Bread is a major part of the diets of almost every society on the planet, and there are several varieties. Baguettes, white sandwich loaves, whole wheat bread, and brioche are all types of yeast bread that are popular. Other forms of flatbread include tortillas, naan bread, matzo, and pita. Other breads that are whole grain, made with rye flour, or contain baking soda rather than yeast are also good choices.
Bread is the oldest form of prepared food, according to certain accounts. Just flour, water, and a rising agent are all that is needed to make bread. Bread can be made from the majority of grain types. Barley, rye, millet, and corn are all common bread-making ingredients, however wheat bread is the most common form. Rice, corn, or almond flour may all be used to make gluten-free bread.
Therefore, there is undoubtedly a kind of bread that you will like if you want to make sandwiches, serve as a meal accompaniment, or simply toast one slice. The many types of bread available will be discussed in this article. You’ll also discover which bread is the healthiest option.
Common Types of Bread (With Pictures and Names)
Starting with one of the most popular types, white bread, let’s look in more detail at the most common varieties.
White Bread
White bread, sometimes known as a sandwich loaf, is the most popular kind of bread for sandwiches. Wheat flour, yeast, and water are the primary ingredients for a white loaf. A soft creamy center and a medium to soft crust are common features of white bread types. Because it is often used for sandwiches or toasting, the most popular shape of white bread is square.
Other breads, such as batards and baguettes, are fashioned into various forms. Hotdogs, burgers, and sandwiches are just a few examples of foods that use these bread rolls. Because white bread isn’t as nutritious as whole-wheat or whole-grain bread, it isn’t as beneficial for you.
Baguette Bread
Baguettes are a long kind of white yeast bread that originates from France. Baguettes should have a crunchy crust and a soft, fluffy center, in addition to their lengthy length. Some French sticks may be up to 3 feet (1 meter) long, depending on the bakery. A baguette is a versatile bread in general. Baguette is a favorite bread for subs and is often used for subs. Alternately, you may cut the loaf in half and place it in the oven for a crusty top.
You may also spread some butter and jam on the soft white bread, which is a popular French sandwich. You may not only buy white wheat baguettes in France. Whole wheat, sourdough, and multi-grain variants of this French classic bread are available in certain bakeries outside of France.
Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread (or wholemeal bread) uses whole grain wheat flour and has more fiber and nutrients than white bread. Wheat bread is the name given to this type of bread in certain regions. Whole wheat bread provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are not found in white bread. As a result, compared to white bread, whole wheat bread is a better option. To make sandwiches or other types of snacks that need bread, you can also use whole wheat bread.
Other ingredients may be added to whole-wheat bread to alter its texture and flavor, much as they can be done with various forms of white bread. Sprouted bread is one type of nutritious whole wheat bread. Wheat flour is used in this type of bread, which is made from sprouted grains. Sprouted bread is said to be the finest form of bread that you may eat, according to some.
Rye Bread
Rye bread is a nutritious bread that can be used for sandwiches. It’s made of rye flour and is good for you. In comparison to plain white bread or whole wheat bread, rye bread has a denser texture and is heavier. Because of its high fiber content, rye bread is healthier than white bread. Rye bread is also a excellent source of complex carbohydrates when compared to white bread. As a result, because of its lower glycemic index, eating rye bread does not cause sharp blood glucose increases.
Rye bread can range in color from a light brown to a dark, almost black hue, with an strong flavor depending on the kind of rye flour utilized. A number of different types of “black” bread are used in rye bread. Dark pumpernickel bread, crisp flatbreads, and softer multigrain rye bread are just a few examples of the types available.
Caramel, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, ground spices, and even citrus peel are among the ingredients that may be added to the bread. When combined with cream cheese, cured meats, or smoked salmon, different types of rye bread may become delicious snacks. Wheat flour may be mixed with rye flour to make a milder kind of rye bread with less distinct flavor.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough is a wheat bread that rises thanks to the use of a fermentation starter. It has a distinct flavor and texture. This starter contains wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria and is made from fermented flour and water. Lactic acid, which forms during the fermentation process, gives this bread its “sour” flavor.
The chewy texture of sourdough bread differs from that of ordinary white bread. A thick hard crust develops on top of the bread while it is baking. This explains why sourdough bread is such a versatile sandwich bread option.
