Fresh Baguette Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 3 hours
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the delight of making and sharing this Fresh Baguette recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. This recipe falls under the category of Yeast Breads and is perfect for various occasions, including potlucks, family gatherings, or simply for a delicious homemade treat.
Keywords:
Breads, Grains, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1859.3
- Fat Content: 5.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5838mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 388.7g
- Fiber Content: 15.4g
- Sugar Content: 5.5g
- Protein Content: 54.5g
Ingredients:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 4 to 4 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water, allowing it to stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
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With a wooden spoon, stir in 2 cups of flour until combined.
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Stir in salt and 2 cups of the remaining flour until the mixture forms a stiff dough.
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On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough with lightly floured hands for about 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add enough of the remaining 1/2 cup of flour to keep the dough from sticking.
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Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled deep bowl, turning it to coat with oil, and let it rise, covered with plastic wrap, until doubled in bulk, approximately 1 1/2 hours.
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Preheat your oven to 475-500°F (My oven does best with 475°, but it runs hot).
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Punch down the dough and form it into a long, slender loaf about 21 inches long and 3 inches wide. Alternatively, you can form individual mini-loaves.
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Place the loaf diagonally on a lightly greased large or 17 x 14-inch baking sheet and let it rise, uncovered, for about 30 minutes. (Baguette may be made up to this point 4 hours ahead and chilled.)
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Make 3 or 4 diagonal slashes on the loaf with a razor and lightly brush the top with cool water.
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Bake the loaf in the middle of the oven for 30 minutes, or until golden and it sounds hollow when tapped. Transfer it to a rack to cool.
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Notes: For a chewy interior and perfect, crusty exterior, place a Dutch oven filled with water in the oven as it preheats for about an hour. The humid environment will ensure the texture comes out right. Baking stones don’t hurt either. If you don’t want to put water into the oven, you can use a spray mister to keep the environment moist as it cooks.
This Fresh Baguette recipe yields one loaf, perfect for sharing and enjoying with your loved ones. Whether served as a standalone snack or paired with your favorite spreads and cheeses, this baguette is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and homemade goodness!