10 Best Bread Baking Books You Should Read

Bread baking? Well, it can be pretty tricky – whether you’re using a bread machine or not. And while you can spend countless hours searching for the perfect recipe, it likely won’t have the essential information you need to be successful. The recipe might not even work out! 

To ensure you have all the knowledge you need, consider purchasing a bread-baking book like Bread Baking for Beginners.

Hey, there! I’m Michelle, and I’ve been baking bread in my home kitchen for the past few years (and baking other treats for even longer!). I have learned a lot along the way, and I can confidently say that books make baking bread all the easier. I highly recommend it!

I chose “Bread Baking for Beginners” as my number one choice because it’s, well, for beginners. The information is displayed in an easy-to-read and understandable manner, which is essential for newbies. It also has yummy recipes, interesting info like the science behind baking bread, and a troubleshooting guide for common bread problems.

While this is a wonderful choice for those new to the bread-baking world, I understand this book might not be the right fit for you. Perhaps you have experience with certain bread types but want to learn about Artisan bread. Or maybe you want to master your bread machine.

Whatever you need to get out of your bread-baking book, you will find the perfect match below. 

Best Bread Cookbooks Quickly Reviewed

If you’re looking for a stellar bread-baking book to accompany you in the kitchen, there’s no “knead” to panic. I’ve discovered the top ten books to suit your “kneads.” The “proof” is in the pudding. (Okay, sorry, no more corny bread jokes!).

1. Bread Baking for Beginners (Top Pick)

• Features: Recipes and pictures included, plenty of information, easy to read and understand, great for beginners, troubleshooting included
• Pages: 176
• Format: Kindle, Hard Cover, Paper Back

If you’re new to the world of baking bread, you need this book in your life. It’s a cinch to read and understand, which is something you will seriously appreciate – sometimes, bread-baking books, articles, etc., can be full of complicated nuances that only experienced bakers understand!

But what kind of information will you discover in this handy bread-baking book? Let’s start by mentioning that this book comes complete with recipes that include step-by-step directions with photographs. I don’t know about you, but visuals are always helpful. Thanks for including them, Bonnie Ohara!

Delicious bread recipes aren’t the only gem in this book, though. There is also interesting information about the science behind bread-baking, how to level up your skills, and convenient troubleshooting. Oh, and each section has quirky and fun titles like “From d’oh to dough” – yeah, almost as bad as my silly bread jokes!

This is an excellent book for everyone! However, keep in mind that there are a few little hassling caveats that some people don’t like. For example, each section has a “master recipe” that has to be referred to for the subsequent recipes, which can be annoying.

2. Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza (Best for Artisan Bread and Pizza)

• Features: Artisan bread recipes, pizza dough recipes, principles of Artisan bread-baking, practical list of ingredients and equipment, New York Times Bestseller, perfect for learning to make Artisan bread, includes levain recipes
• Pages: 272
• Format: Kindle, Hard Cover, Spiral Bound

One of the milestones for any bread baker is Artisan bread. That’s because it’s the most challenging type of bread to make. It’s worth it for the reward, though, a beautiful loaf of bread that’s delightfully crispy on the outside and impossibly soft on the inside.

If you try to master Artisan bread on your own, you might struggle – unless you have this top-notch book on your side. Not only does this book contain must-know principles of superb Artisan bread, but it also comes with a slew of recipes ranging from beginner to advanced.

Oh, and did I mention this book comes with two other must-see categories? The first is a section on making sourdough starter, an indispensable component of sourdough bread. The second is a mash-up of delicious pizza recipes that will take your pizza-making game to the next level.

This is a New York Times Bestseller, so you know it’s good. It’s not perfect, though. Some people weren’t fond of the verbiage, and others thought the levain recipes were too complicated. However, with a bit of patience, they can be worked through in no time.

3. Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home (Most Recipes)

• Features: Impressive number of recipes, variety of recipes to choose from, over 1,000 pictures, comprehensive descriptions, packed with helpful information
• Pages: 432
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back, Spiral Bound

If you want to bake anything and everything that falls under the umbrella of “bread” – including cinnamon rolls, pretzels, and Japanese milk bread – then you need this comprehensive bread-baking book.

The standout feature of this book is undeniably the massive amount of recipes. With over 400 pages and 1,000 pictures to look at, you’ll have more recipes on hand than you know what to do with.

And yes, that’s right – I said there are 1,000+ pictures in this bread-baking book. I don’t know about you, but having visuals is key to success. The pictures aren’t just added for the recipes, either. There’s so much more must-have info stashed inside the publication, including how to knead and the science behind yeast.

