**French Baguette: A Culinary Journey into the Heart of France**
A French baguette is an iconic symbol of French gastronomy, a crispy, airy loaf that has captured the hearts of bread enthusiasts worldwide. This delightful bread is renowned for its long, slender shape, golden-brown crust, and soft, chewy interior. In this comprehensive guide, we embark on a culinary journey to explore the art of crafting the perfect French baguette, providing step-by-step recipes for both traditional and contemporary variations. From the classic white baguette to innovative flavors like olive, cheese, and whole wheat, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your bread-making adventure, let us guide you through the process of creating this delectable masterpiece in your own kitchen.
TRADITIONAL ARTISAN STYLE BAGUETTE - RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
A traditional country-style French bread, made the old-fashioned way (although you can use the bread-machine if you wish). The result is a lovely full-flavored loaf with a wonderful crust. Best eaten the same day. Makes 2 baguettes.
Provided by BecR2400
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 32m
Yield 2 Baguettes, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place the yeast, honey and warm water in a large bowl and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the salt and the flour. Use a wooden spoon to stir 2 cups of the flour mixture into the yeast mixture; stir in the remaining flour mixture (dough will be stiff).
- Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead with floured hands until dough is smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes. Add a little flour, 1 tablespoon at a time as necessary, to prevent dough from sticking.
- Place in an oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with plastic wrap (or a clean kitchen towel) and leave to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400F degrees.
- Gently punch dough down to deflate it and shape into two oblong baguettes. Dust tops lightly with flour and place on a lightly greased baking sheet; let rise uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Use a serrated knife to cut 3-5 small diagonal slits across the tops of the baguettes, and lightly sprinkle with cool water.
- Bake in the middle of oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden. Transfer to a rack to cool.
- Best eaten the same day.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 476.7, Fat 1.4, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 1169, Carbohydrate 100.4, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 4.7, Protein 13.6
KITTENCAL'S FRENCH BREAD/BAGUETTE (KITCHEN AID MIXER STAND MIXER
This recipe will make two loaves of the *best* French bread you will ever have, I have been making this for years with perfect results every time, sometimes it is not the ingredients used but the method used that will make for perfect results, this is my way to a create the perfect French bread! --- you will need some cornmeal for the pan and an egg white for brushing on the top of the loaves, also about 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds --- make certain to have the two separated cups of water at the right temperature or your bread will not turn out properly, two .25-ounce packages of yeast will be fine for this recipe --- NOTE use 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon of active dry yeast OR 2 small packages/envelopes of active dry yeast
Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 2h
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Attach the dough hook to heavy duty stand mixer.
- In a small cup or bowl mix 1 teaspoon sugar into 1 cup warm water until combined.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast and mix gently.
- Cover the cup and allow to proof until foamy (about 8 minutes, if the yeast does not foam discard and make again).
- Place 5-1/2 cups flour in the stainless steel mixing bowl along with the salt, sugar and 5 tablespoons oil.
- After the yeast has proofed add to the bowl along with remaining 1 cup warm water.
- Start kneading process adding in more flour a tablespoon at a time as needed to create a soft smooth semi-sticky dough (kneading should take about 8 minutes).
- Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface; cover with a clean tea towel and let rest for 3 minutes (this is important, allow to sit for 3 minutes).
- Oil a large deep bowl.
- Gather up the dough and gently knead into a ball (the dough will come together easily after resting).
- Place the dough into the bowl, then cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down the dough and remove to a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough evenly in half.
- Cover both pieces of dough and allow to rest for 5 minutes (this will make shaping the dough easier).
- Roll each dough into about a 9 x 12-inch rectangle, then roll up jelly-roll fashion starting at long edge.
- Seal edges and seam of each loaf.
- Grease a large jelly-roll pan then sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons cornmeal.
- Place the two long shaped loaves onto the pan seam-side down spacing apart.
- Using a razor blade or a small sharp knife slash each loaf 3 times diagonally.
