🧺 Ingredients
- Plain flour – 500 g (about 4 cups)
- Warm water – 350 ml
- Instant dry yeast – 1½ teaspoons
- Fine salt – 2 teaspoons
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon (optional, helps activate the yeast)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Method
1️⃣ Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar.
Let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy and active.
Add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
The dough may feel slightly sticky, which is normal for this recipe.
2️⃣ Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface.
Knead it for 10–12 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and elastic.
3️⃣ First Rise
Lightly oil a bowl and place the dough inside.
Cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap and leave it in a warm place for 1–1½ hours.
The dough should expand and almost double in size.
4️⃣ Shape the Baguettes
Gently press down the dough to release the air and divide it into two equal pieces.
Flatten each portion into a rectangle, then roll it tightly from one end to the other.
Carefully stretch and shape each piece into a long baguette.
5️⃣ Second Rise
Place the shaped loaves on a floured cloth or baking tray.
Cover them lightly and let them rest for 30–40 minutes so they can rise again.
6️⃣ Score and Bake
Using a sharp knife or bread blade, cut diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.
Preheat your oven to 240°C (465°F).
Place a heat-safe pan filled with hot water in the oven to create steam.
Bake the baguettes for 20–25 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden brown.
✅ Helpful Baking Tips
- Steam inside the oven helps create a crispy bakery-style crust.
- Always let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- When you tap the bottom of the loaf and hear a hollow sound, it means the bread is fully baked.