Multigrain Bread
Depending on the seeds and grains used, multigrain bread may be made with a variety of flavors. Multigrain bread is often a nutritious sort of bread because of the quantity of whole grains. B-group vitamins and fiber are plentiful in this bread’s numerous grains.
Healthy seeds like flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are also included in many types of multigrain bread. Nonetheless, to boost the nutritional value of multigrain loaves, almost any seed may be used. For making healthy sandwiches, multigrain bread is a great option. You also get a delicious sort of bread because to the various seeds and grains in it, not only do you get enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Brioche Bread
Brioche is a variety of French wheat bread that comes in a wide range of forms, ranging from a regular loaf to a bun. Brioche bread can be sweet or savory, depending on the varieties. The ingredients used make all the difference between brioche bread and ordinary wheat bread.
To make a rich French bread, eggs, butter, and milk are added to the bread mix. Brioche has a tender golden-brown crust and is a delectable kind of white bread. The flavor of brioche is richer than that of white bread. Brioche rolls are a common choice for serving gourmet burgers, in addition to being the greatest type of bread for French toast.
Ciabatta Bread
Ciabatta bread is ideal for sandwiches, paninis, and toasted snacks because it has a wonderful texture. Italy’s equivalent to the ubiquitous French baguette is ciabatta bread. The fact that olive oil is used in the ingredients distinguishes this Italian bread from French white bread. Ciabatta has a soft center and a light brown crispy crust. When you cut bread into slices, big holes are not uncommon. Whole wheat ciabatta, sometimes known as ciabatta integrale, is a kind of white bread.
Specialty Types of Bread
There are bread varieties that are just as delicious as the traditional sorts of bread that you may slice, toast, or make into sandwiches.
Bagels
Bagels are a yeast bread product that ranges in shape from a doughnut to a ball. The Jewish community in Poland is credited with inventing these bread rolls with holes in the middle. Several countries now have a popular variant of bread called bread rings. The fact that the round bread rings are first boiled before being baked gives bagels their distinct texture. As a consequence, this produces a wonderfully chewy bread that pairs well with many sandwich ingredients.
Making lunch sandwiches or delicious savory or sweet snacks with bagels is also a great way to use them. Bagels come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some bagels have a crunchy surface while others have a soft and doughy surface. Bagels with poppy or sesame seeds are also available for purchase. Cinnamon, blueberry, and honey are some of the sweeter bagels available.
English Muffins
English muffins are tiny round bread discs that are about the size of your palm and are often eaten for breakfast. These savory bread delicacies are commonly known as “English muffins,” as opposed to the sweet variety with blueberries that is often sold. Whole wheat muffins are available, and they are a healthier option than traditional English Muffins, which are made from white wheat flour. Muffins, toasted with a poached egg on top, make a wonderful morning meal. Honey or fruit jam is also delicious on warm muffins.
Focaccia
Focaccia is a yeasted bread with the consistency of a thick deep pan pizza crust that is traditionally drizzled with olive oil and herbs. The crust of focaccia becomes slightly crunchy when it’s baked in an oven on a baking sheet. Olive oil and herbs are frequently poured over the delicious white bread. The bread has a Mediterranean flavor as a result of this. Dipping this bread in extra virgin olive oil or eating it as an accompaniment to soup are two of the best ways to enjoy it from Italy.
Soda Bread
Bicarbonate of soda is used instead of yeast in soda bread, which is a kind of quick bread. Wheat flour and buttermilk are the other ingredients in soda bread. Soda bread has a “sour” flavor comparable to sourdough because lactic acid is produced when buttermilk and soda combine. Raisins, eggs, and other spices are sometimes used in soda bread recipes to give it a new flavor.
Making soda bread at home is a great way to make quick bread because it takes less time. Since traditional bread needs to rise in warm conditions, there is no need to do so with this dough. Baking soda bread in the oven or cooking it on a griddle is one other distinction between it and other types of white bread.
