If you’re on the hunt for the best bread cookbooks for the home baker in your life (or for yourself), here is a list of 12 award-winning bread books from master bakers that can transform your baking experience, from discovering new recipes to sharpening the professional skill set.
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Baking with Julia by Dorie Greenspan
If anyone can inspire the baker in all of us, it’s Julia Child, and this book Baking with Julia offers the dedicated home cook of any skill level a unique perspective into the art of baking. This book not only contains lots of recipes but also basic techniques to demonstrate the many ways to raise dough, decorate crusts, etc. It’s a total must for any bread lover
The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
This award winning bread baking The Bread Baker’s Apprentice is for both the professional and home cook that covers the essentials for a bread baker’s collection (and was the very reason we were bitten by the creative bread bug!). Readers learn the art of bread making through techniques and recipes for making pizza dough, bagels, sourdough, challah and much more.
Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson
Accomplished baker Chad Robertson reveals his unique approach to bread over two decades of apprenticeship with the finest bakers of France and the United States and his own experimental methods with his oven.
Tartine Bread comes with clear step-by-step instructions with beautiful quality photos in making exceptional elemental bread using just flour, water, and salt.
the bread bible by beth hensperger
Beth Hensperger is a popular and trusted cookbook author and, The Bread Bible is one of her most popular books, and for good reason. It’s a comprehensive guide to bread baking , bringing together hundreds of classical and original recipes, from Gruyere Pullman Loaf to Classic Buttermilk Biscuits (and much more!).
Artisan Breads Every Day by Peter Reinhart
If you’re a huge sourdough enthusiast, you’ll want to pick this book. A classic in the world of bread baking, Artist Breads Every Day contains gorgeous shots of different types of bread, with lots of recipes that are easy to follow and understand. Plus, each recipe is broken into “Do Ahead” and “On Baking Day” sections, making every step in the baking process so much simpler.
Bread: A Baker’s Book of Techniques and Recipes by Jeffrey Hamelman
Bread is an award-winning book that features over 130 detailed, step-by-step formulas for dozens of rye- and wheat-based sourdough breads, simple straight dough loaves, and dozens of other variations (and much much more!).
Jeffrey Hamelman makes this book approachable, with hundreds of vividly illustrated techniques and photographs of different bread types. Check it out here.
Secrets of a Jewish Baker: Recipes for 125 Breads from Around the World by George Greenstein
If you or a loved one wants to learn more about the intricacies of Jewish baking, Secrets of a Jewish Baker contains over 125 bread recipes utilized by many Jewish bakeries and practices.
Winner of the James Beard award, George Greenstein reveals 125 yeasted and quick bread recipes that have passed down through his family for over 3 generations.
Better Baking by Genevieve Ko
A loving collaboration with noted pastry chefs, Genevieve Ko curated and created treats that are just as delicious as their original counterparts with a healthier, wholesome, nutritionally-dense twist.
Better Baking has been said to be an “ingenious recasting of favorite recipes” providing more alternative flours and less sugar to make every taste bud sing.
The Italian Baker, Revised by Carol Field
Touted as “the only comprehensive book to cover the entire range of Italian baking” The Italian Baker is a masterclass every home baker needs to include in their arsenal. From breadsticks, tarts, focaccia, and pastries, author Carol Field introduces classic artisanal doughs and techniques used by generations of Italian bakers, capturing the regional specialties that make them especially unique.
Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish
From the mind of Portland’s beloved baker and author, Ken Forkish puts together a must-have baking guide featuring world class recipes for rustic boules to Neapolitan-style pizza. Flour Water Salt Yeast is perfect for the home baker of all skill levels and time constraints.
Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday cooking by Michael Ruhlman
In this groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, Ratio dives into the truths of cooking and baking – not through recipes but basic ratios and fundamental techniques that makes food look and taste delicious. When you know a culinary ratio, you not only crack a single recipe, but instantly unlock a thousand recipes.
The Homemade Flour Cookbook by Erin Alderson
If you want to take your flour to the next DIY level, The Homemade Flour Cookbook teaches you how to mill your own fresh, nutritious flours from whole grains and create new, unique flavors and textures in 100 delicious recipes.
When it comes to finding the best bread books for making delicious homemade bread, it’s can be applied to both home bakers and accomplished professional bakers. There is always something new to learn and discover in the world of bread, from learning new different recipes to taking your artisan bread to the next level.
12 Best Bread baking books every home baker needs
