French Baguette Recipe
Make French Baguette Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Dough Ingredients
For Baking
Method
Preparing the Dough
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine warm water (1.5 cups) and sugar (1 tsp). Sprinkle active dry yeast (2 tsp) over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour (4 cups) and salt (1.5 tsp). Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the flour mixture.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Mix the ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
Shaping and Baking
- 5
Shape the Baguettes
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 2 or 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long baguette shape, about 14-16 inches in length.
- 6
Second Rise
Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal (2 tbs). Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes.
- 7
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place an oven-safe dish filled with water at the bottom of the oven to create steam.
- 8
Score and Bake
Once the baguettes have risen, use a sharp knife to make 3-4 diagonal slashes on top of each baguette. Bake the baguettes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- 9
Cool and Serve
Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.