INTRODUCTION
Easy French Bread Baguettes are a simple way to enjoy warm, fresh bread at home. This recipe uses easy ingredients and a fast method. You can make soft, crusty loaves that are great for sandwiches, soups, or snacks. This is a good base for a healthy version when you swap part of the flour for whole wheat or add seeds for fiber. If you like warm drinks with bread, try a warm mug to go with them like a cozy gingerbread latte for cold days: cozy gingerbread latte recipe.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love these baguettes because they are easy and fast. The dough can be mixed in a stand mixer and left to rise, so hands-on time is short. This makes it a great recipe for meal prep. You can make four loaves in one go and freeze them for later. For a lighter option, swap some all-purpose flour for whole wheat to add fiber. Small changes can make this bread a healthier version without losing taste. With portion control, a slice can be part of a balanced plate and even fit a plan that is good for weight loss when paired with lean protein and vegetables.
HOW TO MAKE Easy French Bread Baguettes
This method keeps the steps simple. Mix, rise, shape, score, and bake. The dough is soft and slightly tacky. The steam trick in the oven gives a nice crust. Follow the steps below and you will get warm, golden loaves.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or a large bowl and a wooden spoon)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Clean towel or plastic wrap
- Baking sheet(s)
- Sharp knife or bread lame for scoring
- Small pan or spare baking sheet for steam (ice cubes)
- Pastry brush for egg wash and melted butter
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1/2 cup very warm water
- 2 Tbsp instant yeast
- 2 cups hot water
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salt
- 5 Tbsp canola oil
- 2 cups bread flour
- 3-1/2 to 4 cups AP flour
- Egg wash: 1 egg whisked together with 1 Tbsp water
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the 1/2 cup very warm water. Set aside and let it do it’s thing!
- In your mixer bowl, add the 2 cups of hot water, sugar, salt, canola oil and bread flour. Stir together till combined. Add the yeast mixture and stir it all together.
- Place the mixer bowl on the mixer with the hook attachment and add the AP flour 1 cup at a time until the dough comes together and is smooth and not too sticky. (You don’t have to use the full four cups though in my climate in Utah, I usually do – the dough should not stick to your hands, but it will feel a little tacky.)
- Cover with a clean towel and and let sit in a warm place for an hour, using a spatula to scrape down the sides and flip it over to deflate the rise every ten minutes.
- After an hour, turn the dough out onto a well floured surface. Divide the dough in to four equal pieces.
- For each section of dough: Sprinkle a little flour on it as needed to stop it from sticking to anything. Gently roll out into a rectangle, (mine were about 10×4). Roll along the long side as if you were making cinnamon rolls. Pinch the ends closed, shape the loaves and place each loaf on your pan.
- Score each loaf with a sharp knife 4-5 times, cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place for another 20-30 mins.
- Preheat the oven to 375 with 1 rack placed in the bottom position and 1 rack in the middle position. Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack.
- Brush the loaves with the egg wash and place the pan on the middle rack.
- Throw 4-5 ice cubes on the spare baking sheet on the bottom rack and close the oven door immediately.
- Bake at 375 for 25-30 mins or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and brush with melted butter immediately. Cool and serve!
HOW TO SERVE Easy French Bread Baguettes
Serve loaves warm with a light spread of butter or extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of herbs. For a healthy serving, trim 1/2-inch slices and pair each slice with lean protein like turkey, grilled chicken, or canned tuna to make it a high protein meal. Use small portions to keep calories lower — one slice or half a roll is a good serving size. For a balanced plate, add fresh salad greens, tomatoes, or steamed vegetables. These tips help keep this bread as a lighter option that fits many meal plans.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy French Bread Baguettes
- Room temperature: Store cooled baguettes in a paper bag or wrapped in a clean towel for up to 2 days. This keeps the crust crisper than plastic.
- Short term: Use a plastic bag if you want softer crust; consume within 3 days.
- Freezing: Cool fully, then wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F oven for 8–12 minutes. This makes them great for meal prep and for those days when you need a quick carb base.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Healthy side: Serve with a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with lemon and herbs.
