The baguette is a very traditional and classic French loaf of bread, called “Baguette” in French, which literally translates to “long, thin stick” or “wand.” In the trend of low-sugar and low-oil healthy eating, hard breads like the baguette are becoming increasingly popular.

A standard baguette has a diameter of about 5-6 centimeters, a length of around 65 centimeters, and weighs approximately 250 grams. Nowadays, you can also find a smaller version called “ficelle,” which weighs about 120 grams, and a “demi-baguette” (half baguette).

The French government’s “Bread Decree” stipulates that a traditional baguette must be made only with wheat flour, water, salt, and natural yeast. At no stage of production should freezing or additives or preservatives be used. For organic baguettes, organic flour must be used throughout the entire process.

How to enjoy a baguette to its fullest?

The French enjoy baguettes with cheese, ham, butter, and salad dressing, creating countless ways to incorporate it into their daily meals.

However, for people from other countries, it might not be the same. Many have tried a baguette once and found it quite unappealing – dry, hard, and lacking flavor.

Little do they know, the baguette’s lackluster taste might be due to not knowing the right way to eat it. As a staple that kickstarts the French people’s day of taste sensations, there’s much more to it than just biting into it dry. This article will guide you through unlocking five of the most common and delicious ways to enjoy a baguette.

Baguette Sandwich

The baguette sandwich can be considered one of the simplest yet most delicious ways to enjoy a meal, loved and appreciated by many. It’s essentially swapping regular bread for a baguette, while the rest of the ingredients can be tailored to personal preferences.

You can slice the baguette open to make an open-faced sandwich or cut the baguette in half to create a traditional sandwich. However, it’s the unique texture and wheaty aroma of the baguette that elevates this simple sandwich to something truly memorable.

If the baguette has been left to cool for a while, it’s essential to reheat it. Before toasting, drizzle some olive oil over it, or brown it on both sides in a skillet until crispy, while ensuring the inside remains soft.

Baguette Pizza

This method is perfect for using a “less-than-perfect baguette.” What’s a less-than-perfect baguette? It’s essentially a baguette with small holes, not too hard, and slightly soft – in other words, a “supermarket baguette.”

Making baguette pizza is straightforward. Simply split the baguette lengthwise and sprinkle your favorite toppings over it. You can get creative with toppings like tomatoes, bacon, corn kernels, and cheese, then pop it directly into the oven!

Due to the numerous holes on the baguette’s cut surface, it bakes easily and absorbs flavors well, making it more flavorful than regular pizza!

Instructions:

1. Slice onions and green and red chili peppers into strips; cut bacon into small pieces.
2. Slice the baguette into long sections and split them open lengthwise.
3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the surface, then fill it with the prepared toppings according to your taste.
4. Dice the cheese slices and layer them generously over the toppings; sprinkle with black pepper.
5. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10 minutes.

Cheesy Baguette Rolls

If you’re a cheese lover, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on this delicious treat.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Add the bacon bits and sauté until slightly browned.
3. Hollow out the center of the baguette and set it aside.
4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed bacon, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, pepper, chopped green onions, and ground pepper until well combined.
5. Stuff the mixture into the hollowed-out baguette.
6. In a microwave, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and salt. Use a brush to spread the garlic-infused butter over the baguette’s surface.
7. Slice the baguette into segments about 2 centimeters wide. Place them in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese inside has melted.

Garlic Baguette

This is another classic way to enjoy baguettes. In bakeries, you often find plain baguettes and garlic baguettes sold as two classic options. In many restaurants, garlic baguettes are served as complimentary pre-meal bread for guests.

As a simple appetizer, finely minced garlic combined with aromatic butter, seasoned with a pinch of salt, is evenly spread on sliced baguette pieces and baked in the oven for 3-5 minutes.

The surface turns golden brown from baking, and the crispy baguette continuously releases an enticing garlic aroma, instantly whetting one’s appetite! If you prefer a sweet twist rather than a savory one, you can also make a buttery baguette, which is equally satisfying with its sweet milky flavor.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Slice the baguette diagonally into even thin slices and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with peeled garlic cloves, crushed into the butter.
3. Add dried basil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt; mix well.
4. Line a baking tray with parchment paper (or aluminum foil). Place the baguette slices on it and evenly spread the garlic mixture over them.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes until golden brown, then remove and serve.

Fruit Baguette

While not a classic method, slicing baguette and pairing it with fruit offers a refreshing twist, making it perfect for an afternoon tea. Adorned with vibrant fresh fruits, it looks incredibly appetizing.

For those looking for a quicker option, spreading fruit jam or chocolate sauce directly onto the baguette is also delicious.

Instructions:

1. Slice the baguette into even thin slices.
2. Spread a layer of salad dressing as the base sauce.
3. Place your favorite fruits on top, such as strawberries, mangoes, pineapples, etc.
4. Optionally, drizzle some fruit jam over the top.

How to Store Baguettes:

Freezing: Place the baguette in a zip-top bag or an airtight container, ensuring all the air is removed, then place it in the freezer compartment of your refrigerator. A frozen baguette can be stored for approximately 2 weeks.

Thawing: To use, remove the desired amount of baguette and thaw it in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can also thaw it at room temperature before consumption.

Reheating: Before consuming, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some water over the baguette and bake for an additional 3 minutes. This will restore the baguette’s crispy texture.

Stale Baguettes: If your baguette becomes stale, there’s no need to discard it immediately. You can crumble it to make breadcrumbs, which can then be used to coat meats like chicken or pork before frying or deep-frying. This method creates a delicious breadcrumb-coated meat, similar to homemade breadcrumbs.

Remember, good baguettes are preservative-free, so it’s best to consume them on the same day or store and use them following the above methods. This way, you can ensure that every bite of your baguette is fresh and delicious.