Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1–1.5 hours , or until doubled in size.
Step 4: Shape the Mini Baguettes
Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 4–6 equal portions, depending on how large you’d like your mini baguettes.
Shape each portion into a baguette by rolling it into a log, tapering the ends slightly. Place the shaped baguettes on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal, leaving space between each for expansion.
HomeCrusty Mini Baguettes: A Taste of France in Your Kitchen
Crusty Mini Baguettes: A Taste of France in Your Kitchen
Step 5: Second Rise
Cover the shaped baguettes with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes , or until puffy.
Step 6: Preheat and Score
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) . Place a shallow pan on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
Using a sharp knife or a bread lame, make 2–3 diagonal slashes on the top of each baguette. This helps the crust develop and allows for expansion during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Just before baking, pour 1/2 cup of water into the preheated shallow pan to create steam. This helps achieve a crispy crust.
Place the baguettes in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes , or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cool
Transfer the baked baguettes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before slicing.
Why This Recipe Works
Steam Magic : The steam in the oven creates a crisp, crackly crust that’s the hallmark of French bread.
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