With more consumers eating out less frequently amid economic pressures, artisan bread makers are boosting efforts to bring that restaurant-quality experience to the home kitchen. 

“Par-baked varieties of loaves, baguettes and rolls allow consumers to enjoy fresh, warm bread or rolls right from the oven, much like they would enjoy at a restaurant,” observed Dawn Aho, client insights principal, bakery vertical, Circana.

Andrew Sanchez, vice president of operations and sales for Houston-based Slow Dough Bread Co., said more people are trying to create artisan breads at home, with some even calling the company to see if they can buy its starter for at-home baking. 

“We’re excited about the increased knowledge at the consumer level about what great bread truly is,” Sanchez said. “With the advent of social media and there being so many channels to educate yourself on ‘upping your home-cooking game,’ many people are wanting to cultivate elaborate meals because No. 1: They have the skillset to do so now, and No. 2: People don’t want to sacrifice eating quality food despite the impacts of inflation to the restaurant industry.”

La Brea Bakery has expanded its fresh-baked loaves and take-home options, both of which are seeing great success, said Jonathan Davis, culinary innovation leader for La Brea Bakery, a brand of Los Angeles-based Aspire Bakeries.

The bakery’s Take-and-Bake line, which includes French Sandwich Rolls, French Dinner Rolls and a French Baguette Twin Bake, is now available in more than one thousand Target stores nationwide. 

“These par-baked breads can be finished at home in minutes, offering the freshness and quality of a French boulangerie with the convenience today’s consumers crave,” Davis said.

At-home baking first boomed during the pandemic, with many consumers making artisan breads like sourdough for the first time. To maintain and expand on that audience today, Bread Man Baking Co. is focused on offering products like easy-to-use bread kits, specialty flours and starter cultures, as well as pairing suggestions for its breads.

“Additionally, we are investing in educational content, such as tutorials and recipe guides, to keep home bakers engaged and inspire creativity,” said Tasos Katsaounis, founder and chief executive officer of Bread Man Baking Co., Houston

La Brea Bakery is taking a similar approach to show everything that’s possible with artisan bread.

“We provide inspiration on our website via our blog, newsletter and on our social media channels, offering recipes and meal ideas — from gourmet sandwiches to elevated breakfast dishes — that show how our breads can level up any meal,” Davis said. 

Slow Dough offers product bundles and recipes that encourage consumers to incorporate its bread into different occasions such as parties and picnics. Sanchez added that social media has done a lot to educate the at-home chef and offer artisan inspiration. 

“There are some outstanding Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts that can coach someone on how to make an excellent meal in 90 seconds,” he said. 

Kelsey Olsen, food and drink analyst, Mintel, recommended artisan bread makers emphasize the quality, freshness and accessibility of their products, showcasing how consumers can create their own restaurant-quality experiences at home for a fraction of the cost. 

“Providing usage inspiration for restaurant inspired meals and pairings can take artisan bread further,” she said.

This article is an excerpt from the April 2025 issue of Baking & Snack. To read the entire feature on Artisan Bread, click here.