There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. But making bread at home can be intimidating for many of us, especially if we're trying to achieve that perfect loaf with a crispy crust and soft interior. Luckily, with a few simple tips and some practice, we can all master the art of bread-making and enjoy the satisfaction of baking our own bread.

Here are 7 helpful tips that will take your homemade bread to the next level.

1. Use the Right Flour

When it comes to making great bread, the flour you choose is crucial. Different types of flour have different protein content, which affects the bread's structure and texture. For soft, fluffy bread, we recommend using bread flour, which has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. This will help develop more gluten, giving your bread a better rise and texture. If you're aiming for a more rustic, artisanal loaf, consider experimenting with whole wheat or other specialty flours to add depth and flavor.

2. Don't Skip the Proofing Time

Proofing, or allowing the dough to rest and rise, is one of the most important steps in bread-making. While it can be tempting to rush this process, skipping or shortening the proofing time can result in denser, less flavorful bread. We recommend giving your dough plenty of time to rise—typically, two rounds of proofing are ideal. The first proof helps the dough develop flavor and rise, while the second proof ensures that your bread will bake with a nice texture.

3. Keep the Dough Hydrated

Bread dough needs moisture to rise and form its structure properly. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is not adding enough water to the dough. The right hydration helps activate the yeast and allows the gluten to develop, giving your bread that perfect chewy texture. When making your dough, be sure to follow the recipe's hydration guidelines. If your dough feels too dry, add small amounts of water until it reaches the right consistency.

4. Don't Overwork the Dough

While kneading is essential for developing gluten, it's important not to overdo it. Overworking the dough can make your bread tough and dense, which is the last thing we want. When kneading, try to aim for around 8 to 10 minutes of gentle kneading until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If you're using a stand mixer, be mindful not to let the dough mix for too long—just enough to bring the dough together and develop its structure.

5. Let the Dough Rest

After kneading, letting your dough rest is just as important as the proofing process. Resting allows the gluten to relax, which will make it easier to shape and improve the overall texture of your bread. We recommend letting the dough rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before shaping. This brief rest helps the dough retain its elasticity and allows for better handling.

6. Bake with Steam

If you want a crusty, golden-brown loaf, we recommend baking your bread in a humid environment. The steam helps the dough rise in the oven and creates that crispy, chewy crust we all love. There are several ways to add steam to your oven, such as placing a pan of water on the bottom rack or spritzing the dough with water right before baking. The steam will create the ideal environment for your bread to rise perfectly.

7. Don't Skip the Cooling Time

Once your bread is done baking, it's tempting to cut into it right away, but letting it cool is crucial for the texture. Allowing the bread to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing ensures that the crumb sets properly. If you cut into the bread too soon, you risk losing the airy, light texture and might end up with a gummy interior. Patience is key here—waiting for the bread to cool down will reward you with the best results.

Baking bread at home doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these 7 simple tips, we can achieve better results, whether we're baking for the first time or refining our technique. From using the right flour to letting the dough rest, every step plays an important role in making delicious, homemade bread. So let's get baking, and soon we'll be enjoying warm, freshly baked bread straight from our oven!