We’ve got a very different article for you today, the kind of topic that Sesame Street would delight over. We’re going to be going over a number of foods that start with the letter B! There’s a whole lot of them and they range from desserts to fruits to broths to full course meals!
What Are Foods That Start With Letter B?
#1 Bacon
How could we start with anything other than bacon? It’s difficult to imagine life without it, honestly. Even for those who don’t partake in meat, be honest, you know bacon is an icon!
It’s one of the most famed breakfast foods out there and many among us wouldn’t consider our day to truly begin until we’ve munched on some crispy bacon.
Salty and able to go down just fine along with eggs and toast, bacon is also much more than a simple breakfast item. It’s also frequently used in burgers or wrapped around… well, anything! People actually get pretty crazy with bacon!
#2 Bagels
Bagels are essentially a donut that doesn’t necessarily care about being sweet. It too is a ring-shaped bread but generally doesn’t have frosting per say. The closest it gets is a caking of cream cheese!
People will also spread sesame seeds, poppy seeds and butter on them. They’re frequently eaten with meat and cheese. They’re associated strongly with New York and the Jewish community and have Polish origins.
The idea of a savory donut can seem a bit odd to those who haven’t tried them, and their taste can be surprisingly strong. But it’s got it’s place for sure and there’s a reason it’s so popular.
#3 Baguettes
We go from the bagel to it’s closest relative, it’s sister I suppose if you go by naming convention. The baguette, also known in some circles as French Sticks, is essentially just a lengthy loaf of freeform baked French bread.
It can be of all sorts of different lengths and makes for a solid base as an appetizer for something like, say, bruschetta! Another word you’ll see later on in the list.
Despite the names, baguettes and bagels don’t share much in the way of ancestry. But people can’t help but associate the two and these days, baguette bagels are available! Food really does mix our cultures in a beautiful way…
#4 Bananas
You had to expect Bananas on this list right? What a classic. They’re the most popular fruit in the US and vaunted for their versatility and usefulness with all sorts of recipes, not to mention being tasty on their own!
Some would actually say that these aren’t fruits at all though. They might be classified as large herbs and have some relation to lilies and orchids.
Honestly though, the thing with plants and veggies is that the distinction is often arbitrary, nature doesn’t really operate by our classifications. And we simply can’t stand for the idea of taking bananas away from their fruity brethren.
Rest assured they’re a fruit to us, and a strong one to boot! A great source of fiber and, of course, potassium! And they’re often blended into smoothies or delicious, delicious banana puddings. Couldn’t imagine life without bananas!
#5 Baklava
A cuisine with a longstanding association with the Greek and Turkish cultures, the baklava is not one of the prettier sweets around. It can often resemble a tiny veggie slider in it’s appearance, but is actually a pastry dish.
Looks aren’t everything though and they’re beloved by many. Little sheets of phyllo dough stacked atop one another with layers of chopped nuts and honey syrup is the main way to make a baklava. Cinnamon or clove are often put to good use on a baklava as well.
It has to be a pretty special dish, as after all, it has it’s own holiday. Baklava Day is celebrated each year on November 17th!
#6 Borscht
We really are going all over the world today. Already we’ve touched on Polish, Greek/Turkish and French meals. And now we move on to one of the most famed dishes to come from Russia. It’s a beet stew and a soup that’s easy to identify via it’s striking red color. Beet red, if you will.
Borscht is known to go well with practically anything and all sorts of regions have done their take on borscht. Chunks of tender potato, cabbage, and surprisingly beef can make it’s way into this beet broth. But the heart of it remains the same, no matter what.
#7 Broccoli
The infamous archnemesis of children everywhere, broccoli is among the healthiest veggies on Earth. Rich with Vitamin V and loaded with antioxidants that ward off diseases, it’s been known as an uncontroversially healthy food for a long time.
The most nutritious variety is actually the purple kinds, which have a lot more antioxidants than their more famous green counterparts. And steaming them rather than boiling them is good to preserve those nutrients better.
While they are definitely more known for their nutritional value much more so than their taste, it should be noted that cheddar broccoli rice is absolutely delicious.
#8 Beans
Boy now this is quite the catch-all, isn’t it? I mean there’s all sorts of beans out there. Baked beans and black beans could’ve just as well been entries on their own, as they’re both classic kitchen staples.
It’s estimated that there’s over 400 different kinds of beans in this wide world of ours! And for each one there exists hundreds of recipes, it’s honestly kind of mind-boggling. Of course some are much more popular than others.
Kidney beans are great for chili, and cannellini beans are a solid choice for a Tuscan stew. Buy ‘em in bulk!
