**Breadwinner**: Elevate Your Loaf Game with These 18 Irresistible Unique Bread Recipes for Adventurous Bakers
Are you tired of the same old sandwich bread or boring baguette? Do you crave something more exotic, yet still deliciously satisfying? Look no further! We’ve scoured the globe to bring you an array of innovative and mouth-watering bread recipes that will take your baking skills to new heights. From savory to sweet, these 18 unique breads are sure to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your inner breadwinner.
In this article, we’ll be exploring a diverse range of flavors and textures, from the classic to the experimental. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes will challenge your skills and push the boundaries of what’s possible with yeast, flour, and water. So, get ready to rise to the occasion and take your bread-making game to new heights! In our next installment, we’ll be diving into the first 5 recipes on our list…
Sourdough Focaccia with Rosemary and Grapes
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful sourdough focaccia, infused with the aromatic goodness of rosemary and sweet bursts of grapes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup active sourdough starter (at room temperature)
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1/4 cup halved red grapes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, bread flour, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Add olive oil, rosemary, and grapes; mix until dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and shape into an oblong rectangle.
6. Dimple the dough with your fingers, creating small wells.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt (optional).
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Enjoy your delicious sourdough focaccia, perfect as a snack or appetizer!
Matcha Swirl Milk Bread
Experience the perfect blend of Japanese green tea and sweet milk bread with this Matcha Swirl Milk Bread recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup milk powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon matcha powder (green tea powder)
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, milk powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Add matcha powder and whisk until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, proof yeast by adding lukewarm milk and let it sit for 5-7 minutes or until foamy.
4. Add yeast mixture to dry ingredients and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Black Garlic and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
This recipe combines the deep flavor of black garlic with the creaminess of melted cheese, all wrapped up in a tender and buttery pull-apart bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves black garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place each piece on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
8. Dot the top of each piece with black garlic and sprinkle with grated cheese.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Purple Sweet Potato Rolls with Coconut Glaze
These sweet potato rolls are infused with the natural sweetness of purple sweet potatoes and topped with a rich coconut glaze. Perfect as a snack or dessert, they’re sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 large purple sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons whole milk
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– Vegetable oil for brushing
– Coconut glaze (see below)
Coconut Glaze:
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender. Let cool, then mash and mix with sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and flour. Add to the sweet potato mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly into a disk shape.
6. Brush tops with coconut glaze (mix together shredded coconut, melted butter, and powdered sugar) before baking for an additional 10-12 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Pumpkin and Walnut Loaf
Warm up with a slice of autumnal goodness! This spiced pumpkin and walnut loaf is perfect for cozying up on chilly fall days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and chopped walnuts. Stir until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Charcoal-infused Rye Bread with Caraway Seeds
Elevate your bread game with this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the earthy richness of charcoal-infused rye flour with the warmth of caraway seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup charcoal-infused rye flour
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup caraway seeds
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rye flour, warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
3. Add caraway seeds and mix until well combined.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
6. If desired, brush the top with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until bread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Beetroot and Goat Cheese Braided Bread
A sweet and savory twist on traditional braided bread, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of beetroot with the tanginess of goat cheese. Perfect for a rustic dinner party or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 large beetroot, peeled and cooked
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the cooked beetroot, crumbled goat cheese, beaten egg, and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into three equal pieces.
5. Roll out each piece into a long rope shape.
6. Braid the ropes together, tucking the ends under the loaf.
7. Place the braided bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Turmeric and Coconut Swirl Buns
Start your day with a flavorful breakfast treat by combining the warmth of turmeric with the richness of coconut in these sweet and savory swirl buns.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add sugar, flour, and salt to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
5. Mix melted butter with coconut cream and turmeric powder. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on one side.
6. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side opposite the coated area.
7. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. Place each piece onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each bun.
8. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread
Get ready to spice up your mealtime with this bold and flavorful cornbread, featuring the perfect balance of creamy cheese, spicy jalapeños, and crunchy texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2-3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and shredded cheese until smooth.
4. Add the chopped jalapeños to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Miso Butter Milk Bread
Miso Butter Milk Bread Recipe
Summary: This Japanese-inspired bread combines the richness of miso paste and butter with the tenderness of milk to create a deliciously savory loaf.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F/40°C)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until just combined, forming a shaggy dough.
3. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
6. Brush egg wash over the top of the bread and sprinkle with white miso paste.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Yield: 1 large loaf
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Lavender and Honey Fougasse
Experience the sweet and soothing combination of lavender and honey in this French-inspired fougasse recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk (105°F to 115°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup lavender syrup (or 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds and 1/4 cup honey, mixed with 1 tablespoon hot water to create a paste)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, sugar, and lavender syrup (or paste). Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a long, thin rectangle.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Blueberry and Lemon Zest Sourdough
This sweet and tangy sourdough bread combines the natural sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon zest, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Fold in blueberries and lemon zest.
4. Gradually add water while stirring the mixture until a shaggy dough forms.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Saffron and Pistachio Challah
This recipe combines the warm, golden flavors of saffron with the nutty crunch of pistachios to create a unique and delicious challah bread. Perfect for special occasions or everyday snacking.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1/2 cup whole milk, lukewarm
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Sesame seeds or poppy seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
2. Add warm water, milk, and saffron mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with pistachios.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Babka
Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Babka Recipe
This sweet potato babka recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the warmth of cinnamon, resulting in a delicious and unique breakfast or brunch treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 large sweet potato, cooked and mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add mashed sweet potato, cinnamon, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg.
5. Pour batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring to a serving plate.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Avocado and Lime Quick Bread
Brighten up your breakfast or snack time with this moist and flavorful Avocado and Lime Quick Bread, infused with the creamy richness of ripe avocados and the zesty freshness of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine melted butter, mashed avocado, buttermilk, egg, and lime juice. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Fig and Walnut No-Knead Bread
This sweet and savory bread combines the natural sweetness of figs with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a snack or as a side to your favorite meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1/2 cup fig jam
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt.
2. Add fig jam and mix until just combined.
3. Fold in chopped walnuts.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it rest at room temperature for 24 hours.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Place the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Chocolate and Sea Salt Sourdough Buns
Elevate your breakfast or snack game with these decadent buns, featuring the perfect balance of dark chocolate and flaky sea salt. Perfect for a special occasion or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sourdough starter (active)
– 2 cups bread flour
– 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
– 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine sourdough starter, bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and sugar. Mix until just combined.
2. Add chocolate chips and sea salt; mix until evenly distributed.
3. Gradually add warm water, mixing until shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Shape into buns and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Brush with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Smoked Paprika and Olive Fougasse
Elevate your bread game with this aromatic fougasse, infused with the deep flavor of smoked paprika and the savory goodness of olives.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a long, thin rectangle.
6. Sprinkle feta cheese, olives, and smoked paprika evenly over the dough.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your bread game with these 18 unique recipes! From savory options like Sourdough Focaccia with Rosemary and Grapes and Black Garlic and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread, to sweet treats like Purple Sweet Potato Rolls with Coconut Glaze and Chocolate and Sea Salt Sourdough Buns. Adventurous bakers will love the creative combinations, such as Turmeric and Coconut Swirl Buns and Jalapeño and Cheddar Cornbread. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire your next baking project.
