Sourdough Discard Baguette

March 6, 2025

18-20 hours (including overnight fermentation)

easy

2 baguettes

Fresh and crispy baguettes are sure to please the whole family. Now is a good time to treat your loved ones to homemade baguettes.

This easy recipe takes a little time, as the dough needs to rest and rise, but it is easy to make. This recipe also uses sourdough discard to add flavor and texture. The dough is raised with instant yeast, so the rising time can be shorter than without yeast.

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Ingredients:

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	1 cup sourdough discard
	4 cups bread flour
	1 ⅓ cups warm water
	2 tsp salt
	1/2 tsp instant yeast (optional, for faster fermentation)

Directions

Step 1

Add sourdough discard, warm water and instant yeast (if using) to a bowl. Mix well so that the yeast dissolves well into the mixture. Then add the flour and mix. The dough should remain rough. Let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse).

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Step 2

After the dough has rested for half an hour, sprinkle salt on the surface of the dough and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic after kneading. Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest.

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Step 3

Bulk fermentation (first rise): Let the dough rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The longer the rise time, the better the flavor. If you use yeast, bulk fermentation may only take 2-3 hours.

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Step 4

Stretch & Fold (optional for better consistency): If you want to improve the consistency of the dough, you can stretch and fold the dough every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to strengthen it.

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Step 5

Next, you can shape the dough into baguettes. Divide the dough into two equal parts. Shape each into a long baguette (about 14 inches). Place them on a well-floured surface (or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper).

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Step 6

Cover the baguettes with a cloth and let them rest for another 45-60 minutes or until they are slightly puffed up.

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Step 7

Preheat the oven to 475°F. Place a tray of hot water in the bottom of the oven to create steam while baking the baguettes. This technique helps to get a crispy crust on the baguette.

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Step 8

Use a sharp knife to score thin slits into the baguettes if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until baguettes are golden brown and crispy. Let the baguettes cool on a wire rack before slicing.

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