- In a small cup whisk an egg white then brush over each loaf.
- Sprinkle the tops with about 2 teaspoons seasme seeds for each loaf.
- Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
CHEWY FRENCH BAGUETTE
I don't bake with bread flour or rapid yeast, and I don't have a bread machine. This is a pretty good loaf using things I already have. One might call it 'French on a budget' bread. This recipe can make 1 big loaf or 6 sandwich rolls. I find they're best served warm with homemade butter.
Provided by NWMama
Categories Bread Yeast Bread Recipes White Bread Recipes
Time 2h20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Dissolve sugar into the hot water in a 2-cup measure; add yeast and stir gently. Let dissolve until top is foamy, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk flour and salt together in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir gently, starting from the middle, until mixture is sticky. Knead by hand, adding more flour if needed, until dough is elastic and no longer sticky, about 10 minutes.
- Oil a large, clean bowl and place dough inside, turning to coat. Cover with a towel and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Fill a roasting pan with water and set on the lower rack of the oven. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat.
- Punch down dough and turn onto a lightly floured surface. Shape dough into 1 large loaf or 6 sandwich loaves, tapering the ends. Place loaves on the prepared baking sheet. Cut 3 or 4 diagonal slashes, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch, across the tops. Cover with a dry towel and let rise until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake in the center of the preheated oven until top is light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the loaves.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 331.5 calories, Carbohydrate 60.8 g, Fat 5.4 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 8.6 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 585.4 mg, Sugar 0.9 g
FRENCH BREAD/BAGUETTE
I got this recipe from Gourmet years ago. The directions are for the traditional way, but with a little help, this baguette could be made in the bread machine with the dough cycle then baked in the oven. You can make one large french bread or 2 smaller baguettes. The relatively large amount of salt in this bread is the secret to a full-flavored baguette.
Provided by Abby Girl
Categories Breads
Time 2h30m
Yield 1 - 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a large bowl sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. With a wooden spoon stir in 2 cups flour until combined. Stir in salt and 2 cups of remaining flour until mixture forms a stiff dough. On a lightly floured surface knead dough with lightly floured hands 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic, kneading in enough of remaining 1/2 cup flour to keep dough from sticking. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled deep bowl, turning to coat with oil, and let rise, bowl covered with plastic wrap, until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Punch down dough and form into a long slender loaf about 21 inches long and 3 inches wide. Put loaf diagonally on a lightly greased large or 17- by 14-inch baking sheet and let rise, uncovered, about 30 minutes. (Baguette may be made up to this point 4 hours ahead and chilled.)
- Make 3 or 4 diagonal slashes on loaf with a sharp knife and lightly brush top with cool water. Bake loaf in middle of oven 30 minutes, or until golden, and transfer to a rack to cool.
FRENCH BRIE AND HAM BAGUETTE
Steps:
- Slice baguette horizontally with a serrated bread knife. Spread preserves on both sides of bread. On bottom half of baguette, lay down overlapping slices of ham and top with slices of brie. Place top of baguette on sandwich. Cut into 1-inch pieces and secure with decorative sandwich picks.
- Optional: heat in a 400 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.
FRENCH BAGUETTE
Steps:
- 1. Combine Sugar, Yeast and 1/4 cup of warm water (105-115 degrees) in a large bowl. Allow to sit until foamy. About 5 minutes. 2. In another bowl, mix together the flour and the salt. 3. Combine yeast mixture, the remaining warm water (1-3/4 cups), and half of the flour/salt mixture. Using your hands, mix until it forms a dough. Then, cover with a dish cloth and let sit at room temperature for 3 hours. It should triple in size. 4. Gently incorporate the rest of the flour/salt, using your hands. 5. Place on a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. It should be supple and elastic when you stop kneading. 6. Cut dough into 3 parts and form each part into a long baguette and cut a slit in top lengthwise. Place on a baking sheet. Let sit for 20 minutes. 7. Preheat oven to 450°F. 8. Place a bowl of water in the oven. Bake baguettes for about 25 minutes (maybe less, depending on your loaf size/shape). Voilà!
