Take the 2-minute tour ×  How do I make sure the crust of a
baguette, etc. turns out a nice golden-brown when baking?
share|improve this question  9 Answers 9  up vote 16 down vote
accepted  The trick is steam and high heat.    • Heat your oven
up to 450 F (230 C).   • Bring a pot of water to boil on your
stove.   • Once boiling, pour the water into a deep roasting pan
on the bottom shelf of your oven. If you can place it directly
on the bottom of your oven (it doesn't obstruct vents) then that
is ok too. 1" (2.5 cm) of water is enough.   • Let the steam
build up for 5 minutes   • Spray your baguettes with water, they
should be rather nicely wet. Don't forget to slash them as well
• Put your baguettes in the oven on the top shelf. BE CAREFUL
opening your oven. Don't let the steam blast you in your face or
other exposed body parts. Let it dissipate a bit.   • 5 minutes
into baking, spray the baguettes again (be careful)   • 10
minutes into baking, spray the baguettes again   • 15 minutes
into baking, carefu