The sandwich bread is an unsung hero of countless meals. The bread forms the literal foundation for an endless array of sandwiches. It is more than just a neutral canvas; it's a vessel for creativity.
Just like different types of burgers can be prepared with different types of burger buns, there are several sandwich bread options if you're looking to widen your sandwich horizons.
Plain white bread is the classic choice for sandwich bread. This offers a soft and neutral canvas that complements a wide range of fillings. The mild flavor of white bread allows the sandwich fillings to take center stage.
However, white bread gets a bad rap in the bread family because there are less-than-ideal varieties also available in grocery stores. So, it's advisable to make your own batch at home with simple ingredients and a shorter duration of time.
As a slightly different and healthier alternative to whole wheat bread, whole wheat bread is nutritious and contains vitamins, minerals and a ton of fiber. This variety of bread is made using whole wheat flour, which retains the entire wheat kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.
It's a stark departure from white bread but the taste remains pretty much the same. There is a slight nutty and sweet taste to it which complements a variety of sandwich fillings, from classic deli meats and cheeses to plant-based options.
As the name suggests, multigrain bread is made with multiple grains and seeds to add depth flavor, and nutrition to the bread. Common grains used in this bread are wheat, oats, barley, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds. Some multigrain bread also contain some amount of white flour so it's important to read the ingredients before you consume the bread.
Whether you're crafting a simple turkey and avocado sandwich or a loaded Mediterranean veggie delight, multigrain bread brings a rich and complex backdrop that enhances your sandwich experience.
Sourdough bread has slowly but surely become an American favorite for sandwiches. The unique tangy flavor and rustic crust make it an exceptional choice as sandwich bread. This centuries-old bread is traditionally made through natural fermentation to bring a depth of flavor and texture.
It pairs wonderfully with classic deli meats, cheeses, and veggies, but it's equally at home with more adventurous ingredients like roasted vegetables, avocado, or gourmet spreads. Besides, it also offers several health benefits, especially to the digestive system.
Honey oat bread, when used as sandwich bread, elevates the everyday sandwich with the natural sweetness of honey and the nutty flavor of oats. The bread has a soft and tender crumb with a subtle sweetness. Its slightly dense yet pillowy nature holds up well to various ingredients without becoming soggy.
Moreover, the gentle sweetness of honey oat bread harmonizes seamlessly with both traditional and more adventurous sandwich combinations.
Rye bread is prepared from rye grain. It is what gives the bread a characteristic dark color. It also contains a mixture of other wheat flours which give it a slightly chewy and tangy flavor. This texture can range from soft and light in light rye bread to dense and hearty in dark rye bread depending on which part of the grain is used.
It can accommodate a wide range of ingredients, from pastrami and sauerkraut to roast beef and horseradish or smoked salmon and cream cheese. When toasted, it makes a good foundation for different variations of sandwiches.
This type of bread is identified by the dark, dense, and robust flavor of ground whole rye grains. It gets its distinct dark color and rich flavor from a long, slow baking process.
Commonly used in traditional sandwich pairings, such as corned beef or pastrami, Pumpernickel bread offers a fantastic counterpoint to the savory and salty elements of a sandwich. It works best with classic accompaniments like mustard, pickles, and sauerkraut.
The next commonly used bread in sandwiches is the Ciabatta bread. It is a crusty Italian bread known for its porous and airy crumb. This allows the bread to soak up sauces and dressings without becoming soggy. It has a neutral flavor and comes in different irregular shapes.
It is often used for gourmet sandwiches because it adds a touch of artisanal charm to rusty old sandwich recipes. So, if you're looking to impress your guests, make this bread and pair it with some ham, prosciutto, and veggies with a tangy sauce.
Challah bread has deep-rooted traditions in Jewish cuisine and is often used in braided loaves for special occasions. It has a subtle sweet flavor that makes it a good choice to go with a wide range of sandwiches. It is often used for paninis or grilled sandwiches because of its chewy texture.
Its pliable yet sturdy structure ensures that your sandwich ingredients remain neatly contained, without excessive crumbling or falling apart. The beautiful golden appearance and braided designs also help it stand apart from other types of bread.
Similar to a brioche bun, brioche bread is also an exquisite choice as a sandwich bread. This traditional French bread has a buttery taste, a light and airy crumb, and a golden, glossy crust. It can easily elevate a simple meal into a gourmet experience.
Common fillings used with a brioche burn are ham and cheese, chicken salad, or smoked salmon but it also works with sweet sandwiches like peanut butter and jelly. The golden crust of the bread has a certain bite while the crumb remains airy so that the sweetness harmonizes with different types of condiments.
The base of this bread is typically a soft, moist dough, featuring generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese and finely diced jalapeños. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the dough, creating pockets of gooey, savory goodness, while the jalapeños peppers provide a tantalizing heat.
This type of bread is used with fillings that are elevated by the bold and robust flavor of the bread. As a result, it is usually paired with hearty meats like roast beef or grilled chicken, but it can also enhance vegetarian options, such as avocado and tomato.
Rosemary focaccia is an Italian flatbread made with fragrant rosemary and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The rich olive oil in the focaccia provides a luxurious taste and lends the bread a tender and slightly crispy crust. Meanwhile, the rosemary infuses each bite with earthy, herbaceous notes.
Besides being used in sandwiches, this bread can also be used as a pizza crust depending on the toppings. Since it is sturdy yet delicate, it can hold the fillings without crumbling down. Commonly used options for the fillings are grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or thinly sliced prosciutto.
The milk bread is made with - you guessed it - milk. The milk adds moisture which makes the bread tender and delicate in texture. It also has a slight sweetness but it is mostly a neutral bread. It is usually preferred by individuals who like bread that won't overpower the flavors of the sandwich fillings.
Traditional favorites that go with this bread are ham and cheese, turkey and avocado, or peanut butter and jelly. But it also complements other fillings like Nutella, fruit jams, or honey, making it an excellent choice for dessert-style sandwiches.
Unsurprisingly, potato bread actually has mashed potatoes in the dough. The starch in the potatoes serves the same function as the milk in the milk bread. It helps the bread retain moisture. As a result of this, the sandwich bread stays fresh longer.
Even though this bread can be used with both savory and sweet fillings, it works best with classic fillings like ham and cheese. Potato bread can be a great way if you're looking to bring variation in your sandwich recipes thus, allowing for a wider array of sandwich options.
Last but not the least on this list is the baguette. Traditionally, this french bread was served during dinner to soak up the sauces and soups. However, you can also use them in sandwiches to hold the filling. A baguette is a crusty bread as there is very little moisture in the bread. As a result of this, this type of bread works well with cured meat and cream cheese and similar sturdy fillings. You should avoid delicate meats with this bread as it can smash everything together.
The popularity of a baguette has increased significantly over the years because it is readily available in bakeries and also fairly easy to make at home.