#9 Biscuits
Known as scones in the UK, biscuits are impossible to forget. Especially if you live in the Southern states! There’s just nothing quite like the sheer quality of a good homemade biscuit.
Often salty and buttery, they’re an absolute treat all on their own. But like a lot of bread products, they’re versatile and can be partnered with nearly anything. Sausage biscuits or biscuits and gravy lean harder into the natural savory edge. Meanwhile honey biscuits and biscuits with jam turn it into a sweeter affair.
And while we’re on the subject, let’s give a quick shout out to the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, made famous by Red Lobster!
#10 Briskets
And thus we have made the natural transition from biscuits to briskets… okay, they actually have nothing to do with each other, but it’s a cute rhyme, right?
Traditionally this is a slow-cooked and smoked cut of meat, famously salty, spicy and juicy. Considered the unofficial national dish of Texas, it’s another classic of the Southern US for sure. Brisket makes for a fine addition to sandwiches.
And if you really want to get Southern, you can even put ‘em in biscuits! Have yourself a little brisket biscuit!
#11 Beef
We’re going to be staying on the meat wagon for a bit, because it’s time to delve deep into the world of beef! As far as meats go, beef may well be the king, with all due respect to chicken and pork. Excellent for burgers or steak alike, ground beef is also a highly valued part of many recipes.
It’s noted for having a fattier taste that is heavy on the palette, as opposed to something rich and gamey like lamb. But just to really hammer home it’s versatility, let’s talk about some of the fancier dishes you can make with beef!
#12 Beef Stroganoff
A classic of days gone by, Beef Stroganoff has dropped some in popularity after peaking in the 50s through the 70s. They aren’t really served at restaurant quality anymore, more used in microwavable meals and buffet tables where the quality isn’t quite right.
But anyone who’s had the real deal will tell you that Beef Stroganoff is a greatly underappreciated meal. And one that is worthy of a resurgence!
#13 Beef Wellington
A filet steak traditionally coated with a pâté de foie gras and duxelles, and baked inside a wrapping of puff pastry. This is a unique delicacy for sure and one with murky origins. While no concrete links have been found, it’s believed to have been named after Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington.
Regardless, it’s a treat, sometimes wrapped in parma ham or crêpes to retain moisture. The beef is also occasionally substituted with pork tenderloin instead of beef… but then, it’s hardly a Beef Wellington at that point, right?
#14 Brownies
I’m sure you were wondering when we were going to get to brownies. Rest assured, we’d never skip this one. One of the most popular sweets on Earth, home cooks seem to find new ways to bake a brownie every day.
Most traditionally sweet and rich with chocolate or fudge, brownies are simply delectable and you’ll pretty much never hear anyone turn one down.
So beloved are they that no diet worth it’s salt (or lack thereof in many cases) would dare go on without including some kind of brownie. Indeed, there exist Paleo brownies, vegan brownies and keto brownies. Some folks even make avocado brownies and beet brownies to try and trick their kids into eating healthy!
#15 Black-Eyed Peas
It’s got to be said that these are some over-achievers. Despite being staples in pantries everywhere, they’re honestly barely considered peas, with many classing them as yet another type of bean. Did we mention there’s over 400 kinds of beans out there…?
Still, black-eyed “peas” are a lovely addition to many recipes, and are frequently taking part in soul foods. Caribbean stews and creole platters just wouldn’t be the same without them. They’re even good enough to be the namesake of a major hip hop group! Not bad…
#16 Black Peppers
This is known much more as a seasoning than anything else of course, but they are edible on their own and boy oh boy, are they spicy that way. Packed with a smoky, sharp taste, they can go with all sorts of things.
It’s also got some spiritual ties, thought to be a medicinal plant in some ancient traditions. Ayurveda, and Indian healing art, names Black Pepper as a strong detoxifier and cleanser. With the kick that it gives, it’s not hard to see why.
#17 Bread
There is at once so much to say and yet, none at all. Bread is a monolithic ingredient in our daily lives. It’s as versatile as the day is long, being able to turn into anything sweet or savory. It’s related to cookies and cakes and all sorts of other genres.
From toast to croutons, bread can take seemingly any form and find it’s way into so many diets. It’s hard to avoid it!
There’s almost too much to talk about in such a small space, but don’t fret. We’re about to get into several other specific, famed uses for bread! Let’s get started…
#18 Bread Pudding
A comfort food and traditional English dessert that makes for a worthy dish all on it’s own. It’s made by taking stale bread and baking it a custard of eggs, cream and sugar. Although many will change up the recipe, replacing or adding to these ingredients with something like chocolate or cinnamon for a bit of sweet spice.