Swedish Crispbread
The Swedish crispbread, which resembles a little flat loaf or circular disc but is as hard as a cracker, is a kind of hard bread. These crunchy breads (also known as knäckebröd) are particularly healthy since they are made from rye and have a high fiber content. When used with a healthful topping, they’re ideal for producing tasty appetizers. Try hummus, Tzatziki, or guacamole with Swedish crisp breads. You might also try smoky or pickled fish on top of the cracker-like bread.
Gluten-Free Bread
If you are gluten-intolerant or have celiac disease, gluten-free bread is a wonderful option. Breads made from flours like corn, almond, rice, coconut, or potato are all gluten-free and come in different shapes. Gluten-free bread might be healthier than regular white bread, depending on the ingredients in the recipe. Some non-gluten breads, on the other hand, include chemicals or sweeteners. As a result, always read the ingredients carefully when shopping for the finest gluten-free bread.
Challa bread
On Sabbath (Saturday) and important Jewish festivals (except of Passover), challa is a kind of braided Jewish bread that is prepared in different sizes and shapes. Challah is a sweet little bread that comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. It’s usually brushed with an egg wash before baking and sprinkled with poppy or sesame seeds.
It’s made of a variety of strands and is commonly used in Scandinavian breads. Eggs, white flour, water, sugar, yeast, and salt are all used in traditional challah recipes. Wholemeal or spelt flour, as well as sugar and honey or molasses, are used in modern recipes.
Types of Flat Bread
Flatbread is included in the diet of almost every culture on the planet. Flatbreads can also be cooked in a variety of ways. They may be prepared in a pan, over hot coals, or fried in oil. They can also be baked in the oven.
Pita Bread
In the Middle East and Mediterranean nations, pita bread is a common sort of flatbread. Warm the disc-shaped flatbreads in an oven or under the grill are two of the most popular ways to eat pita bread. You may make a pocket in the center of the bread if it puffs up. You may then create a mouthwatering pita bread sandwich with deliciously prepared meat, veggies, fish, cheese, or anything else.
When meat and other ingredients are stuffed inside the bread pocket with a spicy sauce, pitas are frequently used for Turkish kebabs. Cutting pita bread into chips and serving it with hummus or other dips is also a fantastic idea.
Naan Bread
Naan is a kind of Indian flatbread that is cooked in the oven and commonly served with curries. Naan is a popular sort of flatbread. Sandwich rolls can be made with naan bread. Yeast, wheat flour, and yogurt are the traditional naan bread ingredients.
Before serving, the naan is usually brushed with melted butter or ghee. Curries and other Asian meals are frequently served with pieces of naan bread that have been torn off. Coriander seeds, garlic, raisins, lentils, and other spices are added to naan bread varieties. This bread can also be used as a tortilla or pizza base, similar to how you might use a tortilla.
Chapati (Roti) Bread
Chapati bread is a flatbread that is commonly eaten with Pakistani curries in Pakistan, the Caribbean, India, and East Africa. Chapatis are non-leavened breads, as they contain no rising agents like naan bread. Traditional chapatis are made solely with wheat flour, salt, and water.
Small pieces of dough are shaped into round thin discs and coated in flour before being cooked on a roasting hot skillet after the dough has been mixed and left to prove. Chapatis are wonderful for dipping into chutneys or lentil dahl and are a fantastic complement to Indian curries.
Matzo Bread
Matzo is a type of crunchy unleavened bread that is traditionally eaten during Passover. Matzo is a wheat-based crispbread that is produced by mixing water and wheat flour. Other varieties of flour, such as rye, spelt, oat, or barley, may be utilized as well.
Only plain matzo should be used when it is used in conjunction with the Jewish Passover celebration. Matzo with garlic, onions, seeds, or other items are sometimes consumed at other periods. Matzo, a hard flatbread that is cracker-like, is delicious. Hand-made soft matzo comes in a variety of colors, including lime tortilla.
Tortillas
Tortillas are traditional Mexican flatbreads that make up a significant component of cuisine. Wheat tortillas are required in classic Mexican and Tex-Mex meals such as burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Corn tortillas, which are firm when cooked, are utilized for tacos and burritos.
Spicy meat, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa are commonly used to fill soft wheat tortillas. The flatbread is wrapped into a wrap after being soft. Deep-fried tortilla recipes can be found in Mexico. Baking this sort of flatbread meal rather than frying it in oil, on the other hand, is more healthful.