25 Easy Bread Recipes for Beginners

I’ve been baking bread at home for over 35 years, and I still get excited each and every time I pull a fresh loaf out of the oven. If you’re interested in baking your own bread at home, here are 25 easy bread recipes for beginners. 

Whether it’s the tang of sourdough, the soft perfection of sandwich bread, or the rustic charm of an artisan loaf, there’s nothing like the taste, fragrance, and sense of accomplishment you’ll get when you start baking homemade bread.

Everyone’s Baking Homemade Bread

Now, I’ve had hits and misses over the years with different bread recipes. Some bread trends come and go. Remember the Amish Friendship Bread craze of the 1980s?

More recently, making sourdough bread has become hugely popular. In the spring I wrote an Associated Press article about America’s love affair with sourdough that got hundreds of thousands of views. And over on my other site, An Off Grid Life, my sourdough discard recipes are some of our most shared posts.

No one taught me to bake bread. I learned from several old cookbooks my Scottish grandmother gave me many years ago. And if I can learn, you can too!

This list of 25 easy bread recipes will help you take your first steps into the world of bread-making. Each recipe focuses on simplicity, with clear instructions and ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. 

25 Easy Bread Recipes for Beginners

Are you ready? Grab your mixing bowl, dust off that bag of flour, and let’s get started.

By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to bake a loaf of bread that tastes as good as it looks. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta bread loaf with one slice.
Ciabatta Bread. Photo credit: An Italian In My Kitchen.

Ciabatta, a rustic Italian bread, boasts a chewy crust, large holes, and a light, airy texture. You will love this recipe to accompany your pasta dishes. The girls and I like it with a bowl of sweet potato and black bean soup.
Get the Recipe: Ciabatta Bread

No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread

Round artisan cheese bread loaf in parchment paper.
No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

This rustic artisan cheese bread recipe uses simple ingredients to craft a soft, cheesy loaf with a delicious crust. Easy enough for beginners to try and serve with a favorite soup or stew. And by the way, this is the most popular recipe on our site, and for good reason!
Get the Recipe: No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread

Cranberry Wild Rice Bread

Cranberry wild rice bread loaf with one slice in front.
Cranberry Wild Rice Bread. Photo credit: Fox Farm Home.

Make this cranberry wild rice bread for a vibrant and delicious option. Your family will love the texture and flavor this homemade loaf brings to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Wild Rice Bread

Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread

Two loaves of fresh homemade sandwich bread cooling on a counter.
Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This was one of the first bread recipes I mastered over 35 years ago. It makes a firm, delicious loaf perfect for slicing. It’s also a good companion to this cheesy ham and potato soup recipe.
Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread

Rosemary and Olive Bread

Overhead shot of rosemary and olive bread with a slice and dipping sauce.
Rosemary and Olive Bread. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

This no knead loaf is flavorful and fragrant thanks to the rosemary. You will love this with soups, stews, or simply buttered and enjoyed!
Get the Recipe: Rosemary and Olive Bread

Garlic Herb Bread Wreath

Overhead shot of round herbed bread braided wreath with three slices.
Garlic Herb Bread Wreath. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Give your garlic bread an elegant look that matches the incredible flavor you expect with this recipe. This wreath loaf will impress your friends and family with its fragrant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Bread Wreath

Dutch Oven Jalapeno Bread

Round bread loaf with green jalapenos baked into the crust in a serving pan with peppers around it.
Dutch Oven Jalapeno Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Fiery peppers, flavorful cheddar cheese and crusty warm bread make this recipe a keeper! Easy to make and easy to eat any time of year.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Jalapeno Bread

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Sourdough sandwich bread on marble counter with one slice laying flat.
Sourdough Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: Sourdough Brandon.

Skip the store-bought loaf and make this homemade sourdough sandwich bread instead. It is so flavorful and incredibly delicious for your sandwiches!
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Whole Grain Artisan Bread

Two slices of freshly baked bread on a wooden cutting board, with a green and white striped cloth partially visible on the side.
Whole Grain Artisan Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

A hearty whole grain loaf that is simple and filling. Made with oats and baked in a Dutch oven, this loaf has a decidedly rustic flavor.
Get the Recipe: Whole Grain Artisan Bread

No Knead Overnight Crusty Bread

Loaf of bread in a parchment-lined pot, freshly baked with a golden crust.
No Knead Overnight Crusty Bread. Photo credit: Modern Henry.

Let this bread rest overnight before baking it in your Dutch oven for the best crust! You will love how this bread smells and tastes when baking it in the morning.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Overnight Crusty Bread

Simple Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread

Two sourdough bread slices lying on a board.
Simple Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

With just four ingredients, this easy sourdough loaf made in a Dutch oven is a perfect addition to this collection of bread recipes for beginners. And also a good introduction to working with a sourdough starter.
Get the Recipe: Simple Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread

No Knead Baguette

French baguette loaves on a baking pan.
No Knead Baguette. Photo credit: Vintage Kitchen Notes.

