The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Bread

Yeast Bread

Adding yeast to flour and water does incredible things. It never ceases to amaze me what fermentation can do. And the wait only makes it better.

Loaves

1. Homemade White Bread

Basic white bread makes the best sandwiches with its soft, fluffy texture. A grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup are classic American comfort foods. And peanut butter and jelly are even better on homemade bread.

2. Potato Bread

This invention came about when there was a shortage of flour. What could imitate the texture of soft white bread for less money? Mashed potatoes! It was so successful that potato bread remains a popular loaf.

3. No Knead Bread

Talk about easy! Mix, wait, and bake for a beautiful and delicious loaf of homemade bread. The aroma that fills the kitchen is so worth it. Add dried rosemary, garlic powder, and thyme for a gorgeous loaf of herbed bread.

4. Whole Wheat Bread

Are you looking for healthier bread? Whole grains are nutritious and delicious. Quick note on whole wheat: it absorbs more liquid, and kneading is optional. Feel free to personalize the ratio of white and whole wheat flour.

5. Brioche

Butter makes everything better, right? Delightfully sweet, buttery, and pillowy soft, it is perfect on its own. But you can toast it and replace the shortcake in a strawberry shortcake recipe for pure decadence.

6. Breadsticks

What’s your favorite part of the meal at a steakhouse? Mine is that basket of breadsticks that comes out before the meal. Do you know why restaurants do that? It’s a cheap way to fill us up and make us happy.

Rolls and Buns

7. Bread Rolls

Right up there with breadsticks, these handheld mini loaves are perfect for filling up your guests and making them happy. And you can customize them with herbs and garlic butter, or make them sweet with extra sugar and holiday spices.

8. Bagels

New Yorkers have been quoted as saying, “If it wasn’t boiled, it’s just a roll with a hole.” Making your own fresh bagels may take an extra step, but it’s so worth it. So get the smoked salmon and cream cheese, and enjoy homemade lox and bagels. Plus, you can use leftovers for French toast.

Flatbreads

Baked, fried, or cooked on a griddle, flatbreads with or without yeast are versatile. If you don’t want to heat up the oven, try the stovetop versions.

Yeasted Flatbreads

9. Focaccia

Indulge in restaurant-quality Italian baked treats. The soft center, pleasant chew, and slightly crispy edges also make a great pizza base. Perfect for family weekend games or movie nights.

10. Pizza Crust

Is there any meal that says comfort food like pizza? I didn’t think so. Add homemade sauce, cheese, and toppings, and you’ll have a very happy family.

11. Pita

These light and chewy pitas are made with 5 ingredients and can be baked in the oven or cooked on a griddle. Use them for shawarma, wraps, and even tacos. Try them with falafel and hummus for a Mediterranean treat. Did you know they make a fast pizza crust?

12. Injera

Let me introduce you to Ethiopian flatbread made with whatever flour you have on hand. Traditionally made with teff, whole wheat flour, sorghum, and corn flour work fine as well.

13. Flatbread

Common in worldwide cuisine, but uncommonly good. Flat breads are easy to make on the stovetop for simple weekly meal prep. Serve as a side, use as a wrap, or top with toppings for a pizza-like meal or snack.

Unleavened Flatbreads

14. Buss Up Shut Parath Roti

Everything in the Trinidad version of Indian roti is happiness and deliciousness rolled into one. Wrap curry chickpeas with them for a delightfully messy and tasty meal.

15. Flour Tortillas

In the mood for Mexican food for dinner? Easy and satisfying for quesadillas, burritos, and chicken pinwheels. Add a restaurant-style salsa and guac for Mexican comfort food.

16. Arepas

Pre-Colombian corn flat bread, South American street food, is amazing on its own. But stuffing it with cheese, meat, or chicken, then topping it with pickled vegetables and onions, is incredibly good.

17. Bammy

Naturally gluten-free treats are fantastic beachside street food. The Arawak and Taíno people shared their recipe with newcomers, and it’s now a traditional bread in Jamaica.

18. Chapati

What makes this chapati different from tortillas is ghee and a pinch of sugar. Also, the water isn’t as hot, so it doesn’t get quite as glutinous as the Mexican version. It works great in any recipe that uses tortillas.

19. Indian Fry Bread

The resourcefulness of the First Nation is demonstrated in this fry bread recipe. A little thicker and smaller than tortillas, it’s crispy from frying, making it a good replacement for tostadas. Top it with a meat sauce, salsa, and cheese for a tasty, savory snack or quick lunch.

20. Crepes

Surprise your loved ones with these easy-to-make, light, and tender crepes. Dress it according to your favorite fillings or toppings like whipped cream, Nutella, or fresh fruit for an incredible breakfast or brunch.

21. Cloud Bread

Gluten-free, low-carb bread invented for keto and an Atkins diet alternative, this bread surprised me with how tasty it was. Who said diet bread can’t taste good?

Quick Breads

True to its name, these guys are quick and easy. Instead of having to wait for yeast to rise, baking soda and powder let you throw everything together, pour it into the baking pan, and bake.

22. Biscuits

Gorgeous flaky layers, crusty golden exterior, and rich buttery goodness literally melt in your mouth. I have several recipes, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

23. Cornbread

This Southern classic is buttery, soft, and moist. Whether you prefer made-from-scratch cornbread or the box version, the traditional Thanksgiving side is fast and easy.

24. Beer Bread

Who would have thought you could make bread with beer? The beer gives it the umami yeasty flavor without having to wait for the yeast to do its job.

25. Irish Soda Bread

Whether you want to create a St. Patrick’s Day menu or just a comfort food side, this Irish-inspired recipe goes great with Guinness beef stew, corned beef, and cabbage.

Sweet and Dessert Breads

26. Banana Bread

Almost every culture that has bananas has a recipe for banana bread. And why not? It’s moist, tender, and absolutely delicious.

27. Scones

The British invention that’s like a dense American biscuit, it goes great with clotted cream and jam with a cup of tea. There are so many versions that you could make a new recipe every week without repeating.

28. Muffins

Hand-held treats with a wide variety of flavors are versatile and tasty. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, and even a super easy dessert.

29. Cinnamon Bread Rolls

Have you ever had a Cinnabon and thought, wow, this is waaay too sweet? Then make your own. The yeasty flavor gets even better if you let the dough rise in the fridge for a day or two.

30. Pancakes

The classic American Sunday breakfast is fast and easy. Versatile flavor additions let you make it your own. Blueberries, strawberries, bananas, and almost any other fruit go great in pancakes.

31. Doughnuts

Whether you’re craving Krispy Kreme or want to try international varieties, donuts (doughnuts) are the ultimate comfort food.

32. Italian Easter Egg Bread

Celebrate Lenten and Good Friday in style with this colorful, sweet, and soft Italian bread. Slow food never tasted so good.

33. Hot Cross Buns

Another Good Friday staple is soft and soul-satisfying. The right balance of sweetness and yeastiness makes a great treat that keeps us from feeling deprived during Lent.

34. Monkey Bread

A fun version of cinnamon rolls topped with a pot of coffee or a pumpkin spice latte makes a terrific breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

35. Challah

Impress your guests with this gorgeous braided bread that’s so rich and buttery. With a little dash of creativity, you can adjust the decoration to fit any occasion.