Old Fashioned Bread Recipes Worth Turning the Oven On For

Old-fashioned bread has a way of making the kitchen feel warmer and more welcoming. These are the kinds of loaves that filled homes long before mixers and shortcuts, relying on simple ingredients and time-tested methods.

Turning on the oven for bread like this feels purposeful. The slow rise, the steady bake, and the familiar aromas all remind us why these recipes have lasted for generations.

If you enjoy baking that feels grounding and rewarding, these breads are worth the effort. They’re practical, comforting, and perfect for anyone who appreciates tradition done well.

Garlic Knots

Garlic knots are soft, fluffy rolls tied into simple knots and brushed with garlic butter after baking. They’re easy to make and use basic pantry ingredients, making them great for weeknights or gatherings. These are best served warm and pair well with pasta, soup, or salad.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Old-Fashioned Sandwich Bread

Old-fashioned sandwich bread is soft, sturdy, and perfect for everyday use. It slices cleanly, holds fillings well, and works for both sweet and savory sandwiches. This recipe focuses on a classic texture and mild flavor that never feels heavy.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Sandwich Bread

Naan Bread Recipe

Naan is a soft, flat bread traditionally cooked at high heat for a lightly blistered surface. This version can be made at home using a skillet or oven with simple ingredients. It’s great alongside curries, grilled meats, or as a wrap base.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread Recipe

Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread

Dutch oven sourdough bread has a crisp crust and a chewy interior thanks to the trapped steam during baking. Using a Dutch oven helps create consistent results at home. This recipe highlights natural fermentation for balanced flavor and structure.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread

Floury Baps

Floury baps are soft bread rolls with a lightly floured exterior and tender crumb. They’re commonly used for breakfast sandwiches or burgers. The dough is simple and designed to stay soft even after cooling.
Get the Recipe: Floury Baps

Russian Piroshki

Russian piroshki are small filled breads that can be baked or fried. The dough is soft and slightly rich, making it easy to work with. Fillings can range from meat to vegetables, depending on preference.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki

Quick Dutch Oven Bread

Quick Dutch oven bread is ideal when time is limited but you still want fresh bread. It relies on minimal shaping and a shorter rise. The Dutch oven helps deliver a crisp crust with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Quick Dutch Oven Bread

Dutch Oven Artisan Bread

Dutch oven artisan bread focuses on a rustic shape and open crumb. The long rise improves texture while keeping the process simple. It’s a good choice for beginners looking for reliable results.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Artisan Bread

Braided Bread Wreath

Braided bread wreaths are both decorative and practical. The dough is shaped into strands, braided, and formed into a circle before baking. This bread works well for holidays or special meals without requiring advanced skills.
Get the Recipe: Braided Bread Wreath

Rustic Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

This bread combines sharp cheddar and jalapeños for a bold, savory loaf. The crumb stays soft while the crust bakes up firm. It’s well suited for sandwiches, toasting, or serving alongside soups.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Jalapeno Cheddar Bread

Cottage Loaf

Cottage loaf is known for its stacked, two-tier shape. It has a firm crust and a traditional crumb that slices cleanly. This bread is a good option for those who enjoy classic styles with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Loaf

Homemade Brazilian Cheese Bread

Brazilian cheese bread is naturally gluten-free and made with tapioca flour. The texture is chewy inside with a lightly crisp exterior. These are best eaten fresh and warm straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Brazilian Cheese Bread

Peasant Bread

Peasant bread is mixed, risen, and baked in one bowl, making it very approachable. The texture is soft and slightly airy without complex steps. It’s a dependable option for everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Peasant Bread

Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Rosemary sourdough bread blends fresh herbs with naturally fermented dough. The rosemary adds a mild, savory note without overpowering the bread. This loaf works especially well with roasted meats or simple spreads.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Sourdough Bread

Ciabatta Bread

Ciabatta bread is known for its open crumb and light structure. The dough is wet, which helps create large air pockets. It’s ideal for sandwiches or dipping in olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Ciabatta Bread

Brioche Rolls

Brioche rolls are soft and lightly enriched with butter and eggs. They have a fine crumb and a slightly sweet flavor. These rolls are great for sliders, breakfast sandwiches, or as a dinner roll.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Rustic Fougasse Bread Recipe

Fougasse is a flat bread shaped with decorative cuts that bake into crisp edges. The dough is simple and flexible, often flavored with herbs. It’s a good choice for sharing and serving alongside meals.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Fougasse Bread Recipe

Tangy Sourdough Biscuits

Tangy sourdough biscuits use fermented dough or discard for added flavor. They bake up flaky on the outside and soft inside. These biscuits work well for breakfast or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Tangy Sourdough Biscuits

Old-Fashioned Cob Loaf Recipe

A cob loaf is a round, free-form bread with a firm crust. The shape allows for even baking and good structure. This recipe keeps things traditional and reliable.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Cob Loaf Recipe

Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls

Sourdough discard dinner rolls are a practical way to use leftover starter. They’re soft, lightly structured, and easy to shape. These rolls fit well into both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Dinner Rolls