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Bread is a staple food in many kitchens and cultures worldwide and has been around for thousands of years. It's made by combining flour, yeast, water, and other ingredients and baking the mixture in an oven. The type of flour used, the preparation method, and the addition of other ingredients contribute to the different varieties of bread available.
Each type of bread has its own unique flavour, texture, and nutritional value, making it a versatile ingredient for a wide range of dishes. It can be used for everything from sandwiches to breakfast toast, and different types of bread are available to suit every taste and dietary preference. In this article, we'll be exploring the 15 main types of bread and their characteristics. So whether you're a bread lover or just curious about the varieties offered, read on and discover your new favourite bread.
White bread
White bread is the most common type of bread in many countries. It has a mild flavour and a light colour. As part of the flour grinding or milling process, the bran and germ layers of the whole wheat berry are removed from white bread flour. This method removes the natural oils found in wheat berries, which allows products to be stored for longer periods, as the oils found in the bran and germ go rancid first. White bread lacks the nutritional benefits found in bread using whole grains.
Wholewheat bread
Wholewheat or wholemeal bread is made from flour that uses the entire grain and contains more fibre, vitamins and minerals than white bread. Bread made from wholegrain has a higher nutritional value than bread made from flour without bran or germ.
Wholewheat bread has a deeper, richer taste than white bread. It has a slightly nutty flavour and a denser, chewy texture. It’s one of the very best breads for your body.
Rye bread
Rye bread is bread made with rye flour. Essential to well-loved deli sandwiches like Reubens, it comes in light, medium, and dark varieties, depending on which part of the rye berry is used to make the flour and which part of the grain is milled. In Europe, rye bread is usually made with 100% rye flour, while in the US, rye bread is often made using molasses and cocoa powder, which enhances the flavour and colour. Caraway seeds can be added as well, giving the loaf an even more pronounced aroma. Rye bread has a dense texture, an earthy flavour, and a distinctively sour taste.
Sourdough bread
Sourdough bread is created via a long fermentation process using natural yeasts and lactobacilli that occur naturally. The wild yeast, which feeds and grows on a mixture of water and flour, is known as a ‘starter’. Wild yeast requires more time for the dough to rise than commercial yeast, resulting in the signature sour flavour beloved by sourdough fans everywhere. Sourdough bread contains less gluten than other types of bread, allowing it to develop an intense tangy flavour, a crisp exterior, and a fluffy interior. A trademark food for the San Francisco Bay area, sourdough bread promotes digestion and blood sugar control.
Multigrain bread
Multigrain bread is bread made from at least two different grains. However, this doesn't mean whole grains are always used; check the ingredients if you're looking for dense, hearty multigrain, which is excellent for sandwiches.
Baguette
Baguettes are part of French culture and have been around since the early 19th century. They’re one of the most recognisable and iconic French foods and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and restaurants all over France.
Baguettes are long, thin loaves of bread that are crunchy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside. They’re usually made with white wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt. The dough is rolled and shaped into a long, narrow loaf before being baked in the oven.
In France, baguettes are eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are often used to make sandwiches but are also enjoyed as a snack, with butter and jam, or with cheese.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta, derived from the Italian word for slipper, is a type of light and airy bread with a slightly chewy crust. It’s made with high-gluten flour, yeast, and water and is shaped into an elongated loaf. The dough is left to rise for a long period of time, which helps create a high-rising texture.
Ciabatta bread is a favourite among Italian bread lovers. It’s perfect for making panini, as it holds up better than many other types of bread. Ciabatta’s flavour is mild, but it can be enhanced by brushing the top with olive oil before baking or adding herbs or spices to the dough.
Pumpernickel bread
Pumpernickel is a dark, dense, and flavourful German rye bread. It has a unique taste and texture that makes it stand out from other types of bread. The main ingredients in pumpernickel are rye flour, water, and yeast. Pumpernickel has a nutty flavour and a slightly sweet taste, which makes it a great choice for sandwiches, toast, and as a side to soups, salads, and stews. It can also be topped with butter, honey, or jam.
