Use code TRIPLE10 to save $10 on your first three grocery orders.

Sourdough and Beyond: Easy Homemade Bread Recipes for Cold Days

Craving that perfect loaf of sourdough? Whether you're a beginner or a bread pro, this guide has all the tips, tricks, and recipes to help you bake your dream bread at home. Ready to get your starter bubbling? Click here to start your sourdough journey!
Sourdough and Beyond: Easy Homemade Bread Recipes for Cold Days
Sourdough and Beyond: Easy Homemade Bread Recipes for Cold Days
SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
GO TO BLOG
Love This Recipe?
SideChef
Welcome to SideChef's original recipes. Created from scratch in the SideChef Kitchen, where recipe inspiration and ingredient experimentation is a way of life.
GO TO BLOG

Nothing says “cozy vibes” like the smell of fresh bread wafting through the house on a crisp winter day. So, while the cold might keep us indoors, we say: why not make the most of it with some hands-on bread baking? Whether you're a bread newbie or a seasoned dough slinger, winter is the perfect time to get cozy with homemade loaves. From the tangy bite of sourdough to easy no-knead wonders, let’s dig into the bread-baking magic that will keep you warm and satisfied.

Why Sourdough is So Special 🍞


Sourdough is like the Beyoncé of the bread world. It's got the crispy crust, the chewy center, and that delicious tang that makes you want to take another bite. Why does it have that mouthwatering sourness? It’s all thanks to the magic of fermentation (you know, the wild yeast and bacteria doing their thing). Plus, sourdough is gentler on the stomach, making it a fan favorite for bread lovers.

Ready to dive into the world of sourdough? It’s a little tricky at first, but oh-so-worth it when that golden, tangy bread is finally out of the oven. The beauty of sourdough? It’s totally customizable, so you can make it your own—whether you like it extra tangy or with a soft, fluffy crumb.

Not sure how to kickstart your sourdough journey? We’ve got you covered. Our step-by-step guide will have your starter bubbling away like a pro: Make Your Own Sourdough Starter

So, what are you waiting for? Slip on that apron, get your hands messy, and let’s bake some bread that’ll make your kitchen smell like heaven!

1. Sourdough Bread: The Classic Loaf

Basic Sourdough Bread

Ful-Filled

Kick off your bread-baking journey with the ultimate classic—sourdough. A golden, crunchy crust with an airy, soft center. It's like a warm, chewy hug from the inside. Once your starter's ready, this bread practically bakes itself—just a bit of kneading and some cozy proofing, and you’ll have a loaf worthy of your kitchen counter.

Recipe Idea: Rustic Sourdough Loaf – The ultimate beginner-friendly recipe that turns your starter into a loaf with chewy goodness in every bite.

2. No-Knead Bread: The Effortless Artisan

Fraudulently Easy Sourdough

Lady and Pups

Feel like being an artisan but don’t have the time? No problem! No-knead bread lets you get that bakery-style crust with zero effort. Mix the ingredients, let the dough rest overnight, and pop it in a hot pot. Voila—effortless bread that tastes like it took all day.

Explore our favorite no-knead recipes here: No-Knead Bread Collection

Recipe Idea: Herbed No-Knead Loaf – Just add a handful of fresh herbs and let your oven work the magic. The scent alone will keep you warm all winter.

3. Focaccia: For the Olive Oil Lovers

Italian Focaccia Bread

Vincenzo's Plate

Want a bread that’s as beautiful as it is tasty? Focaccia is the way to go! This Italian bread is perfect for those days when you want to bake something special without too much hassle. Drizzle olive oil, sprinkle rosemary, and create those signature dimples to capture all the flavor. Soft, airy, and crispy all at once—this Italian bread is the MVP for winter meals.

Recipe Idea: Cherrytomatoes and Honey Focaccia – Dip it in olive oil or top it with cherry tomatoes for an extra flavor pop.

4. Soda Bread: Quick, Easy, and Perfect with Stew

Classic Brown Soda Bread

Homemade and Wholesome

Short on time but craving something fresh? Soda bread is your new best friend. No yeast required, just baking soda to get that rise. Dense and hearty, it’s the perfect bread to go with those rich winter stews. Bonus: it’s ready in under an hour! You can also add in raisins, oats, or a little molasses to give it a unique twist.

Recipe Idea: Irish Brown Soda Bread – A little sweetness, a little hearty crunch. Toast it up for a warm winter treat.

5. Brioche: The Sweet Treat You Deserve

Homemade Brioche Loaves

Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen

When you want a bread that feels a little more indulgent, brioche is the one. This bread has a rich, almost cake-like quality thanks to butter and eggs, which makes it deliciously soft and slightly sweet. Great for breakfast or as a side to savory dishes, brioche is a treat you can enjoy all winter long. Think of it as the cozy, fluffy sweater of breads.

Recipe Idea: Classic Brioche Loaf – The perfect treat for French toast or a slice with your morning coffee.

6. Rye Bread: Hearty and Flavorful

Deli-Style Rye Bread

A Hint of Rosemary

Rye bread is the bold, earthy bread your winter meals have been waiting for. Whether with caraway seeds or just the rye flour, this hearty loaf pairs wonderfully with stews and cheeses, adding that perfect “comfort food” touch.

Recipe Idea: Irish Rye Bread – A simple yet hearty bread to complement your winter spread. Irish Rye Bread Recipe

7. Challah: Sweet and Soft

Challah

Fool Proof Living

Challah is the bread that says “winter indulgence.” Sweet, soft, and fluffy, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a side to savory dishes. Whether it’s French toast or simply toasted with butter, you’ll fall in love with its comforting texture.

