Whether you are looking for a delicious sandwich bread or a hearty side dish, dark rye bread is a great option.
It is packed with flavor and has a dense, chewy texture that is perfect for satisfying hunger.
While you can find dark rye bread at most supermarkets, there is nothing quite like homemade bread.
And luckily, it is not difficult to make!
In this collection, you will find 21 of the best dark rye bread recipes.
From traditional loaves to creative twists on the classic, there is something for everyone.
So whether you are a seasoned baker or just getting started, give one of these recipes a try.
21 Best Dark Rye Bread Recipes
Dark rye bread is so delicious and flavorful, it could almost be considered a dessert.
But it’s not!
It’s just a delicious loaf of deliciousness.
These recipes will make you want to eat your weight in delicious, satisfyingly dense loaves.
Here are 21 of the best dark rye bread recipes:
Dark Rye Sourdough Bread With Molasses and Caraway
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/2744449764853242/If you haven’t tried to add molasses and caraway to your dark rye sourdough bread, you’re missing out!
The molasses adds a deep, rich flavor to the bread that is perfect for hearty sandwiches.
The caraway seeds give the bread a slight crunch and add a wonderful depth of flavor.
This bread is perfect for satisfying hunger and makes a great side dish for any meal.
Here are 5 ways to add extra flavor to this bread:
- Spread some butter on your slice of bread for a richer flavor.
- Add a slice of cheese to your sandwich for a savory twist.
- Make a grilled cheese sandwich with dark rye sourdough bread for a classic comfort food.
- Use dark rye sourdough bread as the base for a savory bread pudding.
- Toast a slice of dark rye sourdough bread and top with your favorite fruit preserves.
Dark Pumpernickel Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/37647346874393463/Honestly, dark pumpernickel rye bread is a classic for a reason.
It’s delicious, and it’s pretty easy to make too.
If you want to get creative, you could try adding some dried fruit or nuts to the bread dough before baking.
This would add some extra flavor and texture to the bread.
If you’re looking for something to serve with your dark rye bread, why not try a hearty soup or stew?
The dense, chewy texture of the bread will complement the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
One thing to keep in mind is that dark rye bread can be quite dense and heavy.
If you’re not used to eating bread like this, you might want to start with a smaller slice.
Dark Rye Bread from JoCooks
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/22518066877418716/I was surprised to see cocoa powder listed as an ingredient in this dark rye bread recipe, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it.
Cocoa powder gives the bread a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the caraway seeds.
The cornmeal adds a nice crunch to the bread, and the molasses gives it a touch of sweetness.
This bread would be delicious served with a hearty soup or stew, or even sliced and served with cheese as a simple appetizer.
If you wanted to get really creative, you could even use it as the base for a savory bread pudding.
No-Knead Rustic Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/199073246021092843/Who has time to knead bread these days?
This no-knead rustic rye bread is the perfect solution for anyone looking for a delicious, homemade bread without all the hassle.
Made with dark rye flour and bread flour, this bread has a hearty texture and rich flavor that is perfect for satisfying hunger.
Add your favorite toppings or enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite meal.
Here are 3 things to consider when making this recipe:
- If you want a lighter bread, you can substitute some of the dark rye flour for all-purpose flour.
- This bread is best served warm, so be sure to reheat it before serving.
- You can add your favorite toppings to the bread, or enjoy it as is with a little butter or jam.
Heidelberg Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/370421138107754219/If you haven’t tried this simple and delicious recipe for dark rye bread, you are missing out!
This bread has a dense, chewy texture and is packed with flavor.
It is perfect for satisfying hunger and makes a great side dish.
You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
I like to add a teaspoon of caraway seeds for a little extra flavor.
This bread is also a great option for a hearty side dish.
Try serving it with roasted vegetables or a hearty soup.
Russian Borodinsky Dark Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/448952656616999177/Dark cocoa powder makes this loaf of dark rye bread extra rich and flavorful.
The wholemeal flour and caraway seeds give it a hearty texture that is perfect for satisfying hunger.
Enjoy it as a delicious sandwich bread or a hearty side dish.
Here are 5 ingredients that can make your dark rye bread even more delicious:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Grated cheese
- Minced onions
- Crushed garlic
- Chopped bacon
Homemade Dark Rye Bread from SimplyRecipes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/38351034319747474/I love the way dark rye bread looks and tastes, and it’s perfect for satisfying hunger.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, and the end result is a delicious and chewy bread that is packed with flavor.
I highly recommend trying this recipe!
If you’re looking for a way to customize your dark rye bread, try adding some cocoa powder to the flour mixture.
This will give the bread a richer flavor and a beautiful dark color.
You could also add some caraway seeds to the dough for a traditional flavor.
Dark rye bread is a great side dish for almost any meal.
