KainGo127
Culinary Explorer
Hey everyone!
Just made the most amazing baguettes using this recipe! 
The starter gives them that perfect texture and flavor, and the crust is so crispy. Trust me, you'll feel like a pro baker with this one! 
#BakingGoals #HomemadeGoodness #BaguetteLove
Baguette Recipe
Ingredients
Starter (Poolish)- 1/2 cup (113g) cool water
- A pinch (1/16 teaspoon) of active dry yeast or instant yeast*
- 1 cup (120g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour*
- *Option: Substitute 1 tablespoon (25g) healthy sourdough starter (fed or unfed) for the yeast.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (255g) lukewarm water
- All of the starter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 3 1/2 cups (420g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour*
- 2 teaspoons (12g) table salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Starter:
- Mix together all starter ingredients to form a soft dough.
- Cover and let rest at room temperature for about 14 hours (overnight works well). The starter should expand and become bubbly.
- Make the Dough:
- Combine all dough ingredients, including the starter, and mix to form a soft, somewhat smooth dough. Knead by hand, mixer, or bread machine set on the dough cycle.
- If using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low speed (speed 2 on a KitchenAid) for about 4 minutes. The finished dough should be cohesive but slightly sticky.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly greased medium-sized bowl, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes.
- Gently deflate the dough, fold the edges into the center, turn it over in the bowl, and let rise for another 45 minutes until noticeably puffy.
- Shape the Baguettes:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly greased work surface and gently deflate. Divide into three equal pieces.
- Round each piece into a rough ball, cover with greased plastic wrap, and let rest for 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour if needed).
- Working with one piece at a time, flatten the dough slightly, fold it nearly in half, and seal with the heel of your hand. Repeat this process twice more to elongate the dough.
- With the seam side down, roll the dough into a 16" log, tapering the ends to create the typical baguette shape.
- Second Rise:
- Place the logs seam-side down on a lightly greased or parchment-lined sheet pan, or into the folds of a heavily floured cotton dish towel (couche).
- Cover with lightly greased plastic wrap and let rise until slightly puffy (about 45 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature, around 68°F).
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat to 450°F with a cast iron pan on the lowest rack. If using a baking stone, place it on the middle rack.
- Start heating 1 1/2 cups of water to boiling.
- Score and Bake:
- If using a couche, roll the baguettes onto a transfer peel and then onto parchment paper on a baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Use a baker's lame or sharp knife at a 45° angle to make three to five long slashes on each baguette.
- Transfer the baguettes to the oven (using a peel if baking on a stone). Pour the boiling water into the cast iron pan and quickly shut the oven door to create steam.
- Bake for 24 to 28 minutes until a deep golden brown. Cool on a rack. For extra crispiness, turn off the oven, crack the door open 2", and allow the baguettes to cool completely in the oven.
Storage
- Store leftover baguettes in a paper bag overnight.
- Freeze for longer storage. Thaw and reheat before serving.
PS: Making this baguette recipe has been an absolute joy



