Embrace the simplicity of baking with these 18 easy homemade bread recipes. The guide breaks down the bread-making process into approachable steps, ensuring anyone can achieve bakery-worthy loaves. With time-saving techniques and clear instructions, these recipes invite even the most novice bakers to enjoy the pleasures of fresh, homemade bread.
Russian Piroshki
Russian Piroshki is a delightful treat that can be ready in about 2 hours. These hand pies are filled with a savory vegetarian mixture, often including ingredients like cabbage, eggs, and onions, creating a satisfyingly rich flavor profile. The dough is soft and slightly sweet, complementing the hearty filling.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Liquid levain, or sourdough starter
Creating a Liquid levain, or sourdough starter, is a fundamental step for any sourdough baking, taking about 5 days to develop. This starter is the backbone of many recipes, providing a tangy flavor and a complex character to breads. It’s made with simple ingredients like flour and water, and, once established, can be maintained for consistent use.
Get the Recipe: Liquid levain, or sourdough starter
Blueberry sourdough pancakes
Blueberry sourdough pancakes, or the breakfast of champions, are a delightful way to start the day, ready in about 45 minutes. These pancakes are fluffy and tangy with bursts of sweet blueberries in every bite. They’re a healthier take on the traditional pancake, using a sourdough starter as the base.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry sourdough pancakes, or the breakfast of champions
Cheese grenki, or the Russian take on French toast
Cheese grenki, or the Russian take on French toast, is a savory breakfast dish that can be prepared in about 30 minutes. It features bread dipped in a flavorful egg mixture and pan-fried until golden, then encrusted with cheese for a crispy, gooey finish. The result is a comforting, toasty treat with a cheesy twist.
Get the Recipe: Cheese grenki, or the Russian take on French toast
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread is a moist, rich treat that’s ready in about an hour. It combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the decadence of chocolate, all while adhering to paleo dietary guidelines. This bread is a guilt-free indulgence that’s both satisfying and grain-free.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is a zesty bread that can be enjoyed in just over an hour. This gluten-free option is packed with sharp cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños, creating a moist and flavorful bread with a kick. It’s perfect as a side dish or a spicy snack on its own.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread is an aromatic loaf that takes about a day to prepare. It combines the classic tang of sourdough with the earthy notes of fresh rosemary. This bread has a chewy crust and a soft interior, making it an excellent choice for sandwiches or as an accompaniment to meals.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Paleo chocolate peanut banana bread
Paleo chocolate peanut banana bread is a delectable snack that takes about an hour to make. It’s a grain-free bread that combines the flavors of banana, chocolate, and peanut, creating a dense and satisfying texture. This bread is a treat for those following a paleo diet or anyone who loves a healthier sweet option.
Get the Recipe: Paleo chocolate peanut banana bread
Black sesame sourdough buns
Black sesame sourdough buns are a unique twist on traditional bread, ready in about 6 hours. These buns are dotted with nutty black sesame seeds, offering a subtle crunch and flavor. They boast a tender crumb and a crusty exterior, perfect for a variety of spreads and fillings.
Get the Recipe: Black sesame sourdough buns
Argentinian Empanadas
Argentinian Empanadas are a versatile and flavorful dish, ready in about 2 hours. The dough is typically filled with a mixture of vegetables and spices, and then baked to golden perfection. These empanadas offer a flaky crust with a moist, savory interior that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Last-minute Homemade Matzo Crackers
Last-minute Homemade Matzo is a quick and easy bread, ready in just 18 minutes. This unleavened bread is crisp and light, made with just flour and water. It’s a staple for Passover meals but can be enjoyed anytime as a simple, crunchy snack.
Get the Recipe: Last-minute Homemade Matzo
Gluten-free lavosh crackers with almonds
Gluten-free lavosh crackers with almonds can be ready in about 35 minutes. These thin, crisp crackers are made with gluten-free flour and studded with almonds for added texture. They are perfect for pairing with cheeses and dips or enjoyed on their own as a light, flavorful snack.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-free lavosh crackers with almonds
Flourless pumpkin bread
Flourless pumpkin bread is a dense, moist loaf that’s ready in about an hour. It’s made without any grains, relying on ingredients like almond butter and pumpkin puree for its rich flavor and texture. This bread is a great gluten-free option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Flourless pumpkin bread
Homemade Balkan bourekas with eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg and feta cheese
Homemade Balkan bourekas with eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg, and feta cheese can be prepared in about 2 hours. These are flaky pastries filled with a savory blend of vegetables and cheeses, offering a medley of flavors in every bite. They are perfect for a hearty snack or a flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan bourekas with eggplant, tomatoes, Jarlsberg and feta cheese
Russian cottage cheese pancakes
Russian pancakes, also known as syrniki, are a sweet breakfast option ready in about 30 minutes. They are small, thick pancakes made with farmer’s cheese, giving them a slightly tangy taste and a tender texture. These pancakes are often enjoyed with jam, honey, or sour cream.
Get the Recipe: Russian pancakes
Sourdough Focaccia
Sourdough Focaccia is a flavorful Italian bread that takes about 24 hours to prepare. It has a chewy texture and a crisp crust, infused with the aromatic presence of olive oil and herbs. This versatile bread is perfect for dipping in soups or as the base for various toppings.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia
Spiced beer bread
Spiced beer bread is a robust loaf ready in just under an hour. It’s made with a blend of spices and beer, giving it a unique flavor that’s both hearty and aromatic. This bread is an excellent companion to any meal or enjoyed on its own with a spread of butter.
Get the Recipe: Spiced beer bread, or how Middle Eastern bureaucracy nearly broke me