Why We’ve Fallen in Love with Baking Bread (Again!)

It always starts innocently enough. A lazy weekend. A bag of flour. Maybe a video of someone folding dough with suspicious confidence and zero mess. Next thing you know, you’re googling “bulk fermentation” and debating the merits of rye starter versus whole wheat.

Welcome to the bread era (again).

From crackly sourdough boules to squishy sandwich loaves, bread baking has crept back into our kitchens—and this time, it’s not just a lockdown hobby. It’s a ritual. And a surprisingly addictive way to spend your Sunday.

Whether you’re here for the carbs, the craft or the sheer thrill of nailing your crumb, you’re in good company. In this article, you’ll find inspiration, tools and tips to help you fall (or fall back) in love with baking bread at home.

From golden loaves to perfectly proofed boules, Sur La Table has everything you knead to fall in love with bread baking all over again.

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The Rise of Baking Bread

There’s a reason people keep coming back to bread. It’s not just about having something fresh to eat (though that’s a nice bonus). It’s about what the process gives you: a break from everything else.

Baking bread forces you to slow down in a way not much else does. You can’t rush it. You measure, you mix, you wait. You check on your dough like it’s a small science project. And somewhere between the first proof and that final golden bake, you realize you haven’t looked at your phone in an hour—and you feel better for it.

For a lot of people, it’s become a go-to weekend ritual. A way to unwind, feel productive and do something that’s completely offline. It’s not about perfection—it’s about the process. The quiet focus. The little moment of pride when a loaf comes out better than expected.

And in a world where so much feels fast and fleeting, that kind of tangible, hands-on reward is hard to beat.

Breadmaking Tools That Make It Better

You don’t need fancy gear to bake great bread—but the right tools can make the whole process smoother, more enjoyable and way more consistent. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic artisan loaf or the perfect slice-for-sandwiches kind of bread, these tools earn their spot in your kitchen.

• Sur La Table Platinum Pro Loaf Pan (8½″ × 4½″): A must for soft sandwich loaves and quick breads. This one bakes evenly, releases cleanly and holds up for the long haul.
• Bread Making Kit: Great for beginners or anyone looking to level up. It’s got the basics—bench scraper, proofing basket, lame—so you’re set up from start to slice.
• Sur La Table Glass Loaf Pan: Want to keep an eye on how your loaf is browning? This one makes it easy—and it doubles as a great serving piece straight from the oven.
• Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven (5.5 Qt.): The gold standard for crusty, bakery-style boules. It holds heat like a champ and traps steam for that crackly crust we all chase.
• Sur La Table Bread Lame: More than just a cool word—this tool helps you score dough like a pro, so your bread rises beautifully (and looks amazing too).
• Bench Scraper: This humble tool is a multitasker—cutting dough, cleaning your work surface and helping you shape loaves with more control. Inexpensive and indispensable.
• Digital Kitchen Scale: Measuring by weight (not cups) is the secret to consistent results. Once you start using a scale, you’ll wonder how you ever baked without one.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: A thermometer takes out the guesswork. Aim for 190–210°F depending on the type of loaf.

Bread Recipes to Keep on Repeat

Wondering how to make bread and need a place to start—or just want something new to try? Here are a few favorites that have earned a spot in many home kitchens:

• Crusty Artisan Bread: Minimal ingredients, maximum payoff. This is the kind of loaf that looks and tastes bakery-worthy, even if your technique isn’t.
• King Arthur’s No-Knead Crusty White Bread: Perfect for beginners—or anyone who wants fresh bread without much fuss. Mix, wait, bake. Done.
• Italian Rosemary & Olive Oil Loaf: This bread is fragrant, flavorful and begging to be dunked in soup or olive oil. It’s the kind of bread recipe that turns a simple meal into something special.
• Two‑Tone Bread: A fun twist on the classic loaf—this recipe swirls white and whole wheat doughs for a marbled look and just a hint of molasses sweetness.
• Flat Beer Bread: Surprisingly simple and full of flavor—this no-knead loaf uses flat beer for a chewy texture and golden crust, no fuss required.

Pro Tips for Better Baking

Every loaf teaches you something—especially the ones that don’t go quite as planned.

These pro tips are here to help you skip a few of the trial-and-error moments and get straight to the good stuff: better texture, better crust and more confidence every time you bake. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your technique, these small shifts can make a big difference on how you make bread.

Let your dough tell you when it’s ready.
Timers are helpful, but your dough knows best. If it’s still tight and tears when stretched, give it more time. If it’s puffed and jiggly, it’s probably ready.

Don’t skip the autolyse.
That 20–30 minute rest after mixing flour and water makes dough easier to handle and improves the final texture.

Steam = better crust.
No Dutch oven? Toss a few ice cubes into a hot pan on the bottom rack of your oven to create steam in the first 10 minutes of baking.

Use rice flour for dusting.
It’s less sticky than wheat flour and won’t gum up your banneton or proofing towel.

Keep a bread journal.
Jot down what you did, how it turned out and what you’d change. It’s one of the fastest ways to improve.

The Joy Beyond the Recipe

Bread baking isn’t just about the final loaf—it’s about the whole experience. The playlist playing while you mix. The apron dusted with flour. The tea towel draped over a rising boule. These little rituals make the process feel just as satisfying as the result.

And let’s not forget the best part: eating it.

Warm slices with butter or jam. A crusty loaf as the centerpiece of a weekend brunch. A still-steaming gift for a neighbor. Bread brings people together—and baking it becomes a way to slow down, celebrate and share.

From golden loaves to perfectly proofed boules, Sur La Table has everything you knead to fall in love with bread baking all over again.

Shop Bread Loaf Pans & Baking Essentials