Emile Henry Bread Recipe Book: Bake Perfect Bread Easily

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Baking bread at home can be a truly rewarding experience, and using the right tools makes all the difference. The Emile Henry Bread Recipe Book is a fantastic companion for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

Known for their high-quality ceramic bakeware, Emile Henry provides not only beautiful but also incredibly functional bread baking dishes. This recipe book is filled with carefully curated recipes designed to work seamlessly with Emile Henry’s ceramic bread cloches and baking dishes, helping you achieve artisan-quality loaves with ease.

From crusty sourdoughs to soft sandwich breads, each recipe in the book highlights the advantages of ceramic baking—retaining heat evenly and promoting perfect crust development. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply enjoy fresh homemade bread, this recipe book unlocks the secrets to delicious, bakery-style results right in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into one of the standout recipes to get you started on your bread-baking journey!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread recipe from the Emile Henry Bread Recipe Book is a game-changer for home bakers. It combines simplicity with incredible results, producing a loaf with a perfectly crisp crust and a tender, moist crumb.

The secret lies in using Emile Henry’s ceramic bread baker, which mimics the environment of a traditional bread oven by trapping steam and distributing heat evenly.

Not only is this recipe straightforward and beginner-friendly, but it also requires minimal ingredients—perfect for those who want homemade bread without fuss. Plus, the recipe book offers insightful tips on fermentation times and shaping techniques, helping you master the art of bread baking step by step.

For more delightful homemade bread ideas, you might also enjoy our Bread Snacks Veg Recipes Of India To Try Today for a flavorful twist on classic breads.

Ingredients

  • 500g bread flour (preferably strong white bread flour)
  • 350ml lukewarm water
  • 7g instant yeast (one sachet)
  • 10g salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for a softer crust)

Equipment

  • Emile Henry Bread Baker (ceramic cloche or bread dish)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring jug and spoons
  • Dough scraper or spatula
  • Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Make sure the salt and yeast are on opposite sides of the bowl to avoid killing the yeast.
  2. Add water and oil: Gradually pour in the lukewarm water and olive oil, mixing with a spatula or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 7 minutes on medium speed.
  4. First rise: Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Shape the dough: Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it into the pre-warmed Emile Henry Bread Baker, seam side down.
  6. Final rise: Cover the bread baker with its lid and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes until puffed up.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). Place the bread baker with the lid on into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for a further 10-15 minutes to develop a golden, crispy crust.
  8. Cool: Carefully remove the bread baker from the oven. Transfer the loaf to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra crispy crust, avoid cutting the bread while it’s still hot. Letting it cool allows the crumb to set perfectly.”

  • Use whole wheat flour: Substitute up to 50% of the bread flour with whole wheat for a nuttier flavor and denser texture.
  • Add seeds or nuts: Mix in sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped walnuts during kneading for added crunch and nutrition.
  • Sweeten it up: Add 1-2 tbsp of honey or maple syrup for a slightly sweet bread perfect for breakfast toasts.
  • Herbs and spices: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to create aromatic artisan loaves.
  • Experiment with sourdough starter: Replace the yeast with 150g of active sourdough starter for a tangy flavor and natural fermentation.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice, approx. 60g)
Calories 160 kcal
Carbohydrates 32g
Protein 5g
Fat 1.5g
Fiber 1.5g
Sugar 0.5g
Sodium 220mg

Serving Suggestions

This bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings. For breakfast, spread with creamy avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes or your favorite nut butter and jam.

It also makes a perfect base for sandwiches—try it with roasted vegetables and hummus for a quick, healthy lunch. For cozy dinners, serve alongside a warm bowl of soup such as the comforting Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or a spicy Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian.

To enjoy a quick snack, toast slices and top with vegan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs from our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.

Conclusion

Baking bread with the Emile Henry Bread Recipe Book brings the joy of artisan baking into your home kitchen. This recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients and the right ceramic bakeware can transform your baking game, producing beautiful, flavorful loaves every time.

With clear instructions, helpful tips, and the versatility to customize your bread with different flours and add-ins, this recipe is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to explore homemade bread making.

Emile Henry’s ceramic bread baker not only enhances the baking process but also adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen tools. Enjoy the process and the delicious results—there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through your home!

📖 Recipe Card: Emile Henry Bread

Description: A simple and classic bread recipe designed for baking in Emile Henry ceramic bread bakers. Produces a crusty exterior with a soft, airy crumb.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H

Servings: 1 loaf

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 2 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  1. Activate yeast in warm water with sugar for 5 minutes.
  2. Mix flour and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Add yeast mixture, olive oil, and honey to flour; stir to combine.
  4. Knead dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
  5. Let dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled.
  6. Preheat Emile Henry bread baker in oven at 450°F (230°C).
  7. Shape dough and place in preheated bread baker.
  8. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes.
  9. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 48g

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Marta K

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