You only need four ingredients, well five if you count the salt, to make this crispy loaf of Homemade French Baguette Recipe.
Crispy, crunch on the outside, yet tender and chewy on the inside.
Let me show you how to create the perfect side dish for any family dinner in just about an hour – a recipe that's sure to become a favorite.
Baking homemade bread is easy and I'm a little embarrassed to say we devoured this Homemade French Baguette bread in one night...yes, both loaves.
I served it with my Homemade Beef Barley Soup recipe. On the side, I made my Homemade Garlic Butter to use.
Table of Contents
Food Nanny Baguette
I found this original recipe from The Food Nanny on Instagram. I've adjusted a few different things like the dough raising time, but it's still her recipe I'm sharing today.
What is a French Baguette?
A French baguette is a long, thin loaf of bread that has a crisp crust. It's of French origin and the dough is usually lean. They're crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Looking for more Homemade Bread Recipes? Try my Homemade Bagels, Italian Bread, or my No Knead Bread Recipe.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
This post contains affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but I earn a commission when you shop through them. For more information, click here.
Baguette Bread PanClick HERE to PrintDigital Instant Read ThermometerClick HERE to PrintGlass Nesting Bowls with Lids - 14 piece setClick HERE to PrintPyrex Prepware 2-Piece Glass Measuring SetClick HERE to Print
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- Warm water 105 - 115 degrees ; divided
- Active dry yeast
- Sugar
- Bread flour
- Salt
Baking Tips
- Always make sure the yeast is probably proofed before adding it to the flour. If it isn't bubbly, don't use it. Start over.
- Place a baking dish on the bottom rack of your oven that is ¾ quarters filled with water. This will create steam in the oven while the baguettes bake and help get that nice crispy crust.
- If the baguettes soften while sitting out on the counter, you can quickly "crisp" them up by placing them back in a hot oven directly on the baking racks for about five minutes. Watch them closely so they don't overcook!
- Never store leftover baguettes in a plastic bag or plastic container. Try to store them wrapped in parchment paper or even an brown paper bag.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Use a thermometer to make sure the water temperature is between 105 and 115 degrees before adding the yeast. Add one teaspoon of sugar to help the yeast grow.
Step 2: Cover the bowl of water and yeast with a small plate to trap the warmth from the water inside. This will help the yeast to proof correctly.
Step 3: In the bowl of your Kitchen Aid Mixer, blend the flour, salt and the other 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add the yeast mixture.
Step 4: Gradually add the remaining cup of warm water; slowly until the dough starts to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Set a kitchen timer for 5 minutes and allow the machine to knead the dough adding a little bit of flour if the dough looks too sticky. Turn the dough out onto a floured board and shape it into a ball.
Step 6: Place the ball into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean dish towel. Let the dough rest in a warm environment for 30 minutes.
How to Shape the Dough
Step 7: Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide the dough in half and shape into the shape of a baguette or a long log; about 14 inches long.
Step 8: Grease a baguette pan with non-stick cooking spray and place the loaves in the baguette pan. Cover with a dish towel and place in a warm area to rise for about 30 minutes.
Top Tip
If you don't have a baguette pan, don't worry! Place the shaped loaves on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Baking Instructions
Step 9: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place an oven-safe pan filled with water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking. Just before baking, score the top of each baguette with a sharp knife. Bake for 15 minutes at 450°F. Your homemade bread is ready when it's a beautiful golden brown and makes a hollow sound when tapped.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Let your homemade baguettes cool completely before tightly wrapping them in parchment paper, bread paper bags or foil. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days to preserve freshness.
Clear Window Kraft Breathable Paper Bread BagClick HERE to PrintPaper Bread Loaf Storage Bakery BagClick HERE to PrintPlain White Paper Bread BagClick HERE to Print4 Packs Linen Bread BagsClick HERE to Print
Freezer: If you won't be eating the baguettes within a couple of days, you can freeze them for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing and Reheating: To reheat a frozen baguette, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it's warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
📖 Recipe Card
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Homemade French Baguette Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups warm water 105 - 115 degrees, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoon sugar divided
- 2 ¾ to 3 ¼ cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Combine ½ cup of the water, the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in a bowl. Stir to combine. Let the mixture stand for about 5 minutes or until it's bubbly.
- In the bowl of your Kitchen Aid Mixer, blend the flour, salt and the other 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Add the yeast mixture.
- Gradually add the remaining cup of warm water; slowly until the dough starts to form a ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Set a kitchen timer for 5 minutes and allow the machine to knead the dough adding a little bit of flour if the dough looks too sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured board and shape it into a ball.
- Place the ball into a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean dishtowel.
- Let the dough rest in a warm environment for 30 minutes.
- Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a floured bowl.
- Divide the dough in half and shape into the shape of a baguette or a long log about 14 inches long.
- Grease a baguette pan with non-stick cooking spray and place the loaves in the pan; seam side down. Using a sharp knife, score both loaves down the middle. Cover with a dishtowel and place in a warm area to rise for 30 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees while the dough is rising.
- Place an oven-safe pan on the bottom rack of the oven and fill with water. This will create steam while the baguettes bake.
- Using a sharp knife, score both loaves down the middle. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until they have a hollow sound when you tap them.
Video
Notes
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2018 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Linda says
This is a perfect recipe! I started it at 2pm and it was ready in plenty of time for dinner (and we eat early - 5pm). Shared it with my daughter as my granddaughter is really showing a lot of interest in cooking/baking.
Lois says
What a wonderful comment! Thank you so much for the 5-star rating!
Dave says
Just made this recipe, bread came out golden brown, it just wasn’t as crispy as it should have been. I’ll make it again but this time I’ll spritz the tops of the loaves with water when they go into the oven. Otherwise, it’s a solid recipe, Thank You.
Lois says
Glad you enjoyed the recipe. I find that when the loaves come out of the oven and sit for awhile, they will soften up. I'll put them back in the oven at 450°F for a few minutes to crisp them up before serving.
Debrashoppeno5 says
Oh, my this looks so good. I love serving bread with dipping oils. The homemade bread would be so delicious with the herbs.
Lois says
My husband loves dipping oils as well. Thanks for visiting!
Michelle James says
Oh yum! Nothing like homemade bread! Thank you for linking up at Merry Monday. Hope you will link up with us again! https://ourcraftymom.com/12-easy-ways-to-decorate-with-succulents/
Lois says
Thanks Michelle! Your party is a favorite of mine!