Types of Bread: 20 Different Bread Types from Around the World (With Pictures and Names)

There are many types of bread that are part of the staple diet of most cultures in the world. Types of yeast bread such as baguettes, white sandwich loaves, whole wheat bread, or brioche are common favorites. Also, tortillas, naan bread, matzo, and pita are examples of different kinds of flatbread. There are also healthy varieties of bread that contain whole grains, are made using rye flour, or use baking soda instead of yeast.

According to some sources, bread is the oldest type of prepared food. The basic ingredients to make bread are just flour, water, and a rising agent. Most types of grain are suitable for making bread. Wheat bread is the most common type; however, barley, rye, millet, and corn are all popular bread-making ingredients. You can also make gluten-free bread from rice, corn, or almond flour.

So, if you prefer bread for making sandwiches, using as a meal accompaniment, or just toasting a slice of bread, there is surely a type of bread for you.

In this article, you will find out about the many varieties of bread that exist. You will also learn about the healthiest type of bread to eat.

Common Types of Bread (With Pictures and Names)

Let’s look in more detail at the most common varieties of bread, starting with one of the most popular types – white bread.

White Bread

White bread is the most popular sandwich bread and is sometimes called a sandwich loaf. The main ingredients to make a white loaf are wheat flour, yeast, and water.

Most kinds of white bread have a soft fluffy center and a medium to soft crust. The most common shape of white bread is square because it is often used for sandwiches or toasting.

Other types of white bread are made into various shaped buns. These bread rolls are the staple of foods such as hotdogs, hamburgers, or can be filled with various sandwich fillings.

Because white flour contains fewer nutrients than whole-wheat flour, white bread isn’t as healthy for you as whole-wheat or whole-grain bread.

Baguette Bread

Baguettes are also called French bread and are a long type of white yeast bread. Apart from its long length, baguettes should also have a crispy crust and a soft fluffy center.

Depending on the bakery, some French sticks can be up to 3 ft. (1 m) in length. Baguettes are also a very versatile loaf. Baguette is one of the best breads for sandwiches and it is usually the loaf of choice for submarine sandwiches. Or, you can slice the loaf in half and top the crusty loaf with your favorite topping.

You can also enjoy this French bread as they do in France with spreading some butter and jam on the soft white bread.

White wheat baguettes aren’t the only kind of French stick you can buy. Some bakeries outside of France produce whole wheat, sourdough, or multi-grain variations of this French classic bread.

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread (or, wholemeal bread) is a healthy type of brown bread as it uses whole grain wheat flour. In some places, this bread is just referred to as wheat bread.

Bread made from whole wheat flour contains nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This makes whole wheat bread a healthier choice of bread than white bread. You can also use whole wheat bread to make sandwiches or any other kind of snack that requires bread.

As with various types of white bread, other ingredients can be added to whole-wheat bread to change its texture and taste.

One variety of very healthy whole wheat bread is sprouted bread. This type of bread contains flour made from the sprouted grains of wheat. Some people claim that sprouted bread is the healthiest type of bread you can eat.

Rye Bread

Rye bread is another healthy bread option and is made from rye flour. Rye bread has a denser texture and is heavier than plain white bread or whole wheat bread.

The reason that rye bread is healthier than white bread is due to its high fiber content. Also, compared to white bread, rye bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates. Therefore, eating rye bread doesn’t cause sharp spikes in blood glucose levels due to its lower glycemic index.

Depending on the type of rye flour used, rye bread can be a light brown color with a soft texture to a dark, almost black color and an intense flavor. Rye bread also incorporates a number of different kinds of “black” bread. For example, there is dark pumpernickel bread, crispy flatbreads, or softer multigrain rye bread.

Sometimes ingredients such as caramel, caraway seeds, coriander seeds, ground spices, or even citrus peel are added to the bread.

Different types of rye bread can make delicious types of snack when combined with cream cheese, cured meats, or smoked salmon.

To create a softer type of rye bread with less intense flavor, wheat flour can be mixed with rye flour.

Sourdough Bread

Sourdough is a wheat bread that uses a fermentation “starter” to cause the bread dough to rise. This starter is a leaven made from fermented flour and water that includes wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria.