- Balanced meal: Make open-faced sandwiches with smoked salmon, low-fat cream cheese, and fresh dill for a high protein meal that pairs well with this bread.
- Snack: Slice thinly and toast for bruschetta with chopped tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
For a warm drink pairing, try a light mocha for a sweet sip: serve with a homemade peppermint mocha to make a cozy snack time.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Replace 1 cup of the AP flour with whole wheat flour and add 2 Tbsp of ground flax or rolled oats. This adds fiber and a nutty flavor while keeping the crumb soft. This change makes the loaf more filling and better for digestion.
- High-protein or low-carb version: For a high-protein bread, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten and replace up to 1 cup of AP flour with a high-protein flour like chickpea flour. Another approach for a higher protein meal is to top slices with eggs, lean meats, or low-fat cheese. For a true low-carb bread, a full recipe change is needed; consider making small rolls with almond flour and psyllium husk in a separate low-carb bread recipe. Note: low-carb swaps will change texture and will not give the classic baguette feel.
- Air fryer or oven-baked version: The recipe is oven baked as written. For an air fryer version, make small rolls (divide dough into 8-10 pieces). Preheat the air fryer to 350°F, place 2–3 rolls in the basket with space between them, and bake 10–12 minutes or until golden. This gives a quick, smaller roll that is great for single servings and is a good lighter option for quick meals.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy French Bread Baguettes
- Mix and rise ahead: Mix the dough in the evening and let it rise slowly in the fridge overnight. Bring to room temperature, shape, and bake in the morning. This saves time and makes morning meal prep fast.
- Freeze shaped loaves: Shape baguettes, place on a tray, and freeze until firm. Then move to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This is great for meal prep and busy weeks.
- Pre-slice and freeze: Slice loaves before freezing. Take out a few slices at a time to toast for quick breakfasts or sandwiches. Pair with a sweet or fruity drink for a treat like the raspberry mocha recipe when you want a special pairing: raspberry mocha recipe.
FAQs
Q: Are these baguettes suitable for people watching calories or trying weight loss?
A: Yes. Use whole wheat swaps, control portion size, and pair slices with vegetables and lean protein. That makes the bread fit a lower calorie plan and be part of a meal that is good for weight loss.
Q: Can I make this recipe diabetic-friendly?
A: To make a more diabetic-friendly option, reduce portion size and add fiber by swapping part of the flour for whole wheat or adding seeds. Pair bread with protein and healthy fats to keep blood sugar steadier. For strict carbohydrate control, choose a specialized low-carb bread recipe.
Q: How long will the bread stay fresh in the freezer?
A: Wrapped tightly, baguettes will keep up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Q: Can I use oil other than canola?
A: Yes. Olive oil or a mild vegetable oil works. Olive oil adds flavor and can be a heart healthy swap in small amounts.
Q: Is this recipe high protein?
A: The basic recipe is not high protein, but you can make it into a high protein meal by adding vital wheat gluten or top slices with eggs and lean meats. Combining the bread with protein-rich toppings turns it into a satisfying high protein meal.
Q: Can I bake smaller rolls in the air fryer for a low-calorie snack?
A: Yes. Small rolls in an air fryer give crisp results with less time and energy. Pair small rolls with low-calorie toppings like tomato or cucumber for a lighter option.
Easy French Bread Baguettes
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the 1/2 cup very warm water. Set aside.
- In your mixer bowl, add the 2 cups of hot water, sugar, salt, canola oil, and bread flour. Stir until combined.
- Add the yeast mixture and mix until combined.
- Using a mixer with hook attachment, add all-purpose flour 1 cup at a time until dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
- Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, deflating every 10 minutes.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 4 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a rectangle, roll tightly from one long side, and pinch the ends closed.
- Score each loaf 4-5 times and let rise for 20-30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F with 1 rack at the bottom and 1 in the middle. Place a spare baking sheet on the bottom rack.
- Brush the loaves with egg wash and place on the middle rack.
- Add ice cubes to the spare baking sheet for steam and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and brush immediately with melted butter. Cool and serve.