10 Easy Bread Recipes to Try in 2026

1. Classic White Bread

This timeless recipe yields soft and fluffy white bread, perfect for sandwiches or toast. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a loaf that rivals any bakery.

• Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 ½ cups warm water, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted).
• Instructions:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
  • Add the melted butter, salt, and flour gradually, mixing until the dough forms.
  • Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Cover and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  • Cool before slicing. Enjoy!

2. No-Knead Artisan Bread

This no-knead artisan bread is perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike. With minimal effort, you can bake a crusty, flavorful loaf that looks like it came from a fancy bakery.

• Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon instant yeast, 1 ½ cups warm water.
• Instructions:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast.
  • Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms. You don’t need to knead it!
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
  • After the dough has risen and is bubbly, turn it out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a ball.
  • Let it rest for another 1-2 hours, covered with a cloth.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside.
  • Once preheated, carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

3. Whole Wheat Bread

For those looking for a healthier option, this whole wheat bread is packed with nutrients and fiber. It’s hearty and filling, making it a fantastic choice for any meal.

• Ingredients: 3 cups whole wheat flour, 1 ¼ cups warm water, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (about 5-10 minutes).
  • Add olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture.
  • Gradually add whole wheat flour, mixing until a dough forms.
  • Knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface until smooth.
  • Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased loaf pan.
  • Cover and let rise for another 30-40 minutes.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool before slicing and enjoy your healthy loaf!

4. Garlic Herb Focaccia

This garlic herb focaccia is a delightful bread that’s easy to make and perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside your favorite Italian dishes.

• Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 ½ cups warm water, ¼ cup olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano).
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Add the remaining flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Cover the bowl and let it rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Grease a baking sheet and transfer the dough onto it. Spread it out with your fingers.
  • Make dimples in the dough with your fingers, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with minced garlic and herbs.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool slightly before cutting and serving.

5. Banana Bread

This moist and flavorful banana bread is a perfect way to use ripe bananas and makes a tasty breakfast or snack.

• Ingredients: 3 ripe bananas (mashed), 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon baking soda, pinch of salt, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 large egg (beaten), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup all-purpose flour.
• Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 4×8 inch loaf pan.
  • In a mixing bowl, mix the melted butter into the mashed bananas.
  • Add in baking soda and salt. Stir in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Mix in the flour until just incorporated.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Pumpkin Bread

This spiced pumpkin bread is perfect for the fall season and full of flavor. It’s moist, delicious, and makes your kitchen smell amazing!

• Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ginger, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree.
• Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree.
  • Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Sourdough Bread

Embrace the art of sourdough with this simple recipe. It requires a sourdough starter but yields a tangy, crusty loaf that’s worth the wait.

• Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups warm water, 1 cup sourdough starter, 1 ½ teaspoons salt.
• Instructions:
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.
  • Add the starter and warm water, mixing until combined.
  • Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
  • Let the dough rise in a greased bowl for 4 hours, or until doubled in size.
  • Punch down the dough, shape it into a round loaf, and let it rise for another 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven inside.
  • Once preheated, carefully place the dough into the Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
  • Cool on a wire rack before slicing.

8. Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread

This cheesy jalapeño cornbread is a spicy twist on classic cornbread, making it a perfect side for chili or barbecue.

• Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup milk, 2 large eggs, ¼ cup vegetable oil, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1-2 jalapeños (finely chopped).
• Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and oil.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  • Fold in the cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool slightly before slicing and serving.

9. Cinnamon Raisin Bread

This sweet cinnamon raisin bread is perfect for breakfast or a snack. It’s soft, fluffy, and filled with delicious cinnamon and raisins!

• Ingredients: 4 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, 1 cup milk (warm), 2 large eggs, ½ cup raisins.
• Instructions:
  • In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until frothy (5-10 minutes).
  • Add eggs, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well.
  • Gradually add flour and knead until smooth.
  • Fold in the raisins and let the dough rise in a greased bowl until doubled in size (about 1 hour).
  • Shape into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.
  • Let it rise again for 30-40 minutes.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
  • Cool before slicing and enjoy!

10. Chocolate Chip Bread

This delightful chocolate chip bread is perfect for sweet tooths! It’s soft, moist, and filled with melty chocolate chips, making it an indulgent treat.

• Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 cup buttermilk, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup chocolate chips.
• Instructions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  • In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
  • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  • Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Conclusion

With these 10 easy bread recipes to try in 2026, you can explore the joy of baking at home. Whether you prefer classic loaves, sweet treats, or savory options, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home. Happy baking!