Easy Artisan French Baguette
A simple, no-knead artisan French baguette recipe that delivers a crunchy crust and chewy interior with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour Bread flour can be used, but all-purpose is recommended for ease.
- 1.5 cups water Room temperature.
- 2 teaspoons salt Essential for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast A small amount is sufficient due to long rise time.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and instant yeast.
- Add water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into a ball.
- Let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Carefully place the dough in the preheated Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For best results, do not deflate the dough after rising. The Dutch oven helps create steam for a better crust.