Types Of Bread

These different types of bread from all over the world is just what you need to find the perfect complement to any dish! There are flatbreads, quick bread, yeast breads, holiday bread recipes, and more! If you're curious to learn all there is to know about different types of bread, you've come to the right place!

Different Types Of Bread

Types of bread vary by location, available ingredients, and intended use. Each type of bread serves its purpose, and many have their unique flavor or texture!

Below is a list of the different varieties of bread made all over the world. Maybe you'll find one you'd like to try making at home!

Jump to:

• Different Types Of Bread
• Yeast Rising Bread
• 1. White Bread
• 2. Baguette
• 3. Brioche Bread
• 4. Ciabatta Bread
• 5. Focaccia Bread
• 6. Whole Wheat Bread
• 7. Multigrain Bread
• 8. Yeast Rolls
• 9. Rye Bread
• 10. Pumpernickel Bread
• 11. Sourdough Bread
• 12. Breakfast Bread
• Holiday Breads
• 13. Challah Bread
• 14. Zopf Bread
• 15. Vanocka Bread
• Quick Bread
• 16. Banana Bread
• 17. Zucchini Bread
• 18. Pumpkin Bread
• 19. Cornbread
• 20. Soda Bread
• 21. Damper Bread
• Flatbread (with or without yeast)
• 22. Matzo bread
• 23. Grissini Bread (Sticks)
• 24. Knäckebröd Bread
• 25. Tortilla
• 26. Qistibi Bread
• 27. Yufka Bread
• 28. Naan Bread
• 29. Roti Bread
• 30. Obi Non Bread
• 31. Paratha Bread
• 32. Pita Bread
• 33. Lavash bread
• 34. Arepas
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

Yeast Rising Bread

When we think of bread, most of us imagine some type of yeast rising bread. Yeast-rising bread includes your classic loaf of white bread, a classic French baguette, and even whole wheat bread.

These are just a few types of yeast bread!

In addition to these three classics are several other delicious breads from around the world. All with one thing in common – they were made with yeast.

When yeast is fed with a liquid and sugar, it activates and grows. In bread, the liquid is usually water or milk. While some bread may have a bit of sugar, yeast feeds off the natural sugars in the flour.

Without this magical ingredient, all of these bread types would be flat and dense. However, with the help of yeast, we get to enjoy thick slices of soft, chewy bread in several different forms.

While we love the results yeast gives us in bread; the results are not quick. Yeast needs time to activate and help the dough rise.

This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several hours (depending on the quality of the yeast and the temperature in the kitchen). Therefore, when planning to make any of the following types of bread, plan for several hours for preparation and baking.

1. White Bread

White bread is a classic, whether it is for lunch sandwiches or toasted with butter. It is the most popular bread sold in the United States. Additionally, it is the easiest to make.

Part of the ease of making white bread is that you only need a handful of ingredients: flour, sugar, water, salt, and yeast.

Most home bakers have these standard ingredients on hand and can toss together a loaf of bread in a few minutes. However, it may only take a few minutes to combine the ingredients, but it will take hours to get your bread risen, shaped, and baked.

A classic white bread recipe typically takes 3-4 hours from start to finish.

2. Baguette

A baguette is a traditional bread that comes from France. While it is a yeast-rising bread, its shape differs from classic white bread. Baguettes are long, thin loaves of bread. They have a crunchy outside and a soft center.

Although baguettes only require 4 simple ingredients (water, flour, yeast, salt), they are more complex to prepare.

There are several different sessions of mixing and stirring even before molding the bread to rise. It is considered a bread that takes time and dedication to perfect.

3. Brioche Bread

Another different type of French bread is brioche. Brioche is more like a classic white loaf of bread.

It has a similar shape (if baked in a loaf pan) with a soft outside and middle. However, it is even softer than regular white bread. Moreover, it has a richer flavor.

The indulgent flavor of brioche is due to the large number of eggs used to make it. As well as the addition of butter. The result is a decadent bread that is perfect for making thick French toast.

4. Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta bread is Italian artisan bread. It resembles a baguette with its crunchy outside and soft, chewy inside. It is also similar in shape, although wider than a baguette. The long, flat, and thin shape of ciabatta is what makes it a popular choice for making decadent sandwiches.

This type of bread can be made using yeast, but many bakers prefer to use a sourdough starter. The use of sourdough adds more depth to the flavor.

While many people love the taste and texture of ciabatta, this is a more complex bread to make. Therefore, if you are a beginning baker, don’t get frustrated if it takes a few tries to get the ciabatta you want.

5. Focaccia Bread

Focaccia bread is easily recognizable due to its shape and texture. This Italian bread has a textured top that is made by poking the bread dough before it is cooked. In addition, many people recognize focaccia by the addition of herbs and sometimes tomatoes or olives.

