Sourdough Baguette Recipe

sourdough baguette recipe

Crunchy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside – sourdough baguettes are a classic French bread that never fails to impress. This sourdough baguette recipe is perfect for those looking to elevate their bread-baking skills and wow their friends and family with a homemade treat.

To start off this sourdough baguette recipe, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 4 cups bread flour
– 2 teaspoons salt

Instructions Step by Step:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter and warm water.
2. Add the bread flour and salt to the bowl, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 4-6 hours, until doubled in size.
5. Gently deflate the dough and divide it into three equal portions.
6. Shape each portion into a baguette shape, rolling it out into a long loaf.
7. Place the baguettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 2-3 hours.
8. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a pan of water on the bottom rack.
9. Score the tops of the baguettes with a sharp knife, then bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
10. Remove the baguettes from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Tips:

For a variation, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough for a savory twist. Store any leftover baguettes in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Serve the sourdough baguettes with a variety of toppings, from butter and jam to cheese and charcuterie.

In conclusion, this sourdough baguette recipe is a delicious and impressive bread that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create your own homemade baguettes that will rival those from a bakery. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread from scratch.