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15 Types of Bread to Eat Today

December 30, 2024
Amelia [Writer]

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Looking to spice up your bread basket? Click here for 15 delicious breads to try today, including quickbreads, savory classics, and everything in between!

15 Types of Bread to Eat Today

Bread has been a staple in human diets for thousands of years, and for good reason—it’s versatile, comforting, and comes in so many delicious forms. Whether you’re grabbing a loaf for sandwiches, a crusty baguette for dinner, or something sweet for dessert, there’s a bread for every occasion! Here are 15 Types of Bread you should try today!

Different breads stacked onto eachother.

Bread is more than just a side dish—it's the heart of a meal, whether it’s served warm from the oven, used to scoop up a delicious dip or stacked with your favorite fillings in a sandwich. From the airy, tender texture of milk bread to bagels, or the hearty, rustic flavor of pumpernickel, each type of bread brings something special to the table!

Whether you're in the mood for something classic, like sourdough and brioche, or craving a quick, sweet fix with banana bread, there’s a loaf that fits every taste, occasion, and craving. So, why not take a moment to explore these 15 types of bread and find a new favorite to enjoy today?

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15 Types of Bread to Eat Today

Sourdough load cut in half.

1. Sourdough: The Tangy Tradition

Let’s start with one of the most beloved breads of all time—sourdough. Known for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and crisp crust, sourdough is made through a natural fermentation process using wild yeast and bacteria.

This means it takes longer to prepare than other breads, but the result is well worth the wait. Sourdough is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a bit of Olive Oil Dip.

Why You’ll Love It

The flavor is unique, with that signature sour tang that’s both comforting and bold. The crust is golden and crunchy, while the inside is soft and airy.

Baguette with flour.

2. Baguette: The French Classic

Is there anything more iconic than a French baguette? This long, slender loaf with a crisp, golden-brown crust and soft, airy interior is perfect for dipping into soup, making sandwiches, and pairing with cheese or making crostini. The key to a great baguette is the balance of flavor and texture—light but sturdy, with a slight chewiness.

Why You’ll Love It

The perfect bread for a picnic or a classy dinner party, the baguette adds an instant touch of elegance and flavor.

Loaves of Ciabatta.

3. Ciabatta: Soft, Chewy & Perfect for Sandwiches

Ciabatta, which means “slipper” in Italian, is a rustic, airy bread with a slightly crunchy exterior and soft, hole-filled interior. Its unique texture makes it ideal for holding onto sauces, which is why it's often used in panini and other sandwich styles. The dough is wet and sticky, which helps create its open crumb structure.

Why You’ll Love It

Perfect for sandwiches with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, or creamy cheese. It’s a great vehicle for all your favorite fillings.

 Focaccia with rosemary and garlic.

4. Focaccia: The Fluffy Herb-Infused Bread

If you love pizza, you’ll love focaccia. This Italian flatbread is soft and airy, often topped with a variety of herbs, olive oil, and sometimes even olives or caramelized onions. Focaccia is incredibly versatile—it can be served as an appetizer, used as a sandwich base, or simply enjoyed on its own.

The dough is enriched with olive oil, giving it a moist, fluffy texture that’s hard to resist making it one of my favorite types of bread.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s packed with flavor from the toppings, and the rich, tender texture makes it almost addictive.

Three slices of Whole Wheat Bread.

5. Whole Wheat Bread: Nutty + Nutritious

Whole wheat bread is made from whole grains, which makes it a heartier, more nutritious alternative to white bread. It has a slightly nutty flavor, and the dense texture is perfect for those who prefer a more filling, wholesome loaf. Whole wheat bread is great for everything from toast to grilled cheese and is an excellent way to get more fiber into your diet.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a healthier option that still tastes delicious, especially when topped with peanut butter or used for avocado toast.

Pita bread on orange background.

6. Pita Bread: The Perfect Pocket

Pita bread is a round, soft, and slightly chewy bread that puffs up when baked, forming a pocket that can be filled with anything from falafel to grilled veggies or meats. This Middle Eastern bread is incredibly versatile, perfect for making wraps, dipping into hummus, or simply enjoying with olive oil + herbs.

Why You’ll Love It

The pocket feature makes it perfect for creating your own sandwiches and wraps, and it’s incredibly soft and easy to eat.

Brioche bread

7. Brioche: Buttery + Sweet

Brioche is a French bread that’s rich, buttery, and slightly sweet. It’s made with a lot of butter, eggs, and milk (however these are vegan options too), which give it its signature soft, airy texture. Brioche is often used for sweet applications, like French toast, or for making indulgent sandwiches, such as a classic egg sandwich or a gourmet burger.

Why You’ll Love It

Its rich flavor and delicate texture make it the perfect base for decadent breakfasts, desserts, or sandwiches.

Rye Bread cut into slices.

