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Easy Crusty Mini Baguettes

Easy Crusty Mini Baguettes
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This recipe guides you to bake easy, crusty mini baguettes quickly with simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques. Enjoy fresh, golden, and irresistibly crunchy bread with a soft interior perfect for snacks, sandwiches, and party platters.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for chewier texture)
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (105-110°F / 40-43°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Dissolve sugar and active dry yeast in warm water (about 105-110°F / 40-43°C). Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy, signaling the yeast is active and ready to raise your dough.
  2. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir gently until a sticky dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface to knead.
  3. Knead Until Smooth: Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook on medium speed.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and set in a warm spot. Let it rise for 45-60 minutes or until doubled in size.
  5. Shape Mini Baguettes: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 4-6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a mini baguette shape about 6-7 inches long. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Final Rise and Prepare Oven: Cover shaped mini baguettes with a damp cloth and let rise for 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a shallow pan of water at the bottom to create steam.
  7. Score and Bake: Use a sharp knife or bread lame to make 3 shallow diagonal slashes on each baguette. Bake on the baking sheet for 15-20 minutes until golden and crusty.
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from oven and transfer mini baguettes to a wire rack to cool slightly, ensuring the crust remains crisp.

Notes

  • Use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour for a chewier texture.
  • Adding water to a tray in the oven creates steam, essential for a crispy crust.
  • Don’t over-knead to avoid dense bread; knead just enough to develop gluten.
  • Proper scoring controls how the bread expands and creates the classic baguette look.
  • Allow the dough to rise fully but avoid overproofing to prevent collapse during baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini baguettes, crusty bread, quick bread, homemade bread, easy baguette recipe, baking, appetizer

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/easy-crusty-mini-baguettes/