During the Paris Games, the Olympic Village will produce over 12,000 baguettes. Most will come from the village’s boulangerie. This French bakery, built inside a former power plant, will make enough bread for over 10,000 athletes.
Some baguettes will be made by the Olympians themselves. They’ll participate in bread-making tutorials led by the bakers—if they’re not competing, eating, or napping.
However, it shouldn’t matter who makes the bread. Any baguette, whether made by French bakers or American canoe sprinters, can be delicious. It just needs the right plan. Sometimes, that means layering it with butter and ham. Other times, it means bathing an old loaf in French dressing to revive it as panzanella.
With that in mind, here are 12 of our favorite baguette recipes:
1. Dan Chief’s 4-Hour Baguette
Baguette basics aren’t reserved for superhumans chasing fancy medals. Thanks to Dan Chief’s recipe, anyone with an oven, salt, and dry yeast can create their own.
2. Crostini with Ricotta, Honey, and Lemon Zest
Food52 co-founder Merrill Stubbs blends ricotta, honey, and lemon to create crostini that exceed the sum of their parts. Serve them anytime—they always hit the spot.
3. Anchovy Lovers’ Crostini
Carolina Gelen’s anchovy crostini combines anchovy, miso, turmeric, jalapeño, Calabrian chili, and lemon zest. Is there such a thing as too much flavor? No.
4. Not-Too-Sweet Tomato Strawberry Bruschetta
This bruschetta is best enjoyed in late July, showcasing strawberries and newly ripe tomatoes. Pair it with a cold white wine.
5. Smoked Trout Paté
This smoked trout paté, still holding a five-star rating, has garnered rave reviews. It’s been a hit for over 14 years.
6. Jamón Ibérico Panini
We’re not including this because you need a recipe for a ham and butter sandwich, but because there’s nothing better than a good sandwich.
7. Bocadillo El Camino
Egg and potato served between sliced baguette is what I’d want on the morning of a big game.
8. Pan Bagnat
Pan bagnat, the sandwich version of salade Niçoise, needs a baguette with a tough crust so it doesn’t crumble. The goal is for the French dressing to soak into the bread.
9. Caramelized Pork Bánh Mì
This caramelized pork bánh mì from community member monkeymom is one of the most decorated recipes on Food52.
10. Paul Kahan Panzanella with Roasted Leeks, Pecans, and Apples
Chicago chef Paul Kahan’s panzanella with apples, leeks, and pecans is perfect for rejuvenating stale bread. Serve it with roast chicken or fish.
11. Best French Onion Soup
All bread tastes great when smothered in Gruyère and sitting in caramelized onion broth. This French onion soup can save any bad baguette.
12. Bouillabaisse
Baguette is best when dipped into garlic-forward seafood broth. Bouillabaisse, a shellfish soup, is perfect for this.
What’s your favourite approach to take pleasure in a baguette? Tell us within the feedback under!
