You might think you already know how to cut bread. But what if you've been doing it wrong this entire time?
This Genius Hack Shows You How to Cut Bread Without Smashing It
Updated on Jun. 20, 2024
Sometimes we wonder how we ever figured out how to handle our food before the Internet came into existence packed with little tips and tricks meant to make our lives easier. Last century, if you made an unexpected discovery in the kitchen, you might share it with family and friends and that was that. Now we have social media, which is more than just a way to keep up with your loved ones—it’s also a rich source of culinary inspiration.
How else would we know that we could use lids from jars to make perfectly round eggs? Or how to easily make one-pan breakfast sandwiches? For anyone who’s ever wondered how to cut bread so you don’t smash it all to bits, we’ve got a fresh-from-the-internet solution for you!
How to Cut Bread Perfectly
If you’ve ever had trouble cutting a fresh loaf of French bread you just bought (or just made), you’re not alone. Even with a serrated knife, sometimes the knife slices but still smashes all the soft surface. You might get the job done but end up with sad, squished slices.
We found the solution from r/foodhacks on Reddit, and the answer is so simple: Flip the loaf upside down! Believe it or not, this method lets you get through the tough heel of the bread first, making it easier to maintain the shape.
I used to smush my fresh french bread when I sliced it. Today, I opened the loaf upside down – when I sliced it – no smushing! from r/foodhacks
Whether you’re talking baguettes, potato bread, challah or more, this tip should work with any bread you buy or bake.
Sharpen Your Knife Skills
First, you need to choose the right knife for the job. For bread or any cutting task that will benefit from a sawing motion, you’ll need a serrated knife. Hint: these knives also work well for cutting produce with soft flesh-like tomatoes. Once you’ve chosen the knife for your task, make sure it’s not dull. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cut you than a sharp knife. Here’s how to find the best knife sharpener. Safety first!
We don’t know, but we’ll be trying out this hack with our favorite baking projects this weekend.
Test This Hack Out on Our Favorite Bread Recipes
French BreadMy kids love to help me make this delicious bread recipe. It's quite easy, and they enjoy the fact that they can be eating fresh bread in less than two hours! —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont
Psst! Make bread a breeze with these essential bread-making tools.
Sunflower Seed & Honey Wheat BreadI've tried other bread recipes, but this one is a staple in our home. I won $50 in a bake-off with a loaf that I had stored in the freezer. —Mickey Turner, Grants Pass, Oregon
Want a bread baking refresher? Check out our bread baking guide and get all of your questions answered (or just get some reassurance).
Pumpkin BreadI keep my freezer stocked for our harvest crew with home-baked goodies like this deliciously spicy, easy pumpkin bread recipe. —Joyce Jackson, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia
(Find more easy quick bread recipes like this one!)
Banana BreadOur best ever banana bread is soft, moist and filled with a caramelized banana flavor. It’s easy to see why bakers love this recipe!
Baker’s Dozen Yeast RollsA yummy honey-garlic topping turns these easy dinner rolls into something extra special. Try ’em with soups and chili. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
CornbreadGolden squares of buttery cornbread pair perfectly with any comfort meal. This cornbread is crisp on the outside with a soft, crumbly interior.
Have you ever ended up with undercooked bread? Learn what to do about it and ensure it never happens again.
Oatmeal Dinner RollsThese fluffy rolls go perfectly with any meal. They have a delicious homemade flavor that's irresistible. I like them because they're not hard to make and they bake up nice and high. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Cinnamon Raisin Quick BreadIf you like cinnamon raisin bread but don't want to bake with yeast, here's a cinnamon raisin quick bread recipe that's sure to please. A tender, raisin-dotted buttermilk batter hides a swirl of cinnamon and sugar that lends just the right amount of sweetness to each slice.
Take a look at these cranberry bread recipes.
