The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)
Looking for the ultimate baguette recipe to bring the taste of France into your kitchen? You’ve just found it. Baguettes are iconic for their crisp golden crust and soft, airy interior.
While they may seem intimidating to make, with the right technique and a little patience, you can master this baguette bread recipe from the comfort of your home. Whether you want a classic French version, a sourdough variation, or a quick and easy method, this guide has it all.
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Why Make Your Own Baguettes?
Nothing beats the aroma and taste of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s a warm, crusty baguette. Making your own allows you to control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking something truly authentic. Plus, once you learn a good baguette recipe, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.
Classic French Baguette Recipe
If you’re after that traditional flavor and texture, this French baguette recipe is the one to start with.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and yeast.
- Add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide into 2–3 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a long baguette and place on a lightly floured baking sheet or baguette pan.
- Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack for steam.
- Score the tops of the baguettes with a sharp blade.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crusty.
This baguette bread recipe delivers the authentic French experience with a satisfying crunch and light crumb.
Sourdough Baguette Recipe for a Tangy Twist
For extra flavor and chewiness, try this sourdough baguette recipe. It takes more time but produces a complex and delicious result.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups water
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until a rough dough forms.
- Let it rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.
- Stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes over the next 2 hours.
- Cover and ferment at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or refrigerate overnight.
- Shape into baguettes and let them rise for 1 hour.
- Bake in a preheated 475°F (245°C) oven with steam for 20–25 minutes.
This sourdough baguette recipe offers a deeper flavor and beautiful texture that elevates any meal.
Baguette Recipe Easy Version for Busy Bakers
Short on time? This baguette recipe easy version is ideal for beginners or anyone craving fresh bread with less effort.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
- Knead for 5–6 minutes, then let rise for 1 hour.
- Shape into two baguettes, let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.
While simpler, this recipe still produces an impressively tasty loaf.
Pro Tips for the Best Baguette Every Time
- Use a preheated baking stone or steel for better oven spring.
- Add steam by placing a tray of water in the oven or spraying the dough with water before baking.
- Score the dough properly to help it expand and create that signature appearance.
- Don’t rush the rise—fermentation is key to flavor and texture.
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Conclusion
Mastering the perfect baguette recipe is more achievable than you think.
From a traditional French baguette recipe to a tangy sourdough baguette recipe and a quick baguette recipe easy option, there’s a version here for every skill level and schedule. Bake once, and you’ll be hooked for life.
The King Arthur Baking Company Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker (A Cookbook)