Baguette – Spend With Pennies

Use this baguette recipe to bake up hot and fresh loaves of bread that look and taste just like they came from a bakery in Paris!

With a soft and chewy texture and a crackly exterior, baguettes are perfect for dipping and dunking, sandwiches, and so much more!

A baguette delivers lots of crusty crunch in every delicious bite!

• Baguettes are long and thin rounded loaves of bread of French origin.
• The crust is crisp while the insides are soft and tender.
• Always on the menu in cafes and bistros, baguettes are easy to make.

Ingredients for Baguette

• Flour – I use all purpose flour in this recipe although you can use bread flour in place.
• Yeast – this recipe uses active dry yeast. A true French baguette can only contain flour, yeast, water, and salt however, I include a little sugar to activate the yeast.
• Water & Salt – water adds moisture while salt adds flavor.

Variations – Plain baguettes AKA ‘baguette ordinaire’ are most common because they go with anything and have the perfect texture. For specialty baguettes, stir in some homemade Italian seasoning, Greek herb mix, or some roasted garlic in Step 2, below.

How to Make a Baguette

Soft and chewy with a crackly exterior, homemade baguettes are easy to make!

1. Proof the yeast in a large mixing bowl by adding sugar and water, as per the recipe card below.
2. Add salt and flour and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough and allow it to rise until doubled.
4. Divide the dough and shape into two loaves. Allow the loaves to rise until doubled again.
5. Cut slits into the top of each loaf with a knife or razor blade.
6. Bake until the tops are a deep golden brown. Cool for a few minutes and enjoy warm if desired.

Ways to Use a Baguette

Do like the French and toast a slice for dipping into your morning cuppa, or smear on some honey, strawberry, or pumpkin butter. Create all sorts of hearty sandwiches and paninis or use thick slices for French toast or garlic bread. When company’s coming, grab a baguette and slice it for bruschetta or crostini to add to a charcuterie board.

Best Way to Store Bread

• Because homemade baguettes don’t have the preservatives store-bought baguettes do, they won’t last as long and are best enjoyed within a few days.
• Keep leftover baguettes in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Freeze cooled baguettes by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freezing for up to one month.
• Use leftovers to make croutons, homemade stuffing, or breadcrumbs.
• If your baguette gets stale, simply wrap it in a clean, damp kitchen towel or paper towel and microwave it at 10-second intervals until it’s softened to your liking.

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