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    Home » Recipes » Winter

    Easy Homemade Baguette Recipe

    Published: Oct 27, 2021 · Modified: Feb 3, 2022 by Nicole · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pin for easy baguette bread

    This quick and easy homemade french baguette recipe is simple to make and the hands on time is fast! It's beautiful and delicious, crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Try a baguette with cheese or butter or used as sandwich bread. I love to make this and take it to potlucks, or have it as an appetizer when people are coming to dinner.

    baguette with butter.

    Long and thin crispy French bread, these are so yummy and delicious! It's the perfect side with chicken and salad or soup or really anything. It's very easy to make and has the best texture! For other fun bread finds, check out our Best Ever Dinner Rolls or our yummy Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Bread!

    We recommend serving this with our Tomato Basil Soup and our Classic Gumbo.

    The baguette bread, with its iconic elongated shape and delightful taste, carries a fascinating history and is cherished by bread lovers worldwide. Originating in France during the 19th century, the baguette quickly became a staple in French cuisine and an emblem of Parisian culture. Its crisp golden crust, light and airy interior, and irresistible aroma make it a true culinary delight.

    The secret to its deliciousness lies in the precise balance of high-quality ingredients, traditional baking techniques, and a fermentation (rising) process, resulting in a bread that is both crusty and tender. Whether enjoyed as a versatile accompaniment to meals or as the foundation for sandwiches, the baguette's timeless appeal continues to captivate taste buds and inspire a deep appreciation for artisanal bread-making craftsmanship.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Substitutions:
    • Variations:
    • Equipment:
    • How To Serve:
    • Top Tips
    • Storage
    • Recipe
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Low amount of active time - the time spent actively making this baguette recipe is only 10-15 minutes total. Most of the time spent is in rising, mixing and baking. I love being able to start the bread, run the kids around to their activities, throw it in the oven and serve it.
    • Perfect for Entertaining - they are big and round and beautiful and smell like heaven. I love taking these to parties and gatherings. They are impressive and yet so easy to make! I also love serving them at my own home- they make the house smell amazing.
    • High Quality - this is fancy restaurant quality bread at home for a fraction of the cost and not a lot of effort!
    • Versatile - this is so versatile in that it can be served with almost anything and when paired with butter and/or cheese it makes a great appetizer. It goes with soups, pastas, casseroles, grilled meats, salads and can be used to make a sandwich and the list goes on!
    • Great for Snacking - the leftovers are great for snacking on. My mouth is watering and I'm reaching for more of the leftovers as I write this post! It's perfect with a little bit of fruit or some chopped cucumbers for an after school snack for kids, too.

    Ingredients

    • water - I like to use filtered water. There is always a risk that regular tap water could inhibit the growth of the yeast.
    • sugar - regular granulated sugar, just a very small amount is needed to help the sugar grow.
    • fast acting yeast - for this recipe, we recommend fast acting yeast so that the bread rises quickly.
    • salt- table salt or pink Himalayan for a wonderful flavor. If you use pink Himalayan, it needs about half again as much as regular table salt.
    • olive oil - adds a little softness to the bread and improves the texture
    • all-purpose flour - we love bread flour and use it for many things, but for baguette bread, regular all-purpose flour works the best
    • egg- this will be beaten for the egg wash and will help provide a crusty chewy crust with a rich beautiful color.

    Instructions

    yeast warm water and sugar proofing.

    1. Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in a liquid measuring cup. Proof by allowing to activate and bubble for about 5 minutes. There should be quite a bit of foam on the top. If not, dump it out and try again. It's extremely important to have active yeast. Pour liquid in a bread maker or bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, then add 4 cups flour, salt and oil. Mix on low speed until combined (or press start on the dough setting on the bread mixer).

    kneaded dough ready to rise.

    2. Add in the remaining 1- 1 ½ cups flour, starting with 1 cup. The dough should form a soft ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic-y and smooth. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add flour 2 Tablespoons at a time until it pulls away. Lightly spray with cooking spray and cover with a kitchen towel (or just leave in closed bread maker). Allow to rise until doubled in size, 40-60 minutes. No longer or the dough will be too sticky.

    how to form baguettes.

