If you’re like me, you appreciate a variety of breads, including French bread and baguettes. But, if you go to the shop and see both selections on the shelf, you will realize that they are quite similar. But are they the same thing? Not quite.
French bread is longer and broader than baguette bread and contains fat. It also has a softer crust while being quite crispy. French bread, unlike baguettes, does not need any specific equipment, making it easy to prepare at home.
Hey! My name is Shea, and I like bread. If I could, I’d eat bread all day! As much as I loved bread, it’s not unexpected that I enjoy studying about loaves as well. That’s why I decided to dig into the distinctions between French bread and baguettes.
Continue reading to uncover the distinctions between these popular bread kinds!
Contents
- Top 5 Differences Between French Bread and Baguette
- FAQs
- French Bread Is Pretty Different from Baguettes!
- FAQs
- What makes baguette bread different?
- What’s the difference between a baguette and a French stick?
- How is French bread different from normal bread?
- What are the three types of French bread?
- Is a baguette just French bread?
- What are the three types of baguettes?
- Do the French put butter on baguettes?
- What is the baguette rule in France?
- Why is French baguette chewy?
- Why does French bread taste better?
Top 5 Differences Between French Bread and Baguette
Before we get into the specifics, I’d like to point out that there are several varieties of French bread available. But, for the sake of this study, we will concentrate on the bread called French bread available in local American grocery shops.
Now that we’ve cleared things up, here are the top five distinctions between French bread and baguettes. (By the way, if you want to learn more about the differences between French and Italian bread, go here!).
1. French bread is longer
When you compare a loaf of French bread to a baguette, the first thing you’ll notice is that the French bread is notably longer.
2. French bread is wider
Another telltale sign that you have a French bread loaf rather than a baguette is that French bread loaves are much broader than baguettes.
3. French bread is softer
Baguettes may be thought of as weapons. No, not at all. Nonetheless, they are impossibly crispy on the exterior and delightfully chewy on the interior. That is why they are popular!
But what about French bread? Although the outside is still quite crispy, it pales in comparison to the crispiness of the baguette. It also features a lighter and more airy interior, resulting in a softer bite that many people like.
4. French bread doesn’t require special equipment
As compared to French bread, baguettes are baked differently. For example, bakers often utilize specific proving pans and cloths for the proofing step, but French bread does not need any of these specialized tools.
Nonetheless, one may argue that making French bread is simpler and less costly. Nevertheless, you do not receive the classic crunchy and chewy combination that the baguette provides. If you’re making baguettes, you won’t want to skimp on the ingredients!
5. French bread contains fats
A baguette is a sort of French bread, which might add to the confusion. But, French bread is not a baguette. What are you talking about?
It all comes down to the components. If a form of bread has any sort of fat, it cannot be French bread, since baguettes have no fat.
Have a peek at this French bread recipe. What exactly is included? The oil of olives. When you see olive oil mentioned as an ingredient, you know it’s French bread and not a baguette.
FAQs
Isn’t this knowledge fascinating? Who knew French bread and baguettes were so dissimilar? If you’re still looking for additional information, here are some frequently asked questions you may want to look into!
What makes baguette bread different?
The texture of baguettes distinguishes them from other varieties of bread. The crunchy shell and chewy interior make it an excellent choice for topping, dipping, and so on. It may be used in a variety of dishes, including bread pudding!
Does baguette mean bread in French?
In France, baguette does not signify bread. Pain is the French word for bread. Baguette does, however, signify rod or wand, which makes sense for the baguette loaf of bread. After all, it’s rather hard on the outside and has a reasonable length.
Why do baguettes taste better in France?
France has very strict bread requirements. They know precisely where the flour originates from and what grains are milled with. The result is a heartier and more scrumptious loaf that you won’t find anywhere else.
French Bread Is Pretty Different from Baguettes!
While the terms French bread and baguette are often used interchangeably, they are not synonymous. French bread has more fat (olive oil) than baguettes and is larger, longer, and softer. There is also no specialized equipment required, making it the simpler and less costly option!
Are you a lover of baguettes or normal French bread? Do you have any further distinctions to make?
FAQs
What makes baguette bread different?
Baguettes have a crunchy exterior and a chewy texture on the interior. A baguette typically has a diameter of 5.0-7.6 cm (2-3 inches) and a length of 60-70 cm (2.0–2.4 feet).
What’s the difference between a baguette and a French stick?
The “French stick,” a long thin crusty bread, is one of the most well-known emblems of French living. It is known as a “baguette” in French, which literally means “a stick,” and it is the most popular variety of bread in France, particularly in towns and cities.
How is French bread different from normal bread?
French bread is often longer and slimmer. Italian bread loaves are often shorter and plumper. French bread is firm and crusty on the surface, with a light and delicate crumb on the inside. While Italian bread might have a firm crust, the crumb is denser.
What are the three types of French bread?
French Bread Varieties
Brioche.
Ficelle.
Baguette.
Campagne bread.
Boule de Pain is a French pastry.
Brie pain.
Pain au lait.
Pain au Soleil.
Additional details…•March 6, 2023
Is a baguette just French bread?
A baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread with a crisp and crispy exterior. The ingredients for a baguette are wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water. It has a crisp and crispy exterior yet is soft on the inside. Baguette is well-known for its flavor and texture, and it is often cooked in a stone oven.
What are the three types of baguettes?
The baguette de tradition is the authentic artisanal bread, requiring the baker’s abilities as stipulated in the Bread Code.
Do the French put butter on baguettes?
Butter is offered with the French baguette in the morning but not at lunch or supper. Don’t sit around waiting for the butter to come. That just will not happen. The crisp fresh baguette is a delectable treat in and of itself.
What is the baguette rule in France?
The Bread Law in France
Traditional baguettes must be prepared on the premises where they are sold and can only be manufactured with four ingredients: wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. They cannot be frozen at any point and cannot include additives or preservatives, thus they must be consumed within 24 hours.
Why is French baguette chewy?
Baguette is a traditional French loaf of bread distinguished by its long, thin form and crispy crust. French baguette is a lean dough, which means there is no fat in the dough, resulting in a chewy feel within the loaf.
Why does French bread taste better?
Bakers in France pay close attention to where their flour is produced and which grains are utilized in the milling process. The end product is often softer, heartier, and tastier bread than can be obtained elsewhere in the globe. French flour often has a lower ash level than flour from other nations.