Challah
Challah bread is a traditional Jewish bread typically eaten during special occasions or holidays and symbolises faith, hope, and love. The word ‘challah’ is derived from the Hebrew word ‘hallah’, meaning ‘portion’ or ‘separation’. The dough is made of flour, sugar, oil, eggs, and yeast. It is then braided in a three-strand braid and baked in the oven. The result is a golden-brown loaf with a slightly sweet flavour and a soft, fluffy texture. Challah bread has become a popular food item in both traditional and modern cuisines. It can be used as sandwich bread, a side dish for soup or stew, or simply enjoyed on its own. The dough can also be used to make French toast, babka, and other desserts.
Brioche
French brioche is made with flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and yeast. It has a golden-brown, buttery crust with a fluffy and airy texture. The dough is allowed to rise for several hours before it’s baked – this helps create a light and delicate consistency. Brioche is a versatile baked good that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s often served as a breakfast item with butter, jam, or honey. It can also be enjoyed in savoury dishes, such as sandwiches and burgers. The dough can also be used to make a variety of sweet desserts, such as cupcakes, tarts, and cakes. Whether you are looking for a breakfast item, a savoury dish, or an indulgent treat, brioche is sure to please.
Flatbread
Flatbread is bread made without yeast and flattened into a thin and round shape. It’s most commonly prepared by mixing wheat flour with water, salt, and sometimes a fat such as oil or butter and kneading the dough until it is soft and elastic. The dough is then flattened and rolled out or stretched into a round shape. It can be cooked on a hot pan, griddle, or open flame.
Flatbread is found in many cultures and goes by different names. In India, chapatis are a popular flatbread served with most meals. In Mexico, tortillas are a popular food item filled with different types of meat, vegetables, and sauces. In Ethiopia, injera is a spongy flatbread that is served with a variety of dishes. In the Middle East and India, naan is a popular flatbread traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven.
Bagel
A bagel is a round bread made from high-gluten flour, salt, water, yeast and malt. An icon of the Jewish delicatessen, bagels differ from traditional breads in two ways: they have a hole in the centre, and the dough is boiled before being baked, thus creating a glossy exterior.
Bagels have been around since the 1600s and are thought to have originated in Poland. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide, with different countries putting their own twist on the doughy rings. Bagels can be eaten plain, with cream cheese, or with lox – a type of smoked salmon. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and herbs. For some, toasting a bagel is an abomination, but for others, it's the ideal way to begin their morning. No matter your preference, a bagel is a great way to start the day.
Focaccia
Focaccia is an Italian flatbread with a soft, airy interior and crisp crust. Its origins are unknown, though it might date back to Ancient Rome. Focaccia dough is made with flour, olive oil, salt, and yeast. It’s often topped with olive oil, rosemary and coarse salt. Focaccia is an excellent base for any meal and can be completed with various ingredients to create unique and flavourful dishes. It can be served as an appetiser, side dish, or main course. It can also be used as a base for pizzas, sandwiches, and calzones.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic American staple that has been a part of the country’s culture for generations. It’s a bread made with finely ground corn, wheat flour, eggs, and milk (or buttermilk). It’s traditionally baked in a skillet, either unleavened or with baking powder. The texture of cornbread can vary from coarse to finely ground, and it’s usually sweetened with sugar or honey.
Cornbread is associated with the American South, where it’s a popular accompaniment to dishes like chilli and stews. This bread is dense and has a nutty flavour. Cornbread is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It’s often served with butter or honey or drizzled with syrup. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany dinner or a recipe to make for breakfast, cornbread is a perfect choice. With its distinct flavour and texture, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Soda bread
Ireland's soda bread is a true culinary masterpiece. The combination of wheat flour, buttermilk, and baking soda gives this bread a distinct flavour that has been delighting taste buds for generations. It's lightly browned on the outside and moist and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crumbly texture. The combination of baking soda and buttermilk gives the bread a slightly tangy flavour.
Soda bread is a quick bread, meaning it doesn't require any rising time and can be whipped up in just a few minutes. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. It's a popular choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner and is often served with butter, honey or jam. It can also be served with soups, stews or salads, made into sandwiches, or used as the base for bread pudding. Whether you're enjoying a hearty Irish breakfast or just snacking on something delicious, this delectable soda bread from the Emerald Isle is sure to satisfy your cravings.
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