    3.Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half. I use a kitchen scale, but you can also just eyeball it the best you can. Stretch and pat or gently roll each half into a rectangle, about 5 inches wide and 18 inches long. Roll up length wise and press down gently to push out any air pockets. Pinch the ends and tuck the ends under.

    formed baguettes.

    4. Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and place spaced apart from each other. Allow to rise another 30 minutes. Using an extremely sharp knife, make slashes diagonally across the top of the bread. If you don't have a super sharp knife, make the slashes before rising so as not to flatten the rise.

    baked baguettes on a pan.

    5. Bake at 415°F. Put the bread in the oven and throw in a handful of ice cubes (5-8) on the bottom, quickly closing the oven door. Bake for 20 minutes. While baking, whisk egg together in a small bowl. At minute 12, pull out the loaves and spread with egg wash. Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. The bread will be done when it's deep golden and sounds hollow when turned over and thumped on the bottom with the end of a wooden spoon.

    Hint: How are baguettes made? There is a key secret to getting that chewy crusty exterior: ice! Throw a handful of ice cubes (5-8 cubes) on the bottom of the oven as you put in the bread. It creates some steam that gives it that crusty exterior we all love to love. How do you get that golden brown crust? A simple egg wash about 12 minutes into bake time will do the trick.

    Substitutions:

    • honey- 1 teaspoon of honey may be used instead of table sugar during yeast activation.
    • oil- any cooking oil can be used in place of the olive oil

    Variations:

    • Garlic & Rosemary: add 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder and 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary to the dough for an Italian flavor.
    • Parmesan: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder to the dough. After adding the egg wash at minute 12, cover in a thick layer of fresh grated parmesan cheese.
    • Honey and Thyme- Add 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh thyme to the dough. After it's done baking, chop another 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme into 2 Tablespoons honey and drizzle over the top of the the loaves.

    Equipment:

    • bread machine -or-
    • stand mixer with dough hook
    • baking sheet

    How To Serve:

    1. Enjoy it with butter and cheese: Slice a fresh baguette and spread it with creamy butter or pair it with a selection of your favorite cheeses for a delectable combination of flavors and textures.
    2. Create delicious sandwiches: Slice the baguette horizontally and fill it with an array of savory ingredients like ham, cheese, vegetables, or spreads to craft a mouthwatering French-style sandwich.
    3. Dip it in soups or stews: Use a crusty baguette as a delightful companion to dip into hearty soups, stews, or sauces. The combination of the bread's crunch and the flavorful broth is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
    4. Make bruschetta or crostini: Slice the baguette into thin rounds, toast them until crispy, and top them with your choice of fresh tomatoes, herbs, garlic, or other flavorful toppings for an appetizing bruschetta or crostini.
    5. Serve as a side for meals: A baguette makes an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. Serve it alongside salads, pasta dishes, grilled meats, or seafood to add a rustic touch and enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.

    Remember, a baguette's versatility makes it a delightful addition to any meal or occasion, allowing you to explore endless possibilities and savor the timeless charm of this beloved French bread.

    Top Tips

    Throw a large handful of ice into the oven as you place the dough in the oven. The ice lets off steam and contributes to that amazing chewy texture of the crust that we love so much.

    Brushing with egg partway through baking gives it the rich, glossy golden color and makes it look heavenly. It also helps crisp up the crust for that desired texture.

    Don't let the dough rise longer than an hour with this one! Usually dough is fine if the first rise is a little long, but not with this recipe. I've made the mistake more than once, and the dough is always sticky and difficult to work with. If you do go longer than an hour, the bread will still turn out and taste delicious, it's just harder to shape into beautiful loaves.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture. It won't go bad for longer, but the texture isn't nearly as good.

    Reheat leftover baguette in the microwave for a few seconds, or in a preheated oven for 3-4 minutes to soften it up and regain some of the original texture.

    To Freeze: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw to room temperature then reheat in an oven preheated to 375* for 5-6 minutes before serving.

    How to shape baguette?

    Roll the dough into a rectangle about 5x18. Roll up hot dog style with the seam at the bottom and pinch the dough under at the ends. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and using a sharp knife, make 3-5 diagonal slices across the loaf.

    How to toast Baguette?

