What Bread to Serve with Paella (11 Best Breads)
Who doesn’t love paella?
The delicious Spanish dish is a crowd favorite for good reason.
But what bread do you serve with it?
Read Also: What Wine Goes With Paella? (10 Best Wines)
There are so many kinds, that it can be hard to decide.
Well, never fear, because I’m here to help.
I’ve rounded up 11 of the most popular kinds of bread and paired them with paella recipes from around the web.
So read on and choose your favorite!
What Bread to Serve with Paella?
There are many options for what bread to serve with paella. You could go with a classic white bread, or a more robust and flavorful option like a baguette. There are also many types of flatbreads that would go well with paella, such as naan or pita bread.
Whatever type of bread you choose, it should be able to soak up the delicious sauce from the paella.
Keep scrolling for more options!
1. Baguette
A baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread that is typically made from white flour.
It is a very popular bread to serve with Spanish dishes, as it pairs well with the richness of many of the dishes.
Baguettes can be difficult to make at home, as they require a very specific texture and flavor.
However, with a little practice, it is possible to make a delicious baguette at home.
- My method is to start by mixing the flour, water, and yeast together to form a dough.
- Then, I knead the dough for several minutes to form a smooth, elastic ball.
- After that, I let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour.
- Once it has doubled in size, I shape it into a long, thin loaf and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- I then bake the baguette in a preheated oven for about 20-30 minutes, until it is golden brown and crusty.
2. Ciabatta
Ciabatta is a delicious bread that pairs perfectly with many dishes (see also: What to Serve with Paella).
It has a wonderful flavor and a slightly chewy texture that makes it perfect for mopping up all of the delicious sauce from your plate.
It is also quite easy to make, and only takes a few minutes to cook.
- My favorite way to make ciabatta is to start by mixing the flour, salt, and yeast together in a large bowl.
- Then, I add in the olive oil and water and mix everything together until it forms a sticky dough.
- I let the dough rest for a few minutes, then shape it into a loaf and place it on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- I let it rise for about 30 minutes, then bake it at a high temperature until it is golden brown and crusty.
3. Focaccia
I’m sure you’ve come across focaccia bread before and maybe even enjoyed a slice or two.
But have you ever made it at home?
It’s actually not difficult to do, and the results are well worth it.
Focaccia is a fairly dense bread, with a slightly chewy texture.
The flavor is fairly mild, which makes it a great canvas for all sorts of toppings and flavors.
And, since it’s baked in a relatively shallow dish, it doesn’t take long to cook.
- My method for making focaccia is to start with a basic dough recipe.
- Then, I add in some herbs and garlic for flavor.
- Once it’s cooked, I like to brush it with olive oil and serve it warm.
Keep in mind that this bread can make you thirsty, so keep a drink (see also: what drink to serve with paella) handy!
4. Sourdough
This bread might be harder to find than some others, but it’s worth the effort.
It has a chewy texture and a sour flavor that goes well with Spanish dishes.
It takes a while to cook, but the results are worth it.
My method is to shape the dough into a loaf and let it rise for an hour or so before baking it.
5. Rye
This bread is known for its sturdy texture and robust flavor, making it a perfect complement to heartier Spanish dishes like Paella.
It can be difficult to work with, however, so be patient and take your time kneading the dough.
My method is to let it rise overnight in the fridge for a more even bake in the morning.
6. Multigrain
Remember, your health comes first so don’t forget to include whole wheat bread in your diet!
This type of bread is perfect for Spanish dishes because it has a hearty texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with savory flavors.
It can be a little difficult to find in stores, but it’s worth the effort to track it down.
Make sure to give yourself enough time to cook it, as it takes a little longer than other types of bread.
My method is to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and then bake the bread for about 30 minutes.
7. Cornbread
This is one of the most known and difficult types of bread to make. It is very dry, and has a very coarse texture.
The flavor is very bland, and it takes a long time to cook.
My method is to first make a cornmeal mush, and then add milk and butter to it.
I then bake it in the oven for about an hour, or until it is golden brown.
8. Naan
Yes, naan isn’t a Spanish bread, but it’s one of my favorites to serve with Spanish dishes.
It has a nice, chewy texture and a subtle flavor that goes well with bolder dishes.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to make – just pop it in the oven for a few minutes and you’re good to go.
I like to make my naan in a cast iron skillet.
- I heat up the skillet until it’s nice and hot, then add a little oil.
- I cook the naan for a minute or two on each side, until it’s nice and crispy.
- Then I serve it with my favorite dishes.
Enjoy!
9. Roti
Have you tried roti? It’s a delicious bread that pairs perfectly with paella.
It’s made from wheat flour, so it has a hearty texture.
And it’s flavored with a variety of spices, so it has a great flavor.
Plus, it only takes a few minutes to cook.
So if you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make bread, roti is the perfect choice.
10. Pita
Pita bread has never once let me down as an accompaniment to my dishes.
It is the perfect level of difficulty to make- not too easy that it becomes boring, but not too hard that it becomes a hassle.
The texture is soft and fluffy, yet firm enough to hold all of the delicious toppings you could possibly pile on.
The flavor is versatile and can be either neutral or slightly sweet (speaking of sweet, see also: what dessert goes with paella), depending on what you are serving it with.
Pita only takes a few minutes to cook, so it is the perfect last-minute addition to any meal.
In my opinion, the best way to cook pita is on a grill or in a cast iron skillet.
This gives it a nice crispy exterior that pairs perfectly with the soft interior.
- Simply brush the surface of the pita with a little olive oil and place it on the grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook for a minute or two on each side, or until the pita is golden brown and slightly charred in spots.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
11. Challah
This bread is perfect for serving with Spanish dishes like paella because it has a fluffy texture and a mild flavor.
It’s also relatively easy to make, so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen.
My method for making Challah is to start with a basic dough recipe.
Then, I add in some olive oil and garlic for flavor.
I let the dough rise for about an hour, then shape it into a loaf and bake it at a moderate temperature.
What Bread to Serve with Paella (11 Best Breads)
Ingredients
- Baguette
- Ciabatta
- Focaccia
- Sourdough
- Rye
- Multigrain Bread
- Cornbread
- Naan
- Roti
- Pita
- Challah
Instructions
- Pick your favorite bread to serve with your dish.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy 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.