MARIANNE BAGUETTE - TRADITIONAL RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
A traditional style baguette de Campagne - rustic French bread, which is easy to make and has lots of body - it is NOT like the usual light, supermarket produced baguettes of today. This bread can be started off in a bread machine if you wish. Marianne is the national symbol of France; she personifies Liberty, Reason & the Triumph of the Republic. She appears on stamps, government forms, town halls, law courts and the former French franc coins & banknotes; she even appears on high quality Label Rouge Baguettes and Pain!! Therefore, I have called this homemade French Bread/Baguette recipe after her.....it seems only right and proper!
Provided by French Tart
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h30m
Yield 2 Baguettes, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Put the ingredients into the bread machine. Set to the dough programme and start. Grease a large baking tray & Pre-heat oven to 220C/400°F.
- Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and punch it down to deflate it. Shape dough into two long "baguette" shaped loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling-film and leave to rise for about 30 minutes until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, place an oven proof bowl containing water on the bottom of the oven to heat up. (About 250mls).
- Sprinkle top of dough with flour, then using a sharp knife cut 5 diagonal small slits across the tops of the baguettes.
- Bake for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 190C/375F and bake for a further 10 - 15 minutes. (If they start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil on top.).
- Transfer to wire rack to cool.
- Eat immediately.
MARIANNE BAGUETTE - RUSTIC FRENCH BREAD
Steps:
- Directions 1. Put the ingredients into the bread machine. Set to the dough programme and start. Grease a large baking tray & Pre-heat oven to 220C/400°F. 2. Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface and punch it down to deflate it. Shape dough into two long "baguette" shaped loaves and place on the baking sheet. Cover loosely with lightly oiled cling-film and leave to rise for about 30 minutes until doubled in size. 3. Meanwhile, place an oven proof bowl containing water on the bottom of the oven to heat up. (About 250mls). 4. Sprinkle top of dough with flour, then using a sharp knife cut 5 diagonal small slits across the tops of the baguettes. 5. Bake for 15 minutes then reduce temperature to 190C/375F and bake for a further 10 - 15 minutes. (If they start browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil on top.). 6. Transfer to wire rack to cool. 7. Eat immediately.
FRENCH BAGUETTE (FOOD PROCESSOR)
Make and share this French Baguette (Food Processor) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Abby Girl
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 1h50m
Yield 1 loaf
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place warm water in the food processor. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes. Process for 5 seconds.
- Add 1 cup flour and process 5 seconds. Add salt and rest of the flour and process until it form a ball. Then process for 40 seconds.
- Remove the dough from the food processor. Pour 1/2 tsp of olive oil in a bowl and with a paper towel coat the bowl with the oil. Place the dough in the bowl, covering it with some of the oil. Cover with a clean dish towel and allow to it to rise for about 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down and shape into a baguette. Make 4 slashes in the dough.
- Preheat oven to 425. Add a pan of water in the bottom of the oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes, spraying it with water 4 times during the cooking time. Reduce oven to 350 and bake another 20 minutes or until golden.
- Option: Brush with an egg glaze for a shiny loaf before baking.
FRENCH BAGUETTE
Make and share this French Baguette recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Loves2Teach
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 12h30m
Yield 2 loaves
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Other equipment: unbleached all-purpose flour for kneading, sesame seeds (optional), cornmeal, tray of hot water, razor blade, sheetpan, parchment and Dough scraper.
- Starter Dough: In a small bowl, mix the yeast in the lukewarm water (do the baby's bottle test on your wrist) and make sure that it bubbles (about 10 minutes).
- In a bowl large enough for the starter dough to triple, transfer the yeast-water mixture, add the flour a half a cup at a time mixing it in well with a wooden spoon.
- When the ingredients have been thoroughly combined, the Starter Dough will be quite soupy.
