Best Bread Baking Books of 2025

Magnolia Table is a #1 New York Times Bestseller cookbook that showcases Joanna Gaines' passion for family, tradition, and great meals. With 125 classic recipes, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, the book is a modern take on American classics and personal family favorites. Complemented by her love for her garden, these dishes incorporate homegrown, seasonal produce at the peak of its flavor. Magnolia Table is an invitation to share a seat at the table with Joanna Gaines and her family. Overall, the book is a must-have for anyone who loves simple, delicious, and heartwarming meals that celebrate family and friendship.

Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish is a must-have book for anyone interested in baking artisan bread and pizza. Forkish, a renowned baker from Portland, shares his passion and expertise through easy-to-follow recipes and clear instructions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, you'll find something to suit your skill level and time constraints. The book includes a complete baking education, covering topics such as baker's percentages, ingredient ratios, and bread baking schedules. The author's obsession with quality and attention to detail shine through in every recipe, making Flour Water Salt Yeast a standout in the world of bread baking books.

The Perfect Loaf is a comprehensive guide to sourdough baking that covers everything from the fundamental techniques to advanced recipes. Written by renowned blogger and bread baker Maurizio Leo, this book offers a range of foolproof recipes for bread, pizza, sweets, and more. The book is perfect for beginner bakers, with troubleshooting sections and sidebars that answer almost every question they may have. Experienced bakers can also benefit from the deep dives into the science behind baking processes and expert information on how to level up their skills. Overall, The Perfect Loaf is an indispensable guide for anyone interested in sourdough baking.

Artisan Sourdough Made Simple: A Beginner's Guide to Delicious Handcrafted Bread with Minimal Kneading is a must-have for anyone interested in baking bread at home. This book, written by Emilie Raffa, a professionally trained chef and avid home baker, is a bestseller with over 100,000 copies sold. Raffa guides readers through the science and art of sourdough with step-by-step master recipe guides, teaching them how to create and care for their own starters. With over 60 unique recipes, readers can bake a variety of breads that suit their every need. This book is a great addition to any bread-baking enthusiast's collection.

The Tartine Bread book by Chad Robertson is a must-have for any home baker or professional bread-maker. The book covers the techniques and recipes used by Robertson, who is considered to be the best bread baker in the United States. The book includes clear instructions and step-by-step photos, making it easy to follow even for beginners. The book is divided into four parts, covering basic bread, whole-wheat bread, enriched bread, and day-old bread. The book is a great addition to any baking enthusiast's collection and offers a unique insight into the art of bread-making.

The No-Fuss Bread Machine Cookbook by Michelle Anderson is an essential guide for anyone who wants to make delicious homemade bread with minimal effort. The book includes hassle-free recipes that require easy-to-find ingredients and can be made in 1-pound, 1.5-pound, or 2-pound bread machines. The recipes range from sweet to savory, including vegetable breads, cheese breads, spice and herb breads, fruit breads, and more. The author also provides troubleshooting tips to help readers make the perfect loaf every time. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone who loves fresh, piping hot bread straight from the bread machine.

The King Arthur Baking School: Lessons and Recipes for Every Baker is a comprehensive cookbook that shares over 100 recipes and essential techniques for baking. The book reflects the King Arthur Baking School's curriculum, which has been honed and refined over the years, with instructors who are experts not just at baking, but at teaching baking. From Yeast Breads to Sourdough, Laminated Pastries to Pies and Tarts, Cookies to Cake, readers gain confidence as they play in the kitchen and build new skills. The book's unique approach is friendly and accessible to all levels, focusing on the "how" and "why." Overall, this book is a great resource for bakers of all skill levels who want to improve their techniques and learn new recipes.

Simple French Baking by Manon Lagrève is a delightful introduction to the world of French baking. With over 80 recipes, this book simplifies the art of baking elegant French pastries and desserts. Manon's family recipes, which were handed down by her mother and grandmothers, are perfect for sharing with loved ones. The book includes classic recipes like brioche, éclairs, and macarons, as well as some unique twists on French favorites. This book is suitable for bakers of all levels, and Manon's secret shortcuts and tips make it even more accessible. Overall, Simple French Baking is a charming cookbook that proves that anyone can make authentic French treats at home.

The Elements of Pizza by Ken Forkish is a must-have cookbook for any pizza lover. The book offers expert guidance on every aspect of pizza-making, from selecting the right dough to creating unique toppings. With more than a dozen different dough recipes, even gluten-free options, Forkish's instructions will have home cooks shaping pies like professionals. The book's innovative, seasonal topping ideas will inspire readers to create their own signature pizzas. Forkish's formidable knowledge and can-do spirit make this book an essential addition to the pizza canon.

Everyday Bread: 100 Recipes for Baking Bread on Your Schedule is a unique cookbook that simplifies bread baking for beginners and enthusiasts alike. With seven core recipes, readers can manipulate them into different shapes and flavors with ease, fitting bread-making into their schedule with flexible timetables. The book includes streamlined techniques, no specialty equipment, and even loaves with no yeast, kneading, or shaping. From quick breads to no-knead Dutch oven–baked loaves, this book offers a variety of options for any level of baker. Overall, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves fresh bread and wants to incorporate it into their daily routine.