Bread 101: What Makes Whole Wheat Different Than Sourdough?

Ciabatta (which translates to slipper!) is an Italian bread made with wheat flour, salt, yeast, and water. Though it’s texture and crust vary slightly throughout Italy, the essential ingredients remain the same. Ciabatta is best for sandwiches and paninis, naturally.

Try it in Caprese Garlic Bread from Delish.

Unlike white bread, whole-wheat bread is made from flour that uses almost the entire wheat grain—with the bran and germ in tact. This means more nutrients and fiber per slice! This bread is also great for sandwiches or, my personal favorite, egg in a hole.

Try it in Avocado Toast 6 Ways from Delish.

Sourdough is a yeasted bread made from a starter — a fermented mixture of flour and water that makes many batches of bread. In fact, it can be kept for a VERY long time! The resulting loaf has a substantial crust with a soft, chewy center and large air bubbles. It makes a BOMB grilled cheese!

Try it in Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread from Delish.

Rye bread is made with a combination of bread flour and rye flour, giving it an assertive rye flavor and a tight crumb. Caraway or dill seeds are often added for an earthy flavor. Rye bread is what gives pastrami and corned beef sandwiches their signature flavor.

Try it cut into strips and toasted with Baked Reuben Dip from Delish.

Originating in the Middle East, pita is a leavened flatbread made of wheat flour. They are cooked at high temperatures, causing the liquid in the dough to escape. This forms a large air bubble in the center, which becomes a pocket when cut in half — great for a hand-held falafel sandwich. They’re also perfect for dipping when cut into wedges and toasted.

Try it with this easy Homemade Falafel recipe from Delish.

Focaccia is an Italian bread typically baked flat, in a baking sheet or pan. The dough is similar to pizza dough, and is sometimes flavored with fresh herbs and garlic. Often it’s coated with olive oil before baking for a distinctly delicate yet crunchy crust. It’s often enjoyed on its own, but it’s also great for dipping in soup or served with meat and cheese.

Try it in Apple & Sausage Focaccia Stuffing from Delish.

Multigrain bread is exactly what it sounds like: Bread loaded with grains like barley, flax, millet, and oats. Multigrain is super hearty, with a rich earthy flavor. Perfect for your morning avocado toast.

Try it in our Avocado Egg In A Hole from Delish.

Brioche is a French bread made with eggs and butter. It’s super light, with a tight crumb and subtle sweetness. It has a completely soft crust that gets its golden hue from an egg wash applied just before baking. Wanna make the best French toast ever? Brioche is the way to go.

Try it in Peanut Butter Stuffed French Toast from Delish.

Follow Delish on Instagram.