- Let the Starter Dough rise, covered, in a no-draught spot on the counter (at room temperature) for 7 to 10 hours.
- Bread: To make the dough, add 1/2 cup of flour to the Starter Dough.
- Stir with a wooden spoon.
- Continue to add all but 1/2 cup of the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring all the time.
- (Note: To make a more rustic bread, use 1/2 c whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 c white flour).
- You don't have to add all the flour.
- You know it's enough when the dough comes away from the side of the bowl.
- It will still be quite sticky.
- Dust your board or counter with some of the last 1/2 c flour and then scrape the dough out of the bowl.
- Sprinkle salt over top.
- Use the extra flour to help you handle the wet dough.
- Using a dough scraper when the dough sticks to the surface, knead the dough for 10 to 15 minutes until it is smooth and silky (it should feel like your ear lobe when done).
- Scrape away any dough that is on the board.
- As you knead, add flour a very little at a time to stop it from sticking.
- The dough will still be quite loose.
- Put the dough in a lightly floured bowl.
- Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a no-draught place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- When the dough has doubled, deflate the dough by pushing down on it with your fist and turn it out onto the board.
- Divide it in two equal pieces.
- Sprinkle or Sift a fine coating of flour on the work surface.
- Place one ball of dough on the surface and gently pat it down to an even thickness of 1 inch.
- Do not attempt to deflate every air bubble.
- Using the heels and palms of your hands, flatten the dough into a crude rectangle measuring about 1 inch thick.
- Fold the long side farthest from you a little over 2/3 of the way toward you.
- Using the heel of your hand, gently press the folded edge to seal the dough.
- Pick up the dough and turn it 180 degrees.
- Fold over the other long edge of the dough about 2/3 of the way, and seal with the palm of your hand.
- To make a compact cylinder easy to roll into a baguette shape, use both hands to fold the log in half lengthwise.
- This time, as you fold, press your thumbs gently inside the fold to create tension on the surface of the log.
- Using your fingertips, press the edges together to seal the dough into a taut cylinder.
- This will produce a visible seam running the length of the dough.
- To roll the dough into a baguette shape, place both hands on the center of the log with your fingers spread apart.
- Using light uniform pressure, gently roll the dough back and forth into a long snake.
- Taking care not to stretch the dough, move your hands from the center of the dough to the ends as the loaf begins to lengthen to about 14- 16 inches.
- If the dough resists rolling, let it rest for 5 minutes before continuing.
- Put the baguette seam side down on a baking pan that has cornmeal (or parchment) sprinkled on the bottom of the pan.
- Optional: Wet your hands well and rub the dough.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over each baguette.
- Repeat forming process with the other piece of dough.
- Cover sheetpan with plastic wrap then a damp towel and let rise again to almost double (about 45 minutes).
- Thirty minutes before you are going to bake, turn oven to 500F and Put water into a broiling pan and place it on the bottom rack of the oven.
- Slash the top of the baguettes with a very sharp knife or razor blade horizontally across the loaf at a slight angle- make cuts at 2-3- inch intervals.
- Spray the baguettes liberally with water.
- Put bread in oven and immediately turn the oven down to 450F.
- Bake the bread on the second lowest rack for 30 minutes or until it is hollow sounding on the bottom.
- The bread will be done when the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees.
- Turn off the oven.
- leave the finished bread in the oven and leave with the door ajar for 5 or 10 minutes.
- Remove to cool on cooling racks.
- Wait until the bread is cool before cutting it.
FRENCH ONION SOUP WITH BAGUETTE CROSTINI
Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network
Categories appetizer
Time 1h40m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, add the butter and onions, and saute until the onions are translucent and the edges are browned, about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally during the cooking process. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Once the onions are cooked, add the wine to deglaze the pan. Stir and then add the parsley, thyme, bay leaves and garlic. Continue to cook until all the wine has reduced, about 15 to 20 minutes. Lower the heat, add the stock and simmer until the mixture has reduced to about 3 cups total volume.
