How to Toast a Baguette in the Oven: The Ultimate Guide

Knowing how to toast a baguette in the oven is the perfect way to level up your next meal. Whether you are creating a delicious charcuterie board, a light brunch, or just a simple bowl of soup, a perfectly toasted baguette adds the perfect crunch. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to transform a standard baguette from the bakery into a quality add-on in under 20 minutes.

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What Makes the Perfect Toasted Baguette?

• Texture: We’re aiming for that perfect “golden-brown crunch” that holds up even after it’s been dipped in a thick soup or covered in fresh tomatoes and olive-oil.

• Fat: Toasting the baguette with a brush of fat will help it toast more evenly and will add extra flavour. You can use butter or an extra virgin olive oil.

• Thickness: I usually recommend slicing the baguette into 1/2 inch rounds. This keeps them from getting too brittle, while also being able to toast all the way through.

What You’ll Need For the Perfectly Toasted Baguette

Ingredients:

• French Baguette: You can use a fresh loaf or one that is a few days old. I find toasting it is sometimes the best way to bring an old loaf back to life.

• Melted Butter or Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I prefer using salted butter with my baguettes because I personally like the taste better, but a nice olive oil will add great Mediterranean flavours.

• Topping (Optional): A sprinkle of salt, freshly grated parm cheese, or a quick rub of a fresh clove of garlic are perfect ways to elevate you baguette to the next level while incorporating flavours that could tie into a recipe.

Essential Tools:

• Serrated Bread Knife: The essential too that will help you cut through the loaf without flattening the bread.

• Large Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper to help evenly toast the baguette.

• Basting Brush: This tool will help you coat the baguette in an even layer of fat without overdoing it and making them soggy.

How to Toast a Baguette (Step-by-Step)

1. Slice the Baguette: Using the serrated bread knife, slice the baguette into 1/2 inch even rounds. Pro Tip: If you want extra surface area for a specific topping or bruschetta, cut the baguette on an angle instead of straight across.

2. Arrange and Brush: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and brush each side of the slices with a generous coating of melted butter or extra virgin olive oil, then arrange evenly on the sheet.

3. Bake and Flip: Place your baking sheet into the pre-heated oven at 350℉ and toast for approximately 15 minutes or until perfectly golden brown, flipping halfway to ensure an even toasting. Note: Every oven is different so I recommend checking on your baguette a few minutes early.

4. Cool and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes before rubbing one side of the baguette with the fresh clove of garlic. I can’t recommend it enough – it really enhances the flavours.

Serving Suggestions

Top them with fresh bruschetta, goat cheese and honey, or eat them as a snack with a little bit of whipped cream cheese and chives.

The Ultimate Soup Sidekick

The perfectly toasted baguette is basically an edible spoon! If you’re looking for something to dip these into, here are a few of my favourites:

• For a Hearty Meal: You can’t go wrong with my White Bean and Sausage Soup with Lemon and Greens.

• A Cozy Classic: My Butter Nut Squash Soup With Bacon is a fan favourite that needs a sturdy crunch.

Making these for your next soup night? Tag me @Feasts_and_Treats on Instagram so I can see your golden-brown crunch!

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