10 Delicious Types of White Bread

There are many types of white bread, each with its own flavor, texture, and history. From French Baguettes to Japanese Shokupan, explore 10 delicious white breads from around the world.
different kinds of white bread include baguette, pita, plain bagel, sandwich bread and others

White bread is a staple all over the world, but it’s so much more than the simple loaf we all know. Ever found yourself at the bakery, overwhelmed by a sea of the different kinds of white bread? You’re not alone. While it might seem like all white bread is created equal, there’s actually a whole world of fluffy, crusty, and delicious varieties to explore.

From the classic sandwich staple to the crusty baguette, each type of white bread brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a bread lover, a white bread connoisseur, or simply curious about the different kinds available, this list of 10 types of white bread will help expand your choices next time you’re at the bakery or grocery store. 

What is white bread

White breads are types of bread made with wheat flour that has been milled to remove the bran and germ, leaving only the starchy endosperm which is responsible for their light colors, soft textures, and mild flavors, with the other main ingredients of bread that usually include water, yeast or starter, and sometimes milk and fat to add flavor and moisture.
Although they often have less nutrients due to the milling process when compared to whole wheat and rye bread types, white breads are considered a rich source of vitamins, fiber, and minerals like iron and folic acid. Their versatility and affordability have made them a global favorite for centuries and commonly used in everything from dipping sauce and soups to making sandwiches and everything in between.

Different types of white bread

Sandwich white bread on a wooden cutting board
Source: Adobe Stock

Sandwich Bread

A true star among the different types of white bread known as white loaf, the go to choice for everyday use, particularly in sandwiches, as the name suggests. Typically baked in regular rectangular pans, which give it its classic shape and even flat sides easy to slice and ideal for stacking slices of cheese, deli meats or vegetables. Its soft texture and mild flavor make it perfect for showcasing all sorts of delicious fillings and one of the best bread for grilled cheese sandwiches and French toast. No wonder that sandwich bread remains a staple across North America countries with its inexpensive and long shelf life, making it truly earns its place as the king of white bread.

Two-traditional-baguette

Baguette

Baguette, the symbol of French culinary tradition and a part of the Unesco intangible heritage. This long, thin loaf with crispy golden crust and soft, airy interior is one of the most popular kinds of white bread around the world. Made from simple ingredients such as flour, water, salt and yeast or levain. The dough is carefully fermented giving the baguette its open crumb and chewy texture.

The popularity of the baguette lies in its simplicity and taste, which goes well with both sweet and savory meals, making it a perfect accompaniment to many dishes. In France, baguette commonly torn apart and eaten with butter or jam at breakfast, sliced for sandwiches like French ham and butter sandwich, and dipping into soups as well as an accompaniment to cheese platter  and used to make crostini and bruschetta.

Ciabattas on top of cooling racks

Ciabatta

A rustic Italian bread known for its crispy crust and slipper shape, which perfectly describe its flat elongated shape, making it ideal for sandwiches, particularly Italian paninis. What makes ciabatta special? It’s all about the open crumb and chewy texture produced by using biga starter and other basic ingredients. Today, Ciabatta gains popularity around the world thanks to its characteristics and versatility. It is ideal for hearty fillings like meats, cheese, and roasted vegetables, alongside Mediterranean dips, or as a base for bruschetta and grilled cheese. 

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Focaccia

Another traditional Italian bread on our list, this flat, yeast bread stands out by its dimpled top and is often seasoned with olive oil, salt, and Italian herbs, which creates a rich, mouthwatering flavor. The combination of its soft and crispy texture and various toppings make it one of the most popular street foods in Italy which can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Fougasse with basilic

Fougasse

Fougasse, the French twin of Focaccia, is an eye-catching white bread with a chewy texture from Provence that has been baked since Roman times. Fougasse is typically shaped like an ear of wheat stalks or leaves, and it is frequently topped with seasonal spices and ingredients like olive oil, herbs, and vegetables. Aside from its versatility and suitability for a variety of dishes, Fougasse is now a must-have for special and weekend family gatherings due to its visually appealing and rustic appearance. 

the plain bagel

Plain Bagel

Although there are more than 25 types of bagels such as Jerusalem Bagel, which are also considered types of white bread. Plain Bagel stands as the most common variety, with no special seasoning and typically made from white flour, water, yeast, salt and sometimes sugar, and as the others, is often boiled before baking, giving it a chewy texture and soft crust. These characteristics make it well suited to everything from toppings such as cream cheese and smoked salmon to peanut butter and well used as a sandwich base with various toppings, make it a favorite choice in many countries, especially in the United States. 

homemade brioche Nanterre

Brioche

Famous French bread comes from the Normandy region. This rich creation is a delicious cross between pastry and bread, with a tender, fluffy crumb and a golden crust. What makes Brioche so special? Its high butter and egg content, which results in a slightly sweet, buttery flavor, makes it ideal for both sweet and savory dishes, whether you’re making French toast, crafting a burger, or using it as a base for grilled cheese.

Loaves of pita bread on a wooden cutting board

Pita Bread

The oldest white bread on this list and a staple in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, including Turkey, Lebanon, and others. This round, white types of bread is known for its pocket-like structure, perfect for stuffing with your favorite fillings. When cooked, the dough puffs up, creating a pocket inside. As Turkish bazlama, pita bread is often used for wraps or sandwiches, stuffed with ingredients like falafel, shawarma, or grilled meats, and often served along with dips like hummus and baba ghanoush.

Shokupan on a rectangular baking pan
Source: Adobe Stock

Shokupan

Shokupan, also known as Japanese milk bread, is made with a combination of flour, milk, sugar, yeast, butter and salt. This soft, fluffy texture is often eaten as toast or served with butter and jam, its pillowy softness also makes it perfect for sandwiches as Fruits Sando, a Japanese fruit sandwich, or as a side dish for soups and curries.

bolillos

Bolillo

Bolillo is a type of white bread that’s similar to the french baguette but shorter and wider, with a crispy golden-brown crust and a soft fluffy interior. This Mexicain staple is made  from simple ingredients like white flour, water, yeast and salt and commonly used for sandwiches like tortas, a type of Mexican sandwich filled with steaks, sour cream, cheeses, beans, and avocados. Its crusty interior makes it perfect for dipping in soups or simply enjoying with a pat of butter and jam.

Try this: Crispy bolillo recipe

Conclusion 

Now you’ve explored a part of the delightful world of white breads in all its fluffy, crusty glory! From the classic sandwich loaf to the artisan ciabatta and baguette. However, the types of white bread are not limited to this list; there are dozens of others that are not included, including Challah, Scali bread, Piadina, Bazlama and others bread types. Why not challenge yourself to try all ten? So the next time you’re at the bakery, grocery store, or planning a white bread recipe, try a new type of white bread! Who knows, you might find a new favorite.