Though I usually go the easier route and just pick up baguettes in the bakery, occasionally I do enjoy baking the bread from scratch. If you’ve never made your own French bread, I recommend giving it a shot. It’s really very simple!
All it takes is a few basic ingredients, a couple hours for rising and baking, and a good stand mixer with a dough hook. You could skip the mixer and knead the dough by hand but that’s more traditional than I care to get these days. I’ve done it in the past; it’s not fun. What you will absolutely love though — the amazing aroma that will fill your house as these loaves are baking! Mmmm…pass the (vegan) butter.
Yields 2 large loaves:
Ingredients
- 5 tsp. active dry yeast
- 2 c warm water
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 5 1/4 c all-purpose flour
- cornmeal
- olive oil
Instructions
- Begin with the active dry yeast in your mixer bowl; pour in the warm water and allow to stand a few minutes, until slightly bubbly.
- Add salt and 2c of flour. Mix together, using a dough hook or paddle attachment on a Stir/Low setting. Gradually add the remaining flour.
- Let the mixer run another 5 minutes or so, until the dough reaches a smooth, elastic consistency.
- Place in lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover with a damp cloth and set aside until the dough has risen to double its original size. (Mine took about 1 1/2hrs.)
- Punch dough down and divide into two equal portions. Remove to a floured surface, cover again, and allow to rest 10 minutes.
- On the floured surface, roll each ball out into a rectangle shape. Then, from a long side, roll into a baguette shape, sealing the edges with a small amount of water on your fingertips and tapering the ends.
- Sprinkle a baking sheet with corn meal and place the baguettes seam side down.
- Again, cover with the damp cloth and set aside for about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°
- Remove cloth and bake 20 minutes. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until done. If needed, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes or so to prevent over-browning.
Tried this recipe?Mention @thiswifecooks or tag #thiswifecooks!
jenny at dapperhouse (@dapperhouse)
My mother in law gave me a mixer with a bread hook (and honestly I had forgotten about it). She is coming in town tonight and I am going to get it out and make this to impress her!
thiswifecooks
Yes! The dough hook is an awesome invention! 😉
Jessica Hughes
I do love the smell of fresh bread baking! I’ve never been brave enough to try a baguette but it does sound easier that I would have thought it would be.
Adeyemisi
Nice recipe, would save them for future purposes
thiswifecooks
Thank you!
Adeyemisi
Nice recipe, would love to save for future purposes
thiswifecooks
Thank you!
Carol Cassara
I love baguette but I’ve never attempted to make one myself before. That’s really awesome, and I would love to try the recipe.
thiswifecooks
It’s easier than a lot of people think and so satisfying!
Cynthia Salgado
Looks quite simple! I’d like to know more about the mixer as I also don’t feel like getting traditional 😀 I prefer baguettes than the regular sliced bread, at least in my home it usually goes to waste, while a baguette seems more economical.
thiswifecooks
I have a large stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. As another person commented though, you can always knead the dough by hand and many find that surprisingly therapeutic.
Sylvie Hanes
It is quite simple, and the house smells amazing for hours afterwards. I prefer to work the dough with my hands, especially after a hard week! Thanks for sharing
thiswifecooks
I agree, working the dough by hand can actually be a good stress reliever! 🙂
Tanya @ Intimate Explorations
I aspire to your greatness. 🙂 If I were to make bread from scratch, I’d hope it would turn out as delicious as those pictures look! Thanks for sharing. ??
thiswifecooks
Awww, thank you! This bread really is easy to make. Give it a go – you may surprise yourself! 🙂
Debbie Savage
I love homemade bread and I can’t wait to try this! My family would be so happy! The recipe looks great!
thiswifecooks
Thank you! Homemade bread is the best!
toastycritic
These look so beautiful. I always love a good French Baguette. And this looks flaky and mouth watering.
thiswifecooks
Me too! I could make a meal out of bread! 😉
Ingrid Rizzolo
I do not allow myself to eat much bread for dietary reasons, but French bread I will make an exception for. I could just smell the aroma of baking bread as it permeates the air. It is commendable that you would take the time to do these things for your family
thiswifecooks
Thank you so much!!
Keeping Up With Candy
Oh wow, I didn’t realize bread was so easy to make. I am a HUGE lover of breads. But right now I am trying to decrease my carbs. But this looks really amazing!
thiswifecooks
Thanks! It’s so easy! 🙂