20 Bread Recipes Everyone Can Bake At Home
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some baking experience, making your own bread is easier than you might think.
I’ve gathered 20 foolproof bread recipes that will help you create delicious loaves right in your own kitchen – no fancy equipment needed!
1. Classic White Sandwich Bread
Nothing beats a slice of warm homemade white bread slathered with butter. This recipe uses basic ingredients you probably already have: flour, yeast, water, salt, and a touch of sugar. The dough comes together quickly and rises beautifully, even for first-timers.
I still remember my grandmother teaching me this recipe, saying the secret was in the patience during rising. Perfect for sandwiches or morning toast, this bread stays fresh for days when stored properly.
2. No-Knead Crusty Artisan Bread
Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside – this bread requires almost no effort! Mix flour, yeast, salt, and water in a bowl, then let time do the work. The long, slow fermentation develops amazing flavor without any kneading.
After resting 12-18 hours, shape the sticky dough and bake it in a preheated Dutch oven. The steam created inside the pot gives you that professional bakery-quality crust that’s impossible to resist.
3. Fluffy Dinner Rolls
These pillowy dinner rolls disappear within minutes at my family gatherings! The enriched dough contains milk, butter, and eggs, creating an irresistibly soft texture. I once made these for Thanksgiving and my uncle asked if I’d bought them from a bakery!
That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. Form into balls, allow to rise until doubled, then brush with melted butter before baking. They pull apart beautifully and practically melt in your mouth.
4. Easy Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread doesn’t have to be dense or difficult! This foolproof recipe creates a nutritious loaf that’s still wonderfully soft. The trick is using a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flours, plus a tablespoon of honey to balance the earthy flavor.
A longer kneading time develops the gluten properly, ensuring a good rise. Loaded with fiber and nutrients, this bread makes excellent sandwiches and toast that will keep you satisfied longer.
5. Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
Breakfast champions, rejoice! This cinnamon-spiced bread with plump raisins makes mornings something to look forward to. The dough is rolled flat, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and raisins, then rolled up to create that beautiful swirl.
I discovered this recipe during lockdown and it quickly became my weekend baking tradition. Toast a slice and watch the butter melt into the swirls – pure bliss!
The heavenly aroma while baking will draw everyone to the kitchen.
6. Foolproof French Baguettes
Crispy outside, airy inside – homemade baguettes are simpler than you’d think! This recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps for bakery-quality results. The key is creating steam in your oven by placing a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking.
Score the tops with diagonal slashes before baking to get that classic look. Enjoy warm with butter, as sandwich bread, or tear pieces to dip in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
7. Soft Pretzel Rolls
Bring the ballpark home with these irresistible pretzel rolls! Their chewy, dark exterior comes from a quick boil in baking soda water before baking.
The contrast between the distinctive crust and the soft interior makes these perfect for sandwiches or alongside soup. My first attempt at these was for a Super Bowl party, and they stole the show from the main dishes!
Sprinkle with coarse salt while still wet from boiling, then bake until deeply golden.
8. Buttery Brioche Bread
Brioche is like bread that decided to become cake! This rich, buttery loaf gets its tender crumb from plenty of eggs and butter worked into the dough.
The process requires patience as the dough needs chilling between steps, but the results are worth every minute. Shape into a traditional loaf or individual rolls.
Brioche makes incredible French toast, bread pudding, or simply enjoy a slice with jam for an indulgent breakfast.
9. Beginner-Friendly Focaccia
Focaccia is the perfect starter bread for beginners! This Italian flatbread is incredibly forgiving and fun to make. After mixing a simple dough, you’ll stretch it into an oiled pan and poke those characteristic dimples with your fingertips.
My kids love helping with this part – it’s like playing with edible playdough! Top with olive oil, flaky salt, and herbs before baking. The result is a fragrant, olive oil-infused bread that’s crispy outside and tender inside.
10. Garlic Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Warning: this addictive pull-apart bread disappears in minutes! Start with a basic dough, then cut it into pieces that get dunked in garlic butter and layered with cheese. The magic happens as it bakes – the layers fuse just enough while remaining easy to pull apart.
I made this for a potluck once and watched grown adults fight over the last piece! Each bite delivers gooey cheese and buttery garlic flavor. Serve warm for maximum stretchy cheese pulls.
