baguettes

[Mark V]

Two attempts at baguettes now, not good enough. Forkish doesn't go into it, I wonder about that. Could it be too difficult
with home equipment? My first attempt was a recipe online 65% hydration, I thought that was too low, and it turned out too dense. The second attempt was 70% and the crust was great but still not the holes I wanted. So next I suppose is 75%.
Those breads didn't suck just not what they were supposed to be.

This morning at 4 AM I missed adding salt, wow, bland bread. That didn't help! Never did that before. Still not a recipe I would try again, too dense. I know salt helps structure, but not that much.

Does anyone have a recipe for baguettes that would rival what I buy at good bakeries? I have been able to make boules
to rival them, there must be a way. I don't want a loaf of bread just in a different shape!

[RonB]

Funny you should ask. I started a batch of dough for baguettes Sat. I baked the first two baguettes today. I forgot to steam them, but otherwise they were very good - just not super crisp. I'm gettin' ready to make a post on the sourdough thread shortly, so look there for more info.

The most likely reason for yours being too dense is overhandling. You must very gently deflate the dough. I never press hard when shaping the dough. Here's the interior of one I baked today:

[DavidNorcross]

See, I told you that your photos were awesome. Man that looks fantastic!

[Attjack]

My girlfriend has been working on baguettes recently. They aren't there yet so we watched this video last night but haven't tried his methods yet. We have purchased a baguette pan which was helpful and we have a bread scoring lame on order too.

[chudzikb]

I have made these! And they came out rather well. You have to get some of that diastic malt powder, but, otherwise not so bad. Weed's and sardines guy is now one of my favorites.
And yes, when making baguettes I have forgotten the salt! Thought I was the only dumbass! Guess not...

[johnec00]

I've used this method a number of times now with good results. Pictures are not one of my core competencies, but a couple are attached. I've found that its important to catch the starter at near its maximum expansion. And I use 20% wheat flour in feeding the starter.

[Attjack]

Here's the result from the video I posted above. We did not bake it on a pizza stone or use the metal bowl instead we used a baguette pan and a baking dish with water on the lower rack. The results were good. Far better than the last recipe she tried.

[rickgregory]

Mark - try this method for shaping. And make sure you're not over or under proofing.

https://www.theperfectloaf.com/guides/shaping-baguettes/