🥖 Authentic French Baguette Recipe – Crispy Crust, Soft Inside
Looking for the perfect homemade baguette recipe? This classic French bread has a golden, crispy crust with a soft, chewy interior – just like the ones you find in a Parisian bakery. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can bake authentic baguettes at home that are perfect for sandwiches, bruschetta, or serving alongside soups and stews.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this easy baguette recipe will guide you to bakery-quality bread in your own kitchen.
🥖 Why You’ll Love This Baguette Recipe
- Crispy golden crust with soft, airy crumb
- Only 4 basic ingredients (flour, water, yeast, salt)
- Perfect for everyday meals or elegant dinners
- Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
🥖 Ingredients for Homemade Baguette
- 4 cups (500g) bread flour (strong white flour works best)
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
🥖 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour and salt, mix until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
- Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Baguettes
- Punch down the dough, divide into 2–3 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long baguette shape, about 12–14 inches.
- Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Second Rise
- Cover loosely and let rise for another 30–40 minutes.
5. Bake the Baguettes
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Make 3–4 diagonal slashes on each baguette with a sharp knife.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
🥖 Tips for Perfect Baguettes
- Place a pan of hot water in the oven for extra steam → crispier crust.
- Use bread flour for best texture and chewiness.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to keep the crumb intact.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Slice warm baguette with butter or olive oil.
- Use for French sandwiches like Croque Monsieur.
- Serve alongside Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, or a cheese platter.
❄️ Storage & Freezing
- Store at room temperature in a bread bag for 2–3 days.
- Freeze whole baguettes for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
⭐ Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make baguettes without a bread machine?
A: Yes! This recipe is designed for hand-kneading or stand mixer use.
Q: Why is my baguette not crusty?
A: Adding steam to the oven during baking helps create that classic crispy crust.
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: Yes, but bread flour gives better chewiness and structure.
🔗 Interlinking Recipes for Baguette
-
🥪 Croque Monsieur (French Ham & Cheese Sandwich)
- A classic French café sandwich made with baguette or sliced bread, ham, Gruyère cheese, and béchamel sauce.
- “Use leftover baguette slices to make an authentic Croque Monsieur for lunch.”
-
🧅 French Onion Soup
- A warm and comforting soup topped with baguette slices and melted cheese.
- “Serve your homemade baguette with this classic French Onion Soup for the perfect pairing.”
-
🍆 Ratatouille
- A rustic Provençal vegetable stew that pairs beautifully with crusty baguette.
- “Dip your baguette into Ratatouille for a hearty vegetarian meal.”
-
🥩 Beef Bourguignon
- A rich French beef stew cooked with red wine, mushrooms, and herbs.
- “Soak up the flavorful sauce of Beef Bourguignon with slices of freshly baked baguette.”
-
🍎 Tarte Tatin (Caramelized Apple Tart)
- A French dessert that completes a meal featuring baguette-based starters.
- “Pair your baguette dinner menu with a classic Tarte Tatin for dessert.”
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