With all the different types of bread out there, it’s hard to remember all the ingredients it takes to make a loaf of each variety. That is why one of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to bread is: “does bread have eggs?”
If you are wondering about the answer, you are not alone.
Below we’ll dive into a quick history of bread, learn about what’s in some of the most popular types, then figure out if bread has eggs.
A Brief History of Bread
Learning to bake bread was a pivotal moment in history for humans. Although there are many accounts of when it started, we know that this food item has transcended time and remains a staple in many homes around the globe today.
Countries and cultures across the planet have developed their own types of bread. Traditional breads are made with different ingredients that were historically available in the region. For some bygone cultures, like those in Rome and Britain, bread was even viewed as a status symbol.
Not only have the ingredients changed over time, but the role it plays in society has, too.
Does Bread Have Eggs?
Since so many popular baked goods contain eggs, it may come as a surprise to learn that most bread do not. This includes many of the loaves that are found in your average grocery store.
For the most part, bread is made by combining salt, yeast, sugar, flour, and water. What makes each type special are the ingredients that are added after this mixture is created.
While most types do not have eggs, the discussion does not end there. To fully answer the question, “Does bread have eggs?” we have to look at some of the most common loaves and how they are made.
What Types of Bread Don’t Contain Eggs?
Most bread that you find at the grocery store do not contain eggs. The reason why is that eggs make dough heavier and denser. Instead, yeast is used as a rising agent to give the dough the fluffy texture most people are familiar with.
Yeast puffs up the dough so that it rises and makes more than one loaf at a time. This happens because the bacteria in the yeast is activated during the cooking process. In a commercial setting, relying on yeast to make a large portion of the dough saves money by making the other ingredients go further.
So, what types of bread don’t contain eggs? Many of the most popular loaves one can purchase from the grocery store. Below are a few that are most often considered household staples.
White Bread
You can find white bread sitting on the shelf in every grocery store. And you can even make it yourself!
This soft and sweet bread is one of the most common. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to make something sweet, savory, or anything in between.
Although white bread is often associated with the assembly line of a factory, it didn’t start out that way. It can actually be traced back to Ancient Egypt. However, it was only made for special occasions.
The process required to give the crust its crisp white color is complex. To achieve the pure white color it’s known for, the oil-containing germ and the bran from the wheat must be removed.
Additionally, the lack of eggs in the recipe allows each loaf to last longer than those that contain eggs. That’s one of the many reasons it’s a favorite in many households.
Sourdough Bread
Sourdough is the oldest form of leavened bread and also dates back to ancient Egypt. But what makes sourdough so special is the lack of commercial yeast used to make the dough rise.
Instead, sourdough uses what is referred to as a “starter,” which is a mixture of fermented flour and water. This combination of wild yeast and bacteria gives sourdough its unique tangy flavor and chewy texture. Wild yeast also provides more flavor than the commercial yeast found in white bread and other favorites.
It’s possible that sourdough was discovered by accident when the dough was left out and microorganisms, such as wild yeast, found their way into the mixture and created sourdough’s unique flavor. Now, all sourdough recipes begin with a starter that can be replenished and passed down along with the recipe.
Rye Bread
Rye is a richly flavored grain related to wheat and barley. Rye has been a staple across Europe since the Middle Ages and continues to be one today. One of the most popular forms of rye bread is pumpernickel, which is made using unrefined rye flour and sourdough.
One of the benefits of rye bread is its shelf life. Bread made from other grains does not last nearly as long, making rye the ideal choice for long trips.
Rye has less gluten than wheat and barley. As a result, rye is more compact and dense in comparison to light and airy breads like ciabatta or a baguette. Loaves of rye come in different densities and textures depending on where they are made.
What Types of Bread Contain Eggs?
Eggs give egg-based bread a fluffy, rich texture that many food lovers crave. Eggs also help the dough rise, either alone or with help from yeast.
Additionally, eggs are the ingredient that gives a crust its appetizing golden shine. That’s why bread that contains eggs has a yellow or golden hue that you don’t see with yeast-only recipes.