Who knew it could be so easy to make a homemade baguette? This no-knead recipe has the perfect texture and requires so little effort! Simply shape and bake!
Get the Recipe: No-Knead Baguette

Sourdough Discard Focaccia

Two slices of sourdough discard focaccia resting on a loaf with a glass of milk in background.
Sourdough Discard Focaccia. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Make this sourdough discard focaccia recipe to use up extra sourdough starter. Made with fresh rosemary and flaky sea salt, this easy recipe is a good introduction to sourdough discard recipes.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Focaccia

No Knead Garlic Skillet Bread

A hand holding a slice of garlic bread dipped in olive oil with herbs and spices, with a loaf and skillet in the background.
No Knead Garlic Skillet Bread. Photo credit: The Slow Roasted Italian.

Homemade garlic bread has never been easier! You won’t have to knead this recipe or fuss with it. You can bake it in a skillet for the best texture. Serve with butter or dipping oil.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Garlic Skillet Bread

Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread

A freshly baked blueberry bread with a golden-brown crust and visible blueberries, on a piece of parchment paper.
Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

This old-fashioned sweet bread is dotted with blueberries and full of flavor. A pretty loaf to make the most of frozen or fresh-picked blueberries.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Blueberry Bread

The Best White Sandwich Bread

Close-up of sliced homemade bread with a golden crust on a cutting board.
The Best White Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: The Suburban Soapbox.

After you try this sandwich bread recipe, you won’t be tempted to grab a loaf at the grocery. This is simply the best sandwich bread! You will love it!
Get the Recipe: The Best White Sandwich Bread

Mini Loaf Focaccia

A rectangular loaf of focaccia bread with salt flakes on a cooling rack, next to a small bowl of salt and a measuring spoon.
Mini Loaf Focaccia. Photo credit: The Practical Kitchen.

Try this recipe if you can’t be trusted not to eat a loaf of focaccia. It produces a scaled-down mini loaf that has the best flavor!
Get the Recipe: Mini Loaf Focaccia

Pane Rustico with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Loaf of round bread on a wooden cutting board. Nearby are sliced red peppers, fresh basil leaves, and a striped cloth.
Pane Rustico with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Britney Breaks Bread.

This rustic bread has a gorgeous crust with a super soft crumb. It slices beautifully and toasts well. You will love this with any meal of the day, from breakfast to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pane Rustico with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Herb Cheese Bread

A slice of bread with herbs and cheese topped with a pat of butter.
Herb Cheese Bread. Photo credit: Spend With Pennies.

This quick bread loaf is so easy to make, and it pairs well with chili, pasta or just about any dish you can think of.
Get the Recipe: Herb Cheese Bread

Braided Lemon Bread

A braided loaf of bread on a rectangular white platter.
Braided Lemon Bread. Photo credit: The Feathered Nest.

This lemon braid looks extra fancy, but it is so easy to make, even for a beginner! You will love the bright, vibrant flavor this treat offers.
Get the Recipe: Braided Lemon Bread

Cheese Beer Bread

A loaf of cheesy bread on parchment paper, placed on a wooden board. Nearby are a glass of beer, a knife, and butter.
Cheese Beer Bread. Photo credit: From Valerie’s Kitchen.

Beer bread is easy to make, but this recipe is a must-try! It is so cheesy and delicious! Plus, it goes well with a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Beer Bread

Buttermilk Cheddar and Pancetta Bread

Sliced loaf of nut-topped banana bread on a gray tray with scattered nuts around, placed on a light textured surface.
Buttermilk Cheddar and Pancetta Bread. Photo credit: The Bonnie Fig.

This quick bread is the definition of delicious! With sharp cheddar cheese and salty pancetta, you will fall in love from the first bite. You can add seasoned almonds to the top to add texture and crunch.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cheddar and Pancetta Bread

Rustic Garlic Rosemary Bread

Round bread loaf with rosemary and sea salt on top, resting on a cooling rack.
Rustic Garlic Rosemary Bread. Photo credit: Chew Out Loud.

Rosemary and garlic are perfect partners to make this rustic loaf. With a soft inside and the perfect chewy crust, I know you will want to make it this time and time again!
Get the Recipe: Rustic Garlic Rosemary Bread

Homemade Sandwich Bread

A loaf of freshly baked bread on a marble surface, with two slices placed in front. There is a vase with purple flowers in the background.
Homemade Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: My Happy Bakes.

This is such a great sandwich bread recipe. It is soft and flavorful yet sturdy enough to hold the contents of one impressive sandwich!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sandwich Bread

Cheese Zucchini Bread

Slices of zucchini bread on parchment paper with a small bowl of shredded zucchini on the side.
Cheese Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

Save this easy, cheesy bread recipe for summer. It is the perfect way to use your bounty of garden fresh zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Zucchini Bread

Collage of homemade bread. Text overlay is 25 Bread Recipes for Beginners.

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