Penguin Random House - The Savory Baker

The ultimate guide to savory baking using fragrant spices and herbs, fresh produce, rich cheeses and meats, and more

Baking is about a lot more than just desserts. This unique collection, one of the few to focus solely on the savory side of baking, explores a multitude of flavor possibilities. Get inspired by creative twists like gochujang-filled puff pastry pinwheels or feta-studded dill-zucchini bread. And sample traditional baked goods from around the world, from Chinese lop cheung bao to Brazilian pão de quejo.

Our flexible recipes let you keep things simple by often using store-bought doughs and crusts, or go all out and make them from scratch using our foolproof methods. No matter what kind of baker you are, you’ll be inspired by the irresistible flavors, from everyday biscuits to showstopping breads, including:

• Quick breads, scones, biscuits, and pastries: Turn scones savory with panch phoran, an Indian spice blend with cumin, fennel, and mustard seeds. Bake the flakiest biscuits ever, packed with fresh sage and oozing with melty Gruyère. Even danish goes savory with goat cheese and Urfa chile.
• Tarts, galettes, and pies: Jamaican spiced beef patties or a flaky galette with corn, tomatoes, and bacon will be your new favorite lunch (or breakfast, or snack). Or make pizza chiena, the over-the-top Italian double-crusted pie of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats.
• Batter and stovetop “bakes”: Popovers bursting with blue cheese and chives dress up dinner, while bread pudding with butternut squash and spinach makes the brunch table. And savory pancakes are for anytime, whether you choose Chinese cōngyóubing or Korean kimchi jeon.
• Flatbreads, pizza, rolls, and loaves: Try alu paratha, the Northern Indian potato-stuffed flatbread. Shape mushroom crescent rolls or a challah enlivened by saffron and rosemary. And for kids of any age, bake a pizza monkey bread.

Every recipe has a photo you’ll want to sink your teeth into, and ATK-tested techniques plus step-by-step photos walk you through rolling out pie and galette doughs; shaping breads and rolls; stretching pizza dough; and more.