Sick of Sourdough? Try These Other Challenging Breads

French Crescent Rolls

Whenever we have rolls and coffee after church, these come along with me. Here on the high plains, we've been raising cattle, wheat and daughters for 30 years. Our two oldest are grown, and our youngest just began college. —Betty Ann Wolery, Joplin, Montana

Josh’s Marbled Rye Bread

This impressive marble rye bread may look like it would be difficult to make, but it's actually quite easy! The flavors of the bread are mild yet satisfying. And I enjoy eating it with just a simple spread of butter or on a hearty sandwich loaded with my favorite fixings. —Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Herb & Romano Cheese Wreath

After the wreath is baked and cooled, it can be wrapped in foil, placed in an airtight plastic bag and frozen until you are ready to use it or give it away. Add some whipped butter on the side and it’s the perfect gift. —Linda Padia, Wauna, Washington

Poteca Cake

“Rock Springs is home to 56 nationalities, and this recipe showcases its Slavic heritage. It’s one of my favorite ethnic holiday treats.” —Rachelle Stratton Rock Springs, Wyoming

Roasted Red Pepper Bread

These savory loaves are moist, tender and loaded with flavor from grated Parmesan cheese and roasted sweet red peppers. They're fantastic at dinner or as an appetizer. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Hungarian Nut Rolls

It isn't officially the holidays until I've made this treasured nut roll recipe from my husband's grandmother. The apple-walnut filling is moist, subtly sweet and flavorful. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

Soft Giant Pretzels

My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado

Chocolate Babka

I love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Paska

Paska is a traditional Easter bread prepared with lots of eggs, making it much richer than ordinary sweet breads. The beautifully braided top will earn you many compliments.

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Your family will be impressed with the soft texture and appealing swirls of cinnamon in these lovely breakfast loaves. —Diane Armstrong, Elm Grove, Wisconsin

Cranberry Swirl Loaf

My mother's made this bread for years, but she uses date filling. I loved her bread so much that I made my own with cranberries for a slightly tart filling with the sweet streusel topping—sometimes I add a simple icing. Each slice reveals an enticing ruby swirl. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Braided Multigrain Loaf

I love this hearty, chewy loaf that uses oats, rye flour, rice and sunflower seeds. It's so robust, you could almost make a meal out of a little butter and a piece of this bread.—Jane Thomas, Burnseville, Minnesota

Caraway Seed Rye Bread

My parents were immigrants from Czechoslovakia and my mother would pull out this rye bread recipe when guests came over for dinner. Every time I bake it, I get nostalgic for those days. —Millie Feather, Baroda, Michigan

Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls

Check these out! What a scrumptious change of pace from ordinary cinnamon rolls, and a perfect addition to coffee breaks. Serve them at brunch, too. —Rita Lempka, Sterling, NE

Chocolate Walnut Ring

This is an adaptation of my wife's recipe. It's terrific for a holiday brunch or as a midmorning snack. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

Homemade Bagels

I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a bagel recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough.

Raspberry-Cream Cheese Ladder Loaves

Created by my dear friend Debbie, this is a delicious way to start your day. Bread may be sprinkled with granulated sugar before baking if desired.—Char Ouellette, Colton, Oregon

Old-World Rye Bread

Rye and caraway lend to this bread's wonderful flavor, while the surprise ingredient of baking cocoa gives it a rich, dark color. I sometimes stir in a cup each of raisins and walnuts.

Pesto Star Bread

I was excited to work with the Taste of Home Test Kitchen to make a savory version of my Christmas Star Twisted Bread. Pesto bread is perfect for the holidays (but it's a showstopper at any time of the year). —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Lemon-Twist Loaves

Christmas at our house just wouldn't be the same without this mouthwatering tangy twist with its pretty glaze.—Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona