BBC Good Food

All posts

What is RSS?

Bread basics and beyond

Posted at 12:02PM, 22 August 2012 by Lily Barclay - Writer, bbcgoodfood.com

Escaping to the kitchen to get lost in the art of bread making, can feel just as indulgent as the first taste of your creation, still warm and smothered in melting butter. From beautifully swirled olive bread to perfectly sculpted prosciutto plaits, we've got recipes for every occasion.

Bread in four easy steps

This is the perfect loaf to master the basics of making bread. Simple steps make it a great one for the kids to help out with too, and they will love dusting the surfaces and kneading the dough. It's also easy to tailor it to your taste, whether that's wholemeal, granary or white.

Bread in four easy steps

Courgette, potato & cheddar bread

The perfect way to use up a garden glut, this comforting cheesy loaf is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Taking only 20 minutes to prepare, this recipe proves that good things don't only come to those who wait...

Courgette potato & cheddar bread recipe

Red onion & rosemary focaccia

A little more patience is required for this loaf, but trust us the results are worth it. Serve alongside an Italian feast and your friends will be swooning. The only problem is that no one will be able to stop at one slice, so you might want to make double.

Red onion & rosemary focaccia recipe

Garlic & prosciutto plait

You don't have to be an expert to make a good, artisan loaf. These pretty prosciutto plaits might look like the product of the professionals, but they are surprisingly simple to prepare. If you are looking for the wow-factor without loads of work then this is the recipe for you.

Garlic & prosciutto plait recipe

Olive bread swirls

These savoury swirls taste as good as they look, and the added anchovies give them a moreish saltiness that's not overpowering. Try serving with salads and a variety of antipasti or alongside soup for a delicious yet simple lunch.

Olive bread swirls recipe

Spiced fruit loaf

It's worth baking a loaf of this for the aroma alone. Start the morning with a toasted slice plus a generous helping of jam, and you'll be feeling smug for the rest of the day. A real treat that should make getting out of bed in the morning that little bit easier for the whole family.

Spiced fruit loaf recipe

Corn & bacon bread

Turn breakfast or brunch into something spectacular with this savoury corn & bacon bread, delicious with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, or simply serve with butter and a good coffee. It's sure to make a special start to the weekend.

Corn & bacon bread recipe

Quick carrot & walnut bread

Love home baked bread but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen? This wholesome, rustic loaf is ready in 40 minutes and is really simple to prepare. It's also a great recipe if you're introducing young chefs to bread making, as the results are guaranteed to be delicious.

Quick carrot & walnut bread recipe

Basil, rosemary & chive flowerpot

A real beauty of a bloomer, this loaf makes a stunning gift or adds a very special touch to the table if you're entertaining guests. It is almost too pretty to tuck into, but we defy you to resist.

Basil, rosemary & chive flowerpot recipe

Artichoke focaccia

The aroma of freshly baked bread, sprinkled with rosemary and rock salt is so good you might just think you're at a bustling Italian market. The added artichokes make it something really special - turn up to a picnic with a loaf of this in your bag, and you'll be the envy of the park.

Artichoke focaccia recipe

From the sweet to the savoury - do you have any top tips or recipes for making bead?

Post a comment

Your email address:

Your binder

Here are three other great reasons to sign up:

• You get an online binder, where you can store all your favourite recipes and create menus.
• You can add your own recipes to this site for others to try; plus, rate and make comments on recipes, and share your views on our blog.
• You can sign up for our weekly newsletter (sent out on Wednesdays) - it's packed with recipes, special offers and competitions.