Baking fresh bread from scratch
What is Breadmaking?
Breadmaking is the process of creating bread from basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt. It can be as simple as mixing and baking a basic loaf or as complex as crafting artisan sourdoughs with long fermentation times and intricate scoring patterns.
While it’s one of humanity’s oldest culinary traditions, breadmaking remains popular today for its comforting results and the satisfaction of making something wholesome from scratch. Whether kneaded by hand or mixed with a stand mixer, breadmaking blends science, artistry, and patience.
Why Try Breadmaking?
Baking your own bread lets you control every ingredient, ensuring freshness and quality. It’s both rewarding and therapeutic, as the process engages your senses — the feel of the dough, the smell of baking bread, and the taste of a warm slice fresh from the oven.
Breadmaking also offers endless creativity, from experimenting with grains, seeds, and herbs to shaping different styles of loaves. Plus, it’s a skill you can share, bringing joy to family, friends, and neighbors.
Who Will Enjoy It
Breadmaking is perfect for:
- Home cooks who enjoy hands-on projects
- Food lovers seeking healthier, preservative-free bread
- Creative bakers experimenting with flavors and shapes
- Anyone looking for a relaxing, slow-paced kitchen activity
It’s accessible to all skill levels, with simple recipes for beginners and advanced techniques for seasoned bakers.
How to Get Started
Begin with a basic recipe — flour, yeast, water, and salt — to get comfortable with mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy and follow instructions carefully, especially regarding dough hydration and proofing times.
Once you master simple loaves, explore enriched breads like brioche, rustic sourdoughs, or specialty breads from different cultures. Online tutorials, books, and baking classes can accelerate your learning.
Essential Gear & Materials
- Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients.
- Kitchen Scale – For precise measurements.
- Bench Scraper – For handling and shaping dough.
- Baking Stone or Sheet – For even heat distribution.
- Dutch Oven (optional) – For crusty artisan loaves.
- Proofing Basket (optional) – Helps shape and support dough.
Books & Learning Resources
- Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish – Artisan breadmaking techniques.
- The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart – In-depth bread science and recipes.
- Artisan Sourdough Made Simple by Emilie Raffa – Beginner-friendly sourdough guide.
- YouTube: Bake with Jack, Foodgeek – Step-by-step video tutorials.
Tips for Success
- Measure ingredients by weight for consistency.
- Don’t rush proofing — patience improves flavor and texture.
- Use steam in the oven for a better crust.
- Learn to judge dough readiness by feel, not just by time.
- Keep notes on recipes and adjustments for future improvement.
Communities & Events
- r/Breadit – Bread photos, recipes, and troubleshooting.
- Local baking classes – Hands-on learning and community.
- Farmers’ markets – Sell or share homemade bread.
- Sourdough meetups – Share starters and recipes.
Related Hobbies
- Pastry Making – Broader baking skills beyond bread.
- Cheesemaking – Complements fresh bread beautifully.
- Herb Gardening – Grow fresh flavors for baking.
- Fermentation – Explore yogurt, kimchi, or beer brewing.
- Cake Decorating – Creative baking presentation skills.