10 Must-Have Bread Baking Tools

Do you love the idea of making homemade bread but have no idea what you need? This list of bread-baking tools will help you get started with ease!

Slices of homemade white sandwich bread on a cutting board.

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Everyone loves a freshly baked loaf of bread, but there are a few tools out there that can make the entire process so much easier!

Why stress over baking bread at home when you don’t have to? These bread-baking tools were created for a reason – so why not take advantage of them?

Take a look at my favorite bread-baking tools, and see how you can cut down on some of the prep time and maybe even frustrations that arise when making bread from scratch.

sourdough bread getting scored sitting in a parchment lined dutch oven.

Must-Have Bread Baking Tools

This list will have a variety of tools that can be used for beginners and those who have been baking bread for a while.

All are meant to be helpful in some way. You might even discover some that you didn’t even know you needed!

1. Bread Proofing Basket

This comes in super handy if you’re making sourdough bread. This basket gives the dough the time and space that it needs to proof, ferment, and rise.

The basket also helps the bread to hold a round shape, making it easier to mold right before baking it.

2. Sourdough Bread Scorer

Part of the fun of baking your own bread is that you can make some elegant and beautiful designs on top.

The key to making that happen? Using a bread scorer. It gives the ability to adjust the length of the blade. As a result, you can easily adjust the size and length of the cuts. The result is a beautiful loaf!

3. Dough Scraper

Even though bread dough doesn’t end up being sticky, it can be in the beginning. Rather than lose some of that precious dough by having it stick to surfaces, having a dough scraper is a quick and easy way to scrape the dough right off. This way nothing goes to waste.

4. Rolling Pin

Having a good rolling pin is key to creating certain bread recipes or bread-like items like pizza dough. It helps ensure the dough comes together and shapes easily. As a result, your bread dough will become easy to work with and rise in the oven beautifully.

two kitchen towel-lined bowls with sourdough bread dough.

5. Silicone Baking Mat

Using a silicone baking mat makes it easy to visualize exactly how much dough you need. It also helps you mold the dough into the perfect shape.

As a result, you can avoid adding too much dough to your baking pan. You’ll create the perfect-sized loaf every time you bake!

6. Serrated Bread Knife

While this technically isn’t used until after the bread is baked, it’s still one of the most important tools to have on hand. You don’t want to spend all that time creating the perfect loaf just to smash it trying to slice it with a dull knife!

A serrated bread knife was created to cut through the soft bread perfectly, no matter the thickness level that you choose.

7. Pastry Cutter/ Dough Blender

Trust me when I say that using this is a lifesaver for your hands and joints. This dough blender is designed to perfectly cut through the dough, making sure that the simple ingredients get blended up perfectly before being baked.

8. Flour Sifter

A lot of bread recipes mention sifting flour. However, many people skip that step, because they don’t own a flour sifter.

I don’t recommend skipping this important step! Sifting the flour is the only way to get rid of any lumps. Failing to do so can result in lumpy, dry, or dense bread. We don’t want that! Luckily, flour sifters are fairly affordable and extremely easy to use.

9. Stand Mixer and Bread Dough Hook

It’s not always a requirement to have a mixer and dough hook to make bread dough. However, it sure does make it a lot easier!

The bread dough hook attaches right onto the mixer and does all the hard work for you. It turns and spins, and after a few moments, the mixing bowl is filled with perfectly mixed dough. All you have to do is shape it, and pop it in the oven to bake!

10. Non-Stick Loaf Pans

Non-stick pans are key for baking bread. They help your bread rise and turn perfectly golden brown. Plus, they allow loaves to slide right out without any tears, rips, or pieces missing.

two french bread dough loaves scored and sitting on a baking sheet.

FAQs

Is using a bread machine worth it?

I have nothing against using a bread machine! There are so many great bread machine recipes out there that create delicious loaves of bread. Plus, they save time!

How do I store leftover baked bread?

Allow your homemade bread loaves to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable bag. Store leftover bread in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

Can I freeze homemade bread?

Absolutely. Just let the bread cool. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. I actually like to freeze it in individual slices so that I can thaw a few pieces quickly once the craving hits! Be sure to check the storage instructions for the particular kind of bread you’re making.