Golden Honey Pan RollsA cousin in North Carolina gave me the recipe for these delicious honey-glazed rolls. Using my bread machine to make the dough saves me about 2 hours compared to the traditional method. The rich buttery taste of these rolls is so popular with family and friends that I usually make two batches so I have enough! —Sara Wing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Keto BreadThis keto-friendly recipe creates a toasty, golden loaf from almond flour, flaxseeds, eggs and butter. It's perfect for everyday use, like toast, sandwiches and more! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Blueberry BreadBake up some sunshine with our incredibly moist, tender and flavorful lemon blueberry bread. Loaded with zesty citrus, juicy blueberries and crunchy nuts, this will easily become your favorite take on this classic quick bread.
Icebox ButterhornsThese beautiful golden rolls just melt in your mouth! People will be impressed when these appear on your table. —Judy Clark, Elkhart, Indiana
Pear Bread RecipeThis pear bread recipe needs to be at the forefront of your next fall baking affair. It makes two warmly spiced and pear-studded bread loaves that just taste like a crisp autumn day.
Italian BreadA basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.
Apple Zucchini BreadThis quick apple zucchini bread spotlights late-summer produce. It's easy to bake and absolutely delicious.
For more, check out our collection of zucchini bread recipes and also learn how to make zucchini bread.
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Apple BreadWhile this apple bread is simply delicious as is, the fall-friendly recipe is also ripe for improvisation, so feel free to add your favorite dried fruits.
Honey CornbreadNix the box mix for this homemade honey cornbread recipe. It’s comforting and complements savory dishes effortlessly.
Country White BreadThis country white bread is wonderful for making sandwiches or French toast, and it's quite delicious even on its own.
Soft Dinner RollsThese soft dinner rolls are relatively easy to make. Give yourself time to properly knead and rise the dough before baking and you'll have fluffy rolls on your table in no time.
Buttermilk BiscuitsYou can make biscuits any day of the week with this simple 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits recipe.
Pull-Apart Garlic BreadThis pull-apart garlic bread is buttery, savory and all-around excellent. Plus, it's quite easy to make with premade dough.
Angel BiscuitsAngel biscuits aren't the same old, same old. They use yeast for leavening, along with the usual baking powder and baking soda, giving them a uniquely light texture and flavor.
Pumpkin Knot RollsThese rolls are the lightest, most delicious ones I've ever tasted—and everyone else seems to agree. The pumpkin gives them mild flavor, moist texture and a pretty golden color. At our house, it wouldn't be the holidays without them. —Dianna Shimizu, Issaquah, Washington
Buttery Bubble BreadHomemade bread can be time-consuming, difficult and tricky to make. But this fun-to-eat monkey bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, is easy and almost foolproof. If I'm serving it for breakfast, I add some cinnamon and drizzle it with icing. —Pat Stevens, Granbury, Texas
Praline-Topped Apple BreadApples, toasted pecans and a praline glaze make this bread perfect for a holiday celebration—or anytime. We like it better than our go-to coffee cake. —Sonja Blow, Nixa, Missouri
English Muffin BreadSlathering butter (or honey or chocolate hazelnut spread) on a slice of this craggy English muffin bread is ultra-satisfying, as it catches and pools in the crannies, making each bite a delight.
Potato RollsHomemade potato rolls have a distinctively delicious flavor and moist, fluffy texture.
Blueberry BreadThis blueberry bread recipe is a simple quick bread you'll look forward to making when fresh blueberries are in season.
Garlic Crescent RollsThe simple comfort of warm crescent rolls gets dressed up with a brush of herbed garlic butter and a shower of Parmesan cheese.
Honey BreadIs there anything better than homemade bread? This simple honey bread recipe makes two soft loaves perfect for toast or sandwiches. It's like your favorite white bread, with just a hint of honey sweetness.
Pull-Apart Bacon BreadI stumbled across this recipe while looking for something different to take to a brunch. Boy, am I glad I did! Everyone asked for the recipe and was surprised it called for only five ingredients. It's the perfect treat to bake for an informal get-together. —Traci Collins, Cheyenne, Wyoming
Make-Ahead ButterhornsMom loved to make these lightly sweet, golden rolls. They're beautiful and impressive and have a homemade taste that makes them memorable. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri
Parmesan Sweet Cream BiscuitsSweet cream biscuits were the first kind I mastered. Since the ingredients are so simple, I can scale the recipe up or down. In fact, I've actually memorized it! —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
Sweet Potato BreadOne slice of this warm, tender sweet potato bread and you’ll see why it’s one of our favorite sweet potato fall desserts.
