Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about what delicious treats you’ll be serving your loved ones. And let’s be real, there’s no better way to kick off a holiday meal than with a warm, freshly baked loaf of bread. Whether you’re a traditionalist looking for a classic dinner roll recipe or an adventurer seeking something new and exciting, we’ve got you covered. From sweet treats like Pumpkin Spice Bread and Maple Pecan Bread, to savory options like Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread and Garlic Parmesan Bread, our collection of 18 delicious Thanksgiving bread recipes has something for everyone.
Pumpkin Spice Bread
This moist and aromatic bread is perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. With the warmth of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a hug.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Cranberry Orange Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for the holiday season, combining the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange zest. It’s a great alternative to traditional sweet breads, and makes a wonderful addition to any holiday spread.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Sweet Potato Bread
This sweet potato bread recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg to create a delicious, moist loaf perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, salt, and sugars.
3. Add mashed sweet potatoes, milk, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Let cool on wire rack before slicing.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Apple Cider Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for crisp autumn days or anytime you need a comforting treat. With the sweetness of apples and spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup apple cider (chilled)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add apple cider, egg, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cornbread with Honey Butter
A classic Southern comfort food gets a sweet twist with this recipe. Moist cornbread is elevated by a drizzle of warm honey butter, perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Honey butter (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Honey Butter:
– Mix 2 tablespoons softened butter with 1 tablespoon pure honey until smooth.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Maple Pecan Bread
This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. The combination of pure Canadian maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and warm spices will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Add chopped pecans, egg, and vanilla extract to the wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Start your day with a delicious and aromatic Cinnamon Swirl Bread, filled with the warmth of cinnamon and sugar. This simple recipe yields a mouthwatering bread that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, and sugar.
3. Add warm water, melted butter, beaten egg, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
4. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic.
5. Roll out dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
6. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture (equal parts cinnamon and sugar).
7. Roll up the dough tightly and place in prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Herb and Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Elevate your snack game with this flavorful and soft herb and cheese pull-apart bread, perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a accompaniment to your favorite soups and salads.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough; mix in parsley, cheese, and butter.
7. Roll out the dough into a rectangle; cut into 12 equal pieces.
8. Place the pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
Elevate your dinner table with these soft and fluffy whole wheat rolls, perfect for sopping up juices or serving alongside your favorite meal. With a blend of whole wheat flour, yeast, and spices, these rolls are not only delicious but also packed with nutritious goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 cups whole wheat flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 egg, beaten (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add whole wheat flour, salt, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into rolls. Brush with beaten egg (if using) and bake for 18-20 minutes.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
This fragrant bread combines the piney flavor of rosemary with the richness of olive oil, perfect for a cozy evening or as a thoughtful gift. With its crispy crust and soft interior, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Fold in chopped rosemary.
5. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until it’s smooth and develops a sticky texture.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Buttermilk Biscuits
Flaky, buttery buttermilk biscuits are a classic Southern treat that pairs perfectly with breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish for dinner. This simple recipe yields tender, golden-brown biscuits with a rich flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
3. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add buttermilk and stir until dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times until smooth.
6. Roll out to 1-inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a biscuit cutter or glass.
7. Place biscuits on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Glazed Lemon Bread
This sweet and tangy bread is infused with the warmth of lemon zest and the crunch of brown sugar glaze. Perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack, this recipe yields a moist and flavorful loaf that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup lemon glaze (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and melted butter.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Lemon Glaze:
– Whisk together 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted.
Banana Nut Bread
This classic banana nut bread recipe is a perfect treat for any occasion. With the combination of ripe bananas, crunchy walnuts, and warm spices, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Zucchini Bread
This classic recipe yields a tender and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side dish. With the added bonus of hidden nutrients from zucchini, this bread is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup grated zucchini
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, egg, zucchini, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Carrot Cake Bread
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this scrumptious carrot cake bread recipe! This moist and flavorful loaf is perfect for a snack or as a dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine softened butter, eggs, grated carrots, chopped walnuts (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This seasonal bread combines the comfort of pumpkin spice with the indulgent flavor of dark chocolate chips, perfect for cozy fall mornings or as a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and pumpkin puree.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
5. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Bread
Elevate your bread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese and pungency of garlic. Perfect for accompanying your favorite soups, salads, or as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and garlic to the mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour to the mixture, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese evenly over the bread. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Fig and Walnut Bread
This sweet and savory bread combines the natural sweetness of figs with the earthy flavor of walnuts, perfect for a breakfast or brunch treat. With its soft texture and delicious aroma, this bread is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add honey, flour, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Fold in walnuts and figs.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased loaf pan. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Conclusion
Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving celebration with these 18 mouthwatering bread recipes! From classic pumpkin spice to sweet potato, cornbread, and maple pecan, there’s something for everyone. Try the cinnamon swirl bread as a side dish or use it to make sandwiches. Impress your guests with herb and cheese pull-apart bread or whole wheat dinner rolls. And don’t forget about the sweet treats like glazed lemon, banana nut, and carrot cake breads. Whether you’re a traditionalist or looking for something new, these recipes are sure to be a hit!
Sophia Brennan is the cook and writer behind Go Jack Rabbit Go. She spent years working in Portland’s restaurant world before bringing that same warm, unfussy approach into her home kitchen. These days, she focuses on simple, comforting recipes inspired by real life, family routines, and the rhythm of cooking without overthinking it.
