Even with all sorts of crazy low-carb diets trending, people still eat A LOT of bread. Why? Because bread IS LIFE. It's inexpensive, super versatile, and you can make so many amazing recipes with it.
Ciabatta (which translates to slipper!) is an Italian bread made with wheat flour, salt, yeast, and water. Though its texture and crust vary slightly throughout Italy, the essential ingredients remain the same. Ciabatta is best for sandwiches and Paninis, naturally.
Unlike white bread, whole-wheat bread is made from flour that uses almost the entire wheat grain—with the bran and germ intact. This means more nutrients and fibre per slice! This bread is also great for sandwiches or, my personal favourite, egg in a hole.
Sourdough is a yeasted bread made from a starter — a fermented mixture of flour and water that makes many batches of bread. In fact, it can be kept for a VERY long time! The resulting loaf has a substantial crust with a soft, chewy centre and large air bubbles. It makes a BOMB grilled cheese!
Rye bread is made with a combination of bread flour and rye flour, giving it an assertive rye flavour and a tight crumb. Caraway or dill seeds are often added for an earthy flavour. Rye bread is what gives pastrami and corned beef sandwiches their signature flavour.
Originating in the Middle East, pita is a leavened flatbread made of wheat flour. They are cooked at high temperatures, causing the liquid in the dough to escape. This forms a large air bubble in the centre, which becomes a pocket when cut in half — great for a hand-held falafel sandwich. They're also perfect for dipping when cut into wedges and toasted.
Focaccia is an Italian bread typically baked flat, in a baking sheet or pan. The dough is similar to pizza dough, and is sometimes flavoured with fresh herbs and garlic. Often it's coated with olive oil before baking for a distinctly delicate yet crunchy crust. It's often enjoyed on its own, but it's also great for dipping in soup or served with meat and cheese.
Multigrain bread is exactly what it sounds like: Bread loaded with grains like barley, flax, millet, and oats. Multigrain is super hearty, with a rich earthy flavour. Perfect for your morning avocado toast.
Brioche is a French bread made with eggs and butter. Its super light, with a tight crumb and subtle sweetness. It has a completely soft crust that gets its golden hue from an egg wash applied just before baking. Want to make the best French toast ever? Brioche is the way to go.