Baguette Recipe

Preheat an oven to 350°F (175°C) if you want the baguette warm and slightly crisp. If serving at room temperature, skip preheating.

If the baguette is whole, slice it lengthwise down the middle to create two long halves, or slice into 1–1½ inch (2.5–4 cm) diagonal pieces for toasting and individual servings.

For a warm, crisp exterior and soft interior: place the whole or sliced baguette directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for 5–8 minutes until heated through and lightly crisped. For faster results, use a toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat, 2–3 minutes per side.

Prepare butter

If your butter is cold, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it softens and is easy to spread. Alternatively, microwave 2 tablespoons on a plate for 5–7 seconds until slightly softened but not melted.

Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly over each half of the warm baguette (or over 2–3 sliced pieces). Adjust amount to taste.

Spoon the jam into a small bowl and stir quickly to loosen. Using a butter knife or small spoon, spread about 1 tablespoon of jam over the buttered baguette (or on individual slices). Serve immediately.

If the Nutella is stiff, warm the jar briefly: microwave 10–12 seconds with the lid off or place the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes to loosen the spread.

Spread roughly 1–2 tablespoons of Nutella on each half of the baguette or on individual slices using a knife. For a more even spread on warm bread, apply quickly while the baguette is warm so the Nutella softens and melds with the crumb.

To make a cream-cheese version, spread 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese on the baguette, then drizzle with honey or top with sliced fruit.

To assemble fruit-topped slices: after spreading Nutella or butter and jam, arrange sliced banana or strawberry pieces over the spread. Serve immediately.