By the end of this book, you will be a bread-baking genius – or at least as close as you can get after reading a single book. The only potential drawback is that the book uses volume and imperial units, which isn’t ideal for some bakers.

4. The No-Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook: Hands-Off Recipes for Perfect Homemade Bread (Best for Bread Machines)

• Features: Great for learning to use bread machines, a wide variety of bread machine recipes, handy information about bread machines, troubleshooting guide included
• Pages: 236
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back, Spiral Bound

It’s true that bread machines are a great investment. But if you don’t know how to use it, then it will just be taking up important space in your kitchen. I say it’s time to put an end to useless appliances cluttering the kitchen – get this bread-baking book and utilize your new gadget ASAP!

The No-Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook is precisely how it sounds. It’s a book compiled of delicious bread recipes perfectly designed for the 1-pound, 1.5-pound, and 2-pound bread machines. Whether you’re in the mood for sweet or savory concoctions, this book has you covered.

Aside from the impressive selection of recipes, this handy cookbook also comes with some general but valuable information on bread machines, as well as troubleshooting tips in case something goes haywire.

Overall, this book is genuinely designed to be “no fuss,” and there isn’t much to fuss about. In fact, the only “fussing” people did was about manufacturing. Some people received books that were out of order or printed funny. They can easily be replaced, though, so “doughn’t” worry.

5. Bread Baking for Teens: 30 Step-by-Step Recipes for Beginners (Best for Young Bakers)

• Features: Perfect for kids (and adults!), simple recipes, includes important fundamentals of baking, easy to read
• Pages: 134
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back

Do you know a child or teen that wants to dip their toes (or should we say spatula?) into the fantastic world of bread-baking? Do them the biggest favor by ordering this book – otherwise known as the essential guide for young bread-bakers to master their newest craft.

The Bread Baking for Teens book focuses on simple recipes that even the youngest chefs can conquer. And although they focus on simplicity, they’re nonetheless delicious – you will be more than happy (and surprised) at the outcome!

Aside from the 30 included recipes, the book also contains imperative information, such as the fundamentals of baking, to ensure lifetime success. 

While young bread-bakers (okay, adults too) enjoy this book, one of the biggest downfalls is that there aren’t a whole lot of pictures. Nutritional content is also not provided, which many people look for when creating a recipe. Apart from that, it’s a great book!

6. King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains (Best for Whole Grain Baking)

• Features: Whole grain recipes, recipes that extend beyond bread, include helpful tips and how-tos, easy to comprehend and utilize, reliable and trusted brand in the industry
• Pages: 640
• Format: Hard Cover, Flexibound

Many people want to bake whole grain bread. It is, after all, one of the healthier bread options out there. But baking bread using whole grains can pose its own realm of problems that need answering – and that’s why I added this book to my top ten list.

The King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking book is an essential publication to any whole grain baker’s arsenal. Inside, you will find a wealth of information regarding whole grain baking, including how-tos, helpful tips, and even interesting historical facts.

Not only that, but this book contains over 400 recipes. Granted, not all of the recipes are about bread. But why settle for bread when you can have it all? With additional recipes, such as those for scrumptious cakes, you will be whipping up whole-grain magic from sun up to sun down.

This book is famous for many reasons, and one of the most significant reasons is that it contains so many whole-grain recipes. While this is a definite pro, the con is that some of the recipes are quite complex and ingredient-heavy, which isn’t ideal for some.

7. No-Fail Gluten-Free Bread Baking: Classic Bread Recipes for the Texture and Flavor You Love (Best for Gluten-Free Bread)

• Features: Gluten-free recipes, over 50 yummy options, easy tutorials to follow along with
• Pages: 138
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back

If you’re nixing grains altogether or simply want to try gluten-free recipes, then you will need a stellar gluten-free bread book on your side – and this is it.

The No-Fail Gluten-Free Bread-Baking Book is essentially the key that will unlock some of the most flavorful bread loaves you’ve ever sunk your teeth into. They’re so tasty that your gluten-loving friends won’t even be able to tell the difference.

Inside the book, you will find over 50 tutorials for gluten-free bread recipes of all kinds – including pizza dough, sweet bread, and Artisan options. With so many flavorsome options to choose from, you won’t get bored with this book anytime soon. There’s also a troubleshooting guide – just in case.

Much like the book mentioned previously, some recipes require many ingredients – some of which most people don’t have on hand. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though. There’s nothing wrong with broadening your horizons and playing with new ingredients!

8. French Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Baguettes, Boules, Brioche, and More (Best for French Bread)

• Features: French bread recipes, a wide range of recipes from crispy to sweet and airy, lots of interesting info about French bread, great pictures, easy to follow
• Pages: 120
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back

When some people think of bread, they think of the famous French bread – whether it’s the crispy baguette that’s oh-so-perfect for dipping and topping or the flavorful, slightly sweet brioche that tastes more like a dessert than a bread loaf.