It pairs well with soup or stew, and it’s also delicious with a simple smear of butter.
If you’re looking for a heartier option, try slicing the bread and topping it with your favorite deli meat or cheese.
One thing to keep in mind when making dark rye bread is that it can be very dense.
If you prefer a lighter bread, you may want to add an extra half teaspoon of yeast to the dough.
Dark German Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/429460514480998844/Germans just know how to bake some amazing bread, and this dark German rye bread is no exception.
Made with rye flour, honey, white bread flour, caraway seeds, and butter, this bread is packed with flavor and has a dense, chewy texture.
Perfect for satisfying hunger, this bread is also great for making sandwiches or as a hearty side dish.
And, it’s easy to make at home!
Here are some of my favorite ways to customize this dark German rye bread:
- Add some chopped onions or garlic to the dough for extra flavor.
- Top the bread with some sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking.
- Brush the top of the bread with an egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
Dark Rye Levain Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/274649277265962993/Sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious.
This dark rye levain bread is the perfect example.
It is packed with flavor and has a dense, chewy texture that is perfect for satisfying hunger.
While you can find dark rye bread at most supermarkets, there is nothing quite like homemade bread.
And luckily, it is not difficult to make!
There are many ways to customize this bread to suit your taste.
For a sweeter bread, add some honey or molasses to the dough.
Or, for a more savory loaf, add some chopped onions or garlic.
This bread also makes a great side dish.
Serve it with soup or stew, or use it to make a hearty sandwich.
No matter how you enjoy it, dark rye levain bread is sure to please.
Jane’s Vegan Marbled Dark Rye Bread Recipe
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/516717757258006838/Just look at the colors in this dark rye bread!
It is so beautiful, and it would make an impressive addition to any meal.
The best part is that it is easy to make, and you can customize it to your liking.
If you want a sweeter bread, add some white chocolate to the dough.
For a richer flavor, try using evaporated milk instead of water.
And if you want a bit of a chocolate twist, add some unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough.
This bread would be great as a side dish to a hearty soup or stew.
It would also be delicious sliced and served with cheese or jam.
Just make sure to enjoy it fresh, as it does not keep well.
Medium Dark Rye Bread from TheStayAtHomeChef
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/850476710890577153/Sometimes you don’t want to go all the way dark, and that’s where medium dark rye comes in.
This loaf from TheStayAtHomeChef is the perfect balance of flavor and texture, and it’s easy to customize.
You can add in your favorite seeds or spices to give it an extra boost of flavor, and it makes a great side dish for hearty meals.
Just slice and serve with a little butter or your favorite spread, and you’re good to go!
Icelandic Dark Rye Bread Slow Cooker Recipe
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/49610033387394336/Do you have a slow cooker and want to try your hand at making dark rye bread?
This Icelandic dark rye bread recipe is easy and delicious.
The brown sugar, rye flour, molasses, and baking powder give the bread a rich flavor, while the hot water helps to create a dense, chewy texture.
Serve this bread with soup or stew, or enjoy it on its own with a slice of cheese.
Here are some ingredients that I like with this recipe:
- Butter
- Cheese
- Jam
- Peanut butter
- Honey
If you are looking for a side dish to accompany your dark rye bread, consider making roasted vegetables.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables, and the combination of flavors is simply delicious.
Try roasting carrots, parsnips, and turnips with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Delicious!
Easy Overnight Dark Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/670332725799005617/When you want something quick and easy, this recipe for dark rye bread is the perfect solution.
Made with whole spelt flour, rye flour, and cocoa powder, it has a rich flavor that is perfect for satisfying hunger.
And because it is made with rolled oats, it has a chewy texture that is perfect for a hearty side dish.
Add these following ingredients to your dark rye bread for a delicious and unique flavor:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots, or chopped dates)
- 1 tablespoon honey
For a savory twist, try adding these ingredients to your dark rye bread:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
No-Knead Dark Caraway Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/442760207128112714/Not everybody has the time to make their own bread from scratch, but this No-Knead Dark Caraway Rye Bread recipe is easy and well worth the effort.
The rye flour, cocoa powder, and caraway seeds give the bread a deep, rich flavor, while the molasses and cornmeal add a touch of sweetness and texture.
Serve this bread with a hearty soup or stew, or slice it thick and enjoy it with some butter and jam.
100% Dark Rye Sourdough Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/109353097193402190/100% delicious, 100% of the time.
That’s what you can expect from this 100% dark rye sourdough bread.
It’s perfect for satisfying hunger and packed with flavor, thanks to its dense, chewy texture.
Plus, it’s easy to make at home.
For a tasty twist, try adding some of your favorite toppings to the bread before baking.
Cheese, herbs, and spices all make great additions.
Or, use the bread as a base for a hearty side dish.
Simply top with sautéed vegetables, grilled chicken, or your favorite sauce.
