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Types of Bread: All the Breads You Should Know

Types of Bread: All the Breads You Should Know

Bread has been a staple for centuries, and it’s evolved to cater to different tastes, textures, and cuisines. Whether you're a fan of crusty, airy loaves or soft, tender rolls, there’s a type of bread for every occasion and craving.

Here’s a closer look at the types of bread you should know so you can expand your baking repertoire or elevate your next meal with the right bread.

1. Sourdough: The Tangy Artisanal Favorite

1. Sourdough: The Tangy Artisanal Favorite

Sourdough is a classic bread made through a long fermentation process that gives it a distinct tangy flavor and chewy texture. Instead of commercial yeast, sourdough relies on a natural "starter," a combination of flour and water that’s left to ferment with wild yeast and bacteria. The starter acts as a natural leavening agent, creating the characteristic airy crumb and crusty exterior.

HelloFresh Tip: Sourdough pairs beautifully with soft cheeses and hearty soups. It’s also great toasted for sandwiches or served with butter and jam.

2. Baguette: A French Icon

2. Baguette: A French Icon

The baguette is a long, narrow loaf known for its crispy crust and soft, airy interior. Originating in France, this bread is made from a simple dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast, shaped into a long loaf, and baked to golden perfection. Baguettes are typically served with everything from butter and cheese to soups and stews.

HelloFresh Tip: For the ultimate French experience, slice a baguette and enjoy it with brie, cured meats, or fresh jam. Baguettes also make for delicious garlic bread or bruschetta bases.

3. Ciabatta: Italian Airy and Crusty Bread

3. Ciabatta: Italian Airy and Crusty Bread

Ciabatta is an Italian bread known for its airy texture and large air pockets. This rustic loaf is made with a high-hydration dough, which results in its distinctively moist, open crumb and crispy crust. The dough is often shaped into a slipper-like form, which is actually what “ciabatta” means in Italian.

HelloFresh Tip: Ciabatta is perfect for panini or Italian-style sandwiches, as it holds up well to grilling and has a chewy bite that complements hearty fillings.

4. Focaccia: Flavorful, Flat, and Versatile

4. Focaccia: Flavorful, Flat, and Versatile

Focaccia is a flatbread that’s generously topped with olive oil, salt, and herbs. This Italian bread has a soft, sponge-like texture and a slightly crispy bottom, making it incredibly versatile. It’s often flavored with rosemary, garlic, or olives and can even be topped with tomatoes, cheese, or caramelized onions.

HelloFresh Tip: Focaccia is a great choice for sandwiches, or you can serve it as an appetizer with a side of olive oil for dipping. You can substitute focaccia for recipes like mini pizzas.

5. Rye Bread: Earthy and Hearty
Rye bread is made with a blend of rye flour and wheat flour, giving it a dense, hearty texture and an earthy, slightly tangy flavor. Rye bread can be found in both light and dark varieties, depending on the type of rye flour used. This bread is popular in Scandinavian and Eastern European cuisines and is often studded with caraway seeds for extra flavor.

HelloFresh Tip: Rye bread pairs wonderfully with smoked salmon, pastrami, or sharp cheeses. It’s also a classic choice for Reuben sandwiches.
6. Challah: Braided and Slightly Sweet
Challah is a traditional Jewish bread that’s typically braided and slightly sweetened. Made with eggs, flour, water, sugar, and yeast, challah has a soft, fluffy texture and a beautiful golden color. It’s often served on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, with the braided shape symbolizing unity.

HelloFresh Tip: Enjoy challah as is, or substitute it in your favorite French toast recipe. Its slightly sweet flavor also pairs well with honey or fruit preserves.
7. Brioche: Buttery and Soft
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a tender crumb and slightly sweet taste. Made with plenty of butter and eggs, brioche has a fluffy, almost cake-like texture. This French bread is often used for gourmet sandwiches, hamburgers, and desserts due to its delicate flavor and texture.

