Perfect mini baguettes

Serves 8
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Directions

  1. 1Mix water(1) and all the flour for the autolyse.
  2. 2Rest for 1–2 hours.
  3. 3Add the sourdough starter and yeast.
  4. 4Mix until fully incorporated (about 6 minutes on speed 2 of a stand mixer).
  5. 5Add the salt and half of water(2), mix another 4 minutes on speed 2.
  6. 6Increase the mixer speed to 4, add the remaining water(2), and mix for another 4 minutes.
  7. 7Transfer the dough to a container lightly greased with olive oil.
  8. 8Let it ferment for 3.5–4 hours at about 25°C (77°F).
  9. 9Perform two coil folds during this time - the first after 1.5 hour of fermentation, and the second right before placing the dough in the fridge.
  10. 10Place the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
  11. 11Remove the dough from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
  12. 12Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and divide it into 4 or 8 pieces (for mini baguettes).
  13. 13Gently pre-shape the dough.
  14. 14Cover with a towel and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
  15. 15Shape the baguettes, creating light surface tension.
  16. 16Place the baguettes seam side up on a floured couche (you can use a tea towel like I do), creating folds of fabric between each baguette.
  17. 17Cover and let proof for 1 hour.
  18. 18Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 250°C (482°F) and place a tray with stones at the bottom of the oven to create steam during baking.
  19. 19Using a board, transfer the baguettes from the cloth onto parchment paper.
  20. 20Score each baguette with vertical cuts.
  21. 21Place the baguettes in the oven and carefully pour 1 cup of boiling water into the tray at the bottom to create steam.
  22. 22Quickly close the oven and bake with steam for 10 minutes using top-and-bottom heat or bottom heat only (no convection).
  23. 23Slightly open the oven door to release the steam, reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F).
  24. 24Bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
  25. 25Cool completely and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 350 g all-purpose flour
  • 260 g strong bread flour
  • 90 g whole wheat flour
  • 430 g water (1)
  • 60 g water (2)
  • 1 g fresh yeast (about pea-sized)
  • 70 g sourdough starter
  • 14 g salt
  • olive oil
  • 1 cup boiling water

Equipment

stand mixercontainerrefrigeratortowelcouchetea toweloventray with stonesboardparchment paper

Tips

  • At the end of mixing, the dough should be elastic, smooth, and able to pass the windowpane test.
  • By the end of bulk fermentation, the dough should look slightly puffy, with air bubbles around the edges, and about a 30–40% rise.
  • If you love a really crispy crust, make 8 small baguettes.