Easy Baguettes Recipes

FRENCH BAGUETTES

Steps:

• Place 1 cup water, bread flour, sugar, salt and yeast into bread machine pan in the order recommended by manufacturer. Select Dough cycle, and press Start.
• When the cycle has completed, place dough in a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.
• Punch down dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll into a 16x12 inch rectangle. Cut dough in half, creating two 8x12 inch rectangles. Roll up each half of dough tightly, beginning at 12 inch side, pounding out any air bubbles as you go. Roll gently back and forth to taper end. Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Make deep diagonal slashes across loaves every 2 inches, or make one lengthwise slash on each loaf. Cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Mix egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water; brush over tops of loaves.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown.

EASY BAGUETTES

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in bowl of a stand mixer.
• Mix well, then knead using the dough hook for about 2 minutes.The dough will be very sticky.
• Place in a very large (it will almost triple in size) greased bowl.
• Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
• You can use the dough at any point in the next 7 days. When you are ready, take out about a pound of dough and roll it into an oval.
• Fold the dough in half the long way and seal edges with the heel of your hand.
• Flatten dough into an oval and fold again.
• Gently roll dough with hands to form into a classic baguette shape, about 15 inches long.
• Let rise on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal (or greased) for 90 minutes.
• Make 3-4 large diagonal slashes on the top, using a serrated knife at a 45 degree angle.
• Spritz with warm water to help give the bread a crispy exterior.
• Bake at 450 degrees for 25-30 minutes.