What's the Deal With Canned Bread?

If you grew up outside of New England, you likely haven't heard of canned bread or associate it with that one episode of Spongebob Squarepants. But as strange as it sounds, B&M Canned Brown Bread (with or without raisins) is a classic dish for New Englanders. Read on to learn what canned bread is, how you're supposed to eat it, and how you can make your own at home.

What Is Canned Bread and Why Does It Exist?

You can thank George Burnham and Charles Morrill, co-founders of B&M for canned bread. Founded in 1867, B&M originally canned meats, seafood, and corn, but expanded to canned baked beans in the 1920s to combat declining sales, according to New England Today. The venture took off, and today B&M is best known for its canned baked beans, but canned bread, which is estimated to date back to the 1920s, has managed to stick around as well.

The bread you'll find inside these cans is Boston brown bread, a moist, chewy, and dense bread that typically contains whole wheat flour, molasses, baking soda, cornmeal, and salt. Like its canned iteration, brown bread is a classic New England dish. There's also a variety of brown bread that contains raisins for those who prefer a little sweetness.

How Do I Eat Canned Bread (And What Do I Eat It With)?

Like many other preserved goods, canned bread is ready to slice up and eat as soon as it's opened—but just as with any other bread, you might prefer it toasted. Brown bread is delicious with butter, cream cheese, or jam—all solid options. However, traditional New England canned or brown bread can also be served with baked beans and sliced hot dogs. Given that B&M is best known for its canned beans, the pairing makes good gustatory and business sense.

Get the Recipe: Boston Baked Beans

Can I Make My Own Brown Bread?

Want to take a stab at the classic New England bread yourself? There are plenty of ways to enjoy New England-style brown bread without buying it in a can. Several recipes, such as this recipe by RAINVILLE actually use small coffee cans as a cooking vessel. Instead of searching for canned bread recipes, try looking for Boston brown bread recipes — you'll find more results.

Get the Recipes: Boston Brown Bread I, Boston Brown Bread III