1 baguette a day, keeps the doctor as close to you as possible.

1 baguette a day, keeps the doctor as close to you as possible. is a medium French recipe that serves 2. 500 calories per serving. Recipe by Jose.elcook on YouTube.

Prep: 25 hrs 35 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 26 hrs 20 min

Cost: $0.90 total, $0.45 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 g Bread Flour (high‑protein flour for strong gluten development)
  • 162.5 g Water (cold water (about 4 °C) for retard fermentation)
  • 5 g Salt (fine sea salt)
  • 1.25 g Instant Yeast (active dry or instant yeast)

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients

    Place the flour, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold water and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Initial Knead

    Using the bench scraper, fold the dough over itself in the bowl for about 5 minutes until it becomes smoother but still tacky.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cold Fermentation

    Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours to develop flavor.

    Time: PT24H

    Temperature: 4°C

  4. First Book Fold

    Remove the dough from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then perform a book fold: flatten the dough, fold one end toward the center, then the opposite end over it.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Rest Between Folds

    Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Second Book Fold

    Repeat the book fold technique on the rested dough.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Rest Between Folds

    Cover and rest for another 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Third Book Fold

    Perform the final book fold.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Final Proof

    Shape the dough into two 200 g portions, roll each into a baguette shape, seal the seams, and place on a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Cover loosely and let rise until noticeably puffy, about 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

  10. Preheat Oven with Steam

    Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) with a baking stone inside. Place a metal tray on the lower rack for steam.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 450°F

  11. Score and Bake

    Just before baking, slash each baguette with a lame at a 45° angle. Slide the tray onto the stone, pour a cup of hot water into the steam tray, and bake for 13 minutes.

    Time: PT13M

    Temperature: 450°F

  12. Finish Baking

    After the first 13 minutes, remove the steam tray and continue baking until the crust is deep golden brown, about 12‑15 more minutes.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 450°F

  13. Cool

    Transfer the baguettes to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before slicing.

    Time: PT30M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
500
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
100 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan

Allergens: Wheat, Gluten

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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1 baguette a day, keeps the doctor as close to you as possible.

Recipe by Jose.elcook

A traditional French baguette with a rock‑hard crust and a soft, airy interior. This recipe uses just four simple ingredients, a 24‑hour cold fermentation, and a series of folds to develop flavor and structure. Perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with butter.

MediumFrenchServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
26h 25m
Prep
40m
Cook
3h 15m
Cleanup
30h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$0.90
Total cost
$0.45
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cold fermentation for 24 hours
  • Performing the three book folds with rests
  • Sealing the seams and removing air bubbles before final proof
  • Creating steam in the oven for the first 13 minutes

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and steam tray with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Do not over‑stretch the dough; tearing can cause uneven crumb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the classic French baguette in French cuisine?

A

The baguette is an iconic symbol of French daily life, dating back to the early 20th century when regulations on dough weight and baking times led to its long, thin shape. It embodies the French values of simplicity, quality ingredients, and communal bakeries, and is a staple at every meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of baguette in France?

A

While the classic Parisian baguette follows strict standards, regional variations exist such as the “baguette de campagne” with a higher whole‑grain content, the “baguette tradition” that uses longer fermentation, and the “flûte” which is slightly thinner and crispier.

cultural
Q

How is a classic French baguette traditionally served in France?

A

In France, baguettes are often served fresh with butter, cheese, or pâté, used to make “jambon‑beurre” sandwiches, or simply enjoyed alongside soups and salads. They are typically eaten the same day they are baked for optimal texture.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the classic French baguette traditionally associated with in French culture?

A

Baguettes are a daily staple, but they also feature in picnics, market stalls, and holiday meals such as Christmas and New Year’s gatherings where they accompany charcuterie and cheese platters.

cultural
Q

What other French dishes pair well with a classic French baguette?

A

Baguettes pair beautifully with French onion soup, coq au vin, ratatouille, cheese boards (especially Camembert or Brie), and as the base for crostini topped with tapenade or pâté.

cultural
Q

What makes the classic French baguette special or unique in French bakery tradition?

A

Its unique combination of a crisp, caramelized crust and an open‑airy, chewy crumb results from a high‑hydration dough, long cold fermentation, and the use of steam during the first part of baking, techniques perfected by French bakers over generations.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making classic French baguette at home?

A

Common errors include using water that’s too warm (which can over‑activate yeast), not sealing the seams properly, skipping the steam step, and under‑proofing the dough, all of which lead to a dense crumb or a cracked crust.

technical
Q

Why does this classic French baguette recipe use a 24‑hour cold fermentation instead of a shorter room‑temperature rise?

A

A long, cold fermentation slows yeast activity, allowing enzymes to develop deeper flavor and stronger gluten without over‑proofing, which is essential for the baguette’s characteristic taste and texture.

technical
Q

Can I make the classic French baguette ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can shape the baguettes, freeze them after the final proof, and bake directly from frozen, adding 5‑7 minutes to the bake time. Freshly baked baguettes store best in a bread box for 1‑2 days or wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jose.elcook specializes in straightforward, home‑cooking tutorials that focus on classic techniques, minimal ingredient lists, and clear visual demonstrations for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jose.elcook's approach to French baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Jose.elcook emphasizes simplicity and time‑saving methods such as one‑bowl mixing and cold fermentation, while still preserving authentic French textures, unlike many channels that rely on heavy equipment or overly complex steps.

channel

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