Sourdough bread adds a unique flavor to sandwiches and a taste that trendy toast just can't substitute. Its tangy texture contrasts perfectly with hearty, umami-packed fillings and rich toppings. The great thing is, bread making isn't that hard if you have a good “mother” to make it. But let's be honest, we don't all have the time to knead, rise, and bake fresh bread whenever we need it. Thankfully, there are plenty of great sourdough bread options on store and bakery shelves. Tasting Table set out to find out which breads are the best, and as expected, the gold medal winners were from restaurants that made bread their starting point.
Panera Bread is an impeccable chain that will please many, if not wow everyone. Its iconic broccoli and cheddar soup, bountiful sandwiches, and baked goods make it a dining destination that will please everyone. Its bakery also sells the most popular bread, which will delight you. Of the 14 varieties of sourdough bread, Panera Bread is the clear winner, beating out big names like Pepperidge Farm, Trader Joe's, and Nature's Own. The crust bread is chewy and springy with an achingly soft crumb and delicious flavor on the inside. Slice it into a sandwich or spread it with cultured butter for a double dose of funky flavor, and you won't regret it.
Read more: 23 Whole Foods Baked Goods
Sourdough for sandwiches etc.
Panera Bread Sign – Panera Bread
The thought of stepping foot into a Panera Bread might make some shudder. The food served here is neither outrageously innovative nor comically over the top; it's not the place for adventure seekers or those with tastes of unusual flavours. But Panera's commitment to freshly baked bread sets it apart from its competitors, and it also lets you take your bread home, which adds to the appeal. And while they don't make their dough in-house, they do bake their bread fresh daily.
As mentioned, this is a great bread for sandwiches. Panera's amazing sourdough melt is proof of that. Warming this sourdough gives it an even livelier texture (tip: try it as a grilled cheese). It adds a punchy accent to richer fillings like bacon and avocado or Southwest chicken. Consider these delicious Panera breads as inspiration for what you can do with sourdough at home. And don't think sourdough is only good for savory dishes. Sourdough can add a delightfully unusual twist to classic French toast, earning it top marks in Tasting Table's review of the best (and worst) breads for sweet breakfast staples.
Read the original article at Tasting Table
