There’s something undeniably special about breaking into a freshly baked baguette—that distinctive crackle of the crust giving way to a tender, airy interior. While traditional French baguettes require considerable time and technique, these Crusty Mini Baguettes bring that authentic experience into your kitchen with a simplified approach. I discovered this recipe after numerous attempts to recreate my favorite Parisian bakery experience at home without dedicating an entire day to the process. Trust me when I say these mini baguettes deliver that perfect contrast between crisp exterior and chewy interior that defines a great French bread, all in a manageable size that bakes more quickly and is perfect for smaller households.
Why You’ll Love These Crusty Mini Baguettes
Authentic Texture – Achieves that coveted crisp crust and open, airy crumb of traditional baguettes
Manageable Size – Smaller dimensions mean faster baking and perfect portions
Simplified Technique – Delivers French bakery results without professional equipment
Impressive Presentation – Few homemade breads look as beautiful on the table
Ingredients for Crusty Mini Baguettes
Bread flour – Higher protein content creates better structure and chewiness (all-purpose works but results in less chewy texture)
Active dry yeast – Provides leavening (instant yeast can be substituted with slight adjustments)
Water – Lukewarm water activates the yeast
Salt – Essential for flavor development (sea salt is traditional)
Sugar – Just a touch to feed the yeast (not enough to make the bread sweet)
Cornmeal – For dusting the baking sheet to prevent sticking
How to Make Crusty Mini Baguettes