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10 of our favourite bread recipes

by Genevieve Halbert

published on 25 February 2020

Bread can be an intimidating prospect, even for accomplished bakers, while the mere mention of yeast or starter can be enough to trigger all-out panic in a novice chef. But with bread, as with most things in life, it's worth embracing a 'feel the fear and do it anyway' kind of philosophy. Bread making is an incredibly rewarding process and with the right instructions even a total beginner can achieve an excellent loaf. So, read on for ten of our favourite bread recipes, from an easy-peasy pita recipe to a no-knead sourdough.

Best Bread Recipes | Easy White Loaf

Easy Mug Bread from Brilliant Bread by James Morton

If you're intimidated by the idea of bread making, this is a great recipe to start off with. A deliciously simple crusty white loaf, no complex techniques required.

From the book

James Morton

Best Bread Recipes | Easy Sourdough

No-Knead Sourdough from Baking School: The Bread Ahead Cookbook by Justin Gellatly, Louise Gellatly & Matthew Jones

A straightforward sourdough from the Bread Ahead team, this recipe cuts out the kneading stage, making it easier to fit a bread making session into your busy schedule. Want to take a more traditional approach? Click here for a classic sourdough recipe.

Get your copy of Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding here.

Best Bread Recipes | Paul Hollywood Bagels

Paul Hollywood's Bagels from The Weekend Baker by Paul Hollywood

An authentic bagel recipe from the Master of Baking himself, Paul Hollywood. This recipe is customisable, so you can really make it your own by adding nuts, seeds, garlic, or even chocolate chips. 

Get your copy of The Weekend Baker here.

Best Bread Recipes | Easy Soda Bread

 Soda Bread from Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding by Justin Gellatly

This loaf uses bicorbonate of soda, rather than yeast, as a raising agent, which means it takes minutes to put together, and has a very short resting time (just five minutes). It's is a great recipe to pull out of the bag if you're aiming to wow some guests at short notice. If you'd prefer a non-wholemeal alternative, click here for Mary Berry's soda bread recipe.

Get your copy of Bread, Cake, Doughnut, Pudding here.

Best Bread Recipes | James Morton Pitta Bread

White Pita Bread from Brilliant Bread by James Morton

Pitas are among the simplest of yeasted breads, and you'll be amazed at how much better they taste than the shop-bought alternatives. Serve with hummus as a delicious snack, or stuff them with with warm falafel and fresh salad for a tasty Middle Eastern-inspired lunch.

Get your copy of Brilliant Bread here.

Best Bread Recipes | Fig and Walnut Bread

Fig and Toasted Hazelnut Wholemeal Bread from The Great British Bake Off: Big Book of Baking by Linda Collister

This beautiful wholemeal loaf, studded with toasted hazelnuts and sweet figs, makes an ideal accompaniment to a cheese, antipasti, or charcuterie board. 

Get your copy of The Great British Bake Off: Big Book of Baking here.

Best Bread Recipes | Easy Focaccia

Focaccia from Brilliant Bread by James Morton

This classic Italian bread is finished with flaked sea salt, olive oil, and fresh rosemary. Its spongy texture and deeply savoury flavours make it ridiculously moreish.

Get your copy of Brilliant Bread here.

Best Bread Recipes | Italian Focaccia

Focaccia with Black Grapes from The River Cafe Classic Italian Cookbook by Rose Gray & Ruth Rogers

Another focaccia-style loaf, this loaf from The River Cafe is technically a schiacciata, a flat bread traditionally made in Italy during the grape harvest. With its topping of sweet, black grapes, it's wonderful served for breakfast or afternoon tea. 

Get your copy of The River Cafe Classic Italian Cookbook here.

Best Bread Recipes | Rye Bread

Walnut Rye with Burrata and Honey Nut Pesto from The Recipe Wheel by Rosie Ramsden

A chewy, nutty bread with a deliciously sharp flavour, this walnut rye bread is served with mild, creamy burrata, fresh thyme, and honey nut pesto. If you love rye, you might also like this rye and malt sourdough. 

Get your copy of The Recipe Wheel here

Best Bread Recipes | Garlic Herb Tear and Share

Garlic and Herb Tear-and-Share Bread from Stork: The Art of Home Baking by Stork

If you're looking for a simple, tasty bread that everyone will love, try this garlic and herb tear and share – it's especially good with hot soup or as part of an antipasti-style board.

Get your copy of Stork: The Art of Home Baking here.

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