Potluck Pan RollsThe appealing homemade yeast-bread flavor of these golden rolls is unbeatable. Soft and light, they're great alongside any entree. Folks are disappointed if I don't bring them to potluck dinners. —Carol Mead, Los Alamos, New Mexico
Buttermilk CornbreadThis buttermilk cornbread recipe is tangy, fluffy and filled with sweet flavor. It's an easy side dish to pair with barbecue or hearty meats, and it can be ready and on the table in just 30 minutes.
Sesame French Bread Homemade French bread isn’t at all difficult to make, and it’s perfect alongside Italian foods. If you’re not serving a large group, freeze one loaf to enjoy later. —Peggy Van Arsdale, Trenton, New Jersey
Hawaiian Dinner RollsPineapple and coconut give a subtle sweetness to these golden homemade rolls. If there are any leftovers, they're great for sandwiches. —Kathy Kurtz, Glendora, California
Tomato FocacciaTomato focaccia bread is a fantastic side for all sorts of dishes, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, sea bass, and more. It's also fantastic on its own or topped with a fried egg.
Sesame Wheat BraidsWhen I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much that I was baking every day! I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids both a blue ribbon and a best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio
Honey-Squash Dinner RollsPuffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works—I've even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
Celebration BraidDuring the holidays, I sometimes make a couple of these golden loaves a day to give as gifts. Everyone in our family loves them any time of year. The recipe originated with one for Jewish challah, which I began making over a decade ago.
—Marcia Vermaire
Fruitport, Michigan
Mexican CornbreadRamp up the heat and the flavor with this Mexican cornbread, simple to share and elevating a classic dish.
Garlic Herb Bubble LoafI adapted an old sour cream bread recipe for this deliciously different pull-apart loaf that smells heavenly while baking. It has a light crust, tender interior and lots of herb and butter flavor. We think it's wonderful with a hot bowl of potato soup. —Katie Crill, Priest River, Idaho
Gluten-Free Flour MixI make this recipe in two-quart batches and store them in airtight jars. My son and I both have celiac disease and love that we can use this mix to still enjoy traditional dishes. —Bernice Fenskie, Wexford, Pennsylvania
Rye BreadThis homemade rye bread recipe produces a flavorful, hearty bread for sandwiches or pairing with soups. Follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make rye bread at home.
Flaky Cheddar-Chive BiscuitsThese wonderful, buttery biscuits complement any dinner. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Autumn Pear BreadPears give these little loaves delicious flavor and help keep them nice and moist. They make lovely gifts to share, too. —Mary Lynn Wilson, Linden, Texas
Flavorful Herb BreadThis bread is one of my favorites. It has a wonderful texture and slices beautifully, and the flavor of the herbs really comes through. (Psst—If you don't have a bread machine on hand, learn how to make bread without one!) —Gerri Hamilton, Kingsville, Ontario
Herbed Oatmeal Pan BreadThis beautiful, golden pan bread is especially good with a steaming bowl of homemade soup. The oats give it a distinctive flavor, and we really like the herb and Parmesan cheese topping.—Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Homemade BreadsticksSoft and tender homemade breadsticks are the all-star side. They’re ideal for dunking in sauce, serving with cheese or plating alongside a pasta dinner or savory salad.
Vegetable & Cheese FocacciaMy family eats this flavorful bread as fast as I can make it. Sometimes I add different herbs, red onion or crumbled bacon. It's one of my best recipes!
—Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Home-Style Yeast BreadEveryone likes the tender texture and slightly sweet taste of this homemade bread. When I'm in the mood to bake, I usually double the recipe and share loaves with friends. The dough also makes lovely rolls.
