If savoury fillings are the star
You’re looking for a whole sourdough or country loaf to put on the table, and don’t mind slicing it during brunch.
Who are these bread options for?
If you’re organising a buffet for a group
You want guests to be able to choose from a selection of small rolls. The number of rolls, oven space and whether you can arrange larger quantities all matter.
If you need to check nutritional information
You want to choose based on factors such as wholemeal content, fibre or allergens. For these guests, information about the specific bread matters more than a premium appearance.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide whether the bread will mainly accompany savoury fillings, be served as small portions or provide a sweet addition. Then consider what information and preparation your guests and serving plans require.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Bread to go with savoury fillings | Choose between a whole or sliced loaf, and consider the shape and quantity too. | If I want a loaf as the centrepiece alongside savoury fillings, presentation matters to me and I’ll need to allow time for slicing. This is the top priority for around 37% of consumers. |
| Variety and help-yourself serving | Compare the number of rolls in each pack. If you’re buying bake-at-home rolls, plan for oven space and preparation time. | For a buffet, I want guests to be able to help themselves to small portions with a choice of fillings. This is the top priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Wholemeal content and fibre | Look for the word wholemeal on the packaging and compare fibre values on the same basis, for example per 100 g. | Alongside an Easter loaf or white rolls, I want to be able to offer a wholemeal option. This is the first priority for around 18% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and allergens | For packaged bread, read the ingredients list; for unwrapped bread, ask about the product you’ve chosen. Check whether it contains iodised baker’s salt if that matters to your choice. | If a guest needs to avoid certain ingredients, I want to know exactly what’s in that particular bread. For around 18% of consumers, this kind of product information comes before presentation and variety. |
Common mistakes
-
Assuming sourdough or an artisan look means wholemeal
Sourdough doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. So an impressive-looking table loaf isn’t automatically the wholemeal option you’re looking for at brunch.
Check the product description and compare the fibre listed per 100 g if you’re choosing between loaves.
-
Assuming all bread contains baker’s salt
According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. The type of bread or its artisan appearance won’t tell you whether it contains it.
If baker’s salt matters to your choice, check the label or ask the baker about unwrapped bread.
-
Relying on the bread’s name when checking for allergens
A name such as Easter bread or brioche doesn’t tell you which allergens are in the product you’ve chosen. And with unwrapped bread, you won’t have that information readily available on a package.
Read the current ingredients list or ask for allergen information about the specific bread. Be sure to ask about possible cross-contamination too, if relevant.
-
Buying more fresh bread than you’ll serve
A whole table loaf, small rolls and an Easter loaf could add up to more than you’ll use at one brunch.
Decide what role each type will play. For any bread left over, follow the Voedingscentrum’s storage advice and any instructions on the packaging.
Brands to consider
These brands offer examples of different types of bread and brunch options. Check the range at the shop where you plan to buy, especially if you need a particular product or a larger quantity.
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you’re looking for a whole sourdough or country loaf to serve with savoury fillings.
- Albert Heijn’s AH Liefde & Passie range includes sourdough, spelt and multiseed bread.
- Check whether each loaf is available at your shop and whether it’s sold sliced.
Jumbo
A good place to start if you’d like to make your own sweet Easter bread.
- Jumbo publishes recipes including Easter bread with raisins and a gluten-free Easter bread option.
- A recipe won’t tell you which ready-made loaves are stocked at a particular shop, so check for the product you want separately.
Lidl
Useful if you want to combine small bake-off rolls with packaged bread.
- Lidl says bake-off products are available in almost all its stores, and packaged bread displays a fibre rating.
- Ask your local store about options if you need a large quantity of rolls at once.
ALDI
An option for comparing loaves, small rolls and products to bake at home.
- ALDI describes a bakery range of bread and rolls, and mentions Easter loaves and croissants for Easter brunch.
- Check which Easter products and varieties are available when you shop.
PLUS
Worth considering if you want to serve a whole loaf alongside a selection of smaller bread shapes.
- PLUS features options for Easter brunch including pistolets, bagels and small sourdough loaves.
- Check which products from the seasonal range are available when you shop.
Dirk
A good place to start if you’re planning a table with both everyday bread and sweet Easter brunch treats.
- Dirk’s bread range includes wholemeal, multigrain, sourdough and spelt loaves, and its Easter brunch suggestions include an Easter loaf and rolls.
- Check the product you’ve chosen and its availability at your local shop.
Bread options on Joybuy
These breads suit two ways of serving: a round wholemeal loaf to slice, and small brioche rolls for guests to help themselves. For all three products, allow time for preparation or defrosting.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 2 × 550 g
A round wholemeal loaf to slice and serve with savoury fillings, in a pack containing two 550 g loaves.
The product information lists wholemeal wheat flour and sourdough. The bread is delivered frozen and needs to be defrosted and baked; follow the baking instructions on the packaging. The listed ingredients include wheat. If you have an allergy, check the current information for the product you’ve chosen, and ask about baker’s salt if it matters to your choice.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Brioche Roll 50 Sesame/Flaxseed Deco, 2 × 50 g
Two 50 g brioche rolls for guests who’d like to help themselves to a small portion.
The description mentions sesame and linseed and gives a defrosting time of around four hours. The listed ingredients include wheat, milk, egg and sesame. If you have an allergy, also check the current information about possible cross-contamination. Check the packaging if baker’s salt matters to your choice.
Image unavailable
Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
A 550 g round wholemeal loaf for serving as a table bread with savoury fillings.
The product information lists wholemeal wheat flour and sourdough. The bread is delivered frozen and needs to be defrosted and baked; follow the baking instructions on this pack. The listed ingredients include wheat. If you have an allergy, check the current product information and look for details of baker’s salt if it matters to your choice.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both sweet and savoury bread for Easter brunch?
No, choose a combination that suits your fillings and guests. For a brunch with both savoury and sweet dishes, you could serve bread with savoury fillings and add a smaller Easter loaf. Dirk also describes Easter brunch as a mix of breakfast and lunch items.
Is sourdough automatically wholemeal?
No, the word sourdough doesn’t tell you whether a loaf is wholemeal. Look for the word wholemeal on the packaging and, if you’re choosing based on fibre, compare the nutritional information per 100 g.
Does Dutch bread always contain iodised baker’s salt?
No. According to the Voedingscentrum, bakers aren’t required to use baker’s salt. Check the label or ask about unwrapped bread if this matters to your choice.
How can I check allergens in bread from the bakery section?
For unwrapped bread, ask for allergen information about the specific product; for packaged bread, read the current ingredients list. If possible cross-contamination is a concern, ask about it separately.
Can I freeze bread for Easter brunch in advance?
Yes. The Voedingscentrum provides freezer storage advice for products including wholemeal bread and bake-at-home rolls. Follow the instructions for the product you choose, especially if it’s delivered frozen and still needs to be baked.