Grocery
Classic French Baguette
What it is
This is a long, thin loaf of bread, characteristic of French baking. It is typically made from a lean dough, meaning it contains only flour, water, yeast, and salt. The crust is usually crisp and golden brown, while the interior, known as the crumb, is soft and airy with irregular holes. Its simple composition allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
How people cook with it
French bread is a versatile staple that can be enjoyed in many ways, from simple accompaniments to more elaborate preparations.
- Served with cheese and charcuterie
- Used for sandwiches
- Made into croutons
- Dipped in soup
To best enjoy its texture, French bread is often served fresh. It can be sliced and toasted for a crunchy base for appetizers or simply torn into pieces for dipping. When making sandwiches, slicing it lengthwise or into rounds works well. For croutons, cubes of the bread are tossed with oil and seasonings before baking until golden and crisp. It also makes an excellent base for bruschetta or garlic bread.
How it differs from similar foods
Compared to other breads, French baguette is known for its distinctively crisp crust and light, airy interior. Its lean dough results in a less dense crumb than many enriched breads. The elongated shape also contributes to a higher crust-to-crumb ratio, enhancing its signature crunch.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate this bread for its classic appeal and adaptability in the kitchen.
How to keep the rest
Store any remaining bread at room temperature in a paper bag or bread box to preserve its crust. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make the crust soft and the crumb stale. For longer storage, it can be sliced and frozen, then toasted directly from the freezer.