The “sour” taste of this type of bread comes from the effect of lactic acid that forms during the fermenting process.

One of the differences between sourdough bread and regular white bread is its chewy texture. Also, while the bread is baking, a thick hard crust forms on the bread. This makes sourdough bread a great type of sandwich bread to enjoy at any time of the day.

Multigrain Bread

There are many varieties of multigrain bread due to different combinations of grains you can use to make the healthy bread loaf.

Due to the number of whole grains, multigrain bread is generally a nutritious type of bread. The various grains in this bread are a good source of B-group vitamins and fiber.

Many varieties of multigrain bread also include healthy seeds such as flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. However, almost any kind of seed can be used to increase the nutritional value of multigrain loaves.

Multigrain bread is a great choice for making healthy sandwiches. Not only do you get plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, you also get a tasty type of bread due to the various seeds and grains in it.

Brioche Bread

Brioche is a type of French wheat bread that has a light fine texture. Varieties of brioche bread can be savory or sweet bread.

The difference between brioche bread and regular wheat bread is the ingredients used. Eggs, butter, and milk are added to the bread mix to create a rich French bread. Brioche is a delicious type of white bread with a soft golden-brown crust.

Compared to white bread, there is a distinct richness to the taste of brioche. Apart from being the best type of bread for French toast, brioche rolls are a popular choice for serving gourmet hamburgers.

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta is a popular Italian bread that is great for sandwiches, paninis, or toasted snacks.

Ciabatta bread is Italy’s answer to the popular French baguette. The difference between this Italian bread and French white bread is that olive oil is used in the ingredients. Usually, ciabatta has a light brown crispy crust with a soft center. In fact, it is not unusual to see large holes in the bread when you cut it into slices.

Although ciabatta is a type of white bread, there is also whole wheat ciabatta called ciabatta integrale.

Specialty Types of Bread

Apart from the traditional types of bread that you can slice, toast, or make into sandwiches, there are bread varieties that are equally as delicious.

Bagels

Bagels are a yeast bread product that are in the shape of a doughnut. These bread rolls with holes in the center originated among the Jewish community in Poland. The delicious bread rings are now a popular type of bread in many countries.

The unique texture of bagels comes from the fact that the round bread rings are first boiled before being baked. This results in a deliciously chewy bread that goes well with many sandwich ingredients.

Bagels are also a very handy type of bread to make lunch sandwiches or tasty savory or sweet snacks.

There are also many varieties of bagels to choose from. Some bagels have a crispy crust whereas others are soft and chewy. You can also buy bagels topped with poppy seeds or sesame seeds. Other bagels are sweet types of bread that come in cinnamon, blueberry, or honey flavors.

Read more: the most delicious types of bagels

English Muffins

English muffins are thick round bread discs that are about the size of the palm of your hand.

The term “English muffins” is to differentiate these savory bread snacks from the sweet type of muffin that often has blueberries in it.

Usually, English Muffins are made from white wheat flour, however, whole wheat muffins are also available and are a healthier choice. English muffins are a delicious breakfast treat especially toasted with a poached egg on the top. Warm muffins are also delicious with honey or fruit jam.

Focaccia

One type of Italian bread is focaccia which is a yeast bread about the thickness of a deep pan pizza base.

When focaccia is baked on a baking pan in the oven, it develops a slightly crunchy crust. Very often, olive oil and herbs are drizzled over the delicious white bread. This gives the bread a Mediterranean taste.

One of the best ways to enjoy this bread from Italy is to dip it in extra virgin olive oil or eat as an accompaniment with soup.

Soda Bread

Soda bread is a type of quick bread that uses bicarbonate of soda instead of yeast as a raising agent. The other ingredients in soda bread are wheat flour and buttermilk.

Because lactic acid forms when buttermilk and soda combine, soda bread has a “sour” taste similar to sourdough. Some soda bread recipes also include raisins, eggs, or other ingredients to give it a different taste.

One of the reasons to make soda bread at home is that you can make the bread in super quick time. There is no need to let the dough rise in warm temperatures as is necessary with traditional bread. Another difference between soda bread and other types of white bread is that you can bake it in the oven or cook it on a griddle.

