How to bake Baguette

Baking a traditional French baguette at home can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you bake delicious baguettes:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams (4 cups) of bread flour
• 350 milliliters (1.5 cups) of water, at room temperature
• 10 grams (2 teaspoons) of salt
• 5 grams (1 teaspoon) of active dry yeast

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast: If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in a small amount of the water (about 100 milliliters) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture (or instant yeast if using) and the remaining water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step, mixing on low speed for about 8 minutes.

Step 2: First Rise

1. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 3: Shaping the Dough

1. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into three equal portions.
2. Shape the Baguettes: Take one portion of dough and gently flatten it into a rectangle. Fold the top third of the dough down to the center, then fold the bottom third up over the top, similar to folding a letter. Roll the dough into a long, thin log, about 12-14 inches in length. Repeat with the other portions.
3. Final Rise: Place the shaped baguettes seam-side down on a floured baking sheet or a baguette pan. Cover with a damp cloth and let them rise for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until puffy.

Step 4: Preparing to Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat up. Also, place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
2. Score the Baguettes: Just before baking, use a sharp knife or a lame to make 3-4 diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette. This allows the bread to expand properly in the oven.

Step 5: Baking

1. Bake the Baguettes: Transfer the baguettes to the preheated baking stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and have a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
2. Cool the Baguettes: Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips for Success:

• Steam: The steam created by the shallow pan of water helps to develop a crispy crust, so don’t skip this step.
• Flour Type: Using bread flour is essential for achieving the proper texture and chewiness of a traditional baguette.
• Patience: Allowing the dough to rise properly and not rushing the process is key to developing good flavor and texture.

Enjoy your homemade baguettes with butter, cheese, or your favorite spreads