Description
A classic homemade French bread recipe that creates golden, crusty baguettes with airy, tender interiors—perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 to 1¼ cups warm water (105-115°F)
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 3½ to 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ to 2 tsp fine sea salt
Instructions
- Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar; let sit 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Whisk 2 cups flour with salt in a mixing bowl.
- Add yeast mixture and remaining flour gradually until dough forms.
- Knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and rise 30–45 minutes.
- Punch down dough, divide into 2–3 pieces, and shape into baguettes.
- Place shaped loaves on a parchment-lined sheet and rise 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450–475°F with a pan on the bottom rack.
- Score loaves diagonally 3–5 times.
- Pour 1/2–1 cup hot water into the preheated pan to create steam.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool 30–60 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Ensure proper yeast activation and use steam during baking for a crispy, authentic crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58.8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: French Bread, homemade baguettes, classic French bread, crusty bread recipe