Roast beef is a classic meal that is beloved by many. The tender, juicy meat is full of flavor and can be served hot or cold. But the bread you choose to serve alongside it is key – the right bread can take your roast beef sandwich or meal to the next level!

So what is the best bread to serve with roast beef? There are several great options depending on what flavors and textures you’re looking for, Here are 8 of the best breads to serve with roast beef

1. Ciabatta

Ciabatta is an Italian white bread made with wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. It has a crisp crust with large air pockets inside that give it a chewy texture. The flavor is mild, making it a versatile bread for roast beef sandwiches.

Ciabatta stands up well to juicy meats and sauces without falling apart. Its sturdy crust also provides a nice crunch to contrast the tender beef. Try using ciabatta for roast beef paninis or ciabatta rolls for sliders.

2. French Baguette

A fresh French baguette is hands-down one of the best bread choices for roast beef. These long loaves have a thin, crackly crust and a soft airy crumb. Each bite provides a satisfying chew.

Baguettes are great for roast beef sandwiches because they don’t overwhelm the flavor of the meat. Their long shape allows you to pile on the sliced roast beef. For a perfect lunch, add some sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and horseradish sauce.

3. Focaccia

Focaccia is a flat Italian bread that is flavored with olive oil and often baked with herbs, onions, or other vegetables on top. It has a crisp bottom with an airy, uneven crumb.

The herbs and olive oil give focaccia lots of flavor that pairs deliciously with roast beef. Try using rosemary focaccia for an especially hearty sandwich. The flat shape of focaccia also makes it easy to stack with roast beef slices.

4. Pretzel Bread

For a sandwich with a twist, use pretzel bread! This unique bread gets its distinctive flavor and shiny brown crust from an egg wash and coarse salt.

Pretzel bread has a dense, chewy texture similar to a soft pretzel. Its hint of sweetness balances salty roast beef perfectly. You can find pretzel rolls, buns, or loaves to create roast beef sandwiches your taste buds will love.

5. Marble Rye

Marble rye bread combines the flavors of rye and pumpernickel swirled together for visual interest and taste. It has a dense, chewy texture with a malty, slightly sweet flavor.

The assertive flavor of marble rye stands up to the strong taste of roast beef. It’s commonly used for deli-style roast beef sandwiches. The caraway seeds in the bread provide extra flair.

6. Kaiser Roll

Can’t beat a classic kaiser roll for your roast beef sandwich! These rolls get their name from their regal-looking shape. They have a crisp crust and soft interior with a faintly sweet taste.

Kaiser rolls are perfect for piling on sliced roast beef and won’t overwhelm the meat’s flavor. Their small size also makes them ideal for sliders. Try warming your kaiser rolls before making sandwiches for an extra treat.

7. Brioche

Brioche is a slightly sweet, buttery French bread made with lots of eggs and butter. It has a striking golden crust and rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.

The soft, tender crumb of brioche provides a succulent base for roasted beef. It also toasts up nicely if you want a warm sandwich. Brioche brings out the rich umami flavors in the meat.

8. Pumpernickel

Pumpernickel is a dark rye bread made with coarsely ground rye flour. It has a dense, moist texture and deep earthy, almost molasses-like flavor.

The strong, hearty taste of pumpernickel stands up to the robust flavor of roast beef. It provides an authentic complement for traditionally made pastrami or corned beef. Use thinly sliced pumpernickel bread for open-faced roast beef sandwiches.

Tips for Picking the Perfect Bread for Roast Beef

With so many options, how do you choose what bread to serve with your perfectly cooked roast beef? Here are some helpful tips:

• Consider the preparation – If you’re making French dip roast beef sandwiches, go for a crusty Italian or French bread that can soak up the jus. For deli-style piled high sandwiches, choose a chewy rye or pumpernickel.

• Think about flavors – Breads like brioche and pretzel bread have sweetness that balances salty beef. Focaccia and ciabatta have herbs and spices that season the meat. Pick a bread that enhances the flavors you want.

• Mind the texture – Roast beef can be tender and juicy, so you want a bread that can hold up and won’t get soggy. Hearty breads like kaiser rolls, baguettes, and ciabatta have sturdy textures.

• Try something new – Don’t be afraid to go beyond basic sandwich bread! Trying a new bread like marble rye or pretzel bread can give your roast beef sandwich a tasty twist.

• Go for small – Mini rolls, slider buns, and small loaves are sandwich perfection. When bread is sized down, the ratios are better and flavors marry together marvelously.

Bake Your Own Artisan Bread for Roast Beef

For the absolute freshest bread, consider baking your own to serve with roast beef! Homemade artisan bread has a delightful chew and incredible aroma.

Focaccia, baguettes, ciabatta, and brioche are all relatively easy for beginners to make at home. You can shape and top breads however you like.

It does take more time than picking up a loaf at the store but is oh so worth it! Nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of homemade bread.

5 Delicious Ways to Serve Roast Beef on Bread

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bread, it’s time to pile on the roast beef! Here are 5 delicious ways to serve it:

• Classic Roast Beef Sandwich – Layer slices of rare roast beef with havarti cheese, lettuce, tomato, and horseradish mayo between slices of ciabatta or kaiser roll.

• French Dip – Slice up French bread baguettes and serve juicy roast beef and jus for dipping on the side. Add provolone cheese if desired.

• Roast Beef Panini – Load up focaccia or ciabatta with roast beef, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and fontina cheese then grill in a panini press for gooey perfection.

• Open Faced Sandwich – Pile thinly sliced roast beef on pumpernickel or rye bread then top with slimmed pickles, arugula, and a shmear of mustard.

• Roast Beef Sliders – Top mini brioche buns or pretzel rolls with swiss cheese, roast beef, crispy fried onions, and horseradish sauce for an easy tasty appetizer.

When prepared correctly and served on the right bread, roast beef becomes an extraordinary treat. I hope these recommendations inspire you to make sensational roast beef sandwiches and meals at home. Don’t settle for boring bread – with so many varieties, the possibilities are endless!