Claudine Marquet’s Authentic French Baguettes

May 09, 2023May 9, 20230 13

Authentic French Baguettes recipe for your bread cravings

Claudine Marquet’s Authentic French Baguettes

by The Chefin Bread

Prep

20 min

Cook

25 min

Ready In

2 hours

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

2 loaves

Calories

114 per slice

Sugar

Fat

Authentic French Baguettes are a staple in French cuisine, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. These long, thin loaves of bread have a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior, making them a versatile addition to any meal. The secret to a good baguette is in the preparation, using quality ingredients and a slow fermentation process to develop the flavor and texture of the bread. While making baguettes can be a challenge, the reward is well worth it for anyone who loves fresh, homemade bread.

Instructions

1.	In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, wheat germ, and salt.
2.	In a separate bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in warm water.
3.	Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a dough forms.
4.	Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5.	Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in size.
6.	Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a shallow pan in the bottom of the oven.
7.	Cut the dough into two pieces and shape each into a long baguette.
8.	Sprinkle cornmeal onto a baking sheet and place the baguettes on top.
9.	Slash the tops of the loaves with a sharp knife and place in the oven.
10.	Pour a cup of hot water into the pan in the oven to create steam. Bake for about 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.

PROS

These baguettes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious flavor that is hard to resist.

They are perfect for sandwiches, toasts, and any French dish you can think of.

CONS

Making baguettes is a bit time-consuming and requires some practice to get the shape and texture right.

The high temperature of the oven can be dangerous, so be careful when handling the bread.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Baguettes are a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy for the body.
They also contain small amounts of protein, fiber, and minerals like iron and selenium.
However, due to the high amount of processed flour, baguettes are not considered a health food and should be eaten in moderation.

	4 cups flour
	1/4 cup wheat germ
	2 teaspoons salt
	1 1/2 cups warm water
	1 teaspoon dry yeast
	cornmeal