11. Irish Soda Bread
No yeast? No problem! Irish soda bread uses baking soda as its leavening agent, making it incredibly quick to prepare. The traditional cross cut into the top isn’t just decorative – it helps the thick bread cook evenly.
The result is a rustic round loaf with a tender crumb and slightly tangy flavor from buttermilk. Some versions include raisins and caraway seeds, but even the basic recipe yields a delicious bread that pairs perfectly with stews or simply spread with butter.
12. Honey Oat Bread
This wholesome bread combines the nutty flavor of oats with the subtle sweetness of honey. The oats create a wonderfully moist texture that stays fresh for days. Sprinkle extra oats on top before baking for a beautiful presentation.
Last winter, I baked this weekly – the kitchen smelled amazing, and having a slice with tea became my favorite afternoon ritual.
Perfect for sandwiches or toast, this nutritious bread will make you feel good about what you’re eating.
13. Pita Bread Pockets
The magic of pita bread happens when steam inflates the dough, creating that perfect pocket! This Middle Eastern staple is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Roll the dough into thin rounds and bake on a very hot surface – a preheated baking stone works wonders. I still remember my amazement watching my first batch puff up like balloons in the oven!
Fill with falafel, hummus, or use as a scoop for dips. Fresh pitas are worlds apart from store-bought versions.
14. Banana Bread (Yes, It Counts!)
Those overripe bananas on your counter are destined for greatness! This quick bread requires no yeast or rising time – just mix, pour, and bake. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
Add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to make it your own. My grandmother’s recipe calls for a splash of bourbon, which adds incredible depth!
The batter comes together in one bowl, making this perfect for beginner bakers or when you need a homemade treat with minimal cleanup.
15. Cheesy Herb Breadsticks
Transform basic dough into irresistible breadsticks loaded with herbs and cheese! Roll the dough into ropes, twist them for extra texture, then brush with garlic butter. A generous sprinkle of cheese and herbs before baking creates a savory crust that’s impossible to resist.
These breadsticks have become my signature potluck contribution – I’ve actually been uninvited to gatherings when I couldn’t bring them! Serve warm from the oven for the ultimate treat that pairs with everything from pasta to salad.
16. Challah Bread
Challah’s beautiful braided appearance might look intimidating, but this enriched Jewish bread is actually quite approachable for home bakers. The dough is enriched with eggs, giving it a gorgeous yellow color and tender texture.
Start with a simple three-strand braid before attempting more elaborate designs. The egg wash before baking creates that signature glossy crust.
Leftover challah (if you have any!) makes the most incredible French toast you’ll ever taste.
17. English Muffins From Scratch
Those nooks and crannies you love in English muffins? You can create them at home! These are cooked on a griddle rather than baked in an oven. The secret is a wet dough and cooking them slowly over medium-low heat.
After cooking both sides, finish them in the oven to ensure they’re cooked through. Split them with a fork rather than a knife to preserve those famous nooks and crannies that capture melted butter and jam so perfectly.
18. Cinnamon Sugar Monkey Bread
Monkey bread brings pure joy – pulling apart those sticky, cinnamon-sugar coated pieces is irresistibly fun! This shareable treat starts with small balls of dough dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar. Layer them in a bundt pan, then drizzle with a simple caramel sauce before baking.
I made this for my nephew’s birthday breakfast, and the look on his face was priceless! The pieces fuse together while baking but separate easily for the perfect pull-apart experience. Serve warm for maximum gooey deliciousness.
19. Rustic Ciabatta Loaves
Ciabatta’s signature open crumb structure comes from a very wet, sticky dough that’s handled minimally. Don’t be alarmed by how loose it is – that’s the secret! This Italian bread develops amazing flavor through a pre-ferment called a ‘biga’ made the night before.
The irregular air pockets make it perfect for sopping up sauce or olive oil. Shape into traditional slipper-like loaves or smaller rolls. Either way, you’ll be rewarded with bread that has a crisp crust and chewy interior.
20. Soft Hamburger Buns
Elevate your burger game with homemade buns that are perfectly soft yet sturdy enough to hold all your favorite toppings! The enriched dough creates a tender texture while maintaining enough structure to stand up to juicy burgers.
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds before baking for that classic look. Once you try these fresh, pillowy buns, the store-bought variety will pale in comparison. They freeze beautifully too, so make extra for future cookouts.