Classic French Baguettes

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic French Baguettes.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious baguette journey, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the yeast with warm water, stirring gently until everything is nicely dissolved.

2. Step 2

   Next, sprinkle in the salt and mix it in.

3. Step 3

   Now, it’s time to add the flour gradually, using a wooden spoon to stir until the dough transforms into a thick, sticky mass that pulls flour from the sides of the bowl.

4. Step 4

   This process should take about 5 to 10 minutes, so don’t rush—enjoy the rhythm of mixing! Once your dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in a turned-off oven.

5. Step 5

   Let it rise peacefully for about 12 to 14 hours, or until it has doubled in size and is bubbly and sticky—this is where the magic happens! When your dough is ready, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat and generously dusting it with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

6. Step 6

   On a well-floured surface, gently scrape the dough out of the bowl using a floured spatula.

7. Step 7

   Dust the top of the dough with a little more flour and pat it into a rectangle shape.

8. Step 8

   Now, cut this rectangle into four equal pieces, and let’s shape those baguettes! Take one piece of dough, dust it with flour, and stretch it gently with your floured fingers into a log about 10 inches long and 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

9. Step 9

   Carefully place it on your prepared baking sheet.

10. Step 10

    If you notice any excess cornmeal, feel free to wipe it off with a damp paper towel.

11. Step 11

    Repeat this process with another piece of dough, setting aside the remaining pieces for later or preparing another baking sheet if you’re feeling ambitious and want to bake all four loaves at once.

12. Step 12

    Once your loaves are on the baking sheet, lightly dust them with flour.

13. Step 13

    Grab a large piece of plastic wrap, dust it with flour as well, and drape it loosely over the baking sheet with the floured side facing down.

14. Step 14

    Let the loaves rise again, covered, until they double in size—this should take about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

15. Step 15

    While your dough is rising, it’s time to get your oven ready.

16. Step 16

    Position the oven racks to the bottom and middle positions and preheat your oven to a sizzling 500°F (260°C) or as high as it can go.

17. Step 17

    For that perfect crust, place an oven-proof baking dish filled with water on the bottom rack of the oven.

18. Step 18

    When your loaves have risen beautifully, take sharp kitchen shears and cut four or five angled slashes into the top of each loaf.

19. Step 19

    If you see any sharp tips of dough from the scissors, gently poke them down to keep things neat.

20. Step 20

    Give the loaves a light spray of water using a spray bottle to help create that lovely crust.

21. Step 21

    Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baguettes in the preheated oven and let them bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, which should take about 15 minutes.

22. Step 22

    Remember to spray the loaves with water after 5 minutes and again at the 10-minute mark, turning the pan around for even baking.

23. Step 23

    Once they’re perfectly baked, transfer your beautiful baguettes to a cooling rack and let them cool to room temperature.

24. Step 24

    When they’re ready, slice them with a serrated knife and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

25. Step 25

    There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home—enjoy every bite!.