Easy French Baguette Recipe
This easy French baguette recipe is simple to make at home with 5 ingredients! It's perfect for beginners and results in a baguette that is soft and fluffy with a crusty exterior
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 105°F)
- 1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar , or honey
- 3 cups (390 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons table salt or fine sea salt
- butter , for serving
Instructions
- Activate yeast. In a small bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups warm water, 1 Tablespoon active yeast and 2 teaspoons sugar or honey. Let sit for 5 minutes, or until it has began to foam.
- Make dough. Place 2 cups of flour into a large mixing bowl with the salt. Stir in the yeast mixture and begin to knead by hand or using a dough hook and stand mixer. Add 1/2 cup of the remaining flour at a time until the dough is smooth but not sticky.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and divide it in half. Roll one half into a 6x12" rectangle. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a cylinder. Shape each half into a baguette, about 12 inches long.
- Shape dough and rise. Turn both ends in and pinch the seams closed. Round the edges and place onto a baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough ball. Make three diagonal cuts across the top of each loaf. Cover loves lightly with a towel. Let rise for 20-30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. When you knock on it, it should sound hollow. If it's browning too fast, lightly cover with foil.
- Remove from the oven and brush the top with melted butter if desired. Slice and enjoy! :)
Notes
Crispy crust: I prefer a soft crust, but for a crispier/shinier crust, brush 1 egg white (whisked) with a teaspoon of water before baking French baguette You can also cook a few minutes longer.
Storing: This bread stores best in a brown paper bag on the counter.
Freezer instructions: Allow to cool and then place in a large zip top bag to freeze (preferably before slicing). Remove all the air from the bag and then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 82kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 146mg, Potassium: 25mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
