Bread Cloche

The bread cloche that turns a regular oven into something close to a stone hearth.

The reason artisan bread looks the way it does — that thick, crackled crust, that wide-open crumb — is steam. Professional bread ovens trap steam against the loaf during the first minutes of baking, letting it expand fully before the crust sets. Home ovens vent everything. The Emile Henry cloche fixes that by creating a sealed micro-environment around the loaf: steam trapped under the dome, heat radiating from the base. Suddenly the home loaf looks like the bakery loaf.

The details

The Emile Henry Bread Cloche is made of Flame Ceramic® — a proprietary high-heat ceramic developed in Marcigny, France, where the company has been firing Burgundian clay since 1850. The base provides the radiant bottom-heat that gives the crust its color and crunch. The high domed lid traps the steam released by the dough as it heats, mimicking a stone oven environment. Together: a tall, well-shaped boule with the bakery look.

At 13.2 inches across with a 4.75‑quart dome, it handles a 2-pound dough ball — about right for a generous family loaf. The base doubles as a mixing bowl for proofing. The lid lifts off cleanly for tabletop serving when you're done. The criss-cross pattern on the platter prevents sticking and helps with even browning underneath.

Preheat empty (yes, even cold-from-storage), score your dough, drop it in, cover, and bake. Lift the lid for the last 10 minutes to crisp the top. Dishwasher safe. Made in Marcigny since 1850. 10-year guarantee.

Why we love it at Berry + Basil

• Mimics the steam environment of a stone bread oven — the secret to a crackled crust
• Handles a 2 lb dough ball — full family-size loaf, not a mini
• Base can be preheated empty and used as a proofing/mixing bowl
• Criss-cross base pattern prevents sticking and helps even bottom browning
• Lifts onto the table for serving — no transfer to a board needed
• Dishwasher safe
• Made in Marcigny, France since 1850 · 10-year guarantee

Use it for

No-knead bread. Sourdough boules. Country white, whole wheat, rye, and seeded loaves. Pre-shaped artisan dough from your grocer that you want to finish well. The cloche is also great for slow-roasted whole vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower) when you want the steam-then-crisp effect.

Specifications

• Outer Dimensions: 13.2" × 11.2" × 7"
• Capacity: 4.75 qt
• Material: Flame Ceramic® — proprietary high-heat Burgundian clay
• Care: Dishwasher safe, oven safe to 500°F
• Compatible with: Oven, Dishwasher
• Brand: Emile Henry
• Made in: Marcigny, France (since 1850)
• Guarantee: 10 years (manufacturing defects; domestic use)

For the home baker who wants the bakery loaf without buying a bakery.