When you start making bread at home, having the right tools can make everything easier and your bread tastier. I've used many tools over the years and found these to be the most important for great results.
Digital Kitchen Scale: This is super helpful! Measuring ingredients by weight is more accurate than using cups. This means your dough will turn out better. Look for a scale that can easily change between grams and ounces.
Mixing Bowls: Get a few large, strong mixing bowls. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best, especially when you use warm water for your dough.
Bench Scraper: This tool is great for cutting and shaping your dough. It also makes it easy to move your dough around the counter. If you don’t have one, you can use a spatula, but a bench scraper does a much better job.
Proving Basket (Banneton): This keeps your bread in shape while it rises. It also gives a nice pattern to your artisan loaves. If you can’t find a banneton, you can use a colander with a kitchen towel inside.
Dutch Oven: This is perfect for baking crusty breads like sourdough. It helps create a steamy environment that professional bakers love for getting that perfect crust! Preheat it in your oven to about 450°F (or around 232°C) for awesome results.
Thermometer: An oven thermometer is very important because home ovens can be a bit off. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature, especially for breads like baguettes or focaccia that need to be exact.
Spray Bottle: Just a simple spray bottle with water can help create steam in your oven, giving your bread a great crust.
Cooling Rack: Don't leave your bread in the pan for too long! A cooling rack lets air flow around the bread so it doesn’t get soggy.
With these tools, you'll be ready to make yummy artisan bread right in your kitchen. Happy baking!
When you start making bread at home, having the right tools can make everything easier and your bread tastier. I've used many tools over the years and found these to be the most important for great results.
Digital Kitchen Scale: This is super helpful! Measuring ingredients by weight is more accurate than using cups. This means your dough will turn out better. Look for a scale that can easily change between grams and ounces.
Mixing Bowls: Get a few large, strong mixing bowls. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best, especially when you use warm water for your dough.
Bench Scraper: This tool is great for cutting and shaping your dough. It also makes it easy to move your dough around the counter. If you don’t have one, you can use a spatula, but a bench scraper does a much better job.
Proving Basket (Banneton): This keeps your bread in shape while it rises. It also gives a nice pattern to your artisan loaves. If you can’t find a banneton, you can use a colander with a kitchen towel inside.
Dutch Oven: This is perfect for baking crusty breads like sourdough. It helps create a steamy environment that professional bakers love for getting that perfect crust! Preheat it in your oven to about 450°F (or around 232°C) for awesome results.
Thermometer: An oven thermometer is very important because home ovens can be a bit off. Make sure your oven is at the right temperature, especially for breads like baguettes or focaccia that need to be exact.
Spray Bottle: Just a simple spray bottle with water can help create steam in your oven, giving your bread a great crust.
Cooling Rack: Don't leave your bread in the pan for too long! A cooling rack lets air flow around the bread so it doesn’t get soggy.
With these tools, you'll be ready to make yummy artisan bread right in your kitchen. Happy baking!