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"Easy French Baguette."
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Easy French Baguette

An easy recipe for two delicious loaves of bread.
Course bread
Cuisine French
Keyword easy French baguette
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Rising time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 24 slices
Calories 68kcal
Author Joe Boyle

Ingredients

Bread:

  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 cup lukewarm water (100ºF)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Topping:

  • 1 egg yolk , beaten
  • 1 teaspoon water

Instructions

  • Combine the yeast, water, and sugar in a small bowl and allow to proof for 5 minutes or so.
  • Meanwhile, mix the bread flour and salt in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.
  • Add the proofed yeast mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a spoon until well combined, then knead the dough right in the bowl, or turn it out onto a lightly oiled or floured counter and knead for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it's smooth and bouncy.
  • If using a stand mixer, mix with the flat beater, then switch to the dough hook and knead for 8 minutes on speed 2.
  • Place the dough in an oiled container, turning it to cover all surfaces.
  • Cover it with a clean dish towel and let it rise at room temperature about 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has doubled.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly oiled or floured counter, and flatten it into a rectangle 12" by 16".
  • Divide it in half--making two rectangles 12" by 8".
  • Starting with one rectangle and beginning on a 12" side, roll it tightly, pinching the dough together to form a seam when you reach the end.
  • Then roll the dough over with that seam side down, and gently roll it back and forth, using your hands to taper the ends.
  • Repeat with the other portion of dough.
  • Place the baguettes on a large parchment lined or greased cookie sheet and make deep diagonal slashes with a very sharp knife every 2 or 3 inches along the length of the loaf.
  • Lightly cover with plastic wrap or a dish towel and allow to rise at room temperature until double, about 1 hour, but start preheating your oven to 375ºF after about 30 minutes.
  • When the loaves are ready to bake, beat the egg yolk and water together with a fork, and gently brush the mixture all over the risen loaves.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 190ºF to 200ºF when inserted into the middle of the loaves.
  • Turn out onto a rack and allow to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting.
  • To freeze, cool the bread completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 68kcal