40 Bread Products to Stop Buying and Start Making

Are you a fan of buying pre-packaged bread products from the store? If so, you’re not alone. However, you may not know that making these products at home can be quite simple and save you money in the process.

homemade bread

Bread products are a staple in most households but they can also be a major expense. Not only that but they aren’t always the best for your health.

The good news? Most bread products are easy to make yourself from scratch – and they’re much better for your health, too.

Let’s take a closer look!

Homemade French Bread

This recipe only needs 4 ingredients, making it great for long-term disasters, where you may need to dig into your survival stockpile. Get the instructions here.

Bagels

Bagels taste great with a thick swath of cream cheese or peanut butter – but the store bought ones are expensive and loaded with fillers. Here’s a good recipe to try instead!

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 T. yeast
  • 2 T. sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • toppings like sesame seeds, dried fruits, dried onions or chives, poppy seeds, 1/2 cup of your favorite jam
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 T. water
  • 6 cups boiling water
  • 3 T. sugar

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, pour in water and yeast.
  2. Stir to dissolve, and add sugar.
  3. Leave for 5 minutes to “proof” yeast.
  4. Add in salt and flour and mix well. Knead with either your hands or a dough hook for 10 minutes to develop gluten in the flour.
  5. If you want to add ingredients, now is the time.
  6. Mix your add-ins to the dough. You can also divide in 1/2, and make two different flavors.
  7. Allow the dough to rise in a covered bowl for about an hour.
  8. After the dough has risen, remove from the bowl and divide into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, squash down, and poke a hole in the middle.
  9. Allow dough to rise for 10 minutes.
  10. Meanwhile, bring the water and sugar to a boil, and preheat the oven to 450° F (232° C).
  11. When the sugar water is boiling, carefully add in one bagel at a time, leave for 30 seconds, and flip to the other side for 30 seconds.
  12. Remove from the water and place on a greased cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining bagels.
  13. Mix together the egg white and water and brush the top of the bagels.
  14. Sprinkle toppings on.
  15. Place in oven for 20-25 minutes.

Honey Wheat Bread

Honey will add a really unique flavor to your homemade bread. It’s so good you’ll eat it as is, without anything else. Check out my recipe.

Hamburger Buns

Sure, you can eat hamburgers or cheeseburgers between two slices of sandwich bread – but that’s going to get soggy in a hurry.

Here’s an alternative to consider if you’re ready to start making your own hamburger buns at home!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 T. yeast
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or you can use a mix of white and wheat)
  • 1 egg white (optional)
  • 1 T. water (optional)
  • 2 T. sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water, and add honey and cooled melted butter.
  2. Allow to “proof” for 5 minutes, then add egg, flour and salt.
  3. Knead with a dough hook or by hand for 10 minutes.
  4. Break dough into 8-10 buns, shape into disks and flatten slightly.
  5. If you want to add sesame seeds, brush with the egg white and water mixture and sprinkle sesame seeds.
  6. Allow the dough to rest while you heat the oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden.
  8. Cool completely.

You can use this recipe to make hot dog buns as well, just shape the dough into logs before baking.

Bread Sticks

Bread sticks go great with just about any pizza or pasta dish – make this recipe to see for yourself!

  • 1 T. dry yeast (or one packet)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, or melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 cups wheat flour
  • 2 T. melted butter

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
  2. Add the honey and oil and stir.
  3. Add the salt to the flour, and add in 1/2 cup increments while mixing.
  4. Knead by hand or mixer for about 10 minutes.
  5. Let rise in a warm place until doubled, about an hour.
  6. Punch down, and shape into sticks, and using a sharp knife, slice carefully down the middle of the stick, about 1/4″ down.
  7. Brush sticks with 2T. melted butter and place in a 400 °F (200 °C) oven to bake for 20 minutes.
  8. To make garlic sticks, add 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the melted butter and brush on the sticks.
  9. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for a delicious treat!

Cool, and remove from pans. Enjoy!

Bread Crumbs

Stop buying those tubs of packaged bread crumbs at the store! It’s easier than you might think to make your own. Here’s a simple recipe to try.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups dry bread crumbs
  • 1 T. garlic powder
  • 1 T. onion powder
  • 1 tsp celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 3/4 tsp marjoram
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 cup parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  1. Begin by leaving bread out, uncovered for 6-8 hours or overnight. “Flopped” bread recipes are great for this as well.
  2. Tear the bread into chunks and place in a food processor and process until fine crumbs. You can use a blender for this as well, blending small amounts at a time.
  3. Mix crumbs with seasonings and oil, stir well and spread on a cookie sheet.
  4. Bake at 250 °F (120 °C) for 15 minutes, stirring every 5. Store in an airtight container.