And for the daring of you out there, raisins and rum can make a fun, boozier variant of the old classic!
#19 Breadsticks
If you’ve ever spent a lengthy time waiting on your order at an Italian restaurant, you know the struggle. Despite the many warnings, it’s difficult to fight the urge to fill up on breadsticks. Because, frankly – they’re really good!
Often doused with parmesan cheese – drowned in it sometimes, to great affect – and coupled with a handy side of marinara, breadsticks are rarely the feature food but always deeply appreciated. It’s even fair to say they’re a bit underrated and could easily be their own meal.
Add a layer of cheese on top and you’re really on your way to paradise… what a delight!
#20 Banana Bread
A popular form of quick bread, there’s a surprisingly high number of routes you can take with banana bread. Baked without yeast, it can be paired with all sorts of toppings and flavorings. The banana bread batter can even be spun off into muffins!
It’s primarily based on browned bananas for added flavor and sweetness. It’s an absolutely delicious dessert and a powerful choice for any occasion.
#21 Breadfruit
The words ‘bread’ and ‘fruit’ don’t seem as they should go so well together on the surface, but as we said, bread can do anything! Already worked well enough with bananas and… okay, who are we kidding? There’s no bread here, it’s just an odd name.
Yeah, the bread portion of the list is over, but don’t sleep on this fruit! The prickly breadfruit is a much loved sweet snack or dessert in the Asian and Pacific region.
A tropical delicacy, Pacific Islanders prefer to roast their breadfruit in special underground ovens, where heated rocks warm them up! But if that’s not an option for you, and uh, it probably isn’t, don’t fret. Baking, boiling and steaming the ripe fruits works just as well!
#22 Boston Cream Pies
It wouldn’t be a true trip to Boston without a taste of this rich and decadent pie. It’s often imitated but the real deal is a tough one to duplicate.
Starting with the ever delectable and classic vanilla sponge cake, filled to the brim with a sweet pastry cream and topped with a solid layer of rich chocolate icing! Makes your mouth water a little just reading about it, doesn’t it?
It’s every bit as scrumptious as it sounds too, and goes down real easy.
#23 Brown Rice
Not as glamorous as some of the other recommendations on this list but brown rice is a respectable option for sure. Higher in fiber than it’s white counterpart, brown rice is a dense bit of eats noted for it’s chewiness and it’s nutty taste.
It takes some extra time to cook it, granted. But it’s worth it for all the benefits it brings. It’s a very healthy and filling option that doubles as a wonderful base for all sorts of rich and heart sauces and flavors.
#24 Brie
A soft cheese made from the milk of a cow, and named after the French region from which it hails. It’s known by some as France’s king of all cheeses. Brie issues forth hints of raw mushrooms as well as the light scent of brandy.
A soft-ripened affair known for it’s white rind and creamy-white interior, it’s smooth buttery and rich. It’s definitely up there with the top tier cheeses in the game.
#25 Blueberries
An interesting fruit, the flavor of which is often kind of misconstrued due to it’s name being attributed to candies that taste nothing like it. It’s most commonly found scattered across yogurts, blended into fruit smoothies or, most famously, baked into pies!
They aren’t available all-year round unfortunately, so getting fresh ones is something that can only be done at the right time. The American blueberry season stretches across from April to September. Get them in the summer if you’re looking to sample them at their very best.
Oh, by the way, another thing they’re famously used for? Pancakes! Blueberry pancakes are a treat you just have to try if you haven’t! Muffins too!
#26 Brussels Sprouts
These have a lot of in common with broccoli, including behind a hard sell for kids despite being a favored choice among parents. Much like it, it’s a veritable smorgasbord of vitamin C and vitamin K. A very, very healthy option for sure.
It can be prepared in a number of ways, ranging from simple to fanciful. Simply roasting them until they’re blackened works well enough for some. Others might find them better shredded and pan-fried with a dash of white wine and lemon. However you prefer them, as long as you’re eating brussels sprouts, you’re getting some solid nutrition!
#27 Blue Cheese
Another cheese, this one is a bit controversial. It’s hard to stomach as it’s one of the cheeses that made cheese stereotypically associated with nasty smells. It’s said to smell a bit like wet grass, which is real odd for a cheese.
And frankly, it’s not even easy to look at since… well, it’s filled to the brim with mold! That’s what the blue stuff is! (Really more green…)
But while it may not look or smell it, any who have eaten blue cheese can attest that it’s very much a tasty and digestible mold and helps give it that ripe taste. It’s thought to be a tart and tangy cheese that goes well when crumbled up into salads or turned into dip.