    Our favorite way is to lightly butter both sides of a slice and toast it on a fry pan. Baguette slices can go in the toaster, but can be tricky to remove. They can also be toasted in the air fryer at 400° F for about 1-2 minutes.

    How to soften a baguette?

    If a baguette is too hard and crusty, lightly dampen a tea towel and wrap it in the warm baguette. Leave for about 20-30 minutes and reheat again slightly in the microwave.

    What is a baguette?

    A baguette is a long, thin French bread known for its crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. It is a beloved staple in French cuisine and a versatile choice for sandwiches, pairing well with various fillings and spreads.

    How to eat a baguette

    You can slice it and spread it with butter or your favorite cheese for a simple and satisfying snack. Alternatively, use it as the base for a classic French sandwich, such as a "jambon-beurre" with ham and butter. Lastly, pair a baguette with soups, stews, or salads to add a delightful crunch and soak up the flavors of your meal.

    How to make French Baguette?

    To make a French baguette, begin by combining bread flour, yeast, salt, and water in a mixing bowl. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then allow it to rise until doubled in size. Shape the dough into long, slender baguettes and make diagonal slashes on the top. Bake the baguettes in a preheated oven until golden brown and crusty. When placing in the oven, throw a handful of ice into the bottom of the oven for the best chewy crusty exterior.

    easy baguette bread on a cutting board.

    Recipe

    Recipe

    a crusty baguette on a cutting board.

    Easy Homemade Baguette Recipe

    Nicole
    This Easy Baguette Recipe is the perfect texture and flavor. Crusty and chewy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside. Perfect to pair with soup or a great fall appetizer.
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    4.97 from 28 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hour hr 40 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Servings 12
    Calories/serving 187 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups warm water
    • 2 teaspoons sugar
    • 1 packet yeast
    • 2 ½ teaspoons salt
    • 1 Tablespoon olive oil vegetable or avocado work too
    • 5- 5 ½ cups all purpose flour
    • 1 egg beaten for the egg wash

    Instructions

    • Combine warm water, sugar and yeast in a liquid measuring cup. Allow to activate and bubble for about 5 minutes. Check photo above to see what it should look like.
    • Pour liquid in a bread maker or bowl of a stand mixer with a dough hook, then add 4 cups flour, salt and oil. Mix on low speed until combined (or press start on the dough setting on the bread mixer).
    • Add in the remaining 1- 1 ½ cups flour, starting with 1 cup. The dough should form a soft ball and pull away from the sides of the bowl. See photo above for a visual on the texture.
    • Knead for 5 minutes until the dough is elastic-y and smooth. If the dough sticks to the sides of the bowl, add flour 2 Tablespoons at a time until it pulls away.
    • Lightly spray with cooking spray and cover with a kitchen towel (or just leave in closed bread maker). Allow to rise until doubled in size, 40-60 minutes.  
    • Turn the dough onto a lightly greased surface and divide in half.
    • Stretch and pat or gently roll each half into a rectangle, about 5 inches wide and 18 inches long.
    • Roll up length wise and press down gently to push out any air pockets. Pinch the ends and tuck the ends under. See photos above, if needed.
    • Transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet and place spaced apart from each other. Allow to rise another 30 minutes.
    • Preheat the oven to 415* F after the first 15 minutes.
    • Using an extremely sharp knife, make slashes diagonally across the top of the bread. If you don't have a super sharp knife, make the slashes before rising so as not to flatten the rise.
    • Bake at 415*F. Put the bread in the oven and throw in a small handful of ice cubes (4-5) on the bottom, quickly closing the oven door.
    • Bake for 20 minutes. While baking, whisk egg in a small bowl. At minute 12, pull out and spread with egg wash, then return to the oven for an additional 8 minutes. The bread will be done when it's deep golden and sounds hollow when turned over and thumped on the bottom with the end of a wooden spoon.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It won't go bad for a week, but the texture is always best fresh! 
    Reheat in an oven preheated to 375*F for 3-4 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3slicesCalories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 7gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 491mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 21IUVitamin C: 0.002mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was in the comments below
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. JCW

      November 11, 2021 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      HOLY COW! It's as good as it looks. So crusty and so fluffy. I don't need to say more.

