Have you ever wanted to bake the perfect French baguette right in the comfort of your home? Well, look no further! Here’s an easy guide that will turn you into a baguette-baking pro before you know it. You’ll impress your friends and family with the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen and the delightful taste of freshly baked bread. Let’s get started!
Outstanding French Baguette
Baking a French baguette might seem daunting, but it’s quite simple. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can create a crusty exterior with a soft, airy interior. Here’s how:
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- Cornmeal for dusting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast, mixing well.
- Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 2 hours or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough gently and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into two equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a long baguette, about 12-14 inches in length, and place them onto a baking sheet that has been dusted with cornmeal.
- Cover the baguettes again with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Just before baking, use a sharp knife to score the tops of each baguette with a few diagonal slashes.
- Bake the baguettes for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn a golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade French baguette!
Baking bread can be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. Don’t forget to share the love by inviting friends over for a meal showcasing your amazing baguettes!
Soft French Baguette Recipe for Fresh Bread Lovers
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