My family's been making 4-ingredient baguettes for years. I think everyone should know our easy recipe.
To save money on groceries, we've mastered baking baguettes. Our 4-ingredient family recipe for a loaf of French bread is surprisingly easy to make.
Baguettes, the versatile French bread, can be surprisingly easy to make at home with just four ingredients, according to Steven John. His family's recipe, which has been used for years, requires only flour, yeast, salt, and warm water. To make two baguettes, gather 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 5 teaspoons of active yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 cups of warm water. Optionally, you can add an egg and ¼ cup of water for an egg wash.
Begin by mixing the dry ingredients in a stand mixer. Gradually add the remaining flour while the mixer is running on low to form a sticky dough. Add the warm water, run the mixer on low for about five minutes, and then remove the dough from the mixer. Form it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Let the dough rest for about an hour in a warm spot, covered with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel.
After the dough has doubled in size, press out the excess air and roll it into two evenly sized balls. Set these aside as you prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper and a dusting of flour. Flatten the dough balls into long baton shapes, about 16-by-12 inches and no more than ¼ inch thick. Roll them into long tubes, pinch the ends shut, and transfer them to the prepared cookie sheet for another rest period.
Place the dough tubes on the cookie sheet and, if desired, brush them with the egg wash. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the dough has risen slightly and the 20 minutes have passed, remove the plastic wrap and make diagonal slashes about 10 times with a serrated knife. This helps the bread expand during baking.
Bake the bread for 20 minutes, brush with the egg wash (if using), and return the dough to the oven for another 15 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even baking. After baking, transfer the baguettes to a cooling rack as soon as they're done. These freshly made baguettes are best enjoyed the same day they're made and can last for up to two days.
For longer freshness, you can freeze them. To thaw, heat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, turn it off, and place the frozen bread into the warmed oven for about 10 minutes.
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