Homemade French Baguettes
French Baguettes is a type of bread that has a crispy and chewy crust. It is great with pasta or just on its own with butter.
baguette pan
It is great if you have the french baguette pans because it helps to retain the shape and moisture level of the bread. However, if you don't have it you can also use a towel to hold the shape.
Homemade French Baguettes
crusty bread
1½ tbsp dry active yeast (2 envelopes)
2 tbsp honey
1½ cups warm water divided
3½-4 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp salt
vegetable oil for greasing bowl
cornmeal for dusting pan
Activate the yeast by adding ½ cup warm water and honey. Set aside until it bubbles.
In a standing mixer with a dough hook, add the flour and salt in the mixing bowl. Add in the yeast mixture.
Gradually add 1 cup warm water and mix until the dough comes together into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add a little bit more flour. Place the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 2 to 6 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic,
Shape the dough into a ball, and place it in a lightly-oiled bowl and cover so it doesn't dry out. Let it rest in a warm environment for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it in three parts.
Shape into 3 baguettes by first making a flat rectangle out of your dough. Fold the top and bottom towards the middle, like an envelope, and lastly, seal the seam with your fingers. Continue until it's about 12 to 14 inches long and 2 inches wide.
Place a dishcloth on a tray and divide it into 3 columns. Place the baguettes in between dishcloths to maintain the shape. Cover with a dishcloth or towel and let it rise in a warm environment for 30 minutes until they have doubled in size.
Dust a baking tray with cornmeal and gently transfer the baguette.
Score the top of the loaves, making deep diagonal slits 1/2-inch deep.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and position your oven racks with one on the bottom and the other in the middle. When your bread has doubled in size, remove the towel and slide the baking tray with the baguettes onto the middle rack.
Place an oven-safe (non-glass) bowl or pan on the bottom rack and put some ice cubes. The ice will create a burst of steam that will give you a nice crispy crust. Bake the baguettes for 15 to 20 minutes until it is golden brown.
Recipe adapted from Kelsey Nixon Food Network.