Artisan Sourdough Baguettes 🥖

There’s something undeniably satisfying about baking perfect baguettes at home—especially when you do it with sourdough. These Artisan Sourdough Baguettes have everything you want: deep caramelized crust, open crumb, and that unmistakable tang of natural fermentation.

Using just 4 ingredients and a thoughtful, time-friendly process, this recipe yields two golden, crusty loaves that are dangerously hard to resist slicing while still warm.

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Why I Love This Recipe

When I bake baguettes, I’m not rushing. This recipe celebrates slowness: careful folds, patient bulk fermentation, and a cold overnight proof that unlocks next-level flavor and structure. The result? Baguettes that crackle when you slice them, with a glossy open crumb and thin, crisp shell.

Even better, the dough is easy to scale—perfect for baking big batches when you want to stock the freezer or share the love.

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Ingredients (Makes 2 Baguettes, ~350g each)

• 380g bread flour
• 276g water (74% hydration)
• 38g sourdough starter (10%, unfed/discard works fine)
• 8g salt

🧪 This dough is high hydration, but thanks to strong bread flour and gentle handling, it becomes elastic and strong without intense kneading.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Develop the Dough (Coil Folds)

After mixing, perform 3–4 gentle coil folds over the first 1.5 to 2 hours. Let the dough rest between each fold. This strengthens gluten without degassing the dough aggressively.

2. Bulk Fermentation

Let the dough rise until it increases by 50%. Maintain ambient temps between 74–76°F. This slow fermentation builds flavor and texture.

3. Divide and Bench Rest

Divide into 700g pieces (if scaled up), or keep whole if making two loaves from this batch. Rest on a lightly floured surface for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.

4. Initial Shaping + Overnight Proof

Lightly shape the rested dough into rectangles or logs and place into shallow, lightly oiled containers. Cover and refrigerate overnight for cold retardation. This step enhances the crust and flavor.

5. Morning Rise + Preheat Oven

Pull dough from fridge and allow to warm slightly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven for 1.5–2 hours to 475°F (245°C), ideally with a baking stone or steel and steam setup.

6. Preshape + Rest en Couche

Once dough reaches ~75% final proof, preshape into batards or rough baguette logs. Let rest en couche (floured cloth or towel) for 1 hour.

7. Final Shaping

Shape each piece into a long baguette using gentle movements to retain air. Return to couche and rest for another 15 minutes.

8. Transfer and Score

Use a transfer board or peel to move the baguettes to a loading surface. Score with a razor blade or lame at a shallow angle for classic baguette cuts.

9. Bake with Steam

• Bake 20 minutes with steam at 475°F.
• Then, remove steam source and bake another 10–12 minutes until deep golden brown.

🍞 Pro Tip: Bake with a pan of hot water or lava rocks to create a steam burst. This gives your crust that signature shine and crackle.

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Tips for Success

• Use strong bread flour to support the hydration level.
• Keep your folds gentle—the dough should feel relaxed, not overworked.
• Refrigeration is key to flavor development and easier scoring.
• Steam is non-negotiable for baguettes—skip it and your crust will suffer.
• Score confidently with quick, diagonal slashes to allow for proper expansion.

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Serving Ideas & Pairings

Fresh out of the oven, these baguettes are ready to be torn, sliced, and devoured. Pair them with:

• Salted butter and a drizzle of honey
• Cheese boards or soft brie
• Dips like Beer Cheese Dip
• Sweet spreads like Edible Cookie Dough
• Breakfast with Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Want something crunchy on the go? Try pairing with No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls or Coconut Macaroons.

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Storage & Leftovers

• Room Temp: Store wrapped in a paper bag for 1–2 days.
• Freezer: Freeze fully cooled loaves whole or sliced. Reheat in a hot oven for 5–10 minutes to revive crust.
• Don’t refrigerate—it makes the crumb go stale faster!

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More Recipes to Enjoy

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread – perfect with toasted baguette ends
• Edible Cookie Dough – fun dessert pairing
• No-Bake Monster Cookie Balls – snack-time balance
• Easy Coconut Macaroons – chewy contrast to your crusty loaves
• 3-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies – a sweet breakfast partner

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Final Thoughts

Mastering these sourdough baguettes isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating a rhythm in your kitchen, connecting with tradition, and savoring the crackle of fresh bread cooling on your counter.

Once you’ve made them, you’ll understand why I nearly tear one open the second it leaves the oven. 🔥🥖

Let me know how yours turn out—leave a comment or share your crust pics! And for more soulful bakes and comforting classics, follow ChefManiac.com and join our food-loving community.