15 Simple Bread Recipes to Try During the Holidays

The holidays are the perfect time to fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread. Whether you are serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup, as a snack, or as part of a festive meal, bread is a versatile and satisfying addition to any table. Baking bread may seem intimidating, but these simple recipes make it easy to create something delicious with just a few basic ingredients. Homemade bread not only tastes better but also adds a personal and heartfelt touch to holiday gatherings.

Classic White Bread

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked classic white bread during the holidays. Start by mixing 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) of active dry yeast in a bowl. Slowly add 1 ½ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8 minutes, then let it rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch pan. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown. This bread is simple, delicious, and perfect for any holiday meal.

Honey Whole Wheat Bread

This honey whole wheat bread is wholesome and slightly sweet. Combine 3 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl. Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour in a warm spot. Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in a greased loaf pan, and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden. This bread is nutritious and pairs beautifully with holiday soups.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

This cinnamon swirl bread is a festive favorite. Prepare a dough by mixing 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 3 tablespoons of sugar, ¾ cup of warm milk, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Roll out the dough into a rectangle and spread it with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of brown sugar. Roll it tightly, place it in a greased loaf pan, and let it rise for 45 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until the top is golden brown. The cinnamon aroma will fill your home with holiday cheer.

Rustic Artisan Bread

Rustic artisan bread is ideal for holiday gatherings. Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of yeast, and 1 ½ cups of warm water in a bowl. Cover the dough and let it rise for 8-12 hours at room temperature. Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 450°F and bake the bread inside a covered Dutch oven for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden. This crusty bread is perfect for dipping in olive oil or serving alongside hearty stews.

Garlic Herb Bread

This garlic herb bread adds a savory touch to holiday feasts. Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a bowl. Add 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Knead the dough for 8 minutes, let it rise for 1 hour, then shape it into a loaf. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes. The herbs make it a flavorful side for any holiday meal.

Eggnog Bread

Eggnog bread brings festive flavors to your table. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a bowl. In another bowl, combine 1 cup of eggnog, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, then pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. This sweet, spiced bread is perfect with a warm holiday drink.

Orange Cranberry Bread

This orange cranberry bread is sweet and tangy. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of sugar, 2 eggs, ½ cup of orange juice, ⅓ cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in 1 cup of fresh cranberries. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes. It makes a wonderful holiday gift or breakfast treat.

Oatmeal Bread

Oatmeal bread is hearty and comforting. Combine 2 cups of bread flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 cup of warm milk. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 10 minutes. Let it rise for 1 hour, shape it into a loaf, and let it rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes until golden brown. This bread is a great way to add some rustic charm to your holiday table.

Cheddar Jalapeño Bread

This bread has a little kick for spice lovers. Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of yeast, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, and 1 diced jalapeño in a bowl. Add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until a dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes, let it rise for 1 hour, then shape it into a loaf. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes. It is a unique holiday bread that pairs well with chili.

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a seasonal classic. In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until combined, then pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. This bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.

Banana Nut Bread

Banana nut bread is a classic treat that is perfect for the holidays. Start by mashing 3 ripe bananas in a large bowl, then mix in 2 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt, stirring until just combined. Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This moist and flavorful bread is a comforting addition to any holiday gathering.

Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is a moist and flavorful way to enjoy vegetables during the holidays. Begin by grating 1 medium zucchini and squeezing out excess moisture with a clean towel. In a large bowl, mix 2 eggs, ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then stir in the grated zucchini until evenly combined. Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This spiced, tender bread is a crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any holiday spread.

Chocolate Chip Bread

Chocolate chip bread is perfect for chocolate lovers. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, combine ½ cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup of milk, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry, then fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes in a greased loaf pan. This sweet bread is a crowd-pleaser during the holidays.

Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

Lemon poppy seed bread is light and citrusy. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sugar, 2 eggs, ⅓ cup of milk, ⅓ cup of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together, then fold in 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. This bread is bright, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.

Herb Focaccia

Herb focaccia is a versatile bread for holiday meals. Mix 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of yeast, and 1 cup of warm water in a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until a sticky dough forms. Let it rise for 1 hour, then press it into a greased baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with rosemary, and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. This bread is soft inside with a crispy top, making it a holiday favorite.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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