Barbecue planner looking to get portions right
You’re buying bread for several people and want to match the pack size to the number of dishes, without ending up with lots of leftovers.
Who are these options for?
Host who wants to serve warm bread
You want to bake or briefly grill the bread just before serving. In that case, the preparation instructions, available oven space and shape of the bread all matter.
Shopper comparing labels
You’re keeping an eye on ingredients or allergens, or specifically looking for wholemeal bread. The label on the option you choose and the current packaging matter more than the bread’s appearance.
What should you look for when choosing?
First, decide which bread goes with your dishes and how many portions you need. Then check whether preparation is practical and which ingredients matter for your guests.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Check the number of items or the weight, and work out portions based on your guests and dishes. | When I’m buying bread for a group, I want to have enough to serve everyone without lots left over. For around 40% of consumers, the quantity they need comes first. |
| Shape of the bread | Choose a shape to suit the dish: buns for burgers, or bread to share with dips and toppings. | For burgers, I want a bun that fits; for sharing, I want bread I can slice or top. Around 30% of consumers prioritise finding bread to suit the dish. |
| Preparation and storage | Read the defrosting and baking instructions, and check how to store any unused bread. | If the oven is busy around mealtime, I need to know whether serving warm bread is still practical. Around 20% of consumers prioritise preparation and storing leftovers. |
| Ingredients and type of bread | Check the current label for relevant allergens; if you prefer wholemeal, look for an explicit wholemeal description. | If ingredients matter for my guests, I can’t rely on the bread’s name or appearance. For around 10% of consumers, this check comes first. |
Common mistakes
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Looking only at the size of the pack
Packs vary in the number of items, weight and shape of the bread. A baguette and a burger bun won’t necessarily provide the same number of portions for your dishes.
First, count the burgers you’re planning and the portions of shared bread you’ll need. Then choose a pack to match.
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Planning part-baked bread without allowing time to prepare it
Part-baked bread is only ready to serve after it has been prepared. This can be tricky if you need the oven for other barbecue dishes.
Check the preparation method before buying and plan a suitable time. If that won’t work, choose bread you can serve straight away or briefly grill according to the product instructions.
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Assuming multigrain means wholemeal
The word ‘multigrain’ doesn’t automatically mean that a loaf is wholemeal. Nor do its colour or visible seeds tell you for sure.
Look for an explicit wholemeal description and read the ingredients for the option you choose.
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Guessing allergens from the shape of the bread
Ingredients vary from product to product and can change. For example, Albert Heijn lists wheat, gluten and sesame in the burger buns it reviewed.
Read the current packaging for the exact option you’re buying, and check any warnings about possible cross-contamination if they’re relevant to your guests.
Brands to consider
Albert Heijn
Worth considering if you’re looking specifically for packs of burger buns.
- The AH burger buns reviewed come in a pack of six, weighing 50 g each, with oven and grill instructions.
- Albert Heijn notes that product information can change, so check the packaging for the latest ingredients and allergen information.
Jumbo
Worth considering if you want to compare different shapes of part-baked bread.
- The part-baked range includes Kaiser rolls, pistolets, ciabattinas, multigrain rolls and Turkish bread.
- Weight and number of portions vary by shape, so choose a pack to suit the dish and your guests.
Lidl
Worth considering if you’re looking for in-store baked rolls or part-baked bread.
- Lidl lists Kaiser rolls, pistolets, soft rolls and Turkish bread among its options.
- Lidl says its fresh range can vary by store, so check which shapes are available at your local branch.
ALDI
Worth considering if you’re looking for part-baked bread to prepare at home.
- The Afbakker range includes different shapes of bread. The multigrain baguettes reviewed are sold in packs of two.
- ALDI gives a preparation time of 8–10 minutes for these multigrain baguettes, so plan your oven space around serving time.
PLUS
Worth considering if you want to choose between different shapes of part-baked bread online.
- The range includes Kaiser rolls, baguettes, pitta, French sticks and flatbread.
- Pack contents vary by product, so check how many rolls or sharing portions you actually need.
Dirk
Worth considering if you’re looking for part-baked bread in different shapes.
- The range includes baguettes, pistolets, flatbread and Kaiser rolls.
- For the pack of four Kaiser rolls reviewed, Dirk gives a preparation time of 6–8 minutes in an oven or air fryer. Check the instructions for the option you choose.
Bread options at Joybuy
These bread options go well with burgers or dishes where you want to serve individual rolls and bread to share. Check the number of portions in each pack and what preparation is required.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij brioche burger buns, 2 × 50 g
These buns are made for burgers; with two in a pack, you can work out how many you need for each dish.
The product description says to defrost for around four hours at room temperature and consume within two days of defrosting. Check the current packaging for ingredients and allergens.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Natural Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
These four baguettes can be shared with barbecue dishes or topped with your favourite ingredients.
This product is described as frozen bread that needs defrosting and baking in the oven. The baking times given in the product descriptions vary, so follow the instructions on the exact packaging.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Multigrain Rustic Baguette, 4 × 135 g
These multigrain baguettes are a good option if you want bread to share or top with your favourite ingredients.
The pack contains four baguettes weighing 135 g each. They’re described as frozen bread that needs defrosting and baking; check the exact packaging for the baking time, as the product descriptions differ. Multigrain doesn’t automatically mean wholemeal.
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g'woon multigrain rolls, 4 pieces
Four individual rolls are a handy option if you want to give each person their own bread roll.
Check the exact packaging for the weight, preparation method, ingredients and allergens. Don’t assume that multigrain rolls are wholemeal.
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Lekhaven Bakkerij Whole Wheat Country Round Bread, 550 g
This 550 g wholemeal round loaf is an option to share alongside individual barbecue rolls.
It’s described as a frozen product that needs defrosting, baking and cooling before you slice it. Follow the instructions on the exact packaging for the baking time, as the product descriptions differ.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much bread I need for a barbecue?
Start with the dishes you’re serving. Count how many burger buns you’ll need, then work out how much extra bread you want to share. Next, compare the number of items or the weight in each pack; a burger bun and a baguette don’t serve the same purpose.
Can I prepare part-baked bread just before eating?
Yes, if you have a suitable oven or air fryer available and enough time to prepare it. ALDI gives a preparation time of 8–10 minutes for the multigrain baguettes reviewed; Dirk says 6–8 minutes for the pack of Kaiser rolls reviewed. Follow the instructions for the bread you actually buy.
How should I store leftover part-baked bread?
For an unopened pack, follow the storage instructions on the product. The Voedingscentrum recommends keeping an opened part-baked roll in the fridge for 2–4 days or in the freezer for 1–3 months. Check that this storage advice is suitable for your product and how it was opened.
What should I check if a guest has a food allergy?
Check the ingredients and allergens on the current packaging for the exact type of bread, including any warnings about cross-contamination. Albert Heijn lists wheat, gluten and sesame in the burger buns it reviewed; don’t assume the same applies to other buns.