Swedish Crispbread

A hard type of bread is the Swedish crispbread that looks like a tiny flat loaf or round disc but is as hard as a cracker.

Because these crispy breads (also called knäckebröd) are made from rye and contain a lot of fiber, they are extremely healthy.

They are perfect for creating delicious snacks when combined with a healthy topping. Try Swedish crisp breads with some low-fat cream cheese, hummus, Tzatziki, or guacamole. You could also try topping the cracker-like bread with some smoked or pickled fish.

Gluten-Free Bread

Gluten-free bread is a great choice of bread if you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. There are various types of bread without gluten and they are made from flours such as corn, almond, rice, coconut, or potato.

Depending on the ingredients in the mix, gluten-free bread may be healthier than traditional white bread. However, some types of non-gluten bread contain additives or added sugar. So, when looking for the best type of gluten-free bread, always carefully check the ingredients.

Challa bread

Challa is a type of braided Jewish bread that is typically eaten on Sabbath (Saturday) and major Jewish holidays (except of Passover).

Challah is made in various sizes and shapes and is slightly sweet. It is made of various numbers of strands and is usually brushed with an egg wash before baking and may be sprinkled with poppy or sesame seeds.

Traditional challah recipes contain eggs, white flour, water, sugar, yeast, and salt. Modern recipes may use wholemeal or spelt flour, and sugar with honey or molasses.

Types of Flat Bread

Almost every culture in the world includes some kind of flatbread in their cuisine. There are also a variety of methods to cook flatbreads. They can be baked in the oven, cooked in a pan, over hot coals, or fried in oil.

Pita Bread

Pita bread is a type of round or oval wheat flatbread that is popular in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries.

One of the most popular ways to eat pita bread is to warm the disc-shaped flatbreads in an oven or under the grill. The bread usually puffs up and you can make a pocket in the center of it. You can then make a great pita bread sandwich with tasty meat, salad, fish, cheese, or vegetables.

Pita breads are often used for Turkish kebabs where meat and other ingredients are stuffed into the bread pocket along with a spicy sauce.

Pita bread is also perfect for cutting into chips and then using them with dips such as hummus.

Naan Bread

Naan is a type of flatbread from India that is baked in the oven and usually served with curries. Naan bread is a great choice for making sandwich rolls.

The traditional ingredients in naan bread are yeast, wheat flour, and yogurt. Usually, the naan is brushed with melted butter or ghee before serving. Parts of the naan bread are usually torn off and used to eat curries or other Asian dishes.

Variations of types of naan bread include adding coriander seeds, garlic, raisins, lentils, or other spices. You can also use this bread as a wrap similar to a tortilla or as a pizza base.

Chapati (Roti) Bread

Chapati bread, also known as roti, is another Asian flatbread that is popular in Pakistan, the Caribbean, India, and East Africa. Unlike naan bread, chapatis are not leavened bread as there is no raising agents in them.

The only ingredients in traditional chapatis are wheat flour, salt, and water. After the dough is mixed and left to prove, small pieces of dough are formed into round thin discs, coated in flour and then cooked on a roasting hot skillet.

Chapatis are a perfect accompaniment to Indian curries and just great for dipping into chutneys or lentil dahl.

Matzo Bread

Matzo is a type of unleavened bread that plays an important role in Jewish culture. Matzo (also called matza) is a crispy flatbread that is traditionally made from wheat flour and water. However, other types of flour such as rye, spelt, oat, or barley can also be used.

When used as part of the Jewish Passover festival, only plain matzo should be used. At other times, however, matzo containing garlic, onions, seeds or other ingredients are eaten.

Matzo is great as a cracker-like type of hard flatbread. Other variety of soft matzo are made by hand and look lime tortilla.

Tortillas

Tortillas are thin flatbreads that form a large part of Mexican cuisine. Classic Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes such as burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas all require wheat tortillas. You can also get corn tortillas which are hard when cooked and are used for tacos and burritos.

Soft wheat tortillas are usually filled with spicy meat, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. The soft flatbread is then folded or rolled into a wrap.

Some Mexican tortilla recipes are deep-fried. However, it is healthier to enjoy this type of flatbread meal by baking it in the oven rather than frying it in oil.