Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. French loaf guide will teach you how to make baguettes that look magnifique—like they belong in a French boulangerie. You know you’ve made it as a home bread baker when you make your first batch of perfectly golden, crusty baguettes.

While these iconic French loaves are among the most basic of bread recipes, learning how to make a baguette is no small feat. It may take you a few tries, but with a little practice and the tips and tricks in this baguette recipe, you can learn to bake up baguettes worthy of a handshake from Paul Hollywood. A baguette is a long, wand-shaped loaf of French bread named for its shape and made with a basic, lean bread dough as defined by French law. Texture A baguette’s dough composition is what gives the bread its famous crusty exterior and overall chewiness.

Because there is no oil or fat in the dough, a baguette must rely solely on its water content for moisture. During baking, the water in the dough morphs into steam, making the insides soft. As the baguettes bake, the steam evaporates from the dough’s surface, leaving behind a dry, firm crust. Shape The shape of a baguette also sets it apart from other loaves.

2 inches in diameter and usually a little over 2 feet in length. Formed by hand, baguettes should have a tapered shape with a wider middle that narrows to a point at either end. Slashed with a sharp knife or razor blade, authentic baguettes are scored along their length at a strong diagonal. While none of these items are 100-percent necessary to make baguettes, they will each contribute immensely to the outcome of your final baked product.

Ozeri ZK14-S Pronto Digital Multifunction Kitchen and Food Scale, Black, 8. Digital Thermometer: The temperature of your water matters. Too cold and you won’t activate your yeast. Too hot and you’ll kill it. Stand Mixer: You can, of course, mix and knead bread dough by hand for a nice workout. Sharp Knife or Razor: A sharp knife is a must for getting perfect cuts when you’re scoring.