French Baguette
Baguettes are a classic French bread with a crispy crust and a soft, airy interior. Freshly baked, they fill the house with an irresistible aroma. This recipe makes one perfect baguette, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or as a side to any meal.
Servings: 1 Baguette
Calories: 650kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread flour sieved
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup warm water, 110ºF
- 0.5 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 egg white, optional
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and beat until well-blended. Shape the dough into a ball and knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn once, cover, and let it rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Shaping the Baguette: Punch down the dough, cover, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, then roll it up from the long side. Moisten the edges and seal, tapering the ends.
- Second Rise: Place the baguette on a greased and floured baking sheet. Let it rise for 35 to 40 minutes until nearly doubled in size.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 450ºF. Make 3 or 4 diagonal cuts on top of the dough using a sharp knife. Brush with an egg white-water mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with water and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 40 minutes before serving.