Easy Homemade Baguette Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade baguette is the ideal blend of convenience and flavor. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, olive oil, and yeast, it’s quick to prepare, and the results are nothing short of delicious. Whether you’re making it to accompany a meal or to enjoy on its own, this baguette offers the perfect texture and flavor. Plus, it’s versatile! You can switch up the flavors or enjoy it in countless ways. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal, whether served with soup, salads, or even as an appetizer at a dinner gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 2 ¼ teaspoons fast-acting yeast

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a liquid measuring cup, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it activate for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. In a stand mixer or bowl, combine the yeast mixture with 4 cups of flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together.

3. Gradually add the remaining flour (up to 1 ½ cups) until the dough forms a soft ball and pulls away from the sides. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. Lightly oil the dough and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rise for 40-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.

5. Preheat the oven to 415°F. Punch down the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle and then roll them up lengthwise.

6. Place the formed baguettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them rise for 30 more minutes.

7. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. About 12 minutes in, brush the loaves with an egg wash, and return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes two baguettes.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Rise time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Bake time: 20-30 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Honey: Use 1 teaspoon of honey instead of sugar for a subtle sweetness.

• Garlic and Rosemary: Add garlic powder and fresh rosemary for an Italian twist.

• Parmesan: Top with grated Parmesan cheese after the egg wash for a cheesy crust.

• Thyme and Honey: Add fresh thyme to the dough and drizzle with honey after baking.

Storage/Reheating

Store the baguette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the baguette, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its crispiness.

FAQs

How do I know if my yeast is active?

To check if yeast is active, proof it by mixing it with warm water and sugar. If it bubbles and foams after about 5 minutes, it’s good to go!

Can I use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, bread flour can be used, but all-purpose flour gives the best texture for baguettes.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can knead the dough by hand; just be sure to knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Can I make baguettes with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a denser, more hearty baguette, though it may need a bit more water.

What temperature should I bake the baguette at?

Bake at 415°F for the perfect golden and crispy crust.

How do I get a crispy crust on the baguette?

Add ice cubes to the oven to create steam and brush the dough with an egg wash during baking.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with shaping and baking.

How do I get my baguette to rise better?

Ensure your yeast is active, and allow the dough to rise in a warm environment, but not too hot.

How long should I let the dough rise?

Let the dough rise until it doubles in size, about 40-60 minutes for the first rise, and 30 minutes for the second rise.

Can I add other seasonings or toppings?

Yes! You can experiment with different herbs, garlic, or even sesame seeds on top of the dough.

Conclusion

This easy homemade baguette recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy fresh, crusty bread with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with dinner, making sandwiches, or just enjoying it with butter, this baguette will become a staple in your kitchen. With the right balance of softness inside and a crisp exterior, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delight of freshly baked baguette!

Easy Homemade Baguette Recipe

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This easy homemade baguette recipe yields a crispy, golden crust with a soft, fluffy interior. Perfect for sandwiches, appetizers, or as a side dish, it uses simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, yeast, and olive oil to create this delicious French bread.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 baguettes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Water
• Sugar
• Fast acting yeast
• Salt (Table salt or pink Himalayan)
• Olive oil
• All-purpose flour
• Egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

• Activate yeast by combining warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it foam.
• Mix the yeast liquid with flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until the dough is elastic.
• Let dough rise for 40-60 minutes, then divide and shape into baguettes.
• Let baguettes rise again, then slash the tops.
• Bake at 415°F, using ice cubes in the oven for a crispy crust.
• Apply egg wash at the 12-minute mark and continue baking.

Notes

• Ice cubes in the oven help create the crispy crust.
• An egg wash gives a golden color and extra texture.
• Adjust flour as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.