Chestnut Free Classic French Baguettes

Few things in home baking feel as rewarding as pulling a batch of golden, crackling baguettes from the oven, and this classic French method delivers exactly that. The recipe builds on a poolish — a simple overnight starter made from just yeast, water, and bread flour — which develops deep, complex flavor without any complicated equipment or specialty ingredients. A series of stretch-and-fold techniques during bulk fermentation replaces traditional kneading, giving the dough its signature open crumb and chewy texture. The steam-injection step, created by pouring hot water into a skillet on the oven floor, is the secret behind that impossibly thin, shattering crust you usually only find at a good bakery. With an ingredient list this clean — bread flour, sea salt, yeast, and water — there's nothing hidden to worry about, making it a genuinely straightforward bake for anyone navigating tree nut sensitivities. The scoring technique with a lame or razor blade isn't just for looks; those confident diagonal slashes control how the loaf expands and give you that dramatic ear along the top. Let them cool on a wire rack before slicing, and try not to eat an entire baguette standing at the counter — though no one would blame you if you did.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →