This homemade baguette has that crackly crust and airy crumb you love—simple ingredients, classic technique, and bakery-style results at home.

🧺 Ingredients (2 Baguettes)

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour)
• 1¼ cups warm water (about 38–40°C / 100–105°F)
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast (1 packet)
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps fermentation

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate Yeast (2 minutes)

1. In a bowl, mix warm water and yeast (add sugar if using).
2. Let sit 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture.
2. Mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead 8–10 minutes by hand (or 5 minutes with a mixer) until smooth and elastic.

💡 Dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
2. Cover and let rise 1–1½ hours, until doubled.

Step 4: Shape the Baguettes

1. Gently deflate the dough.
2. Divide into 2 equal pieces.
3. Shape each into a long baguette (about 35–40 cm / 14–16 inches).
4. Place on parchment paper or a floured cloth.

Step 5: Second Rise

• Cover loosely and let rise 30–45 minutes until puffy.

Step 6: Score & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 230°C / 450°F.
2. Place a small pan of hot water on the oven floor (for steam).
3. Slash the tops with a sharp knife or razor.
4. Bake 20–25 minutes until deep golden brown.

✔ Hollow sound when tapped
✔ Crackly crust

Step 7: Cool

• Cool on a rack at least 20 minutes before slicing.

⭐ Pro Tips for Perfect Baguettes

• Steam is key for a crispy crust
• Don’t add too much flour—hydration matters
• Use a very sharp blade for clean slashes
• Let the bread cool fully for the best crumb

🔄 Easy Variations

• 🌾 Whole wheat: Replace 1 cup flour with whole wheat
• 🧄 Garlic baguette: Brush with garlic butter after baking
• 🧀 Cheese baguette: Add grated cheese during shaping
• 🫒 Olive baguette: Fold chopped olives into the dough

🍽️ Perfect With

• Butter & jam
• Cheese boards
• Soups & stews
• Sandwiches (banh mi–style)

If you want, I can also share:

• ⚡ No-knead baguette
• 🔥 Air fryer baguette
• 🍞 10-minute pan bread (no oven)

Just tell me 😊