Dust the unglazed base with flour or line it with parchment paper. Place your shaped dough on the base and slash the top. Cover with the lid and bake in a preheated oven at 450°F for about 30–35 minutes. Remove the lid for the last 5–15 minutes to get a crispy, golden crust. Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day +4 Preheating and Baking Methods You can bake with your Emile Henry cloche in two distinct ways, both of which yield excellent results: Preheated Method: Preheat your cloche in the oven at 450°F for 30 to 40 minutes. Carefully remove the lid, place your dough onto the hot base, cover, and bake. This replicates a professional stone oven and yields a great "oven spring." Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day Cold-Start Method: Alternatively, place your shaped dough onto the room-temperature base, cover with the lid, and place it directly into a cold oven. Turn the oven to 400°F and bake for roughly 45–50 minutes. Priscilla Martel +4 Tips to Prevent Sticking The unglazed base is porous and will develop a natural non-stick patina over time. For your first few uses, take these precautions: King Arthur Baking Lightly oil and dust the base with flour or cornmeal before placing your dough on it. For easiest cleanup and guaranteed non-stick results, place a sheet of parchment paper under your loaf. Breadtopia +3 Care and Maintenance Thermal Shock: The Emile Henry ceramic is safe for both extreme cold (freezer) and hot temperatures (up to 500°F). However, never place a hot, empty cloche on a cold or wet surface, as this may cause it to crack. Emile Henry USA +2 Cleaning: The base is dishwasher safe, but it is highly recommended to wash it by hand using warm, soapy water and a brush to prevent soap from soaking into the porous ceramic.
