Rye Bread

Rye bread is made of—what else?—rye flour and can be light, dark (think pumpernickel) or both (called a marble rye). Because the gluten in rye isn't as elastic as it is in wheat, rye breads tend to rise less, making them compact and dense. The bread is popular is Scandanavia, Finland, Russia, Germany and many of the surrounding countries. According to Finnish-bornbaker Simo Kuusisto, "In Finland, bakers traditionally use wheat flour only for cookies and cakes. Because rye is hardy and strong-flavored, bakers use it for bread. Whole-grain rye is part of our identity." Nutty, hearty rye breads can stand up to complex flavors, which is why they are the perfect vehicle for toppings like smoked meats, strong cheeses and pickled vegetables. F&W's guide helps you make rye bread step by step, offers delicious recipes and explores the cultures that love rye bread.

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Rustic Apple-Rye Bread

This bread is Monika Walecka's ode to one of her favorite grains, rye, and has become her signature loaf at Cała W Mące in Warsaw. "Everything you sense while eating pure rye bread—lactic notes, sweetness, gentle spiciness, and rich fruity aroma—is here," she says. Cracked rye berries soaked in buttermilk, raisins, a dash of cinnamon, and cubes of heirloom apples that release their juices into the crumb while baking all make this loaf extra special. To be successful with this bread, you need to have a healthy sourdough starter, Walecka advises. Make sure you're using quality products—splurge on good organic buttermilk and raisins, cinnamon (preferably Sri Lankan), and some fine heirloom apples: "Go for russets, but you might have something else around." If you have trouble finding cracked rye berries, you can crack rye berries at home using a food processor (or a kitchen flour mill). Achieving the distinctive, festive ring shape (a rustic couronne) is easy; just be sure to have two sets of 4-inch and 9-inch nesting bowls on hand.

Easy Seeded Rye Bread

This dense, extra-seedy rye bread from Danish chef Claus Meyer is incredibly moist. It sits beautifully at room temperature for a few days and is the perfect thick, crusty piece of bread to use for your avocado toast.Slideshow: More Bread and Biscuit Recipes

Scandinavian Rye Bread

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Master baker Lionel Vatinet makes this dense, super-flavorful bread with locally milled rye flour.Slideshow: How to Make Scandinavian Rye Bread

Rye Berry Bread

Thinly sliced, toasted or not, this dense, hearty whole-grain bread is wonderful topped with smoked salmon, sour cream and chopped onions, or with bitter orange marmalade. Allow time for the sponge to sit overnight.伟大的三明治

Raisin Rye Bread

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Good NewsLionel Vatinet developed this hearty bread—a good source of fiber—to satisfy his Eastern European customers.More Breads and Biscuits

Layman's Rye Bread

Baker Peter Endriss makes his rye with a wild yeast starter that gives the bread a wonderfully tangy and complex flavor and aroma. For home cooks, he suggests using cornichon or pickle juice instead. The idea was inspired by a recipe for Cucumber Pickle Juice Rye Loaf from Dan Lepard, author ofThe Handmade Loaf. Slideshow: Breads of the World