French Baguette Recipe

French Baguette Recipe Introduction: A French baguette is a classic symbol of French baking, known for its crisp golden crust and soft, chewy interior. This simple, traditional recipe requires only four ingredients and a little patience. With minimal ingredients and careful technique, you can achieve an authentic French baguette right at home. This recipe is ideal for bread lovers seeking simplicity and high-quality results. Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C) 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) 1 ½ tsp salt Instructions: Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed for 6-8 minutes. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours or until doubled in size. Shaping the Baguettes: Punch down the dough and divide it into 2-3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a long, slender loaf (about 12-14 inches).