Focaccia begins with the same basic four ingredients used in most yeast bread: water, flour, yeast, and salt. In addition, focaccia includes sugar and is also mixed with delicious herbs like oregano, garlic, thyme, and basil.

A key to baking focaccia is to make sure it goes into a hot oven. This is essential to get the right texture.

6. Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is made in the same fashion as white bread. A combination of flour, water, salt, sugar, and yeast. However, the type of flour used is different.

When making a classic loaf of white bread, white flour is used. Ideally, this is bread flour, but all-purpose flour also works.

Bread flour and all-purpose flour are both refined types of flour. This means the wheat has gone through a process where most of the bran and germ have been removed from the wheat. Moreover, these flours are bleached to give them a bright white look.

In contrast, whole wheat flour is minimally processed. It still contains the germ and bran of wheat. Therefore, it provides more fiber, minerals, and nutrients than bread flour or all-purpose flour.

As a result, the color is soft brown instead of bright white. Many people choose whole wheat bread for its added nutritional benefits. The taste is a bit earthy, and the texture is denser than white bread.

7. Multigrain Bread

In addition to whole wheat bread is multigrain bread. Multigrain bread is similar to whole wheat bread in that it is more nutrient dense than white bread.

Unlike whole wheat bread (and many other types of bread), multigrain bread is made with an assortment of grains and flour (rather than one type of flour).

Most multigrain bread contains oats, wheat, buckwheat, barley, millet, and flax. This provides even more fiber than whole wheat bread and a variety of nutrients. However, this is only if whole grains (and whole grain flour are used).

If making your own, this is easy to determine. When buying multigrain bread, though, read the labels to make sure that whole grains are used. If the package says “enriched," the grains have been processed and stripped of many nutrients.

Even if multigrain bread has been made with enriched flour and grains, it will still lend a richer flavor than white bread. Moreover, it will often have a denser texture and even some additional texture from seeds and nuts. The flavor is often nutty and earthy.

8. Yeast Rolls

Yeast rolls are basic dinner rolls made with your standard ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, milk, sugar, and yeast! They are soft, and fluffy, and pair with just about anything.

My oat rolls are the perfect example! They are a welcome addition to any dinner spread.

9. Rye Bread

With its rich earthy flavor, people tend to either love or hate rye bread. This preference may vary, though, depending on the type of rye bread.

There are four different types of rye bread: light rye bread, dark rye bread, marbled rye bread, and pumpernickel bread.

These different types of rye bread are all made from the same grain: rye. Like wheat, rye can be processed in several different ways to create different types of flour. Therefore, the type of rye flour used will create a different type of rye bread in the same way that wheat flour is processed can create white bread or whole wheat bread.

• Light rye bread: made from only white rye flour.
• Dark rye bread: made from ground whole rye grains. It can also be made by dying light rye flour. Therefore, just because the bread says “dark rye” it may not be whole-grain bread.
• Marled rye bread: made by combining light rye dough and dark rye dough. If the dark rye dough is not dark enough, it may be colored with molasses, cocoa powder, or instant coffee.

10. Pumpernickel Bread

Although pumpernickel bread is a type of rye bread it is typically considered its own type of bread. This is because of its distinct flavor.

It is made from coarsely ground and whole cracked rye grains. It does not contain any milled (processed) flour.

As a result of the whole rye grain, pumpernickel has a deep earthy flavor that is somewhat bitter. While not everyone loves the taste of pumpernickel bread, it is a great choice for those who want nutrient-packed bread. Full of fiber and minerals it is great for those who want a healthier bread.

In addition to the bread-making basics of flour, water, salt, and yeast, this bread is typically made with a bit of cornmeal and either molasses or unsweetened cocoa powder to enrich the color. Some bakers also add caraway seeds to further enhance the complex flavor.

11. Sourdough Bread

Sourdough bread is unique. Technically, it has yeast in it. However, not in the same way that the other yeast-rising bread does.

To make sourdough bread, you need a sourdough starter. A sourdough starter is made by combining warm water, flour, and yeast.

These ingredients are mixed and then left to sit for several days (while continuing to be fed with more flour and water). The result is a rising agent that has a rich sour aroma and taste.

 The sourdough starter is used in place of yeast when making sourdough bread. Since it has yeast in it, it activates the other ingredients in the same way as yeast would and adds that new rich sour flavor.

After you use some of the sourdough starter in your recipe, you can feed the remaining starter and then let it sit in the fridge until you need it again. If you enjoy making bread but don’t always have yeast around, making a sourdough starter is a great way to always have a rising agent around.

12. Breakfast Bread

While bread is itself a popular choice for breakfast, there are a few bread types that are traditionally served for breakfast.