-Launa Shoemaker, Landrum, South Carolina
Cornmeal Pan RollsThese delightful golden rolls are always requested at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The recipe is one we’ve enjoyed for years. —Vivian Eccles, Gridley, Kansas. Try making kugelhopf this holiday season.
Caraway Seed Rye BreadMy 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
Butternut Squash Dinner RollsThese wholesome rolls are a pleasant addition to any entree. I get so many requests for them at holiday time. I make about 100 dozen in December! —Ula Kessler, Liberty Center, Ohio
Butter and Herb LoafThis is one of my family's favorite bread recipes. They love it with a warm bowl of soup during autumn.— Lillian Hatcher, Plainfield, Illinois
Oat Pan RollsI've made so many of these delicious rolls that I think I could make them blindfolded! I always take about 200 of them to the senior citizens dinner at our church. After shaping the rolls, you can freeze them, then just thaw and bake when you need them. —Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
No-Knead Casserole BreadYou'll love this cheddar bread made in a casserole dish. It is one of the easiest yeast breads to make. And since it calls for rapid-rise yeast, you don't have to wait long to enjoy it! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama
Handy Sausage BiscuitsThese are similar to old-fashioned biscuits made from scratch, but they're even better thanks to the tasty sausage throughout. It's almost impossible to stop eating them. I like to serve these biscuits with an egg dish or soup. —Nancy Parker, Seguin, Texas
Sour Cream Chive BreadThis savory loaf mildly flavored with chives is delicious when served warm with a meal, soup, salad or stew. It also tastes wonderful toasted the next day for breakfast. —Deborah Plank, West Salem, Ohio
Honey Spice BreadThe texture of this bread is almost like a cake, so I usually serve slices of it for dessert. The loaf looks so festive with the pretty glaze drizzled on top. —Gaye O'Dell, Binghamton, New York
Yogurt CornbreadMy husband doesn't like traditional Texas cornbread, so I came up with this recipe. This is the only kind he'll eat. Yogurt makes this variation different from most. —Amanda Andrews of Mansfield, Texas
Herb Quick BreadThis simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Manhattan, Kansas
Whole Wheat French BreadThe first time I made this recipe my husband asked it if was homemade or store-bought. When he reached for a second piece, I knew I had a winning recipe. —Roseann Loker, Colon, Michigan
Date Pecan Tea BreadPacked with dates and pecans, this sweet bread is excellent on its own and even better topped with the chunky cream cheese spread. We enjoy it during the holiday season, but also for after-school and late-night snacks. —Carole Resnick, Cleveland, Ohio
Cinnamon BreadOur homemade cinnamon bread recipe makes a loaf fit for magazine covers: tall and golden brown with soft, sweet dough and swirls of cinnamon sugar. Here's how to make it.
Wholesome Wheat BreadMy sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen.
-Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas
Egg BreadOur egg bread recipe is a showstopping bake for any occasion. The impressive, braided loaves are pillowy, soft and finished with an egg wash for a glorious shine.
Dilly RollsThese versatile rolls are so welcome served warm alongside any dinner. I always make a big batch since my family enjoys them after they're cool, too, stuffed with a filling like egg salad or ham salad. —Mary Bickel, Terre Haute, Indiana
Buttermilk RollsThese buttermilk rolls are squishy, buttery and irresistible, especially when pulled straight from the oven.
Whole Wheat RollsYou have just found what you have long sought with these honey whole wheat rolls: an easy and delicious dinner roll recipe.
English MuffinsThis English muffins recipe yields soft and chewy bread with all the craggy nooks and crannies that make English muffins so iconic. Serve with eggs Benedict, or spread on some butter and jam.
Homemade BagelsOur easy bagel recipe lets you skip the store and make a dozen homemade bagels right in the comfort of your kitchen. Customize them with your favorite bagel toppings like everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds or Asiago cheese.
Sour Cream Fan RollsI received this recipe from an email pen pal in Canada. The dough is so easy to work with, and it makes the lightest yeast rolls. I haven't used another white bread recipe since I started making this one.