      Reply
    2. Kate

      December 01, 2021 at 2:30 am

      5 stars
      Made this french baguettes for our Sunday brunch and they were amazing and very easy! Fluffy inside with a crunchy exterior! Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Shelly

      December 07, 2021 at 3:51 am

      5 stars
      These turned out perfect! I'm not the best baker especially when it comes to bread, so I was really grateful for the step by step instructions and all the tips! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Gina

      December 27, 2021 at 11:53 am

      5 stars
      So soft and fluffy on the inside, absolute perfection with some butter!

      Reply
    5. Colleen

      January 27, 2022 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy, but turned out so good! We are having it with homemade soup tonight. Thank you!

      Reply
    6. Nicole

      January 31, 2022 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      This was so quick and easy to make. The active time making them was less than 10 minutes total. AWESOME. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. My family loves it!

      Reply
      • Catherine

        April 11, 2022 at 7:41 am

        5 stars
        This recipe was easy to follow and the results were awesome.

        Reply
    7. Kathleen

      February 05, 2022 at 9:03 am

      5 stars
      Made these for dinner last night as we had a quick cold front come through! Making again for Easter! Delicious and easy and fresh baguette recipe!

      Reply
    8. Saif

      February 12, 2022 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars
      Baguette is one of my favorite bread. Glad I found this recipe in your website. Easy recipe to follow. It was so fresh and delicious!

      Reply
    9. Casey

      March 31, 2022 at 7:48 pm

      5 stars
      ICE??!! Who knew??!!!! That is a secret! I appreciated the detailed instructions for a bread making newbie like myself!! We will be making this yummy recipe again!

      Reply
    10. Jennifer

      April 03, 2022 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      I love making my own bread and this recipe is a keeper! It is easy, and we all loved the flavor and texture. So crusty on the outside. I also like how it's soft and fluffy inside. I don't like my baguette dry on the inside, so this one was perfect.

      Reply
    11. Beth

      April 15, 2022 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE this recipe! I made it last weekend, and I'm making a batch of bread again this weekend. It goes fast when I make it.

      Reply
    12. Jenna

      April 17, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of the best bread recipes I have ever made! It’s one that I can slap some butter on it & eat with every meal.

      Reply
    13. Sherry Morris

      October 30, 2022 at 1:14 pm

      5 stars
      I don’t make bread. I’ve always failed at it. But this recipe was easy to follow, and the finished product was AMAZING! I can’t say enough about it. I made a olive oil dressing and we dipped it warm. To die for!!🥰🥰

      Reply
      • Nicole

        October 31, 2022 at 10:33 am

        Sherry, I am SO glad to hear it!! That was exactly my hope when creating this recipe- to make bread doable and approachable and delicious. Thank you for trying out the recipe.

        Reply
    14. SLD

      January 18, 2023 at 9:13 pm

      5 stars
      Easy instructions, wonderful results!! A real addition to any meal.

      Reply
      • Nicole

        January 19, 2023 at 1:49 pm

        Thanks! We're so glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    15. Porter

      April 09, 2023 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy bread recipe. I usually am really intimidated by bread recipes but this easy baguette was seriously soooo easy.

      Reply
    16. DC

      July 06, 2023 at 10:03 pm

      5 stars
      So easy and so delicious! The whole family loved this for sandwiches on 4th of July. Will be making again for friends tomorrow.

      Reply
      • Andrea

        July 08, 2023 at 10:49 pm

        We are so happy you love it!

        Reply
    17. Melissa

      September 24, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      4 stars
      Thank you for the recipe. It all seem to be turning out OK, but I accidentally brushed the loaves with egg wash before they baked. And now, after 20 minutes, they are still not brown, so I’m leaving for additional five minutes. I sure hope this turns out.

      Reply
      • Nicole

        September 25, 2023 at 12:06 pm

        Hi Melissa! I hope your baguette turned out. It's okay if you brushed the egg wash before baking them. If it happens again, I'd recommend a second coat of egg wash part way through baking!

        Reply

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    Hi, we are Nicole and Andrea! As busy moms our favorite meals are easy, healthy and delicious. While we love eating nutritious meals, we also strongly believe in moderating them with yummy desserts! We love hiking, going to the beach and doing Spartans.

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