• Bagels
• English Muffins
• Croissants

These three breakfast breads are all types of yeast bread. However, unlike the loaves of bread mentioned above, each is formed into a specific shape before baking.

In addition, each of these requires additional steps unique to their type of bread.

Bagels need to be boiled and baked. Croissants need lots of butter to create a layered (or laminated) dough. English muffins need to be made with shortening and milk.

Holiday Breads

13. Challah Bread

Challah bread is a traditional bread for Jewish holidays. It is made from a basic dough consisting of water, flour, yeast, salt, and eggs.

However, it is made with more eggs than other bread which gives it a soft yellow color. Moreover, the dough is braided which lends a distinct aesthetic.

14. Zopf Bread

Zopf bread is native to Switzerland, but it looks and tastes a lot like Challah bread. This braided bread is made with the same ingredients except the Swiss use milk instead of water.

While not specific to a holiday, this is typically eaten on Sundays with butter and jam.

15. Vanocka Bread

A traditional Czech Christmas bread. A sweet yeast bread that is made with raisins, almonds, and candied citrus.

Quick Bread

Quick breads are breads that don’t need time to rise. These are made with a quick leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder (often a combination of the two).

 Baking soda and baking powder activate while baking; therefore, your dough does not need time to rise. This saves hours of preparation.

If you want basic white bread for sandwiches though, quick bread is probably not the best choice.

Most quick breads have a complex flavor that comes from the addition of eggs, oil, and sugar. In addition, most of them have a large amount of sugar that makes them sweeter than regular bread.

16. Banana Bread

A favorite for using up extra ripe bananas, banana bread is delicious as a sweet treat or breakfast bread.

For added texture, add walnuts. If you want to make it even sweeter, add a cup of chocolate chips. Delicious warm right out of the oven or at room temperature.

17. Zucchini Bread

The banana bread cousin that shows up for the summer when you (or your neighbor) grow too many zucchinis. This bread can be mildly sweet with a light zucchini flavor with finely shredded zucchini, or extra rich in flavor and texture with thicker zucchini shreds and a handful of chocolate chips.

18. Pumpkin Bread

Zucchini bread covers the summer months until pumpkin bread can make its appearance in the fall. Pumpkin bread is the perfect easy bread to make with leftover cans of pureed pumpkin from Thanksgiving.

It is also a delicious treat to kick off fall in October. The warm, rich flavor of the pumpkin is even better when contrasted with the sweetness of chocolate chips.

19. Cornbread

This quick bread is the perfect companion for a bowl of chili or stew. This super easy side is worth keeping a canister of cornmeal in your pantry.

It will stay fresh for several months, and you can make delicious cornbread quickly and easily. In addition to a basic cornbread, get creative by adding shredded cheese and jalapenos. 

20. Soda Bread

Soda bread is a type of bread typically associated with Ireland. This thick and dense bread only requires a handful of basic ingredients: water, flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and sometimes margarine.

These ingredients are mixed together and then baked. No time for rising is needed (like with yeast bread).

Soda bread is the best choice if you want quick bread for sandwiches. You can use as little or as much sugar as you want to make it sweet or savory. In addition, many recipes add raisins for a sweet spin.

21. Damper Bread

Damper bread has a rich history in Australia and is known as a staple food in the bush. This is because it is easy to make and quick. Like soda bread from Ireland, damper bread is a quick-rising bread.

Instead of using baking soda, though, damper bread uses baking powder.

This quick bread is a dense and delicious bread that has a slight sweetness. It is quite versatile and used in the same way any longer rising yeast bread would be used. 

Flatbread (with or without yeast)

Flatbreads are just what they sound like, bread that is flat. While one would assume this is a result of not being made with any leavening agent (yeast, baking powder, baking soda), that is not always the case.

Some of these flatbreads do not contain any leavening agents, like my no yeast flatbread recipe. However, some use a small amount of yeast, baking soda, or baking powder to get a slightly thicker and softer texture. 

Often these types of bread are traditional foods in different cultures. Therefore, you will find a variety of flatbreads around the world.

22. Matzo bread

Matzo is made from two ingredients: flour and water. It is a traditional food served at Passover. To be prepared appropriately for Passover, it must be made in a specific time frame.

Even without a leavening agent, the combination of water and flour will naturally rise slightly. Therefore, matzo must be made in less than 18 minutes. The time before water and flour naturally start to rise.

Without any rising, these small pieces of bread look like crackers and have a similar crunchy texture.

23. Grissini Bread (Sticks)

Grissini is an Italian breadstick. Like Matzo, it does not contain a leavening agent. It is also distinctly crunchy. This makes it the perfect addition to any Italian meal.

While grissini is technically considered flatbread since it does not have a leavening agent, it is round. The dough is formed into long cylinders to create delicious crunchy breadsticks.

