ADVERTISEMENT
Homemade Baguettes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Shape the Baguettes:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a baking stone or an upside-down baking sheet in the oven to heat up.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 3 equal parts. Shape each part into a long baguette by rolling it out into a rectangle, then rolling it up tightly from one long side to the other. Pinch the seams to seal and taper the ends.
- Place the shaped baguettes on a piece of parchment paper. Make diagonal slashes on the tops of the baguettes using a sharp knife.
- Prepare the Egg Wash:
- Beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the tops of the baguettes with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Bake the Baguettes:
- Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the baguettes onto the preheated baking stone or upside-down baking sheet in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the baguettes are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let the baguettes cool on a wire rack.
Enjoy your freshly baked, golden, crusty baguettes! They are perfect for sandwiches, as a side to soups, or simply with butter.
