Baguette recipe, how to make French baguette

Take lukewarm water in a big mixing bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Sprinkle yeast and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Once the yeast becomes frothy, add flour, salt and mix well with a wooden spoon. Once the dough mixture comes together start kneading.

Knead he dough until is real smooth. The dough will be slightly sticky,just dust your hands with flour and knead. Do not add more flour to the dough. Knead well 15 minutes. Kneading well is the important step here. Cover and let the dough rise for 2 hours.

After first rise punch the dough, fold and knead well for 5 minutes. Cover and set aside for 1.5 hours.

After second rise divide the dough into 3 equal portions.

Take one portion and roll into a rectangle.

Tightly fold the rectangle into a log and seam the edges well. Roll and seal again for 2 times.

Now roll the shaped log into a baguette with tapered edges. Refer video for better understanding.

Repeat the same with remaining two portions. Keep the shaped baguette closed with a clean cloth for 30 minutes.

After 15 minutes preheat oven at 250C.

Take the shaped baguettes and score them with a knife.

Now using a spray bottle spray warm water all over the baguette generously.

Place the baguettes in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Mine was done at 27 minutes. As every oven is different keep watching after 20 minutes. Once the crust is nicely browned and the house is filled with aroma of fresh bread it is done!

Remove from oven and let it sit for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve sliced baguettes as desired. You can keep the remaining baguettes in air tight box and use if further recipes for 2 days.