Bread isn’t just food—it’s culture, comfort, and connection baked into a warm loaf. Whether it’s the crackle of a classic French baguette , the dreamy softness of Japanese milk bread , or the indulgent swirls of chocolate-studded brioche, bread brings people together around the world.
On this World Bread Day , let’s honor the magic of homemade bread with three delicious and beginner-friendly recipes. Roll up your sleeves, dust your counter with flour, and let the aroma of fresh bread fill your home!




1.
Classic French Baguette







Crispy crust, soft airy crumb – the traditional Parisian loaf.




Ingredients (Makes 3 baguettes)

• 500g bread flour


• 350ml warm water


• 2 tsp instant yeast


• 2 tsp salt


• 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for better fermentation)

Method

Activate yeast: Mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Rest 10 mins till frothy.

Form dough: Add flour and salt. Mix until shaggy dough forms.

Knead: 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise: Cover bowl; rest 1 hour until doubled.

Shape: Divide into 3. Roll each into 14-inch logs with tapered ends.

Proof: Put on floured cloth or tray; cover and rise 30–40 mins.

Score & Steam Bake

• Preheat oven to 240°C (465°F). Place tray with water at bottom for steam.


• Score baguettes with 3–4 diagonal cuts.


• Bake 20–22 minutes until golden.

Tip: Spray water on loaves before baking for extra crust.








2. Soft Milk Bread (Japanese Shokupan)







Written By Chef Kailash Singh Sous Chef at BarNaan Brookfield , US




Fluffy, pillow-soft loaf – perfect for sandwiches or toast.




Ingredients

• 350g bread flour


• 25g sugar


• 5g salt


• 5g instant yeast


• 1 egg


• 150ml warm milk


• 30g room temp butter


• 30ml cream or extra milk

Method

Mix: Combine flour, sugar, salt, yeast. Add egg, milk, and cream. Mix into dough.

Knead: 10–12 minutes until smooth, stretchy.

Add butter: Knead in at the end. Dough becomes silky.

First Rise: 60 minutes until doubled.

Shape: Divide into 3 balls, roll each flat, fold, then roll and place in loaf tin.

Proof: 50–60 minutes till dough reaches the top of tin.

Bake: 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. Brush with butter after baking.

Tip: Add 1 tbsp milk powder for extra softness.








3. Chocolate Swirl Bread (Eggless Option Included)







Written by Chef Avinash Gupta Head Bakery and Pastry Chef at SEED & BLOOM , Abu Dhabi




Rich, soft bread with luscious chocolate swirl. Perfect for dessert lovers.




Ingredients




For dough:

• 300g all-purpose flour


• 50g sugar


• 7g instant yeast


• 150ml warm milk


• 40g butter


• 1 egg (or 3 tbsp yogurt for eggless)


• 1 tsp vanilla


• Pinch of salt

For filling:

• 2 tbsp butter


• 3 tbsp cocoa powder


• 3 tbsp sugar


• ¼ cup grated dark chocolate (optional)

Method

Make dough: Mix dry ingredients. Add milk, egg/yogurt, vanilla, butter. Knead till smooth.

Rise: 1 hour.

Prepare filling: Mix cocoa, butter, sugar into a paste.

Shape:

• Roll dough into rectangle


• Spread filling + chocolate


• Roll like a log


• Slice in half lengthwise → twist into braid

Final rise: 30–40 minutes.

Bake: 180°C (350°F) for 28–30 minutes.

Tip: Brush sugar syrup on top after baking for shine.