The Art of Ultimate Easy French Baguette Bread Perfection

Perfect Dough Development Mastery

Master the technique of creating smooth, elastic dough through proper kneading and gluten development.

Long Fermentation Excellence

Learn the skill of patient fermentation for developing complex flavors and perfect texture.

Baguette Shaping Perfection

Perfect the method of shaping classic baguette form with proper surface tension.

Scoring Technique Mastery

Master the art of scoring baguettes for optimal expansion and professional appearance.

Steam Baking Strategy

Learn essential steam techniques for achieving authentic crispy, golden baguette crust.

French Baguette Mastery Secrets for Perfect Homemade Artisan Bread

Yeast Activity: Ensure yeast foams properly in warm water - if not foamy, start over with fresh yeast.

Long Rise Magic: The 8-12 hour rise develops incredible flavor - don't skip this crucial step.

Shaping Technique: Keep surface tension when shaping - tight rolls create better baguette structure.

Scoring Confidence: Make quick, decisive cuts at 45-degree angle for professional-looking results.

Steam Importance: Steam in first 15 minutes creates the signature crispy, golden baguette crust.

Cooling Patience: Let baguettes cool completely - cutting too early results in gummy interior texture.

The Easiest Homemade French Baguette with Perfect Crispy Crust

Name: The Easiest Homemade French Baguette with Perfect Crispy Crust
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 12 h 45 min
Yield: 2 baguettes
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: For the Simple Dough:; 3 cups (360g) bread flour; 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water; 1 teaspoon active dry yeast; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; For the Perfect Rise:; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for bowl); Clean kitchen towel; Plastic wrap or damp cloth; For the Shaping:; Extra flour for dusting; Parchment paper; Sharp knife or razor blade; For the Crispy Crust:; 1 cup hot water (for steam); Metal baking pan; Spray bottle with water; For the Baking Setup:; Baking stone or heavy baking sheet; Pizza peel or inverted baking sheet; For the Finishing Touch:; Coarse sea salt (optional); Fresh herbs like rosemary (optional); For Special Equipment:; Large mixing bowl; Kitchen scale (recommended); Clean kitchen towels; Timer; Wire cooling rack; For the Traditional Method:

The ultimate easy baguette recipe featuring a perfectly crispy golden crust and soft, airy interior made with just four simple ingredients. This foolproof French bread masterpiece combines traditional baguette techniques with simplified methods, creating an authentic artisan bread experience that rivals bakery-quality baguettes. Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe delivers the classic baguette's signature texture and flavor without the complexity, making fresh homemade French bread accessible for everyday baking adventures.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

12H45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Simple Dough:

3 cups (360g) bread flour

1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

For the Perfect Rise:

1 tablespoon olive oil (for bowl)

Clean kitchen towel

Plastic wrap or damp cloth

For the Shaping:

Extra flour for dusting

Parchment paper

Sharp knife or razor blade

For the Crispy Crust:

1 cup hot water (for steam)

Metal baking pan

Spray bottle with water

For the Baking Setup:

Baking stone or heavy baking sheet

Pizza peel or inverted baking sheet

For the Finishing Touch:

Coarse sea salt (optional)

Fresh herbs like rosemary (optional)

For Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Kitchen scale (recommended)

Clean kitchen towels

Timer

Wire cooling rack

For the Traditional Method:

Bench scraper

Proofing basket (optional)

Linen cloth (optional)

For Enhanced Flavor:

1 tablespoon honey (optional)

1 tablespoon malt extract (optional)

For the Perfect Environment:

Warm, draft-free location

Oven thermometer

For Success Insurance:

Instant-read thermometer

Extra flour for adjustments

Backup yeast packet

Instructions

In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let stand 5 minutes until foamy.

Add flour and salt to yeast mixture, stirring until rough dough forms.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth.

Place dough in oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides with oil.

Cover bowl with damp towel and let rise 8-12 hours at room temperature.

After long rise, punch down dough and turn onto floured surface.

Divide dough in half and shape each piece into rough rectangle.

Roll each rectangle into tight cylinder, pinching seam to seal completely.

Place shaped baguettes seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover loosely with damp towel and let rise 1-2 hours until doubled.

Meanwhile, place baking stone or heavy sheet on middle oven rack.

Position empty metal pan on bottom oven rack for creating steam.

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Just before baking, score each baguette with 3-4 diagonal slashes.

Use sharp knife or razor blade to make quick, confident cuts.

Slide parchment with baguettes onto hot baking stone or sheet.

Immediately pour hot water into bottom pan to create steam cloud.

Quickly close oven door to trap steam for crispy crust development.

Bake 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Internal temperature should reach 200-210°F (93-99°C) when fully baked.

Remove baguettes from oven and cool on wire rack completely.

Allow baguettes to cool at least 30 minutes before slicing for best texture.

Serve fresh or store wrapped in clean towel for up to 2 days.

Refresh day-old baguettes by sprinkling with water and heating briefly.

The Easiest Homemade French Baguette with Perfect Crispy Crust

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Easy French Baguette Bread Perfection

The Easiest Homemade French Baguette with Perfect Crispy Crust

Ingredients

Instructions