But you don’t have to travel all the way to France to get your hands on these delicious breads; you can make them right from home with the help of this bread-baking book, complete with authentic French bread recipes.

This French bread-baking book is perfect for newbies and novice bakers. Inside, you will find pages jam-packed with interesting information as well as yummy recipes. The categories include “Crusty and Delicate,” “Round and Chewy,” and “Buttery and Airy,” so you know you’re getting a wide range of recipes to try out.

There’s really nothing negative to say about this French bread-baking book. It’s comprehensive and has 30 great recipes to try. The only potential drawback is that it’s only available in Kindle or Paper Back format, which isn’t as robust as a spiral bound or hardcover.

9. Small Batch Baking: 60 Sweet and Savory Recipes to Satisfy Your Craving (Best for Baking in Small Batches)

• Features: Small batch recipes, 2-3 servings per recipe, 60 recipes included beyond bread, easy to follow along, comes with handy hints
• Pages: 162
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back, Spiral Bound

If you’re not baking loaves of bread because you’re single or are baking for a small number of people, hear me out – you don’t have to make large portions. With this handy bread-baking book, you can make mini-sized bread loaves that won’t succumb to mold before you’ve powered through it.

The main draw of this book is that it comes with 60 “small batch” recipes. And it doesn’t just have bread recipes, either. There’s also a lovely assortment of cupcakes, pies, and other appetizing recipes you’ll want to test out ASAP.

While you’ll love the selection of recipes, another significant advantage is that the book comes with helpful hints to make sure you’re successful. Essentially, this bread-baking book has your back. 

This book is fantastic! But – and it’s a big but – there aren’t a whole lot of pictures. If you’re a visual person, you will definitely miss what you crave from this book. However, the recipes are undeniably full of flavor and perfect for two to three servings.

10. Celebrate with Bread Baking: Essential Recipes for Special Occasions (Best Holiday Recipes)

• Features: Bread recipes for celebrations and holidays, 70 recipes from around the world, easy-to-follow recipes, baking basics included
• Pages: 186
• Format: Kindle, Paper Back

It’s time to celebrate! And what better way to indulge in the holidays than with a beautiful homemade loaf of bread? 

This sensational book is precisely what you need to pay homage to your culture and community. Whatever holiday you celebrate, this book has bread to keep you covered. With 70 recipes hailing from different parts of the world, including Korea, India, and Germany, you know you won’t skip a beat.

Of course, this book doesn’t just have celebratory bread recipes. It also comes with a section on bread-baking basics. After all, you don’t want to dive into baking Kulich Easter Bread or Native American Frybread without having some bread-baking knowledge under your belt.

While this is a must-have book to add to your collection, one of the major flaws is that there aren’t a whole lot of pictures. Again, this isn’t a huge issue. But if you like to see what you’re baking before you bake it, you won’t be too thrilled with the lack of pictures in this book.

Best Bread Baking Books – Things to Consider

Wow! Who knew there were so many tremendous bread-baking books on the market? I know that was a lot of information to read through, so you might feel a little scrambled. I’m here to help. To make your decision easier, consider these few things.

Type of Bread You Want to Bake

The first thing to consider is what type of bread you want to bake. For instance, if you’re solely looking to try your hand at baking Artisan bread, you will want to purchase book #2. Options six and seven are great choices if you want to bake healthier bread.

Number of Recipes

Some people want to buy a bread-baking book loaded with recipes to try. Others want to learn about baking more so than have a long list of recipes. Which one are you?

Number of Photos

It’s true that all of these bread-baking books come with photos. However, some have more than others. If you can’t live without pictures accompanying recipes, make sure you buy a bread-baking book packed with images every step of the way.

Specialty Options

Are you looking for something specific, like bread machine bread-baking books or books loaded with holiday bread recipes? I have listed a number of different books that feature “specialty” choices. If that’s what you’re in the market for, buy it!

Type of Format

This isn’t a huge thing to consider, but it’s important to some people. For example, some people may be keen on purchasing Kindle books, while others want a spiral-bound book to display on their coffee table.

Verdict

I can confidently say that all of these bread-baking books are fantastic options that will take your bread-baking adventures to new heights. However, if you want a “basic” book to see you through, Bread Baking for Beginners is the premium pick. It’s easy to follow along with, has lots of pictures and recipes, and is an overall great book for learning and creating.

Which one of these bread-baking books are you planning to purchase? Do you have a book to shout out? Comment below!

About Michelle