Ah, bread—the cornerstone of virtually any meal. Whether it’s served up as a side or the star of the show, it’s no exaggeration to say that bread can certainly make or break a meal. It’s such an important part of so many dishes that we need to understand all that it has to offer.
In this article, we’ll discuss two very different types of bread—the French baguette and the humble stick—and discuss the differences in their ingredients, texture, shape, baking methods, and price. So grab a butter knife and let’s get toasty!
The French baguette is a slim, crisp loaf of bread with a distinctive oblong shape. Baguettes are usually about a foot long and just an inch or two thick. This type of bread typically comes with a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy crumb inside.
Stick bread, on the other hand, is a much simpler version of bread. It is typically a lot shorter and wider than a baguette, and it is usually sold pre-sliced so it can be easily pulled apart. The crust of stick bread is usually a bit softer than that of a French baguette, and the inside is also quite soft.
French Baguette VS Stick
Difference in Ingredients Used
The main difference between a baguette and stick bread lies in the ingredients used to make them. The French baguette is typically made with wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
This simple combination of ingredients is what gives the bread its distinctive texture and flavor. Stick bread, on the other hand, is usually made with a much wider variety of ingredients including wheat flour, sugar, oil, malt, and various additives like preservatives.
Difference in Texture
The varying combinations of ingredients used to make a baguette and stick bread also have a big impact on the texture of the bread.
A French baguette is usually crusty on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. The stick bread, on the other hand, tends to be much softer overall, with a less crunchy crust.
Difference in Shape
The shape of a baguette and stick bread also differ quite dramatically. As mentioned, the French baguette is usually long and slim with an oblong shape.
Stick bread, on the other hand, is much shorter and wider with a round or oval shape.
Difference in Baking Methods
The baking methods used to make a French baguette and stick bread also differ.
French baguettes are typically baked in a conventional oven while stick bread is often baked in a bread machine. This can lead to a noticeable difference in the texture of the finished product.
Difference in Price
The price of a baguette and a stick of bread can vary significantly depending on where you purchase them. Generally, French baguettes are more expensive than stick bread.
This is because baguettes take more time and effort to make, whereas stick bread is more of a mass-produced product.
What Are They Used For?
Both a French baguette and a stick of bread have their own unique uses. The baguette is most commonly used for making sandwiches and adding a crunchy texture to a variety of dishes.
Stick bread, on the other hand, is often used as an accompaniment to salads, soups, and stews, as well as a base for various toppings such as melted cheese or garlic butter.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several significant differences between a French baguette and a stick of bread. While both are delicious, they’re also quite unique and can be used in a variety of ways to spice up different dishes.
After reading this article, you now know what makes each type of bread unique and how they can be used in the kitchen. So go out and grab yourself a baguette and a stick of bread and enjoy!