Tips for perfecting your baguette
Before we dive into the recipe, let's go over a few tips that will help ensure your baguette turns out perfectly every time.
Use High-Quality Flour
The quality of your flour will have a significant impact on the texture and taste of your baguette. Look for bread flour with a high protein content, as this will help develop the gluten in the dough and create a chewy, flavorful bread. If you can, opt for organic or locally sourced flour, as these tend to be fresher and have a better flavor.
Don't Overwork the Dough
When you're mixing the dough, it's important not to overwork it. Kneading the dough too much can cause the gluten to break down, resulting in a dense, tough bread. Instead, mix the dough until it just comes together and then let it rest for a few minutes before kneading lightly. This will help the gluten relax and make it easier to shape the dough.
Use a Dutch Oven for Baking
One of the secrets to a great baguette is steam. Steam helps the bread rise and develop a crispy crust. To achieve this, many bakers use a Dutch oven or other covered baking dish to trap in the steam during the first part of the baking process. If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can also create steam in your oven by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while the bread bakes.
Now that you have these tips in mind, let's move on to the recipe.
Last Thing
Baking a baguette from scratch may seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients, equipment, and instructions, it's actually quite simple. By following this recipe and the tips we've provided, you'll be able to create a delicious, crusty baguette that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!