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Classic French Baguettes

This classic French baguette recipe gives you a simple way to bake fresh bread at home with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy inside.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 24 minutes
Total Time 10 hours 34 minutes
Servings: 2 loaves
Course: Bread, Side Dish
Cuisine: French
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups lukewarm water
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
  2. Gradually add the lukewarm water, mixing until a dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise for about 10 hours at room temperature.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Shape the risen dough into two baguettes and place on a baking sheet.
  3. Let them rise for an additional hour.
  4. Make several slashes on top of the loaves with a sharp knife.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

Store fresh baguette wrapped in a clean towel on the counter for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze in a sealed bag. To reheat, bake frozen slices in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 6–8 minutes until warm and crisp. Pair thin slices with lean proteins or vegetables for a balanced meal.