master-cooks | The Store Bought Secret To Quick Homemade 'Baguettes'

Transforming store-bought dough into homemade-style baguettes is a simple and quick process that delivers impressive results. The secret lies in using high-quality pre-made pizza or bread dough, easily available at most grocery stores. Begin by allowing the dough to come to room temperature for easier handling. Once ready, gently shape the dough into a long, thin loaf resembling a traditional baguette. It's important to avoid overworking the dough to maintain its light and airy texture. Preheat your oven to a high temperature, ideally around 450°F, to mimic the intense heat of a professional bakery. Before baking, create a moist environment by placing a shallow pan of water on the oven's bottom rack. This steam will help develop a crispy crust. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to allow for expansion and to give the baguette its signature look. Bake the shaped dough until it turns golden brown, usually about 20 to 25 minutes. The result is a beautifully crusty and chewy baguette that rivals those from a bakery. This method offers a convenient alternative for those seeking the satisfaction of homemade bread without the lengthy process of making dough from scratch.

Creative and interesting ways to serve homemade baguettes

Baguettes are truly the ideal shape for crafting deliciously roasted garlic bread topped with gooey mozzarella cheese (or, even better, smoky gouda with bacon). They also serve as delightful little toasts for vibrant, fresh bruschetta or as a tasty addition to a cheese platter. If you want to get creative, you can use your pizza dough baguette as a base for classic mini French bread pizzas. For this option, we recommend layering on slices of ripe tomato and ribbons of basil to keep the flavors fresh and exciting.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider making dessert bruschetta. Cut the bread at an angle and spread on some cinnamon-infused butter, a dollop of marshmallow fluff, and a handful of chocolate chips. Broil for a few minutes to toast the marshmallow and melt the chocolate, then finish with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs. You can also top them with your favorite fruit preserves and drizzle with white chocolate ganache.

These soft, springy faux baguettes are also perfect for your favorite breakfast dishes. Create a hearty breakfast sandwich filled with scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and fresh pico de gallo. Spread a bit of sweetened cream cheese on toasted halves, add fresh fruit, and sprinkle with almonds. You can even turn them into a delightful culinary twist by making sweet, custardy French toast. These baguettes are quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on enhancing them with your favorite flavors.

The Store-Bought Secret To Quick Homemade 'Baguettes'

Creative and interesting ways to serve homemade baguettes

Recommended

Next up