-Carrie Ormsby, West Jordan, Utah
Rosemary Orange BreadMeet the Cook: Of all the herbs, rosemary is my favorite. This bread goes great with a roast, chicken or pasta with red sauce. It's especially festive to serve at holiday time.
My husband and I have three young children - ages 6, 3 and 1.
-Deidre Fallavollita, Vienna, Virginia
Italian Pinwheel RollsParmesan cheese, garlic and oregano make these rolls hard to resist. My family gets hungry when they smell them baking and can't wait for them to be done. —Patricia FitzGerald, Candor, New York
Feather-Light BiscuitsI usually used a glass as a cutter so the biscuits are bigger than average size, and I always baked some extras to send home with the kids. They liked to split them and fill them with cheese or peanut butter and strawberry jam. —Eleanore Hill, Fresno, California
Apple Raisin BreadI've been making this bread for many years. It smells so good in the oven and tastes even better. I make bread almost every Saturday, and it doesn't stay around long with our sons home from college in the summer. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Overnight Yeast RollsIt's easy to make light and flavorful rolls with this no-fuss recipe. The dough can also be used for cinnamon rolls, herb bread or coffee cake. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Skillet Herb BreadWe had a lot of family get-togethers while I was growing up. My grandmother, aunts and mom were all good cooks, and each had her own specialty when it came to bread. Mom's was my favorite—she created this recipe more than 40 years ago. The flavors call to mind the taste of cornbread stuffing! —Shirley Smith, Yorba Linda, California
Evelyn’s Sour Cream Twists"Evelyn" is my mother-in-law, who always keeps some of these terrific flaky twists in her freezer to serve in a pinch. They go quickly around our house— especially during the holidays.
Herb Buttermilk Dinner RollsWhen I couldn't find a recipe for dinner rolls, I created my own using a variety of herbs for extra flavor. —Sue Friesen, Thorold, Ontario
Yeast RollsEvery home cook should have a recipe on hand for soft and fluffy yeast rolls. They're made with basic ingredients and come in handy when you need a simple dinner side.
Italian FlatbreadsPairs wedges of this chewy flatbread with a tomato-based soup and start dunking! —Cynthia M. Bent, Newark, DE
Cardamom BreadMake your own cardamom bread for a delightfully sweet, spiced treat, best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.
Cornmeal Parker House RollsMy mom deserves the credit for making this recipe a family tradition. These sweet, tender rolls have been on every holiday table at her house for as long as I can remember. —Lisa D. Brenner, Harrisburg, Nebraska
Pepperoni Cheese BreadAs a stay-at-home mother of two little girls, I pack a lot of activity into my days. The bread machine makes it a snap to turn out this attractive loaf that gets its zip from cayenne pepper, pepperoni and Mexican cheese. —Dusti Christensen, Goodridge, Minnesota
Scottish Oatmeal RollsMy family likes rolls that can hold up to scooping gravies, sauces and more. This recipe is a favorite. The oatmeal in the dough gives it a Scottish touch. —Peggy Goodrich, Enid, Oklahoma
Cardamom TwistThis golden bread has a soft, tender texture and the perfect amount of cardamom flavor in every bite. Slices are especially good with a cream cheese spread or fresh honey butter. —Carla Miller, Pasco, Washington
Tender Whole Wheat RollsEven though these are whole wheat rolls they have a light texture and are soft and tender. This recipe reminds me of lots of happy meals with my family.—Wilma Orlano, Carroll, Iowa
Muenster BreadMany years ago my sister and I won blue ribbons in 4-H with this bread. The recipe makes a beautiful golden loaf with cheese peeking out of every slice. —Melanie Mero, Ida, Michigan
Wild Rice Bread with Sunflower SeedsI loved skipping the boring school cafeteria meals and going to my grandma’s house for lunch. She spent most of her life in northeastern Minnesota, which is reflected in this bread's ingredients. Now my family uses this for our holiday stuffing. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Up Next: The best bread recipes of 2024.
