Hello Lisa! Introducing ice cubes or drinking water towards your oven can definitely help with crust development (particularly when baking sourdoughs!). Though it is not Certainly required, it will help create a wonderful loaf. Here is a little additional information on the procedure: Baking bread with steam Satisfied Baking! At https://garrettiigjh.blogolize.com/little-known-facts-about-sourdough-bread-san-francisco-67685664