There are a lot of good reasons to bake bread at home. For baking enthusiasts, the process can be a source of comfort. For novice bakers, now is a good time to take on a new challenge. Whether you’re looking to tackle a kitchen project, or just in the mood for a sandwich, a homemade loaf is the way to go. These are the recipes that Blue Apron Test Kitchen Chefs (and friends!) turn to when the bread box is empty.

A Peasant Bread with a Beautiful Crust
This peasant loaf from Serious Eats is a great option for an intermediate baker. Misting the loaf while it’s in the oven gives the finished bread a satisfyingly chewy crust.
— Diane Casner

An Easy No Yeast Flatbread Recipe
This flatbread recipe from Bon Appetit is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight. It doesn’t call for yeast, it has a short rest time, and it only requires light kneading. The ingredients are also pretty basic, so you can whip it up without much planning.
— Sarah Entwistle
A Super Savory Cheese Bread
Looking for something a little more exciting? This blue cheese swirl bread from The New York Times is soft, fluffy, cheesy, and beautiful.
— Alex Saggiomo
A Not-Too-Complicated Sourdough
If you’ve been curious about keeping a sourdough starter, there’s no time like the present. The Perfect Loaf has bread recipes, starter instructions, and ideas for how to use your sourdough discards.
— Laura Henderson
A Slightly Sweet Oat and Raisin Loaf

This recipe from America’s Test Kitchen gets rolled in oats before it heads into the oven. It gives the finished product a toasty, crunchy exterior. The slight sweetness from the raisins makes this a great option for morning toast.
— Ashley Giddens