Bread is more than just the plain slices you use for your sandwich. In the baking world, there’s a whole range of breads packed with different flavors and ingredients that often don’t get the attention they deserve. We’ve got 17 bread recipes that’ll show you there’s a lot to love about baking beyond the basics. Give these unsung heroes a chance, and you might find a new favorite to freshen up your bread basket.
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is an underrated gem, ready in 25 minutes, offering a zesty alternative to traditional cornbread. The combination of cheddar and spicy jalapeños with a cornmeal and gluten-free flour base creates a moist texture and a flavor that stands out. Its bold taste complements a variety of dishes, deserving more attention for its ability to elevate a simple meal. The simplicity of ingredients ensures the spicy and savory notes are the stars.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread is a vibrant loaf often overlooked, ready in an hour, that deserves a spotlight for its lively flavors. Tart cranberries and citrusy orange zest pair with crunchy poppy seeds to create a bread that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The sweet and tangy combination is perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist to their bread. This bread’s unique flavor profile makes it a standout choice for a festive brunch.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Poppy Seed Bread
Cheddar Sausage Guinness Beer Bread
Cheddar Sausage Guinness Beer Bread, ready in 70 minutes, is a hearty loaf that often goes unnoticed but truly deserves acclaim. It combines rich Guinness beer, savory sausage, and sharp cheddar for a robust flavor that’s perfect for a filling snack or alongside a meal. The dense, chewy texture and deep flavors make it a substantial bread that’s more than just an accompaniment. This flavorful loaf is a testament to the delicious possibilities of beer bread.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Sausage Guinness Beer Bread
Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins
Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins, ready in 30 minutes, are a delightful twist on a classic that warrants more recognition. The crumbly streusel topping adds a sweet contrast to the tart blueberries, creating a muffin that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. The warm
Get the Recipe: Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins
Russian Piroshki
Russian Piroshki, taking 2 hours and 20 minutes to make, are an underappreciated bread filled with a variety of flavorful ingredients. The soft, slightly crisp dough encases seasoned fillings, offering a comforting taste that’s both familiar and exotic. These mini-meals are a cultural staple that deserves a place at the global table for their versatility and homestyle appeal. The golden crust and satisfying fillings make them a must-try for bread enthusiasts.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Flourless Pumpkin Bread
Flourless Pumpkin Bread is a gluten-free delight, ready in 1 hour, that’s often overshadowed by its flour-based counterparts. Made with almond meal and naturally sweetened with honey, it has a moist texture and a rich, spiced pumpkin flavor that’s perfect for fall or any time of the year. This nutritious bread deserves more attention for its healthful ingredients and satisfying taste. It’s a wonderful option for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Flourless Pumpkin Bread
English Muffin Bread
English Muffin Bread, ready in 90 minutes, brings the beloved nooks and crannies of its namesake to a loaf that deserves a place at every breakfast table. The chewy texture with a crisp crust is ideal for toasting and perfect for absorbing butter or jam. This bread’s simple charm is often overlooked, yet it’s a versatile and delicious choice. Its convenience and distinctive texture make it a bread that should be on every baker’s to-do list.
Get the Recipe: English Muffin Bread
Black Sesame Sourdough Buns
Black Sesame Sourdough Buns, requiring over 18 hours of preparation, are unique creations that deserve more attention for their striking appearance and delightful flavor. The tangy sourdough is complemented by the nutty black sesame seeds, resulting in a bread with a crusty exterior and a soft, chewy interior. These buns are a testament to the art of baking and the rich flavors that can be achieved with sourdough. Their distinctive look and taste make them a standout addition to any bread basket.
Get the Recipe: Black Sesame Sourdough Buns
Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Rosemary Sourdough Bread, with a preparation time of over 24 hours, combines fresh rosemary with tangy sourdough for an aromatic bread that’s often overlooked. The crunchy crust and soft crumb are perfect for those who appreciate the subtleties of artisan bread. This loaf deserves recognition for its fragrant, herbaceous notes and perfect sourdough tang. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to explore the nuances of flavored bread.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread
Grandma’s Cornbread
Grandma’s Cornbread, ready in 25 minutes, is a classic that deserves a revival for its comforting taste and golden, crunchy crust. The slight sweetness and tender crumb make it an ideal side dish that often doesn’t get the praise it deserves. This bread’s timeless appeal lies in its simplicity and the nostalgia it evokes. It’s a versatile bread that complements a wide range of meals, from soups to BBQs.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Cornbread
Sourdough Focaccia
Sourdough Focaccia, needing 24 hours to make, is an artisan bread that’s often overshadowed by its quicker counterparts but is deserving of more attention. The rich olive oil, aromatic herbs, and sea salt topping create a depth of flavor, while the sourdough base adds complexity. This bread’s crisp exterior and airy interior make it a standout for dipping or as a flavorful base for toppings. It’s a bread that showcases the beauty of slow fermentation and craftsmanship.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Focaccia
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread, ready in 45 minutes, is a deliciously moist loaf that combines the sweetness of bananas with the richness of chocolate. This paleo-friendly bread is often overlooked but deserves recognition for its use of wholesome ingredients like almond flour and cocoa. It’s a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. The natural sweetness and dense texture make it a satisfying treat for those following a paleo diet or anyone looking for a healthier baked good.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Paleo Banana Bread
Argentinian Empanadas
Argentinian Empanadas, requiring 2 hours to prepare, are a South American staple that deserves more acclaim for their flaky pastry and rich fillings. The homemade dough and flavorful ingredients like spiced meat or vegetables make each empanada a culinary delight. These savory pastries are deserving of attention for their versatility and the joy they bring with every bite. They are a delicious representation of Argentinian culture and cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Argentinian Empanadas
Wild Blackberry Muffins
Wild Blackberry Muffins, ready in 35 minutes, are a treat that should be more widely celebrated for their use of foraged berries and bright lemon glaze. The fluffy muffins are packed with the natural sweetness of blackberries, offering a fresh and fruity flavor. The lemon glaze adds a perfect tangy finish that enhances the overall taste. These muffins are a prime example of how simple, natural ingredients can create an extraordinary bread that deserves recognition.
Get the Recipe: Wild Blackberry Muffins
Spiced Beer Bread
Spiced Beer Bread is an easy-to-make, flavorful loaf ready in just over an hour that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. The combination of beer carbonation and warming spices like cumin and coriander creates a dense yet tender texture with a unique taste. This rustic bread pairs wonderfully with soups and stews, offering a hearty and aromatic experience. It’s a bread that stands out for its simplicity and the depth of flavor it brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Beer Bread
Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread
Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread, ready in 50 minutes, is a bread that deserves more attention for its indulgent yet health-conscious profile. The rich chocolate and banana flavors, enhanced by the nutty crunch of peanuts, create a moist and satisfying loaf. This paleo-friendly bread is a testament to how dietary restrictions don’t have to mean a compromise on flavor. It’s a bread that’s both delicious and nutritious, perfect for those looking for a guilt-free treat.
Get the Recipe: Paleo Chocolate Peanut Banana Bread
Homemade Balkan Bourekas
Homemade Balkan Bourekas, with a prep time of 1 hour and 10 minutes, are savory pastries that merit more recognition for their flaky layers and rich fillings. These pastries are traditionally filled with cheese and spinach, providing a satisfying and comforting flavor. Bourekas are a versatile and crowd-pleasing bread that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Their delightful texture and taste make them a hidden treasure in the world of bread.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas