Life
9 Essential Breads You Can Make at Home, From Baguette to Brioche
Think of the most glorious thing you’ve ever eaten. Was it your first bite of pork belly? Maybe the Cronut you waited hours in line for? Whatever your answer, it’s not as good as homemade bread. Period. End of story. I don’t care if you’ve eaten at Eleven Madison Park, in the Swiss Alps, or at a three-star Michelin restaurant in Tokyo — nothing will ever top a pillowy loaf of bread, fresh out of the oven, in your own kitchen.
So why don’t we make bread more often? Simply put, because it’s terrifying. There’s the yeast for starters (pun very much intended): Is it still alive? Did you kill it off? Is it going to turn your dough into a counter-eating monster?
This fall, let’s face our fears. If there were ever a time to experiment with bread-baking, it’s now, when we actually feel like cozying up to our ovens again. To get you started, we turned to the best baking experts we know and rounded up their essential recipes, from a classic baguette to bubble-top brioche. Unlike quick breads, these yeasted ones take time — but when you finally slice a loaf, smother it in butter, and sink your teeth in, you’ll know it’s worth it. Happy baking.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Baguette
If you never learn another bread in your life, that’s totally fine — as long as you can make a baguette. Set aside four hours, and when all’s said and done, you can have it for breakfast, for sandwiches, or (my favorite) smothered in Nutella for a midnight snack. Thanks, Some Kitchen Stories!
Image: Some Kitchen Stories
Boule
Once you have the baguette down pat, it’s time for that other classic French bread: The boule. Crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, this round loaf from Hummingbird High is your new baking staple.
Image: Hummingbird High
Honey Oat
When all you need is a good, old-fashioned sandwich bread, this is the loaf for you. A Pastry Affair finishes it off with honey and a generous sprinkle of oats.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Focaccia
Focaccia calls for no special equipment, apart from a rimmed baking sheet — which makes it the perfect project for the home cook. Moonblush Baker takes things to the next level with a mouthwatering beer glaze.
Image: Moonblush Baker
Bubble Top Brioche
Brioche is by far one of my favorite breads — and this Dorie Greenspan recipe, via Hummingbird High, has never failed me. It’s buttery and soft, and reminds you of all that is good in the world.
Image: Hummingbird High
Challah
Like brioche, challah is especially buttery and tender — although it’s best known for its elegant, braid-like shape. My Name Is Yeh kicks it up a notch with fresh green onions.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Pretzels
Speaking of all things braided and twisted, you’ve got to have pretzels. And especially these chocolate chip cookie-stuffed beauties, courtesy of Half Baked Harvest.
Image: Half Baked Harvest
Dinner Rolls
It would be perfectly criminal to leave you without a classic dinner roll — so here it is, spiced up with a sprinkle of dill over at a Pastry Affair. They’re great for sopping up soup, but let’s be honest: You’re going to eat them right out of the skillet.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Naan
If you’re looking to shake things up, naan is just the thing. It’s great paired with an Indian-style curry, of course, but you can also use it like you would any flatbread — even as a pizza crust! Thanks, Half Baked Harvest!
Image: Half Baked Harvest
