How do I make homemade baguettes?

Bring the warmth of a French bakery into your home with our easy homemade baguettes recipe. Get ready for crusty and delicious goodness!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make homemade baguettes. Items include: all-purpose flour salt sugar instant yeast warm water

all-purpose flour 3 cups
salt 1½ teaspoons
sugar 1 teaspoon
instant yeast 2¼ teaspoons
warm water 1 cup

Take note
Please be careful when handling hot items and sharp knives. Keep an eye on the oven temperature to avoid burning.

1

Mixing the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2¼ teaspoons of instant yeast. Whisk everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

2

Kneading the dough

Slowly add 1 cup of warm water to the dry ingredients. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until a shaggy dough forms. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3

First rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This is a great time to catch up on your favorite TV show!

4

Shaping the baguettes

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a floured surface and divide it into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long baguette by rolling it back and forth with your hands. Place the baguettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5

Second rise

Cover the shaped baguettes with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place an empty baking dish on the bottom rack.

6

Scoring the baguettes

Using a sharp knife or a blade, make 3 diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette. This will help the steam escape and create that classic baguette look. Be confident and embrace your inner Picasso!

7

Baking time!

Carefully place the baking sheet with the baguettes in the preheated oven. Quickly pour 1 cup of hot water into the empty baking dish on the bottom rack to create steam. This will give your baguettes a crispy crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the baguettes turn golden brown.

8

Let's eat!

Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Now, grab some butter or your favorite spread and enjoy the warm goodness of your homemade baguettes. Bon appétit!