Bake Better Bread

It’s Sourdough September, and I’ve been busy in the kitchen trying to perfect my bread recipe. Through my baking, I’ve learned a lot and I figured I’d share some of the tools that have helped me along the way. So, in case you’re also looking to get some baking done this Sourdough September, here are some tips to help you. 

Thermometer—Baking bread can be tricky, especially because your dough constantly needs to be at a certain temperature. The easiest way to ensure your dough is at the right temperature is by using a food-safe thermometer. 

Kitchen Scale—Measuring flour with a measuring cup isn’t always accurate. In fact, most of the time, it’s downright wrong. Next time you’re trying to measure flour, consider using a kitchen scale to ensure you’re getting the right amount for your recipe. 

Lidded Container—Dough only rises when it rests. But if you’re having a hard time getting the dough to rise, you might want to try putting it in an airtight container. If you don’t already have a container, try using cling wrap to form a tight seal on top of the bowl where your bread is rising. 

Dutch Oven—If you want your bread to form a deliciously golden crust, you need to ditch the sheet pan and put your loaf in a Dutch oven, or other lidded container to bake. The lid will help create steam that helps your bread develop more deeply in texture and flavor. 

Patience—And last, but certainly not least, the most important thing you need when baking bread is patience! It’s true, baking bread isn’t easy, but if you put in the work, it’ll be worth it. Keep in mind, while bread fresh from the oven sounds great, if you are making sourdough specifically, it’s best to let it rest 4-6 hours after taking it out of the oven before slicing it. 

Hope these breadmaking tips help you have a successful Sourdough September!