24. Knäckebröd Bread

A lesser-known crisp flat bread is Knäckebröd Bread. This crispbread is from Sweden and is made with a mixture of wheat and rye flour.

These two flours are mixed with water and salt. While it is baked in flat crisps, it does contain a small amount of yeast.

In addition, additional ingredients like carraway seeds and fennel seeds are often added. It is eaten with butter, cheese, jams, or meats.

25. Tortilla

Tortillas are unleavened bread originally from Mexico. While most flatbreads are made from wheat flour, tortillas are made with corn or wheat flour. Historically, corn tortillas were the first type of tortillas made in Mexico.

Today, companies have branched out and started using various flours (and flavors) to create different types of tortillas. However, they all maintain the traditional form of being simply made without any leavening agent.

A unique ingredient in tortillas is the use of lard. Lard is added to the flour, water, and salt. This helps create a soft texture that is pliable and easy to roll. In addition, many tortillas recipes include a small amount of baking powder to get a fluffier tortilla.

26. Qistibi Bread

A flatbread from Eastern Europe that is traditionally filled with mashed potatoes. This flatbread resembles the look of a tortilla but is native to Tatarstan and Bashkortostan (both part of the Republic of Russia).

27. Yufka Bread

Another type of flat bread similar to a tortilla is yuka bread. This Turkish flatbread is round or oval in shape. It is used as a wrap for meat, cheese, and vegetables.

28. Naan Bread

Naan is a traditional flatbread found in Indian cuisine. Traditionally, it is made with Indian white flour. Indian white flour is fine and powdery.

Its texture is similar to pastry flour that is used to make croissants. Therefore, it provides a softer and lighter texture.

This delicious bread is chewy with a slightly charred outside. This lovely texture is a result of its traditional baking technique, where the dough is thrown on the wall of an open flame oven (or Tandoori oven).

The delightful texture of naan is a result of not only the baking process but the small amount of yeast used in making it. In addition to the traditional naan recipes, additional flavors like garlic may be added.

29. Roti Bread

Roti is another staple bread in Indian cuisine. Unlike naan, it is unleavened and made with whole wheat flour. The result is a truly flat bread that resembles a tortilla or pita.

Although different from naan in some ways, roti is often cooked in the same way – on the walls of a Tandoori oven. Roti can also be cooked on a hot grill. While historically an Indian bread, roti is popular around the world.

One of the places where roti is loved is in the Caribbean, where it is used as a wrap.

Chapati

Chapati is simply another name for roti. The same whole wheat flour, salt, and water mixture is rolled into a round flat bread and cooked on a hot griddle or in a Tandoori oven.

30. Obi Non Bread

Made with the same ingredients as its cousin (flour, water, salt, and yeast) obi non is a cousin to naan. It is also cooked in a tandoori oven (making tandoor bread).

This bread differs from naan in that it is formed in a circle and is thicker. Moreover, it is distinctly marked by being formed with thicker edges and a thinner center.

It is also aesthetically marked with different designs (such as letters or religious symbols).

31. Paratha Bread

Paratha is a layered pan-fried Indian Flatbread that is flaky and crisp.

32. Pita Bread

Pita bread is a traditional bread in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. However, it has become a popular bread around the world. Today it is a common flatbread to find at the grocery store.

Like naan, this type of flatbread is also made with a small amount of yeast. Unlike naan, though, it is thinner and less chewy. It is also unique in that this round flat bread has a hollow center.

This is a result of its high-water content and being cooked at high temperatures. This combination creates air pockets that make a hollow center.

The hollow center in pita bread is traditionally filled with foods like falafel or gyro meat.

33. Lavash bread

Lavash bread is a flat bread that is central to Armenian culture. It is a thin bread that is made in long sheets. This simple bread is made from flour, water, and salt.

While some are made unleavened, some cooks follow an old tradition of leavening. This practice involves setting aside a small amount of dough from one batch to be added to a new batch.

Similar to a sourdough starter. Even if it is leavened with this old method, the amount of rising is minimal compared to bread made with a leavening agent.

A unique quality of this type of bread is that while it is traditionally eaten fresh, it can be dehydrated to preserve it. When ready to eat, you can rehydrate the bread with a little bit of water.

34. Arepas

Arepas are another type of flat bread that can be filled (like pita bread). Native to South America, arepas are a typical bread found in Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia. They are also common in Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic.

Like their cousin, the corn tortilla, arepas are made from corn meal. Corn meal is combined with water and salt. Although these are formed into thicker round cakes, arepas do not contain any type of leavening agent.

Once formed into a small round cake arepas are fired in oil rather than baked. Once cooked, they can be eaten as is or filled with cheese, meat, beans, or other delicious ingredients.

With so many types of bread, it's hard to choose a favorite! Let us know in the comments below if you've made any of these bread varieties at home!

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