8. Rye Bread: Earthy + Hearty

Rye bread has a distinct, earthy flavor that comes from the use of rye flour. It’s often darker in color and denser in texture compared to wheat bread, and it’s a favorite in European and Jewish cuisines. Rye bread is most commonly used for making sandwiches, like the classic Reuben, or served alongside soups and stews.

Why You’ll Love It

The hearty, earthy flavor is perfect for pairing with bold ingredients like pastrami, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut.

Closeup of Vegan Garlic Naan Bread on a plate

9. Naan: Soft + Fluffy

Naan is a type of flatbread originating from South Asia. It’s soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy, with a characteristic flavor from the yogurt and ghee (clarified butter) used in the dough. Naan is traditionally cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), giving it its signature charred spots. It’s perfect for scooping up curries, dips, or as an accompaniment to any flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love It

The pillowy texture and slight char make naan the perfect sidekick to your favorite curry or grilled meats.

Bread sliced on three plates with glasses of milk.

10. Banana Bread: Sweet + Moist

Quick bread comes in many forms, and banana bread is one of the most beloved. It’s made by mixing together mashed ripe bananas, flour, sugar, and leavening agents like baking soda, and then baking it in a loaf pan. The result is a moist, tender bread that’s subtly sweet and often enjoyed as a breakfast treat or snack. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ripe bananas!

Why You’ll Love It

It’s easy to make, and the sweet banana flavor makes it a comforting and satisfying treat.

MY FAVE BANANA BREAD RECIPES

Loaded Cheddar Pesto Zucchini Bread with Bacon sliced on a wooden board.

11. Zucchini Bread: Savory + Veggie-Packed

Similar to banana bread, zucchini bread is a quick bread that uses grated zucchini to add moisture to the loaf. This bread is subtly sweet, with a soft and moist texture. Zucchini bread is a great way to sneak some veggies into your diet without compromising on flavor, and it’s a wonderful snack option.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s a perfect way to use up extra zucchini, and it’s a surprisingly delicious way to enjoy some veggies, I love adding candied bacon and herb-roasted tomatoes into mine!

Up close shot of cornbread in a mini skillet with butter.

12. Cornbread: Slightly Sweet + Perfect for Pairing

Cornbread is a Southern classic that’s dense, slightly crumbly, and often slightly sweet. Made with cornmeal, it’s perfect for pairing with hearty dishes like chili, fried chicken, or collard greens. Cornbread can be made in a variety of ways—some recipes call for a sweeter version, while others opt for a more savory take with added jalapeños or cheese.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the ultimate comfort bread, perfect for serving alongside your favorite chili or stew. It’s great on its own, too, especially when slathered with butter + honey.

BEST CORNBREAD RECIPES

Pumpernickel slices of bread.

13. Pumpernickel: Dark, Dense & Rich

Pumpernickel is a dark, dense bread made from coarsely ground rye flour. Its deep brown color comes from the long baking process at low temperatures, which caramelizes the sugars and creates a distinctive, slightly sweet and earthy flavor. Pumpernickel is often associated with German cuisine and is commonly served with rich toppings like smoked salmon, dill, and cream cheese or paired with hearty meats.

Why You’ll Love It

Its rich, slightly sweet flavor is perfect for hearty sandwiches or served alongside a strong cheese like gouda. It’s a great contrast to lighter breads, offering a dense, satisfying bite.

Milk Bread loaf.

14. Milk Bread: Soft, Sweet & Pillowy

Milk bread, or Hokkaido milk bread, is a Japanese bread that’s incredibly soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet. This bread is made with a unique method that involves cooking part of the flour mixture into a paste (called tangzhong), which helps create a super soft texture. Milk bread is often used for everything from sandwiches to simple buttered toast, and it’s especially popular in Asian bakeries.

Why You’ll Love It

Its ultra-soft, pillowy texture is perfect for toast with a classic strawberry jam or sandwiches. It’s subtly sweet, making it delicious on its own too.

Different types of bagels

15. Bagels: Hole-in-the-Middle

Bagels are a classic bread option that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. With their chewy texture and slightly crisp crust, bagels come in a variety of flavors, from the traditional plain to everything bagels topped with garlic, onion, and poppy seeds.

Whether you prefer them toasted with cream cheese or loaded with your favorite fillings like smoked salmon and capers, bagels are versatile and satisfying. Plus, they’re great for making mini sandwiches or pairing with soup for a hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love It

Bagels offer the perfect balance of chewy texture and crispy crust. Whether topped simply or loaded with your favorites, the iconic hole adds to its unique, satisfying bite! Bagels are one of my personal favorite types of bread.

That’s a Wrap on Bread

From soft and chewy to crisp and golden, these breads are sure to rise to any occasion—no loafing around here! Grab your favorite loaf, slice it up, and enjoy the simple joys of fresh bread today! Hope this gave you some new ideas and that you find a new favorite type of bread!

Delicious Bread Recipes To Try

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