Baking artisan-style bread at home has become increasingly popular, and one of the tools helping home bakers achieve bakery-quality results is the Emile Henry Bread Cloche. This French-made ceramic baking vessel has earned a reputation for its ability to create a crispy crust and soft, airy crumb. Designed with tradition and performance in mind, the Emile Henry Bread Cloche replicates the environment of a professional bread oven, allowing even novice bakers to produce exceptional loaves right from their kitchen.
What is an Emile Henry Bread Cloche?
The Emile Henry Bread Cloche is a specially designed piece of bakeware made from high-fired Burgundy clay. It consists of two parts: a dome-shaped lid and a round base. The dome traps steam as the bread bakes, which is key to developing a golden, crispy crust. The base supports the dough and ensures even baking. This ceramic cloche mimics the effect of a traditional brick oven, making it easier to bake crusty bread without needing additional equipment like steam trays or baking stones.
Unique Features of the Bread Cloche
The Emile Henry Bread Cloche stands out due to its thoughtful craftsmanship and high-performance materials. Here are a few notable features:
- High-Quality Ceramic: Made from natural clay sourced in Burgundy, France, this bakeware is resistant to temperature changes and provides gentle, even heat distribution.
- Dome Design: The bell-shaped lid captures steam during the initial baking stage, contributing to crust formation and oven spring.
- Glazed Interior: The glazed surface helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Oven-Safe: Safe for use in all conventional ovens up to 500°F (260°C).
- Handcrafted Appearance: The cloche’s rustic finish adds aesthetic value to any kitchen and complements traditional baking methods.
How the Bread Cloche Enhances Baking
Baking bread involves more than just mixing flour, water, and yeast. The conditions in which dough bakes significantly affect the final texture and flavor. The Emile Henry Bread Cloche creates an enclosed, steamy environment during the first part of baking, allowing the loaf to expand fully before the crust hardens. This process enhances both visual and textural quality.
Steam and Heat Retention
When bread bakes in a moist, enclosed environment, the outer surface stays flexible longer, enabling more rise and better structure. The Emile Henry Bread Cloche’s dome traps steam that escapes from the dough itself, eliminating the need to introduce extra moisture into the oven. Once the steam dissipates, the remaining heat crisps up the crust, creating that sought-after contrast between crunch and chew.
Consistent and Even Baking
The thick ceramic walls of the cloche help distribute heat slowly and uniformly. This eliminates hot spots and promotes even browning. The result is a loaf that’s well-risen, golden on the outside, and fully baked on the inside. This is particularly beneficial for sourdough and other slow-fermented breads that require consistent oven conditions.
Using the Emile Henry Bread Cloche at Home
Despite its professional-grade results, the Emile Henry Bread Cloche is very beginner-friendly. Here’s how to use it effectively:
Preparing the Cloche
It’s a good idea to preheat both the base and the lid in your oven before placing the dough inside. This ensures the cloche is hot enough to create oven spring and promote proper crust formation. Some bakers choose to dust the base lightly with cornmeal or flour to prevent sticking, while others place parchment paper under the dough for easier handling.
Baking Steps
- Preheat your oven with the cloche inside to around 450°F (232°C).
- Shape your dough and let it go through its final rise on parchment or a proofing basket.
- Carefully place the dough onto the hot base and cover it with the dome lid.
- Bake for about 30 minutes covered, then remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes for a deeper crust.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to allow the crumb to set properly. The cloche retains heat for a long time, so use oven mitts and be cautious when removing it from the oven.
Types of Bread Best Suited for a Cloche
The Emile Henry Bread Cloche is suitable for a wide variety of loaves, especially those that benefit from steam baking. Here are a few examples:
- Sourdough: The steamy environment encourages a strong oven spring and blistered crust, perfect for artisan-style sourdough.
- Rustic Country Loaves: With their thick crusts and irregular crumb, country loaves turn out beautifully in a cloche.
- Whole Wheat and Rye: Heavier doughs often need consistent heat and humidity to rise properly.
- No-Knead Bread: The cloche is ideal for the popular no-knead method that uses long fermentation and high hydration.
Caring for Your Emile Henry Bread Cloche
Proper care extends the life of your cloche and keeps it in great condition. Here are a few maintenance tips:
- Cleaning: Allow the cloche to cool completely before washing. Hand wash with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using metal scrubbers or placing it in the dishwasher.
- Storage: Store in a dry area. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of the dome lid.
- Usage: Always handle the cloche with care, especially when it’s hot. Use both hands to lift the lid and avoid thermal shock from sudden temperature changes.
Why Home Bakers Love It
Many home bakers consider the Emile Henry Bread Cloche to be a game-changer. It provides professional-level baking results with minimal learning curve. Whether you’re new to bread baking or refining your artisan techniques, the cloche makes it easier to achieve that signature crackly crust and open crumb.
Benefits Summary
- Simulates a traditional bread oven
- Promotes beautiful crust and rise
- Consistent heat for thorough baking
- Durable, handcrafted ceramic construction
- Simple to use and maintain
The Emile Henry Bread Cloche is a must-have for anyone serious about baking high-quality bread at home. Its beautiful design and superior performance make it a favorite among both casual and experienced bakers. With the ability to transform simple dough into artisan-level loaves, it brings a touch of old-world charm to modern kitchens. Investing in a bread cloche not only improves your baking results but also enhances the overall experience of making bread from scratch.