Hey there! So you’ve mastered the sourdough phase of 2020, but now you’re wondering: what’s next in my bread journey? Let me introduce you to the wonderfully creative world of bread art—where your dough becomes a canvas and your kitchen transforms into a studio.
Scored Designs: Level Up Your Loaf Game
The simplest way to start with bread art is through scoring—those beautiful cuts you make before baking. But forget basic slashes! Try creating:
- Geometric patterns using a lame (that fancy bread-scoring tool) or even a sharp knife
- Nature-inspired designs like wheat stalks, leaves, or flowers
- Words or simple phrases (your name, “yum,” or whatever speaks to you)
The key is shallow cuts at a 30-degree angle. When the bread expands during baking, your design magically appears!
Colored Dough That Doesn’t Use Sketchy Ingredients
Natural coloring is where it’s at. Skip the artificial stuff and try:
- Activated charcoal for dramatic black designs
- Turmeric for golden yellow
- Beetroot powder for vibrant pink/red
- Matcha for a subtle green
- Cocoa for rich brown
Mix these into portions of your dough, then layer, twist, or braid them together for a marbled effect that looks amazing when sliced.
Sculptural Bread That Will Break Your Instagram
Ready to take things further? Try shaping your dough into 3D sculptures:
- Braided wreaths with seasonal decorations (herbs in summer, dried fruits in winter)
- Animal shapes (bread bunnies are surprisingly easy and ridiculously cute)
- Mini bread landscapes with mountains and valleys
- Bread “bouquets” where each roll looks like a rosebud
Pro tip: Use a mixture of 50% bread flour and 50% all-purpose flour for dough that holds its shape better during baking.
Bread Art Hacks For When You’re Short On Time
Not everyone has hours to spend on bread masterpieces. Quick ideas:
- Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with store-bought dough
- Brush herb-infused olive oil in patterns for subtle but tasty designs
- Press edible flowers onto the surface of your dough before baking
- Stencil designs using powdered sugar or cocoa after baking
The Social Side Of Bread Art
Beyond just posting your creations (though definitely do that), consider:
- Hosting a bread art night with friends (BYOB—bring your own butter)
- Documenting your bread fails alongside successes (keeping it real)
- Gifting your bread art (everyone appreciates edible presents)
I started my bread art journey after a particularly stressful week at work and now it’s my favorite weekend therapy. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating something beautiful that you can also eat.
What bread art will you try first? Don’t forget to tag me if you post your creations!