Bread is a staple food in many parts of the world — and for good reason! It’s hearty, filling, and affordable. It is also delicious! Baking bread at home can be a very rewarding activity. Not only will it make your home smell amazing, but there’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of bread straight out of the oven. Baking bread is also a great way to explore different cuisines around the world. Here at Cooking & Cocktails, we’re big fans of baking bread, so we’ve rounded up some of the best breads from around the world for you to try at home. Check out our favorite international bread recipes below!
#1 Australia — Cheese Bread
With a crispy, golden cheese crust, a soft and fluffy crumb, and swirls of gooey cheese inside, this no-knead bread is as delicious as it is decadent. Ideal for first-time bread makers and experienced bakers alike, this recipe results in a scrumptious, warm bread with ribbons of cheese throughout. Ready to learn how to make this cheese bread recipe at home?
#2 Ireland – Irish Potato Bread
Irish potato bread is flat, fried, and absolutely delicious. The recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients like flour, potatoes, salt, and butter. You can add in flavor enhancers like herbs or cheese if you choose, but the bread is also perfectly delicious just as it is! It pairs well with Irish staples and makes a great breakfast or snack. Ready to learn how to make this Irish bread in your own kitchen?
#3 Italy – Focaccia
We couldn’t make a list of our favorite breads from around the world without including this flavorful Italian option! A perennial fan favorite, this Italian bread is soft and fluffy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and just a little chewy. Flavored with plenty of olive oil and your choice of toppings (herbs, olives, or tomatoes are all popular add-ins), this bread is the perfect accompaniment to an at-home Italian feast! Bonus? It’s very aromatic and will make your whole house smell amazing as it bakes! Ready to learn how to make this Italian favorite from scratch?
#4 Japan — Japanese Milk Bread
Light, fluffy, and tender, Japanese milk bread is truly unique. It pairs perfectly with nearly any dish (including many Japanese favorites!) and smells amazing while baking in the oven. Bonus? It requires less than an hour of active cooking time! Want to learn how to make this remarkably light and fluffy bread at home?
#5 Georgia — Imeruli Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese-Filled Bread)
This Georgian bread is simple, cheesy, and delicious. A homemade yeasted dough is stuffed with a mixture of low-moisture mozzarella and feta, which are surprisingly good substitutes for the traditional imeruli and sulguni cheeses that are generally only available in Georgia. Once assembled, the whole thing is baked to gooey, cheesy perfection, sliced, and served warm. Ready to learn how to make this popular Georgian bread at home?
#6 Romania — Cozonac (Romanian Christmas Bread)
Soft, aesthetically pleasing, and bursting with a subtle sweetness, this Romanian bread is popular for Christmas and Easter but can be enjoyed at any time of the year. The dough is made soft and sweet with ingredients like milk, lemon zest, butter, and sugar. The flavorful filling is made with chopped walnuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and egg whites. If you’re looking for a remarkably pretty, delicious bread to make at home, this is a great option that can be made in just a few hours! Want to learn how to make Romanian Christmas Bread in your own kitchen?
#7 Greece — Homemade Pita
Soft, fluffy, and aromatic, homemade pita is well worth the effort! Made with just 4 ingredients, this authentic recipe yields 6 pitas in just over an hour. Suitable for vegans and often used as the basis for a variety of Greek dishes, we highly recommend adding this versatile and authentic bread recipe to your repertoire! Ready to learn how to bake your own Greek pitas at home?
#8 Mexico — Mexican Cornbread
Made in a skillet, this Mexican-style cornbread is filled with whole corn kernels, diced jalapeño peppers, scallions, and cheddar cheese. If preferred, you can also add some bell peppers in place of the jalapeños to lower the heat. Hearty, a little spicy, and completely delicious, it works well on its own but also makes the perfect accompaniment to a big bowl of chili or soup! In the summertime, it also pairs perfectly with BBQ! Want to learn how to make this flavorful Mexican cornbread recipe at home?
#9 France – French Baguette
We couldn’t make a list of the best breads from around this world without including this beloved classic! This is a great recipe to have in your repertoire and it’s surprisingly easy to make a crusty French baguette from scratch. Versatile and considered a classic for a reason, a slice of homemade French bread pairs perfectly with everything from hearty soups and fresh salads to meaty mains and more. It can also be used to make sandwiches. The possibilities are endless! Ready to learn how to make your own crusty, delicious French baguettes at home?
#10 Portugal — Portuguese Fried Bread
This flavorful Portuguese bread dish is a great way to use up leftover bread from your experiments with the recipes on our list. Bonus? It’s also very easy to make! Slices of crusty bread are fried in olive oil along with garlic, pepper, and chopped coriander until crispy and golden-brown. This dish makes a great appetizer, pairs well with Portuguese soups and stews, and is the perfect accompaniment to a hearty main course. Ready to learn how to make this unique Portuguese bread dish at home?
Happy Baking!