Pita Pockets

Pita pockets are a lower-calorie alternative to traditional bread. They’re lighter, airier, and perfect for stuffing with ingredients like falafel, sprouts – whatever you have in mind!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 T. melted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 tsp dry yeast

Instructions

  1. Mix together water, butter, salt and sugar.
  2. Add in 1 cup of flour and yeast, and stir to mix.
  3. Add remaining flour by cupfuls and mix together well. You want a soft dough, that feels “just a bit sticky”.
  4. Don’t over add flour, or you will have a tough pita.
  5. Allow to rise in a covered bowl for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Punch down, and remove to lightly floured counter.
  7. Cut into 8 pieces, and roll each piece into a ball.
  8. With a rolling pin, roll the dough balls out to a large circle, about 1/4″ thick.
  9. Cover with a damp cloth, and allow to rise for 30 minutes. They will begin to get “puffy”. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 500 °F (260 °C).
  10. Place the rounds, two at a time, directly on the middle rack. Bake for 4 minutes. Any longer and the bread could dry out and not be pliable.
  11. Remove from the rack, and wrap each pita in slightly damp paper or cloth napkins. This will get moisture back into the pitas.
  12. Allow to cool thoroughly.
  13. Cut pitas in 1/2, split open carefully and stuff as desired.

Challah Bread

A tasty yet simple bread, challah has a delicate flavor and gorgeous appearance that’s only accentuated by the elegant braiding technique.

Here’s a recipe to follow – and don’t worry. If the braiding intimidates you, you can just bake up a simple loaf without the complex patterns!

English Muffins

English muffins can be hard to make – especially when you’re trying to nail all those trademark nooks and crannies. This recipe makes things a bit easier.

Banana Bread

There’s really no reason at all to buy banana bread at the store. This recipe uses up your overripe bananas and turns them into one of the best desserts imaginable.

Garlic Pull Apart Bread

Nothing completes a spaghetti dinner quite like a loaf of aromatic garlic bread. Here’s a soft, savory recipe to try.

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia is a great accompaniment to any pasta meal – or to use as a sandwich bread in and of itself. Give this savory recipe with herbs a try today.

Flour Tortillas

Tortillas are essential for tacos, quesadillas, and all kinds of other tasty meals. Save yourself some money and give this simple recipe a try.

French Bread

Who doesn’t love French bread? Although you can buy a loaf for just a few dollars at the bakery, this recipe is so simple you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.

Sourdough Bread

Although sourdough bread is a type of bread, technically, and not its own bread product, I believe it should be categorized totally separately! It’s absolutely delicious. Plus, you don’t have to have any yeast to make it. Here’s an easy recipe.

Cinnamon Apple Bread

Rather than buying loaves of this breakfast staple at the store just give this easy DIY recipe a try! It’s great with a cup of coffee.

Potato Bread

Potato bread might not be everyone’s favorite kind of bread, but I think it’s great for sandwiches. Here’s a simple recipe.

Zucchini Bread

Zucchini bread is another simple kind of bread product that you can make at home. It’s great for the influx of zucchini you’re sure to have in the middle of the growing season! Give this recipe a try.

Quick Rise Buns

If you need some buns to go with your dinner party entree, these substitutes are ready to go in just about no time. They don’t need to rise at all! Check out the recipe here.

Monkey Bread

I won’t monkey around with you on this one – monkey bread is one of my favorite breakfast breads to eat. It’s soft, it’s sweet, and it’s undeniably sticky. Take a look at the recipe here!

Cornbread

Sure, you can buy a package of cornbread mix from the store and whip it up fast. However, have you taken a look at the ingredients’ list on those packages lately? It’s enough to make you shudder! Instead, give this homemade cornbread recipe a try.

Gluten Free Bread

If you’re gluten-free, then most of the recipes on this list won’t exactly be practical for you. This recipe for gluten-free bread makes things a bit easier!

Garlic Knots

One of my favorite things about going out to dinner at my favorite Italian restaurants? The garlic knots that go with the pasta! This recipe is incredibly easy to make – it takes less than half an hour for these bad boys to be ready.

Buttermilk Biscuits

Are you still making biscuits out of that pop-top Pillsbury can? Stop! You can make biscuits way better by making them from scratch.

Biscuits aren’t just for breakfast, either. You can eat biscuits and gravy for any meal of the day! Give this recipe a try.

Pretzels

Is there anything better than a warm, homemade pretzel dipped into some tangy mustard or some cheese sauce? I think not! Follow this recipe for easy homemade soft pretzels here.

Croissants

Croissants aren’t the easiest bread products to make from scratch – but they’re worth the effort. Light, flaky, and absolutely delicious, here’s a recipe for croissants that you just have to try.

Cinnamon Rolls

Although I tend to serve cinnamon rolls on special occasions, like Christmas or Easter, these are so delicious you’ll probably find yourself snacking on them at least once a week. Here’s a simple recipe to follow!

Soda Bread

Looking for another bread recipe that forgoes yeast? This recipe is a great one to try. It relies on buttermilk and baking soda to do the lifting instead.

Breadsticks

What’s better than warm, pillowy breadsticks? Not much! That’s why I’m including this alternative breadstick recipe in case you didn’t love the one from before. Here’s my go-to recipe.

Pizza Crust

Pizza crust is another bread product that you should learn how to make for yourself at home.

The beauty of it is that any recipe you’re going to use will start with the same ingredients – things like yeast, flour, salt, water, and oil.

Then, you can spice it up as you see fit! Check out the basic recipe here to get started.

