Traditional Crusty French Baguette Loaves
Learn to make authentic French Baguette Loaves that are crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for any meal, these baguettes are a staple in French cuisine.
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of the warm water with the active dry yeast and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
- 2
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt together. Create a well in the center and pour in the soaked yeast mixture and the remaining warm water. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 3
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- 4
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- 5
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a baking stone or an inverted baking sheet in the oven to heat.
- 6
After the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into two equal pieces and shape each piece into a long baguette.
- 7
Place the baguettes on a floured baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- 8
Once the baguettes have risen, make 3-4 diagonal slashes on top of each loaf with a sharp knife. This helps the loaves expand while baking.
- 9
Using a spray bottle, mist the oven with water to create steam. Carefully transfer the baguettes to the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- 10
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. To check for doneness, tap the bottom of a baguette; it should sound hollow.
- 11
Remove from the oven and let the baguettes cool completely on a wire rack before slicing so the crumb can set.
Cook notes
Tips
For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your flour for accuracy.
Make sure your water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store baguettes in a paper bag to maintain their crustiness.
- Freezing baked baguettes is a great option; just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Substitutions
- You can use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
- If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast, using about 25% less.
What to Serve With
- Cheese and charcuterie board
- Soups and stews
- Olive oil for dipping
Common Mistakes
- Not allowing enough time for the dough to rise properly.
- Baking at a temperature that's too low which won’t create a crispy crust.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser baguette.
Why is my dough sticky?
Dough can be sticky if the humidity is high or if too much water is added. Sprinkle a little flour while kneading to adjust.
How do I store leftover baguettes?
Wrap them in a cloth and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Traditional Crusty French Baguette Loaves?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Ratatouille
A colorful vegetable stew with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
Croque Madame
A toasted ham and cheese sandwich with bechamel, gruyere, and a sunny fried egg.
Lemon Herb Roast Chicken
A simple roast chicken with lemon, garlic, butter, thyme, and crisp golden skin.