The Perfect Loaf

The Perfect Loaf by Maurizio Leo is the ultimate guide for bakers aiming to master the art of sourdough. This dynamic, authoritative baking bible is perfect for anyone looking to build confidence in the craft with a wide variety of foolproof recipes, ranging from pan loaves and pizza to doughnuts and more. Authored by the beloved blogger and resident bread baker at Food52, this book offers everything you need to create delectable bread at home.

JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER . IACP AWARD WINNER . NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Peter Reinhart, the author of The Bread Baker's Apprentice and host of Pizza Quest, calls it "the ideal gift for all bread-heads, whether newbies or experienced bakers."

ONE OF SAVEUR'S BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR

Maurizio Leo’s blog, The Perfect Loaf, is highly respected among beginner sourdough bakers. In his groundbreaking debut cookbook, he brings meticulously detailed techniques, reliable recipes, and a generous teaching style to help readers delve into the fundamental aspects of sourdough baking. Beyond the basics, this book provides the tools and confidence to explore and experiment with advanced baking techniques.

Featuring a comprehensive range of recipes designed to please any crowd, this book includes:

Essential Freeform Loaves: Simple Sourdough, Rosemary & Olive Oil, Extra-Sour Sourdough, Cranberry & Walnut, Demi Baguettes

Pan Loaves: Everyday Sandwich Bread, Naturally Leavened Brioche, German Whole Rye, Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

Pizza and Flatbread: Roman-Style Pan Pizza, Focaccia, Naan, Flour Tortillas, Pita

Buns, Rolls, and More: Soft Dinner Rolls, Potato Buns, Ciabatta Rolls, English Muffins, Bagels

Sweets: Weekend Cinnamon Rolls, Italian Doughnuts, Summer Fruit Sourdough Crostata, Banana Bread, Cinnamon Babka

For beginner bakers, the book offers supportive guidance with troubleshooting sections and numerous sidebars addressing nearly every question. Learn how to store a sourdough starter long-term, understand bakers' percentages, and access a visual guide to common "bread fails" and their solutions. Seasoned bakers will appreciate the in-depth explanations of the science behind baking processes and expert tips on building "baker's intuition." Explore and excel by experimenting with hydration levels, ingredient ratios, freshly milled grains, and specialty flours.

Whether you are new to bread baking or a seasoned pro, The Perfect Loaf will be your indispensable guide in the kitchen, offering both foundational skills and advanced techniques to elevate your sourdough creations.