Naan Bread

Although it’s not a staple in everyone’s cupboard, naan bread is a frugal and simple bread that cooks up fast in a skillet. Here’s a recipe!

Lefse

Lefse is a kind of Norwegian potato crepe that’s absolutely perfect for breakfast (or even dinner since it contains potatoes!). Here’s a recipe to make it taste great each and every time.

Flatbread

If you’re going to enjoy a few gyros, you need to make sure your flatbread recipe is on point. Here’s a simple recipe to follow.

Bubble Top Brioche

You can make your own miniature brioche loaves in muffin tins! How cute is that? Check out the recipe here.

Waffles

There’s nothing quite like waffles to start the week off right! Here’s a quick recipe to make things easier on you.

Pancake Mix

Rather than buying store bought all-purpose pancake mix, use this recipe instead. You’ll save money – plus, you’ll never have to worry about running out.

Muffin Mix

The beauty of this muffin mix recipe is that you don’t need to run to the store for ingredients – you probably already have everything you need in your pantry.

Plus, you can add any of your favorite mix-ins, like blueberries, chocolate chips, or bananas!

Donuts

Again, donuts are considered by most people to be deserts – but they’re still breakfast bread staples in many households! Here’s an easy recipe for homemade donuts that you’ve got to master.

Sub Rolls

We like eating submarine sandwiches a few nights a month for dinner – but those long six or 12 inch rolls that you buy at the store can get expensive! Here’s a recipe that will help teach you how to make your own.

Oh, and if you’re not familiar with the lingo – some people call these hoagies!

Breakfast Danish Recipe

I prefer the classic cheese danish, but some people like raspberry, apple cinnamon, or other fillings instead. No matter what filling suits your fancy, this recipe will teach you how to make this bread product with ease.

Easy Panini Bread

Here’s another recipe for sandwiches – this time, paninis – that is sure to inspire you to start baking ASAP. The biggest advantage of this one? There’s no kneading required!

Lavash Bread

This lavash bread is totally lavish – excuse the pun! A Middle Eastern staple, it’s also quite easy to make. Find out more here.

Scones

Another breakfast staple, these scones come together quickly.

Crackers

Whether you’re eating them with a steaming hot bowl of soup, with a few slices of cheese, or just as a snack by themselves, the recipe for these crackers is sure to amaze you.

Hot Dog Buns

No barbeque is complete without hot dogs – and this recipe is about as easy as can be.

Texas Toast

Texas Toast can be used for sandwiches, eggs, or as a side to pasta dishes. However You choose to eat it, make sure you whip up a double batch so there’s plenty of this homemade bread product to go around. The recipe can be found here.

Cake Mix

Stop buying boxed cake mixes! This simple recipe will provide you with enough to have plenty on hand for emergencies – you know, for when you feel like eating a cake.

Is it Less Expensive to Make Your Own Bread?

The benefits of making your own bread – and all of these bread products – are numerous.

Not only will you save money by not having to buy bread at the store, but you’ll also improve your health.

The cheapest store brand loaves of white bread are loaded with preservatives and other highly processed ingredients like sucrose and fructose.

Instead, you should make your own bread products. You’ll taste a noticeable difference – and plus, making these tasty treats is a great way to fill your spare time with the family!

making bread products pin

last update: Jan 11th 2022 by Rebekah Pierce

28 thoughts on “40 Bread Products to Stop Buying and Start Making”

  1. Okay, YUM! I have been wanting to make my own bread for awhile, just haven’t taken the leap yet. Those buns look amazing!

  2. Chelle @ oh just stop already

    The teen’s been harassing me for years to try and make bagels from scratch. Guess this is just the push I needed to let her have her way in the kitchen again. Thanks!

  3. I just started making my own sandwich bread again. Truthfully, I forgot how easy it can be. Thank you for so many great recipes. I’ll be trying these for sure.

  4. Jennifer-Mommy Life After Ph.D.

    I found you on the link up! Thanks for sharing this, I’m always on the lookout for a good bread recipe. My own foray into bread baking has been largely unsuccessful. Maybe I can handle these, though!!!:)

  5. And for those who just can’t make bread, find someone who can and barter. As the wife of a profession cook/baker, I had my share of teachers; still my product could be lacquered and made into walkway stones. lol For those who can, do enjoy because nothing tastes like homemade; for those who can’t, you have been given other skills which someone else doesn’t have. 😉

  6. Annie @ Montana Homesteader

    I would love to try making bagels with this recipe! I tried making them years ago and they didn’t turn out too well and I haven’t attempted it since. I’m definitely going to give this a try!

  7. Yummy! I would have never thought to make my own bagels! I got a bread maker for Christmas and haven’t bought a single loaf of bread since (pretty proud of that actually lol) but I definitely break the rules when it comes things like buns. Thanks for giving me the courage to try!

  8. The recipe for the hamburger buns and bagels is missing! I tried pulling it up on my computer and my phones browser and it’s just gone!

  9. Thank you for your recipes. I love the Bagels. So simple and delicious .

    I went to make the Bread Sticks, but it doesn’t have the water measurement. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely , Laura V

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