Below are a few of the most popular types of bread that contain eggs.
Brioche
Brioche is the French variation of egg bread. In fact, the inclusion of eggs makes it comparable to a pastry. The way it’s made allows it to be versatile.
It’s not uncommon to see a loaf of brioche used for sweet French toast or eggs and bacon for a savory dish. The combination of eggs and butter is the reason brioche is so light and fluffy.
Although it’s debated which city brioche originated from, many believe it comes from Normandy, France. But no matter where in France it came from, it was beloved by many French historical figures and continues to be one of the most popular types of egg bread consumed today.
Challah (Egg Bread)
Challah is a yeast bread, similar to brioche. The most significant difference in how it’s made is the use of oils instead of butter.
Challah is special because it’s used to celebrate religious ceremonies, such as Shabbat, as well as a variety of Jewish holidays celebrated throughout the year. Loaves of Challah are commonly seen in braids, which symbolize love, truth, peace, and justice, depending on the number of strands that are used.
Although modern Challah doesn’t always include eggs, more traditional breads do in order to follow Hebrew tradition. What’s more, the inclusion of eggs is what gives Challah its characteristic fluffy texture and beautiful golden color. The eggs also give it a taste similar to sweet bread.
Challah comes in many shapes and sizes and can have different meanings according to its design.
Monkey Bread
If you haven’t heard of monkey bread before, you may be curious to know how it got its intriguing name. It’s a common pull-apart pastry in the United States that is usually served for breakfast or as a sweet treat. It’s often found at carnivals, fairs, or family gatherings at home.
This bread gets its name from the way it’s designed. The sweet dough is divided into sections that are meant to be easily pulled apart using your fingers to put the bite-sized pieces in your mouth. Eating the pastry this way is similar to how monkeys eat, hence the name.
Including eggs gives the dough its soft texture, similar to a cinnamon bun, and helps it rise. These recipes date back to Hungary in the 1800s, but it’s a dish that is most commonly eaten in the United States today.
How to Tell If Bread Contains Eggs or Not
There are a few simple ways to tell if the bread you are going to buy or make includes eggs.
If you are purchasing a loaf from the supermarket, all you have to do is check the ingredients label to see if eggs are included. In some cases, if it contains eggs, the slices will be yellow, and they come in a red package. However, this isn’t always the case, so you should always check the full ingredients list to be sure.
If you are buying from a local baker, ask them. The baker will know what ingredients were added to the dough and be honest about it. They also should have a full ingredient list that you can ask to see.
Some bakeries may even have labels on all the products that tell you if they contain milk, eggs, nuts, and other common allergens.
However, if you’re making a loaf at home, the easiest way to determine if the recipe requires eggs is to look at the ingredient list. In this case, you can find a recipe that doesn’t require eggs or use an egg replacement that works with the rest of the ingredients.
To Recap
- Does bread have eggs? It depends on the type.
- Did it always have eggs? No, it originally wasn’t made with eggs. However, the availability of different ingredients has led to increased use of eggs on the ingredient list.
- What types of bread have eggs?
- Brioche
- Challah
- Monkey
- Banana
- Biscuits
- Cornbread
- Easter egg
- What types of bread do not have eggs?
- White
- Sourdough
- Rye
- Pumpernickel
- Potato
- Pita
- Italian
- Cinnamon raisin
- How can I tell if a loaf has eggs or not? Figuring out if eggs are included depends on where the bread comes from. If you’re at the supermarket, check the ingredients list. If you’re purchasing from a local baker, ask them or look at the product labels. If you’re making it yourself, look at what ingredients the recipe calls for.
Does Bread Have Eggs? The Final Answer
The question, “Does bread have eggs?” does not have as simple of an answer as you might think. Ultimately, it comes down to the type of bread that you are purchasing from the store, a local baker, or making yourself at home.
Although it may be easier to remember that eggs are typically used in pastries and sweet breads, it’s always safest to check the ingredient label on the bag it came in or ask the baker if they used eggs in the dough.
