Homemade French Baguettes

I have fallen in love with making bread.

IMGP8401

I don’t know why – I hated baking a few years ago. I think it’s all that perfect-measuring-timing shit.

But I might be a changed woman. Not I’m going to make a cake a day kinda changed. But I do like the bread.

I’m most proud of my pizza dough – I could make it in my sleep. I’ve made Ciabatta that turned out fabulously (will post soon), pita bread (not so good, but I’ll be trying again), and Focaccia (again, future post), just to name a few.

However, I’ve been afraid to try making baguettes.

IMGP8400

Until now.

IMGP8392

This was really easy. One recipe makes three loaves. I wanted to make two of the loaves different, so these are the the two concoctions I made to sprinkle on top (I didn’t include this in the ingredients because I didn’t measure, just be generous):

-Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil and sea salt

-Paprika, seasoned salt, oregano, garlic powder

IMGP8388

Here’s the printable-

Homemade French Baguettes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 1/2 packets instant yeast
  • 1 cup King Arthur Bread Flour
  • 1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • Olive oil
  • Dry seasonings of your choice
  • Melted butter, for dipping

Instructions

  • Dissolve yeast in the warm water for 5 minutes.
  • In a stand mixer on low, mix flours and salt until combined.
  • Mix on medium low for 2 minutes.
  • Scrape the sides down and mix on medium for 5 minutes.
  • Test the dough by pinching off a piece and try to pull it apart. If it easily rips, mix it for another minute or two.
  • Turn the dough onto a floured surface and wrap completely with plastic wrap, and cover with a kitchen towel.
  • Let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.
  • After it has doubled, knead it for about a minute, getting the air bubbles out.
  • Divide the dough in three equal sections.
  • Knead each section about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
  • Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let sit for 15 minutes.
  • Roll each dough disc between your hands until a log forms (about 14-16") long.
  • Drizzle a baking pan or large stone with olive oil and place each baguette side by side with about 1/2" between each.
  • Place the baguettes in the microwave with a cup of very, very hot water, shut the door and proof for 30-60 minutes, until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Remove baguettes from the microwave and score each one three times down the middle with a sharp knife.
  • Sprinkle the bread with seasonings (if you want - it's not necessary).
  • Sprinkle each one generously with water, and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Recipe adapted from Food+Words
https://www.dixiechikcooks.com/homemade-french-baguettes/



Author

  • Shea

    Shea Goldstein is a writer and the voice behind Dixie Chik Cooks. She's also a recipe developer and brand ambassador. She has been published in several media platforms such as Redbook, Parade, Food Blogger Magazine and more. She has been developing recipes and writing since 2009. Shea is a Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch

This Post Has One Comment

Leave a Reply to Stephanie @ Plain Chicken Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.