Must-Haves for Budding Bread Bakers

Baking bread at home is more than just a hobby—it's a rewarding experience that feeds both body and soul. The process of turning simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt into a warm, golden loaf brings a sense of accomplishment and connection to tradition. Whether you love the smell of fresh bread filling your kitchen or the joy of sharing a homemade loaf with family, starting your bread-baking journey is something special.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essentials for getting started, from the benefits of baking your own bread to the key tools that will make your baking easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're new to bread-making or looking to improve your skills, this guide will help you create delicious, homemade bread you’ll be proud of.

The benefits of making your own bread

Baking your own bread at home comes with a range of benefits that go beyond just great taste. From having full control over the ingredients to enjoying the freshness of a homemade loaf, making bread from scratch can be healthier, more cost-effective, and incredibly satisfying. Let’s explore some of the key advantages of baking your own bread.

Healthier ingredients

store-bought breads that often contain preservatives, artificial additives, and excess sugars, homemade bread can be made with simple, wholesome ingredients. You can choose to use high-quality flours, such as whole grain or organic options, and add nutritious ingredients like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to boost the bread's nutritional value. This control allows you to create a healthier loaf that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that every slice is both delicious and good for you.

Cost-effective

Baking your own bread at home can be much more economical than buying high-quality artisan bread from the store. The basic ingredients—flour, yeast, salt, and water—are relatively inexpensive and can produce multiple loaves from a single batch. Over time, these savings add up, especially if you bake regularly. Plus, by making your own bread, you avoid the markup that often comes with store-bought specialty breads, giving you delicious, fresh bread at a fraction of the cost.

Customisation

One of the biggest perks of baking your own bread is the ability to customise each loaf to your liking. You can experiment with different types of flour—like whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free—and add in ingredients such as nuts, seeds, herbs, or dried fruits to create unique flavours and textures. Whether you prefer a rustic loaf, a soft sandwich bread, or something more adventurous, the possibilities are endless. Customization also allows you to cater to specific dietary needs, such as low-sodium or gluten-free diets, making your homemade bread truly your own.

Freshness

There's nothing quite like the taste and aroma of freshly baked bread. When you bake at home, you get to enjoy bread at its peak freshness—still warm from the oven, with a crisp crust and soft, flavorful interior. Unlike store-bought bread, which can sit on shelves for days or even weeks, homemade bread is made to be enjoyed right away. This freshness not only enhances the flavour and texture but also gives you the satisfaction of knowing exactly when and how your bread was made.

Therapeutic process

Baking bread is not just about the end result; the process itself can be incredibly therapeutic. Kneading dough by hand, shaping it into loaves, and watching it rise can be a calming and meditative experience. Many people find that the rhythmic motions and the focus required help reduce stress and provide a sense of accomplishment. The time spent baking allows you to slow down and enjoy a hands-on activity, making it a rewarding and relaxing way to unwind.

What do you need to make bread?

To start your bread-baking journey, you'll need a few essential tools and ingredients. Whether you're aiming for a simple loaf or something more complex, having the right basics on hand will set you up for success. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started.

Ingredients

To bake bread, you'll need some key ingredients:

Flour: The foundation of any bread. You can use bread flour for a higher protein content, all-purpose flour for a more versatile option, or experiment with whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free flours for different textures and flavours.
Yeast: This is what makes the dough rise. Active dry yeast and instant yeast are common choices, but you can also use a sourdough starter for a more complex flavour.
Salt: Enhances the flavour of the bread and helps regulate yeast activity.
Water: Hydrates the dough. The temperature of the water can affect how well the yeast performs.
Sugar or Honey: Optional but useful for feeding the yeast and adding a touch of sweetness to your bread.

Tools

To make bread at home, you'll need a few essential tools:

Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing ingredients. A set of bowls in different sizes will help you handle various stages of bread-making.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Invest in a good set to ensure precise ingredient amounts.
Digital Scale: For exact measurement of ingredients, especially flour. A scale is more accurate than measuring by volume and helps ensure consistent results.
Dough Scraper: Useful for mixing, handling, and dividing dough. It helps manage sticky dough and clean your work surface.
Bench Knife: Ideal for cutting and shaping dough. It helps divide dough evenly and scrape the surface clean.
Mixing Spoon: A sturdy spoon for stirring and mixing dough. It should be strong enough to handle thick dough.
Proofing Basket (Banneton): Supports dough during its final rise, helping it maintain shape and create a patterned crust.
Loaf Pans or Baking Stone: Essential for baking. Loaf pans are ideal for traditional loaves, while baking stones are great for artisan-style breads.
Oven Thermometer: Ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly after baking, preventing soggy bottoms and maintaining a crisp crust.

Must-haves for budding bread bakers

For those who are serious about bread baking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Investing in quality essentials can streamline the process, improve your results, and enhance your overall baking experience. Here are some must-have items that will help you achieve bakery-quality bread at home.

Stand mixer with dough hook

A stand mixer equipped with a dough hook is a game-changer for serious bread bakers. This powerful appliance takes the hard work out of kneading dough, especially when working with larger batches. The dough hook attachment efficiently mixes and kneads your dough, saving you time and effort compared to manual kneading. With consistent and thorough kneading, you can achieve the perfect dough texture, which is crucial for a successful loaf. Look for a stand mixer with a robust motor and a sturdy dough hook to handle even the toughest doughs, making your bread-making process smoother and more enjoyable.

Bread machine

A bread machine is an excellent tool for those who want convenience and ease in their bread-making. It handles multiple steps of the bread-making process—mixing, kneading, proofing, and baking—all in one device. This is particularly useful for busy individuals or those new to baking. Simply add your ingredients, select the desired setting, and let the machine do the work. Bread machines also come with various programs for different types of bread, allowing you to experiment with recipes without needing additional equipment. If you’re looking for a hands-off approach to baking delicious bread, a bread machine is a valuable addition to your kitchen.

Dutch oven

A Dutch oven is a fantastic tool for baking artisan-style bread with a crispy, golden crust. Its heavy-duty, cast-iron construction retains and evenly distributes heat, creating a perfect environment for bread to bake. The enclosed, high-heat environment helps the dough rise well and develop a beautiful, crusty exterior. Preheating the Dutch oven before placing your dough inside mimics the effect of a professional baking oven, resulting in a bakery-quality loaf. Ideal for rustic breads like sourdough, a Dutch oven can elevate your homemade bread to a new level of deliciousness.

Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is a crucial tool for ensuring your bread is perfectly baked. It helps you check the internal temperature of your loaf to confirm it's fully cooked without being overdone. Different types of bread require specific temperatures for optimal results—generally, a loaf is done when it reaches about 88-99°C internally. Using a thermometer ensures your bread has reached the right temperature for a tender crumb and a well-cooked crust. This simple tool can prevent undercooking or overcooking, helping you achieve consistent, high-quality results every time.

The range of bread baking essentials at Briscoes

Baking your own bread is both fun and rewarding. With the right ingredients and tools, you can make delicious, fresh bread right at home. From basic items like flour and yeast to helpful tools like a stand mixer, bread machine, and Dutch oven, having the right equipment makes the process easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to get started? Check out Briscoes for all the baking tools you need to make perfect bread at home.