Types of bread
From classic yeasted loaves and buns, unleavened flat breads to sweet and savoury bread – bread is the staple food in almost all countries around the world.
For more information on the baking industry in the UK and bread
varieties available take a look at the Federation of Bakers web
site at www.bakersfederation.org.uk.
Bara Brith
Fruited bread from Wales of which there are many varieties, some
made with yeast and others baking powder. Traditionally eaten
sliced and buttered.
Barrel
Usually made with a milk bread dough, baked in a ridged mould. Also
known as a pistol.
Batch
Loaf baked in a batch with others,
rather than separately, to give soft-sides. Usually white but can
also be brown or wholemeal.
Bloomer
Thick, long, white loaf, lightly cut
across the top so that the cuts open out or ‘bloom’ to give a crisp
crust. Sometimes sprinkled with poppy seeds.
Buttery Rowies
Traditional Aberdeen butter yeast rolls. Shaped in a round or oval
with a crisp crust and light flaky texture.
Challah
An egg enriched coiled Jewish bread traditionally eaten around the
Sabbath and at festivals.
Ciabatta
Delicious tasting Italian bread made
with olive oil. Perfect for filling or topping. Cut into slices or
tear into chunks and serve with pasta and salad.
Cob
Round smooth crusted loaf often topped with cracked wheat.
Coburg
Round, crusty white loaf with a deeply cut cross on the top.
Cornish Splits
Sweet, light yeasted buns
enriched with butter and milk. Also called Devonshire splits. Often
dusted with icing sugar and traditionally eaten filled with jam and
clotted cream.
Cottage
White loaf made from two round pieces of dough. One (smaller than
the other) is secured on top of the larger piece. Often dusted with
flour before baking.
Daktyla
A traditional shaped loaf from Greece covered in sesame seeds.
Daktyla means fingers because it is shaped to be broken into finger
like pieces.
Farmhouse
White loaf baked in a special tin
and cut lengthwise along the top, often dusted with flour.
Naan
Britain’s favourite take-away would not
be the same without naan. Naan is an Indian speciality bread full
of flavour and usually eaten with a vast range of Indian food. It
is also delicious with dips and perfect to clean up the sauces from
the plate!
Pitta
One of the most popular ethnic Breads, originally from the Middle
East, pitta comes in different sizes and varieties and is highly
versatile. You can fill it with virtually any filling of your
choice. It is also delicious with Mediterranean dips and spreads
such as tzatziki and hummus.
Plait
A special shape, usually plaited with
three strands of white dough, sometimes enriched with eggs or
milk.
Rolls
Many different varieties, shapes and sizes ranging from crusty
white rolls to soft wholemeal baps.
Sandwich
Large flat-topped loaf baked in a
lidded square tin.
Sliced wrapped
With many different varieties
including white, brown and wholemeal, the sliced wrapped loaf is a
convenient bread which makes perfect toast and sandwiches.
Soda Bread
Flat, round, heavy loaf usually marked into quarters and risen with
baking powder, not yeast. Soda Bread comes originally from
Ireland.
Stottie
A flat round large bap from the North East of England. The Geordie
stottie has a fluffy texture and was often traditionally eaten
filled with bacon and peaspudding.
Tin
Loaf baked in a rectangular open tin.
