Fresh Homemade Baguettes

Fresh Homemade Baguettes, the quintessential French bread, are not just a staple of Parisian bakeries; they’re also a versatile bread to create true foodie delights. Beyond their traditional crunchy crust and soft, airy interior, baguettes lend themselves to a myriad of delicious applications. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or transformed into innovative dishes, here’s a glimpse into the world of baguettes and how to explore their diverse possibilities. I also like to make smaller baguettes which are ideal for sandwiches and picnics. These delights are also perfect for breakfast, brunch and snacks.

Obviously these take time to prepare but just think of the amazing flavours and that unique mouth watering aroma of fresh bread filling your home. Perfect or what?

Classic Pairings: Freshly baked baguettes are perfect companions to a variety of dishes. Serve them alongside a cheese platter, accompanied by creamy brie, tangy goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. Pair with cured meats, olives, and pickles for a classic French-inspired charcuterie board. Their crisp crust and chewy interior also make them ideal for dipping into rich soups, hearty stews, or homemade sauces.

Sandwich Sensations: Elevate your sandwich game with a freshly baked baguette. Split lengthwise and layer with your favourite fillings—think sliced ham, roasted turkey, Chicken, beef or grilled vegetables. Add a smear of tangy mustard or creamy mayo for extra flavour. Don’t forget the crunchy lettuce and juicy tomatoes for a satisfying crunch and burst of freshness. Whether it’s a classic ham and cheese or a gourmet panini, baguettes provide the perfect vessel for sandwich creations.

Creative Variations: Experiment with variations to elevate your baguette experience. Incorporate herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dough for added flavour. Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt on top before baking for a textural contrast. For a sweeter twist, try adding dried fruits, nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful dessert bread.

Culinary Adventures: Beyond traditional uses, they can be transformed into innovative dishes. Slice and toast for homemade crostini, perfect for topping with bruschetta, tapenade, or creamy spreads. Cube and bake into crispy croutons to garnish salads or soups. Transform stale baguettes into rustic bread pudding or savoury bread crumbs for coating meats and vegetables.

Baguettes offer endless possibilities for delicious dining experiences. So, embrace the versatility of baguettes and let your imagination soar with all the filling available. Let us know what your favourite fillings are.

Fresh Homemade Baguettes

Homemade baguettes may require practice to perfect, but the satisfaction of pulling a golden, crusty loaf from your oven makes it all worthwhile. So, don your apron, get the ingredients sorted and start baking your own French baguettes at home.

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Course: Bread, Breakfast, Brunch, Picnic, Sandwiches

Cuisine: French

Keyword: Baguette, Bread, Dough, Homemade Baguette

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Dough Rising: 2 hours hours

Servings: 2 Baguettes

Calories: 914kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

• ▢ 500 g bread flour
• ▢ 10 g salt
• ▢ 7 g active dry yeast
• ▢ 350 ml water warm

Instructions

• Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, salt, and chopped fresh herbs (See Notes below).
  500 g bread flour, 10 g salt
• In a separate bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Make a well in the flour mixture and pour in the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  7 g active dry yeast, 350 ml water
• Kneading: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.
• First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until doubled in size.
• Shaping: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and divide it into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a rough rectangle, then fold the long sides towards the centre and seal the seam. Roll each piece into a cylinder, tapering the ends to form the classic baguette shape.
• Second Rise: Place the shaped baguettes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Just before baking, slash the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife or razor blade to allow for expansion. Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
• Cooling: Allow the baguettes to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your herb-infused baguettes with butter, cheese, or as a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads.
• With this recipe, you’ll create two flavourful and aromatic baguettes infused with fresh herbs, perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!

Notes

To add additional flavours try adding 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme or basil.
You will need a little extra flour for dusting.

Alternatively to add a new dimension try adding sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt for topping

Nutrition

Calories: 914kcal | Carbohydrates: 183g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1953mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg