal slashes on each loaf using a sharp knife or razor blade. Place a tray of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam, which helps get that perfect crust.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

Tips for Best Results

• Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
• Don’t skip the steam—it’s key for a crispy crust.
• Let the baguettes cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Final Thoughts

Making your own French baguette is simpler than it seems. With just a bit of time and care, you can pull a batch of warm, crusty bread from your oven and enjoy it with butter, cheese, or just as it is.

Give it a try—you’ll taste the difference.

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Gozney

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