Simple Small Baguette Recipe

Baguettes are a classic French bread, but making them at home can be tricky, especially when it comes to getting the right balance of water, flour, and perfecting the mixing process. Shaping the dough after multiple risings also takes patience and practice. However, I’ve created an easy recipe that simplifies the process without compromising on taste. I make this almost every day, sticking to my philosophy that cooking should be uncomplicated yet delicious.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm water
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour

Directions:

1.    Mixing the Dough:

·         In a KitchenAid mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine all the ingredients.

·         Turn the machine on and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2.    The First Rise:

·         Lightly oil a bowl, then place the dough inside. Cover with a lid and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.

·         If you don’t need the bread immediately, you can punch down the dough and refrigerate it for use the next day.

3.    Shaping the Baguette:

·         After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces.

·         Shape each piece into a round, exerting even pressure as you do so.

·         Take one end of the dough and fold it into the center. Repeat with the other end, overlapping the folds along the middle of the loaf.

·         Press along the seam with the lightly floured palm of your hand to seal the folds.

·         Gently roll the dough, moving your hands outward along the loaf until you achieve an even thickness and desired length.

4.    The Final Rise:

·         Place the shaped dough on a 9x13-inch baking tray lined with parchment paper.

·         Cover with another tray of the same size and let it rise for 30 to 45 minutes.

5.    Baking:

·         Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

·         Make several diagonal slashes across the top of each loaf.

·         Lightly sprinkle each loaf with flour and spray with water.

·         Cover the dough again with the tray and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

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Enjoy your freshly baked, simple, and delicious baguettes!