Bread Machine Dark Pumpernickel Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/49610033386857796/If you have a bread machine, making dark pumpernickel rye bread at home is easy!
Simply mix together all of the ingredients in the bread machine pan, select the “dough” cycle, and let the machine do its work.
This bread has a delicious, hearty flavor and a chewy texture that is perfect for satisfying hunger. It also makes a great side dish for hearty meals.
To customize the flavor, you can add different spices or herbs to the dough.
For example, try adding a teaspoon of caraway seeds for a traditional flavor.
Or, get creative and add your own favorite spices.
Gluten-Free Dark Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/472948398375635906/If you can’t eat gluten, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the delicious taste of dark rye bread.
This recipe for gluten-free dark rye bread is made with gluten-free brown rice, quinoa, and oat flours, and is flavored with cocoa powder for a rich, satisfying taste.
Serve this bread alongside a hearty soup or stew, or slice it thin and use it for sandwiches.
Here are 5 ways to add extra flavor to your dark rye bread:
- Add some caraway seeds to the dough for a traditional flavor.
- Mix in dried fruit like raisins or currants for a sweet twist.
- Stir in chopped onions, garlic, or herbs for a savory bread.
- Sprinkle the top of the bread with sesame or poppy seeds before baking.
- For a chocolate lovers’ bread, stir in some chocolate chips or chunks along with the cocoa powder.
Dark Marbled Sourdough Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/311170655514966931/This is my go-to recipe for when I want to impress my friends and family with a delicious, homemade dark rye bread.
The sourdough starter gives the bread a unique flavor, while the cocoa powder and honey add a touch of sweetness.
The bread flour gives the bread a hearty texture, perfect for satisfying hunger.
To make this bread extra special, I like to top it with fresh fruit, cheese, or cured meats.
It also makes a great side dish for soup or stew. Just slice it thinly and serve with a dollop of butter.
Dark Sauerkraut Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/770326711277090082/This recipe is going to surprise everyone with its unique and delicious flavor.
The sauerkraut provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and molasses, while the rye flour gives the bread a hearty texture.
This bread is perfect for satisfying hunger, and makes an excellent side dish.
To make it even more unique, try adding one of these 5 creative ideas:
- Adding caraway seeds to the bread dough for a traditional flavor.
- Mixing in chopped onion or garlic for a savory twist.
- Stirring in dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries for a bit of sweetness.
- Adding in a handful of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
- Substituting the sauerkraut for another type of pickled vegetable, such as pickled beets or pickled green beans.
Quick Swedish Dark Rye Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90423905011234630/Swedes seriously know how to make a mean dark rye bread. This quick recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the intense flavor and chewy texture of homemade dark rye bread. While the bread is delicious on its own, there are many ways to customize it. Try adding some chopped onions and garlic for a savory twist, or some dried fruit and nuts for a sweet and nutritious option.
Dark Rye Bread with Raisins
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/335729347234824048/How do you feel about raisins in your bread?
If you’re not a fan, you can easily leave them out of this recipe.
Or, if you’re looking for a different flavor, try substituting dried cranberries or chopped apricots.
For a heartier bread, you could add some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans.
This dark rye bread is delicious on its own, but it also makes a great side dish.
Try serving it with soup or stew, or using it to make grilled cheese or panini sandwiches.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even use it to make French toast!
When making this bread, it’s important to remember that rye flour can be tricky to work with.
If the dough is too dry, it will be difficult to knead.
If it’s too wet, the bread will be dense and heavy.
So, be sure to add the flour slowly and only add as much as you need to get a soft, pliable dough.
21 Best Dark Rye Bread Recipes
Ingredients
- Dark Rye Sourdough Bread With Molasses and Caraway
- Dark Pumpernickel Rye Bread
- Dark Rye Bread from JoCooks
- No-Knead Rustic Rye Bread
- Heidelberg Rye Bread
- Russian Borodinsky Dark Rye Bread
- Homemade Dark Rye Bread from SimplyRecipes
- Dark German Rye Bread
- Dark Rye Levain Bread
- Jane's Vegan Marbled Dark Rye Bread Recipe
- Medium Dark Rye Bread from TheStayAtHomeChef
- Icelandic Dark Rye Bread Slow Cooker Recipe
- Easy Overnight Dark Rye Bread
- No-Knead Dark Caraway Rye Bread
- 100% Dark Rye Sourdough Bread
- Bread Machine Dark Pumpernickel Rye Bread
- Gluten-Free Dark Rye Bread
- Dark Marbled Sourdough Rye Bread
- Dark Sauerkraut Rye Bread
- Quick Swedish Dark Rye Bread
- Dark Rye Bread with Raisins
Instructions
- Pick your favorite dark rye bread from this list.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Serve it in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.