HelloFresh Tip: Brioche makes incredible French toast, bread pudding, and even savory sliders. It’s perfect for brunch, as its buttery flavor complements both sweet and savory toppings.
8. Naan: Soft and Chewy Indian Flatbread
Naan is a soft, pillowy flatbread popular in Indian cuisine. Traditionally, naan is cooked in a tandoor oven, giving it a slightly charred flavor and crisp edges. Naan dough is made with yogurt, which contributes to its soft and chewy texture, and it’s often brushed with butter or garlic before serving.

HelloFresh Tip: Use naan as a base for dips like hummus or tzatziki, or enjoy it with curries, stews, or grilled meats. You can even turn it into a quick flatbread pizza!
9. Pita: Pocket Bread for All Fillings
Pita is a Middle Eastern flatbread that’s soft, slightly chewy, and forms a pocket when sliced open. This pocket is ideal for stuffing with fillings like falafel, grilled meats, or fresh veggies. Pita is made from simple ingredients—flour, water, salt, and yeast—and is baked at a high temperature, causing it to puff up and create that iconic pocket.

HelloFresh Tip: Use pita as a wrap, slice it into wedges for dipping, or toast it for a crunchy addition to salads.
10. Whole Wheat Bread: Nutty and Nutritious
Whole wheat bread is made from whole wheat flour, which includes the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat kernel. This bread is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, giving it a nutty flavor and dense texture. It’s a healthier alternative to white bread, making it a staple in many households.

HelloFresh Tip: Whole wheat bread is excellent for hearty sandwiches, toast, and avocado or nut butter toppings. Its dense texture pairs well with spreads and toppings for a nutrient-dense breakfast or lunch.
11. Multigrain Bread: Packed with Seeds and Grains
Multigrain bread combines several types of grains and seeds, such as oats, barley, millet, and flaxseed, making it a nutritious and flavorful choice. This bread has a hearty texture and a slightly nutty taste due to the variety of grains and seeds used. It’s often favored for its fiber content and complex flavors.

HelloFresh Tip: Enjoy multigrain bread with spreads like almond butter or avocado for a filling breakfast, or use it to add texture to your sandwiches.
12. Pumpernickel: Dark, Dense, and Flavorful
Pumpernickel is a type of rye bread known for its dark color and dense, hearty texture. Originating in Germany, this bread gets its color and deep flavor from a slow baking process and the addition of ingredients like molasses or coffee. Pumpernickel has a slightly sweet, malty taste that’s unique and unmistakable.

HelloFresh Tip: Serve pumpernickel with smoked fish, cheeses, or hearty soups. It’s also great with spreads like cream cheese or mustard.
13. Cornbread: Classic American Comfort Food
Cornbread is a quick bread made primarily from cornmeal, giving it a sweet, crumbly texture. Popular in Southern cuisine, cornbread can be made in various styles—some are cake-like, while others are more savory. Cornbread pairs well with stews, chili, and barbecued meats, making it a favorite for gatherings and comfort food meals.

HelloFresh Tip: Serve cornbread warm with a pat of butter, or top with honey for a sweet twist. You can also crumble it over soups or stews for a bit of extra texture.
14. Lavash: Versatile Middle Eastern Flatbread
Lavash is a soft, thin flatbread popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. This bread is often cooked in clay ovens, giving it a subtle char and smoky flavor. It can be used as a wrap, rolled with fillings, or baked until crispy to serve as a chip or cracker.

HelloFresh Tip: Lavash is ideal for wraps or sliced into triangles as a dipper for hummus, baba ganoush, or yogurt-based dips. It’s also great as a base for flatbread pizzas.
15. Bagels: Chewy and Delicious
Bagels are round, ring-shaped bread that’s boiled before being baked, giving them a chewy texture and dense crumb. Originating in Eastern European Jewish communities, bagels have become popular worldwide and come in various flavors, from plain to everything seasoning.

HelloFresh Tip: Bagels are delicious with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado. Toasted or fresh, they’re a breakfast classic that’s equally satisfying as a savory or sweet treat.

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