- While the stock is reducing, drizzle the sliced bread with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Arrange the bread on a cookie sheet and bake until slightly browned. Once browned, remove them from the oven.
- Heat the broiler.
- Ladle onion soup into crocks or bowls, leaving enough room for the toasted baguette. Top each bowl with a slice of bread and sprinkle with cheese. Put the crocks on a sheet pan and broil until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, about1 minute. Remove from the broiler and serve.
EVERYDAY FRENCH BREAKFAST- BAGUETTE AND JAM WITH CHOCOLATE MILK
I lived in Paris for 4 months and in Valladolid, Spain for 6 months as a student and in both cities, the traditional everyday breakfast was this (although some adults have black coffee rather than chocolate milk!). In Spain I lived with a local family and everyone had a variation of this breakfast each day. It really hits the spot and with some fruit it is a well-balanced breakfast. This is a great way for kids to have fun learning about other parts of the world and works well with a class of schoolchildren. I haven't specified amounts for the toppings as that's all down to personal taste.
Provided by Shuzbud
Categories Breakfast
Time 10m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- If possible, buy a french stick that is part-baked so you can bake it at home for that truly fresh texture.
- Cut the french stick in half vertically, then halve each part horizontally.
- Spread a thin layer of butter over each piece of bread, then top with strawberry jam.
- Serve with a glass of chocolate milk, or if you want to have a really authentic breakfast, pour the chocolate milk into a bowl and dunk the bread and jam before savouring each bite!
FRENCH BAGUETTE
From Canadian Living. There are three risings, so although the recipe is quite simple, it takes awhile.
Provided by Jan in Lanark
Categories Yeast Breads
Time 5h30m
Yield 4 baguettes
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Combine water and sugar in a mixing bowl, sprinkle in yeast and let stand for about 10 minutes, or until yeast is dissolved and creamy.
- Using electric mixer, gradually beat in 3 cups of the flour, skim milk powder and salt; beat until smooth, about 3 minutes.
- With wooden spoon, gradually stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a stiff dough.
- Turn out onto lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
- Place in lightly greased bowl, turning to grease all over, cover with plastic wrap and let rise for 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until almost tripled in bulk.
- Punch down dough; cover and let rise for for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in bulk.
- Grease two heavy baking sheets or baguette pans and dust with cornmeal; set aside.
- Punch down dough; turn out onto floured surface and knead into a smooth ball. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces; roll each into a rope about 14 inches long. Place 2 ropes at least 4 inches apart on each prepared baking sheet.
- Dust tops with flour, cover with dry tea towel and let rise for about an hour, until doubled in bulk.
- 15 minutes before baking, place inverted baking sheet on middle rack of 425 oven. Place cake or pie plate on bottom rack.
- Just before baking only 2 baguettes at a time, pour 1 cup of water into pan. Using serrated knife, cut 3 long diagonal slashes about 1/4 inch deep inot each baguette.
- Place baking sheet with baguettes on inverted baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bottom sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove to wire rack and let cool. Repeat with remaining baguettes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 654.6, Fat 1.9, SaturatedFat 0.3, Cholesterol 0.8, Sodium 1776.9, Carbohydrate 135.7, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 3.7, Protein 20.5
Tips:
- Use the best quality ingredients you can find. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your baguette.
- Make sure your water is cold. This will help the yeast to activate and rise properly.
- Don't overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will make it tough.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place. This will help it to double in size.
- Preheat your oven to the highest temperature possible. This will help the baguette to get a crispy crust.
- Bake the baguette until it is golden brown. This will ensure that it is cooked through.
- Let the baguette cool slightly before slicing. This will help to prevent it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
Making a French baguette at home is a rewarding experience. With a little practice, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic baguette that your family and friends will love. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#time-to-make #course #preparation #healthy #5-ingredients-or-less #breads #easy #low-fat #dietary #low-cholesterol #low-saturated-fat #healthy-2 #yeast #low-in-something #4-hours-or-less
You'll also love