Learn the art of bread scoring. We explain how and why to score, and show plenty of inspiration.
Bread Scoring Is the Key to Making the Prettiest Homemade Bread Ever
Updated on Jun. 10, 2020
Scrolling through your Instagram feed and wondering why other people’s sourdough loaves look so darn stunning? It’s not a filter, but an easy, gotta-try technique called bread scoring. Here’s a quick guide to the how’s and why’s of bread scoring, with plenty of beautiful inspiration to try in your own kitchen.
What Is Bread Scoring?
Bread scoring is the practice of slashing the surface of bread dough immediately before baking. Why? As bread bakes, it rises quickly and dramatically (bakers call this “oven spring”). The yeast is releasing carbon dioxide, and the water in the bread is rapidly evaporating. Robust oven spring is a good sign that you’ve got an open, airy crumb.
Scoring the bread lets bakers “guide” the oven spring, optimizing the rise and shape of the baked loaf. Scoring bread can be as simple as making a quick slice down the middle of a loaf, but advanced bakers often seize the opportunity to treat bread scoring as a way to decorate the blank slate of dough.
Are you kneading your bread the right way?
Easy, Beautiful Scoring Techniques
Ready to pop your homemade sourdough bread into the oven? Try these beginner’s scoring techniques from talented Instagrammers.
A simple slash down the middle creates an appealing, rustic loaf. Use a sharp knife and cut not-too-deep into the bread, at an angle. Make a smooth, confident cut.
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A few curved slashes open into a leaf-like pattern.
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Many small dashes result in a design that looks like grains of wheat.
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Slashing a box shape gives the bread a dimensional rise, like a hat.
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Psst: you can use scoring techniques on a yeasted bread like this crusty homemade loaf, as well as sourdough breads.
Advanced Scoring Techniques
Instagram is an amazing resource for bread art. These bakers use complex scoring techniques to create breads almost too pretty too eat.
Sarah Owens’s botanical designs show off her flavored loaves.
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A pattern radiating from the center of a loaf has a cool web-like effect.
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A pattern of leaves and vines can go as intricate as you like.
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Dusting the bread with flour before making your cuts results in a gorgeous, stenciled look on the finished loaf.
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And, of course, some bakers go all out and etch elaborate, portrait-worthy designs into their loaves.
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Next time you bake a homemade loaf, give bread scoring a try. Even a few simple cuts can yield a loaf that’s a cut above the rest.
Our Best Homemade Bread Recipes
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
The Best Banana BreadOur best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!
Need a refresher on bread baking? Check out our ultimate bread baking guide for more tips and tricks.
The Best BiscuitsYou can make biscuits any day of the week with this simple 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits recipe.
The Best BreadsticksSoft and tender homemade breadsticks are the all-star side. They’re ideal for dunking in sauce, serving with cheese or plating alongside a pasta dinner or savory salad.
The Best Brown BreadForget fancy bread-baking skills—this brown bread recipe with oats and molasses is so simple that you'll be slathering butter on a fresh, warm slice before you even realize it!
The Best ChallahOur honey challah is a braided bread that can be made with three, four or even six strands. In this tutorial, we'll walk you through making a gorgeous six-stranded braid.
The Best CornbreadNix the box mix for this homemade honey cornbread recipe. It’s comforting and complements savory dishes effortlessly.
The Best English MuffinsThis English muffins recipe yields soft and chewy bread with all the craggy nooks and crannies that make English muffins so iconic. Serve with eggs Benedict, or spread on some butter and jam.
The Best FlatbreadMy family loves this as a pizza crust. But with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs it makes a lovely flatbread appetizer. —Sue Brown, West Bend, Wisconsin
The Best FocacciaMy family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes!
—Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
The Best French BreadThe first time I made this recipe my husband asked it if was homemade or store-bought. When he reached for a second piece, I knew I had a winning recipe. —Roseann Loker, Colon, Michigan. If you enjoyed this recipe, learn how to make fougasse.
The Best Garlic BreadYou'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The Best NaanEasy to make and even easier to enjoy, this bread machine naan recipe is one you will come back to again and again.
Don't miss our whole list of easy bread machine recipes!
The Best No-Knead BreadHere's a very easy way to have homemade bread for dinner tonight. Don't worry if you're new to baking. Anyone who can stir can make this no knead bread a success! —Heather Chambers, Largo, Florida
The Best Rye BreadThis homemade rye bread recipe produces a flavorful, hearty bread for sandwiches or pairing with soups. Follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make rye bread at home.
The Best Soda BreadMy best friend, Rita, shared this irresistible Irish soda bread recipe. It bakes up high, with a golden brown top and a combination of sweet and savory flavors. —Jan Alfano, Prescott, Arizona
The Best SourdoughFor many years, I've been making 45 loaves of this bread for an annual Christmas bazaar, where we feed bread and soup to over 300 folks. — Beverley Whaley, Camano Island, Washington
The Best TortillaBeautifully browned, soft homemade tortillas are just four pantry ingredients away. Once you learn how simple this recipe is, you may never buy the store-bought stacks again!
The Best White BreadThis country white bread is wonderful for making sandwiches or French toast, and it's quite delicious even on its own.
The Best Whole Wheat BreadI'm 12 years old and make this bread with my mother, who got the recipe from her mother. I usually prepare the dough, and my mom bakes it. —Freida Stutman, Fillmore, New York
The Best Yeast BreadMy stepmother gave me the recipe for a delicious yeast coffee cake shaped into pretty rings. When I make it for friends, they always ask for seconds. —June Gilliland, Hope, Indiana
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