Fresh Baguette

Experience the irresistible aroma and authentic flavor of a *Fresh Baguette* made right in your own kitchen! This classic French bread recipe combines simple ingredients—flour, water, salt, and yeast—to create perfectly crisp, golden crusts and delightfully soft, airy interiors. With a satisfying mix of hands-on dough-kneading and patient rising, this recipe will guide you step-by-step through shaping, scoring, and baking your own baguettes to perfection. Whether served warm with butter, paired with cheese and charcuterie, or used as the base for your favorite sandwiches, these artisan-style baguettes are sure to be a showstopper. Perfectly suited for beginner or seasoned bakers, this recipe brings the heart of a Parisian bakery straight to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:240 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:265 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams All-purpose flour
• 350 milliliters Water
• 10 grams Salt
• 7 grams Active dry yeast

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Mix well to distribute the salt evenly in the flour.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, stir the active dry yeast into 350 milliliters of warm water (around 38°C or 100°F). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is activated.

Step 3

Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon or flexible bowl scraper to mix until a shaggy dough comes together.

Step 4

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 6

After the first rise, punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide the dough into 2-4 equal portions, depending on the desired size of your baguettes.

Step 7

Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, then fold the long edges inward and roll into a cylinder. Pinch the seam to seal. Roll the cylinder gently with your hands to elongate it into a baguette shape (about 12-16 inches long).

Step 8

Place the shaped baguettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a baguette pan. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 45-60 minutes, or until slightly puffed.

Step 9

Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Place an empty baking pan or tray on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam later.

Step 10

Using a sharp knife or razor blade, make 3-4 diagonal slashes across the top of each baguette to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 11

Once the oven is hot, place the baguettes on the middle rack. Carefully pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty tray on the bottom rack to create steam. Quickly close the oven door.

Step 12

Bake the baguettes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.

Step 13

Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing or serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	872 grams (872.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1841

Total Fat 5.20g	7%
Saturated Fat 0.80g	4%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3956mg	172%
Total Carbohydrate 384.30g	140%
Dietary Fiber 15.00g	54%
Total Sugars 1.10g
Protein 54.30g	109%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 91mg	7%
Iron 24mg	131%
Potassium 677mg	14%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.6%

Protein: 12.1%

Carbs: 85.3%