With these recipes you can make bread as if you were back in the Old Country. A variety of styles and tastes are waiting for you. Some recipes look a little lengthy but do not fear, most of that time is spent hands-off.
1. German Bauernbrot - Farmer's Bread from Germany
J.McGavin
This bread's flavor is enhanced by the addition of a 1/4 cup sourdough culture, but has baker's yeast for the rise. This German "Bauernbrot" or Farmer's Bread is a half day project and tastes quite similar to the bread I used to buy in the bakery in Germany. To get the hard crust, use a steam pan and a spray bottle with water.
2. German Seeded Bread
J.McGavin
If you are looking for a dense, whole grain loaf, this one is about the closest it comes to tasting like a German bakery bread. Based on Peter Reinhart's "Whole Grain Bread" book , it uses 100% whole grains, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame seeds for a dense, moist loaf.
3. Rye Bread - Roggenmischbrot - German Mischbrot
J.McGavin
A conventionally yeasted and baked rye bread contains white and whole wheat flour as well. It keeps well, too. That is if you can keep it and not eat it.
4. Oatmeal Bread Two Ways
J.McGavin
If you are a 100% whole grain fanatic, you're in luck. I've tweaked this oatmeal bread recipe to be 100% whole wheat and oats. The whole grain version does best with an overnight rest in the refrigerator, while the regular version takes just three hours from start to finish. Try both and see which one you like!
5. Turkish Flatbread - Fladenbrot
J.McGavin
Although this is not a "German" bread, it is found all over in Germany, in Turkish run stores and kiosks. Fladenbrot is flat, covered with nigella seeds and it has a certain taste not found elsewhere. It can be round or elongated, and is simple to make. This bread is related to the Italian ciabatta. This recipe calls for an overnight sponge.
6. Overnight Whole Wheat Bread
J.McGavin
Use as a bread for sandwiches or soup. Letting the dough sit on the counter top overnight helps the bran soften and the gluten develop. The result is delicious and holds together well.
7. Swiss Twisted Bread - Wurzelbrot
J.McGavin
A day in the refrigerator does this bread wonders, creating tastes that you don't often get in white bread, and an airy crumb, too. Related to a bread called "Pain a l'Ancienne" it takes very little hands-on time. Here are the step by step instructions as well as the recipe.
8. Pumpernickel
J.McGavin
A difficult bread to recreate at home, this recipe is not true pumpernickel but does try to mimic the taste of that traditional dark rye. The bread is not steamed like true pumpernickel, so this bread can be finished in an afternoon.
9. Sweet Breads and Rolls
J.McGavin
Take a look at these sweet breads, some with whole wheat and some with white flours. Fillings are very common in German Sweet Breads, and most are flavored with vanilla and lemon zest.
- Braided Sweet Bread
- Braided Sweet Bread with Whole Wheat
- Sweet, Giant Pretzel
- Milchhoernchen - Children love these crescent rolls.
- Easter Bunny Rolls
10. Rolls and Buns
J.McGavin
For breakfast or brunch, there's no treat like a fresh German "Brötchen".
- Sunflower Seed Rolls are made with rye and white flours and a little sourdough.
- This "Brötchen", aka "Wecke" or "Semmel" is as to Germany as a croissant is to France.
- Bread Wreaths made from rolls are very popular for parties and other celebrations.
11. Great Bread Spreads
J.McGavin
Bread, it's not just for butter, anymore. Try these delicious spreads and you will be happy you did.
