French Baguette Recipe

🧺 Ingredients

• All-purpose flour – 500 g (about 4 cups)
• Lukewarm water – 350 ml
• Instant yeast – 1½ tsp
• Salt – 2 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tsp (optional, helps activate yeast)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the dough

• In a bowl, mix water, yeast, and sugar
• Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy
• Add flour and salt, then mix
• Dough will be slightly sticky (this is normal)

2️⃣ Kneading

• Knead the dough for 10–12 minutes
• It should become smooth and elastic

3️⃣ First rise

• Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside
• Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours in a warm place
• Dough should double in size

4️⃣ Shape the baguettes

• Divide dough into 2 equal parts
• Flatten each into a rectangle, then roll tightly
• Shape into long baguettes

5️⃣ Second rise

• Place on a floured cloth or baking tray
• Cover and let rest for 30–40 minutes

6️⃣ Score & bake

• Make diagonal cuts on top using a sharp blade
• Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F)
• Place a tray of hot water in the oven for steam
• Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown

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✅ Tips

• Steam helps create a crispy crust
• Cool on a wire rack after baking
• Bread is ready when it sounds hollow when tapped