Easy crusty baguettes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
475 g room temperature water
02 -
700 g T65 flour
03 -
14 g salt
04 -
5 g dry yeast
05 -
80 g liquid sourdough (or 5 g dry baker's yeast)
# Instructions:
01 -
Put the flour, water, salt, sourdough, and yeast into your mixer bowl. Keep the yeast and salt from directly touching each other.
02 -
Work the dough on a low speed at first until everything combines smoothly. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle some extra flour.
03 -
Increase the speed to help the dough come together and pull away cleanly from the bowl sides.
04 -
Place the dough into a container, cover it up with a cloth, and leave it alone for 30 minutes at room temperature.
05 -
Lightly dust your work surface, spread out the dough, and fold the edges toward the center to 'tuck it into itself.' This boosts the dough's strength.
06 -
Let it rest again for 30 minutes, under a cloth, resting on your floured countertop.
07 -
Cut the dough into four even sections using a kitchen knife or pastry scraper (I rely on a scale for accuracy).
08 -
Roll each section into a slightly oval shape and let them relax under a towel for another half hour.
09 -
Mold the dough into baguette shapes. If you're new to this, check out a tutorial to see how it's done.
10 -
Set the baguettes on a baking tray with either lightly greased parchment paper or sprinkled flour. The seam-side of each baguette should face downward.
11 -
Dust the top of the dough with a little flour, or spray it with water before sprinkling your favorite seeds—like sesame or pumpkin.
12 -
Let them sit for about one hour under a cloth. When the dough springs back just a bit after a poke, it’s ready to bake.
13 -
Use a sharp knife or baker’s blade to score the baguettes lengthwise.
14 -
Bake at 240ºC. Pour a little water into the bottom of your oven to create steam—it helps the bread bake better.
15 -
Bake for around 20 minutes.
16 -
Take the baguettes out of the oven and cool them off on a wire rack.
# Notes:
01 -
Store your baguettes in a cloth or linen bag and enjoy them within two days.
02 -
You also have the option to freeze them.