Hi, I’m Gemma Stafford — a professional chef with over 20 years of experience, a best-selling cookbook author, and the founder of Bigger Bolder Baking. I started this global baking brand 11 years ago with one goal: to inspire and empower home bakers everywhere to bake with confidence. For more than a decade, I’ve shared bold recipes, approachable techniques, and heartfelt encouragement to help you feel right at home in your kitchen. Join me — and millions of others just like you — in becoming a more confident, bold baker!
Early Culinary Training
Trained at the renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland, Gemma studied under legendary Irish chefs, cookbook authors, and TV hosts Darina Allen and Rachel Allen. At Ballymaloe, Gemma mastered classical cooking techniques and developed a love for using simple ingredients to create extraordinary dishes. After working in professional kitchens worldwide and running her own catering business for technology companies, Gemma felt a calling to share her knowledge and passion directly with home bakers. “I wanted to break down barriers and show that baking is for everyone—no fancy equipment or years of training needed,” she says. This belief became the foundation of Bigger Bolder Baking.
Gemma’s unique approach blends bold, creative recipes with simplified techniques to help bakers of all skill levels achieve bakery-quality results at home. She is the author of two celebrated cookbooks: Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook and Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day. Her expertise has earned her guest judge spots on globally recognized shows like Netflix’s Nailed It!, Food Network’s Best Baker in America, and Hulu’s Baker’s Dozen. Her work has also been featured in People Magazine, Forbes, The Today Show and many more media outlets around the world.
Home Baking Experience
With over 8 million fans and more than half a billion video views across platforms, Gemma has become one of the most influential voices in home baking. Her signature recipes—like the viral Microwave Mug Meals and indispensable Bold Baking Basics—continue to inspire millions to bake confidently and boldly.
One of Gemma’s most pivotal moments came when she realized that baking could do more than fill bellies; it could bring joy, comfort, and creativity to everyday life. This philosophy drives her content, making her recipes a perfect mix of indulgence and accessibility.
Highlights of Gemma’s Expertise and Recognition
- Education & Training: Learned from globally-renowned chefs Darina Allen & Rachel Allen at Ballymaloe Cookery School and honed her craft in professional kitchens worldwide.
- Original Shows: Creator and host of the hit YouTube show, Bigger Bolder Baking, (800+ episodes over more than 10 years) and 3 seasons of the Knead To Know baking podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube reaching millions of viewers and listeners globally with innovative and inspiring baking content.
- Media Appearances: Guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix (Holiday Season 1, episode 4 and Season 4, episode 3), Best Baker in America on the Food Network (Season 2, episode 1), and Baker’s Dozen on Hulu (Season 1, episode 6). Featured by People Magazine, Forbes, The Today Show, and more.
- Awards: Spotlight Award at the Taste Awards
- Books & Resources: Author of the best-selling cookbooks Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook and Bigger Bolder Baking Every Day.
- Signature Recipes: Viral hits like Microwave Mug Meals, no-knead bread recipes, traditional Irish recipes, and Bold Baking Basics.
Partnerships & Collaborations
Wheat Foods Council of America: Partnered to highlight the versatility and nutritional value of wheat-based recipes.
No Kid Hungry: Partnered with the national campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat childhood hunger.
The Inspired Home Show (International Housewares Association): Delivered live baking demonstrations, sharing bold and approachable recipes with housewares industry leaders.
Home Baking Association of America: Active member, promoting the joy and benefits of home baking to families and communities.
Gemma’s Go-To Treat
“My Best-Ever Irish Scones–load them up with butter, jam, and cream, then enjoy with a cup of tea. It’s a little slice of home.”
About Bigger Bolder Baking & The Bold Baking Network
Bigger Bolder Baking, founded by Gemma Stafford and her husband Kevin Kurtz, is a digital-first media brand that inspires millions of home bakers worldwide. Built on the belief that baking should be bold, approachable, and joyful, Bigger Bolder Baking offers a welcoming space where bakers of all levels can learn, create, and share.
Gemma and Kevin are trailblazers in the creator economy, leveraging their combined expertise in culinary arts and digital media to build a thriving, creator-led baking empire. By recognizing early the power of online platforms to connect with audiences on a personal level, they transformed Bigger Bolder Baking from a single YouTube channel into a globally recognized brand. Their pioneering approach has not only reshaped how audiences engage with baking content but has also set a standard for creators aspiring to build impactful media enterprises in the digital age.
The Bold Baking Network, co-founded by Gemma and Kevin, takes this vision even further. It is a creator-led, digital-first media company bringing unique voices from baking experts and enthusiasts to a global audience. Featuring hit shows like Bigger Bolder Baking and Knead To Know, the network is united by a powerful mission: to empower anyone to bake with confidence anytime, anywhere. With an emphasis on joy, creativity, and inclusivity, the Bold Baking Network continues to expand its reach, touching millions of lives through baking.
Contact Gemma and Bigger Bolder Baking
For sponsorship and media inquiries, email info@biggerbolderbaking.com or use our contact form here. Select the appropriate inquiry type to ensure a prompt response. We’re committed to answering every question from our baking community!Follow Gemma on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and right here at www.biggerbolderbaking.com to bring bigger, bolder baking into your life—every day.
