Carbs have really gotten a raw deal over the past couple of decades, but, breads have been making a come back. Not the squishy bleached flour, white style, no no. We’re talking real breads loaded with sprouted grains, healthy seeds, nuts and fruits. It’s true that even the grocery store chains have tried to get in on the rustic bread train, but there’s nothing like the homemade quality from small local bakers.
These are the spots in Edmonton where you’ll find the tastiest, most wholesome and imaginative artisanal breads. You’ll be making the most impressive sandwiches, bread pudding, nutty slices for charcuterie or maybe just the greatest ever toast, slathered with butter, as well as supporting local business. So here we go!
Bonjour Bakery
Since 2011, Yves Chartrand has been running Bonjour Bakery with his son and wife. His son, Kenny, is now Head Baker. Specializing in pain au levain (which is French for sourdough), an all-natural wild yeast culture that makes for “…concentrated flavour and character…”.
What kind of breads are produced at Bonjour with levain? Our favourites include the Cranberry Purple Wheat with big cranberries baked in, the Seeded Rye covered with seeds and rolled oats, and the Sesame-Poppy Sourdough. You’ll also find a large cheese counter at the bakery because the combo of delightful bread and fine cheese is a classic that cannot be beat.
Breadland Organic Bakery
At Breadland, a whole range of items are made with organic ingredients. Not just many kinds of bread, but also a glorious array of photogenic (and extremely tasty!) pastries.
Breads that we recommend are the Organic Whole Grain Sprouted Multigrain topped with poppy seeds, the crunchy and crusty Organic Wholegrain Sourdough or the sweet, braided Challah which is a type of brioche (the exact right option for bread pudding).
The location is also a charming café so grab a coffee and immediately try some of their goodies, like the Apricot Turnover, a Ricotta Sour Cherry Danish or the Whole Grain Spelt Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls. Yes, please!
Dutch Delicious
If a one-stop shop is your thing, then a bakery/grocery store/café with imported European goods, as well as pastries, breads and cakes made on-site from original Dutch recipes might be the perfect stop for you. A spin around Dutch Delicious will make you feel both at home and like you’ve taken a mini vacay to the Continent.
Let’s focus on the bread! Dutch Delicious has options that are very different from the other spots we’ve profiled and worth trying. Do you love French Toast? Make your regular recipe into a showstopper with Sugar Bread (baked with sugar cubes and cinnamon), or the Dutch Apple Raisin Bread which is pretty self explanatory. If you’re after a unique sandwich loaf, go for the Sunflower Corn Bread with cornmeal and sunflower seeds throughout.
Sugar Bread (baked with sugar cubes and cinnamon), or the Dutch Apple Raisin Bread which is pretty self explanatory. If you’re after a unique sandwich loaf, go for the Sunflower Corn Bread with cornmeal and sunflower seeds throughout.
Brio Bakery
Former dental technician, Todd Barraclough, found his love of breadmaking by chance when he started baking at home with positive feedback from those with whom he shared his loaves. After years of trial and error and professional baking education, which included learning the process of breads made from the process of levain, Todd expanded sales at various farmer’s markets before eventually opening his brick-and-mortar bakery.
Bread is not the only product line at Brio, Todd also has education in the preparation of Viennoiserie – light, buttery pastries such as croissants and brioche. But since bread is our focus, here are some of the wonderful loaves you should consider… Try the Olive Prairie Loaf with olives, herbs and lemony zest, the Multigrain Prairie Loaf replete with oats and seeds, or the crispy Brio Baguette. Too hard to choose? Get one of each!
Wish you could visit all these local businesses for a self-led food tour? More cash in your pocket means you get to enjoy even more goodies and with our amazing 1, 2, 3 Pick Your Rewards Deal you get prepaid Mastercards, gas cards, and dining cards valued at up to $225. We guarantee it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
Lol, you didn’t think we’d leave that out, did you?
