How to Bake the Perfect Homemade Baguette š„
Thereās nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, and few things are as satisfying as slicing into a crisp, golden baguette that you made from scratch. Whether youāre a seasoned baker or new to the craft, this simple baguette recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups all-purpose flour (you may need more depending on the brand)
- 3 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tsp yeast
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions:
1ļøā£ The Night Before: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Mix the dry ingredients well before adding the lukewarm water. Stir until the dough comes togetherādonāt worry if it looks a bit rough at this stage. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough sit on your countertop overnight, or for about 12-20 hours. š During this time, the yeast will work its magic, and youāll wake up to a dough thatās alive with bubbles and smells wonderfully yeasty.
2ļøā£ The Next Morning: When you check on your dough, it should be wet, sticky, and bubblyāthis is exactly what you want. Generously flour your hands and your work surface to prevent sticking. š
3ļøā£ Shaping the Baguettes: Carefully turn the dough out onto the floured surface. Flour your hands again if needed, and gently shape the dough into a baguette. This recipe should yield 2-3 baguettes, depending on how large you want them. If youāre unsure about shaping, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help guide you. Place the shaped baguettes onto a floured baking sheet, then score the tops with a sharp knife. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours. ā³
4ļøā£ Baking: Preheat your oven to 450Ā°F (230Ā°C). Youāll need two shelves in the oven for this step. On the lower shelf, place a deep baking pan filled with 2 cups of hot boiled waterāthis will create steam, which is essential for getting that signature crispy crust. Once the oven is ready, place the baguettes on the middle rack. After 10 minutes, carefully remove the water pan. Continue baking the bread for another 30 minutes, or until the baguettes are a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. š„
5ļøā£ Enjoy: Once the baguettes are done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Then, slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade baguettes! Whether you pair them with a pat of butter, some cheese, or use them for sandwiches, these baguettes are sure to be a hit. š„āØ
Baking your own baguettes might seem intimidating at first, but with a little patience and this straightforward recipe, youāll be amazed at how easyāand rewardingāit can be. Happy baking!
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Baguette š„
Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour (may need more depending on the brand)
3 cups lukewarm water
2 tsp yeast
2 tsp salt
Instructions
1ļøā£ The night before, combine all the ingredients together. First, mix the dry ingredients together and then add water. Mix until the dough comes together. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 12-20 hours on the countertop. š
2ļøā£ The following day, the dough should be wet, sticky, and bubbly. Generously flour your hands and the baking sheet. š
3ļøā£ Take the dough (if it sticks, apply more flour to your hands) and form a baguette shape. You will easily get at least 2-3 baguettes. For tips on shaping the dough, watch this tutorial. Place the baguettes on a baking sheet and sprinkle a generous amount of flour on them. Score the top with a sharp knife and cover with a towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours. ā³
4ļøā£ Preheat the oven to 450Ā°F (230Ā°C). You will need to have 2 shelves in the oven. Fill a deep baking pan with 2 cups of hot boiled water, and place it on the lower rack inside your oven. This will make the bread crispy on the outside. Place the bread on the middle rack. Remove water from the oven after 10 minutes. Keep baking the bread for another 30 minutes or until golden crispy brown. š„
Enjoy your homemade baguettes! š„āØ