Recipe Idea: Classic Challah Loaf – Ideal for French toast or just slathered in butter for a cozy start to your day.

8. Ciabatta: Light and Crispy

Homemade Ciabatta Bread

Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen

Ciabatta is known for its airy crumb and crunchy crust. This Italian bread, with its perfect pockets of air, is great for making sandwiches or simply dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar. While it requires a bit of patience for the dough to rise, the result is worth it—a crispy and chewy bread with great flavor.

Recipe Idea: No-Knead Ciabatta – The perfect ciabatta with no kneading. Easy and delicious.

9. Garlic Bread: Buttery and Flavorful

Herby Garlic Bread from Scratch

Olive and Artisan

Can you really ever have too much garlic bread? With its buttery, garlicky goodness and crispy crust, garlic bread is the winter sidekick you didn’t know you needed. Pair it with pasta, soup, or even eat it solo—it’s always a win.

Recipe Idea: Easy Garlic Bread – Garlic, butter, bread—what’s not to love? Ready in minutes.

10. Pumpernickel: Rich and Earthy

Pumpernickel Seed and Nut Crisps

Compelled to Cook

Pumpernickel is the rich, hearty bread your cold-weather sandwiches have been waiting for. It’s got that sweet-tangy flavor and a dense, satisfying texture that makes it perfect for pairing with cheese or cold cuts. It’s rich in fiber and perfect for those looking for a more robust bread option.

Recipe Idea: A dark, hearty bread with just the right balance of sweetness and earthiness.

11. Sandwich Bread: Soft, Pillowy Perfection

Super Easy Soft Sandwich Bread

A Hint of Rosemary

When it comes to sandwiches, nothing beats a homemade loaf of soft, fluffy sandwich bread. Think of it as the perfect foundation for your favorite fillings—whether it’s a classic PB&J, turkey and cheese, or even a veggie-packed masterpiece. The texture is key: light, airy, and just the right amount of chew. And the best part? You can customize it to your taste, from adding a hint of sweetness to making it extra buttery.

Recipe Idea: Classic Sandwich Loaf – Light, fluffy, and versatile, this loaf will hold up to any filling you throw at it, without overpowering the flavors inside. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

12. French Baguette: The Crispy, Chewy Classic

Easy Homemade Baguettes

Compelled to Cook

Crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—there’s something about a French baguette that makes it the ultimate winter comfort bread. Whether you're pairing it with soup, using it for sandwiches, or just enjoying it with a pat of butter, the baguette's distinctive long, golden form and delicious flavor are a must-bake for any bread lover. While it can be a bit tricky to master (hello, those elusive perfectly crunchy crusts!), the reward is absolutely worth it.

Recipe Idea: Classic French Baguette – With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you can bake up a batch of perfect baguettes that rival anything you’d find at your local boulangerie. Bonus points for the mouthwatering smell that’ll fill your kitchen!

Whether you’re kneading your way to sourdough greatness or letting a no-knead miracle happen overnight, baking bread this winter is your ticket to a cozy kitchen and a full belly.

So, throw on that apron, crank up the oven, and get ready for a season of warm, carb-filled happiness. Show us your bread creations in the comments—we're ready to drool over your doughy masterpieces!

Happy Baking

Get weekly recipes, grocery shopping, meal planning, and home-cooking inspiration sent straight in your inbox
Will be used in accordance with our PRIVACY POLICY.
HOT TAKES
Lunch Break: Healthy Banana Bread to Start Your New Year Guilt-Free
LEARN COOK EAT
The Biga, the Better: Baking with Fermented Dough
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
How to Care for Your Dutch Oven
TRIED & TESTED
Making Auntie Anne Proud: Baking Soda to Butter Baths
LEARN COOK EAT
10 Ancient Grains You Need in Your Life
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
Basic Sourdough Starter Guide
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
Basic Sourdough Bread Guide
TIPS & TRICKS
How to Start Your Own Sourdough Starter: A Step-by-Step Guide
HOT TAKES
Lunch Break: Healthy Banana Bread to Start Your New Year Guilt-Free
We all love warm, satisfying banana bread, especially during colder days. What if you can make your banana bread a lot healthier without sacrificing any flavor? We believe this version tastes even better than your regular ones!
LEARN COOK EAT
The Biga, the Better: Baking with Fermented Dough
Take your dough to the next level with the secrets behind this Italian baking technique that results in extra light and healthy bread!
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
How to Care for Your Dutch Oven
Tips for keeping your dutch oven in tip-top shape and our favorite recipes to make in them.
TRIED & TESTED
Making Auntie Anne Proud: Baking Soda to Butter Baths
Making Auntie Anne's soft pretzels can be pretty hard. My journey from basic mall rat to an at-home culinary scientist.
LEARN COOK EAT
10 Ancient Grains You Need in Your Life
Ancient grains are the kind of healthy carbohydrates you want in your life.
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
Basic Sourdough Starter Guide
Building a sourdough starter is one of the most satisfying culinary adventures that you can embark on.
WHAT TO READ THIS WEEK
Basic Sourdough Bread Guide
This guide will empower you to master the ancient process of combining flour, water & salt together to create beautiful, naturally leavened loaves of bread.
TIPS & TRICKS
How to Start Your Own Sourdough Starter: A Step-by-Step Guide
Don't have a sourdough starter passed down through your family? No problem. We have just the tips for you to start your own traditions!