Along with tasting the various breads, I really enjoyed learning about bread pairings at the Panera Bread workshop this week. I took some good notes, but the handout that we received was much more thorough, so I’m sharing that with you below. Enjoy!
Find the Perfect Match for Your Favorite Bread
Whether entertaining guests or enjoying a nice meal at home with family, incorporating fresh bread is essential. In fact, like wine, bread can enhance the flavor of a meal.
Tom Gumpel, certified master baker and vice president of bakery development at Panera Bread, provides guidance on selecting the perfect bread accompaniment for your next meal.
“Certain types of bread work particularly well with various meats, spreads or cheeses,” notes Gumpel. “A high-quality bread can catapult any meal, from hors d’oeuvre to entrées, into an extraordinary one.”
BREAD TYPE
Cheese Breads
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Italian-style aged hard cheese mixed with sourdough for a zesty and slightly spicy flavor. Crust studded with caramelized pieces of cheese.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Grilled vegetables and meats
• Soups and stews
• Hardier style meals
• Accompany dips such as hummus, or fruit and cheese plates
BREAD TYPE
Focaccia
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Traditional Italian flat bread flavored with olive oil, rosemary and sea salt and occasionally, cheese. More
contemporary versions incorporate robust ingredients such as olives, sun dried tomatoes or pesto.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Pastas with tomato sauce
• Braised or grilled meats
• Sautéed seasoned vegetables
• Paninis
• Pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean cuisines
BREAD TYPE
French
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Thin, crispy crust with a light cottony crumb. Natural fermentation process yields a slightly sweet flavor. Perhaps the most versatile bread.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Pairs well with a variety of meals, soups and occasions
• Complements breakfast, lunch and dinner
BREAD TYPE
Rye
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A full-bodied flavor with a thin, crisp crust and a crumb that is slightly darkened by the rye. Slightly acidic flavor due to prolonged fermentation.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Best paired with flavorful meats – braised, roasted, smoked or cured
• Ideal for Reubens or other sandwiches
BREAD TYPE
Sourdough
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Mahogany colored, rich, crackled crust and an exceptionally soft crumb with a distinctly sour flavor.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Grilled and roasted meats
• Vegetables and fresh greens with flavorful dressings
• Tangy complement to hearty meals
BREAD TYPE
Sweet/Fruit
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Sweet dough naturally flavored with brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. Often features fruit, spices and/or nuts.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Toasted at breakfast
• Perfect for morning toast, bread puddings or French toast
BREAD TYPE
Whole Grain
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
A dense, chewy loaf made with whole grain flours. Other grains, such as wheat and rye, are added whole or coarsely chopped to give the bread a hearty texture.
IDEAL MEAL PAIRINGS
• Breakfast toast or with egg dishes
• Great for sandwiches
• Hearty addition to any meal
As promised, I am giving one of you my $25 gift certificate to Panera Bread. Simply leave me a comment sharing your favorite bread type. I will pick a winner on November 15th…just in time to get some bread for Thanksgiving!
(Thanks to Jennifer for the invite to this wonderful workshop!)