#28 Basmati Rice
Basmati is a Hindi word that translates to ‘fragrant’, which should give you some idea of what to expect from this aromatic rice. A strong but pleasant scent hints at a similarly strong and pleasant taste.
The long-grain rice is among the very biggest of India’s commercial crops and is known to pair excellently with a number of dishes from around that same region, making it a popular option in the country. Consider basmati rice as a side when you’re next ready to have some nice warm, creamy curry.
#29 Beets
A sweet root veggie, that also comes with some very notable health benefits to go along with the taste. It’s got a rep as a superfood and for good reason. It’s high in fiber and folate, and comes jam-packed with anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
They can be prepared in a number of ways, whether steamed, roasted, juiced or pureed. We do recommend that you wear gloves if possible while working with them and wipe down surfaces, as they can make a serious mess.
For real, they can turn a kitchen into a crime scene real quick. Anyway, as for uses of beets… you remember the top recommendation from earlier in the list right? Of course – borscht! Beets are the heart of borscht!
#30 Bruschetta
Feels like most people say it like ‘broo-sheh-ta’, but apparently the correct pronunciation is ‘broo-sket-ta’? Either way,it’s essentially a slice of bread that’s been either grilled or toasted in the oven, then coated with garlic and topped with tomatoes, salt and extra-virgin olive oil.
Traditionally it comes with basil herbs as well. It’s about as Italian as it can get, as it’s said to be made in tribute to the Italian flag. Green basil, white bread and red tomatoes coming together quite patriotically!
#31 Bell Peppers
Some refer to these as traffic light fruits, due to the distinctive color variety that they come in. Green, yellow and red… it makes sense! Except for the fruit part, let’s not get that twisted here, they aren’t bananas! But let’s not get into that debate again…
Health nuts love to go for all colors of the rainbow as colored produce always comes packed with high levels of antioxidants. So adding in some of these traffic light ‘fruits’ along with your other greens makes for a wonderfully healthy mix. Spicy though!
#32 Bouillon
A broth made from the stewing of meat, fish and/or veggies in water. Essentially the same as regular broth or stock, it’s perhaps well known for coming in cubed form. Indeed bouillon cubes have been around in some form since atleast the 17th century and are sourced back to either England or France, depending on who you ask.
It’s a dehydrated food of the veggie or meat stock and often a small bit of fat, MSG, salt and seasoning. There are also vegan and vegetarian types of bouillon cubes made.
#33 Butternut Squash
Counting butter as ‘food’ seemed like cheating since it’s certainly not something people just eat by itself – or atleast that’s not the recommendation! But butternut squash fits just fine! Even though it’s yet another misleadingly named food, with nothing to do with butter. Some do say it tastes a lot like butterscotch though, so there’s something!
It’s a flavorful food and much sweeter than your average squash. Depending on whether you want it sweet or savory, it can be prepared in different ways, either with sea salt and herbs or with a combination of cinnamon, brown sugar and nutmeg.
It’s also a nutritious meal, high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin A.
#34 Buffalo Wings
Buffalo wings are a staple of bars in the US. Not actually made of buffalo, which is good actually because that would raise a lot of questions as to where people are finding wings on buffalo! Turns out it’s actually an evolution of chicken wings. Suppose ‘buffalo wing’ just sounds more… interesting?
Anyway you take unbreaded chicken wings or drumsticks and deep fry them, serve with vinegar and cayenne pepper hot sauce and mix with butter, and you got this spicy meal! Hot wing is another name, and a fitting one!
#35 Burritos
We end with a classic. What is there to be said about the legendary burrito? Capable of being served and prepared in all sorts of ways, stuffed with almost anything you could think of. It can be as simple as your standard beef and bean burrito, or as exotic as the Korean BBQ burrito which is filled with kimchi and yum yum sauce.
Let’s be honest, we don’t have to explain to anybody what a burrito is or why it’s so great. The tortilla wrap can contain practically anything and very often it contains greatness!
In Conclusion
It turns out that there’s really no shortage of foods that begin with the letter ‘B’. We could’ve kept going on and on but 35 seems like plenty! Let’s give a special honorary mention to burgers here – the full name of course is hamburger or cheeseburger, so they didn’t quite fit, but no doubt people would’ve been all over us if we didn’t make mention of that!
There’s not exactly some big grand meaning to this, naturally other letters can say the same thing. But it has to be said that a lot of world famous foods start with the same letter! Maybe there’s something particularly appetizing about that “buh” sound, or maybe it’s all just a big coincidence.
Either way we hope you were entertained by this article and maybe learned a thing or two!