We’ve gone to great lengths to showcase the most important parts of a sandwich. At the end of the day, there isn’t one specific piece that trumps over the others. They all have their own roles to play in making the sandwich delicious! Bread is one of the cornerstones of a good sandwich, and if you’re looking for a unique option that brings life to any sandwich, artisan bread is a fantastic option. But what is artisan bread, and what qualities make it different from its predecessors? We break them down for you below!
Defining Artisan Bread
If you’ve ever heard of artisan pasta before, you should have a good idea of what the word “artisan” entails for this type of bread. Artisan bread doesn’t refer to one specific type of bread; instead, the term heavily revolves around how the bread is made rather than how it looks. Below are a few noteworthy examples of breads that can be considered artisan:
- Baguettes
- Ciabatta rolls
- Sourdough Breads
- Certain brioche buns
These types of breads are all distinctive from each other, but the way that they are made is similar.
Characteristics of Artisan Bread
There are four distinct characteristics that all artisan breads follow. If a type of bread meets all four of these criteria, it qualifies as artisan bread. These four rules are:
- The bread is handmade
- It’s created in small quantities rather than mass-produced in a factory
- The chef uses traditional techniques instead of machines to make it
- It does not contain preservatives
This is why artisan bread is defined by the way that it’s made instead of any particular kind. Its creation brings with it a ton of different benefits that most factory produced breads don’t carry!
Benefits of Artisan Bread
Artisan bread has a ton of likable qualities that most other breads don’t. For example, the traditional techniques and natural ingredients used to make artisan bread help to make it more flavorful than other types of bread. Because of the fact that there aren’t any preservatives in this bread, it’s also healthier for you! This type of bread won’t lead to any spikes in your blood sugar as a result.
Artisan Bread at Bricco Salumeria
If you’re looking to try authentic artisan bread for yourself, get it from the sandwiches at Bricco Salumeria! We offer a variety of Italian sandwiches in addition to large catering dishes that you can use to feed a large crowd. Regardless if you’re just looking for lunch or wanting to entertain guests, a trip to our location in the North End will satisfy all of your cravings!
FAQs
Characteristics of Artisan Bread
The bread is handmade. It's created in small quantities rather than mass-produced in a factory. The chef uses traditional techniques instead of machines to make it. It does not contain preservatives.
What is the difference between artisan bread and regular bread? ›
It Uses Natural Ingredients
Some store-bought breads, however, contains preservatives and processed ingredients. As artisan bread uses only the finest natural ingredients and it is made fresh, it has earned its spot in the top when it comes to the best bread options.
What is meant by artisan bread? ›
Unlike terms like sourdough or poolish or miche, artisan bread doesn't have an exact agreed-upon definition, but we — and much of the baking world — use it to describe bread made by hand and marked by traditional methods and craftsmanship.
What does "artisan bakery" mean? ›
A true artisan baker is a skilled craftsperson whose bread is defined by method and ingredients. For most, they make bread this way because of a deep-rooted passion for how food should be made.
Why is artisan bread so expensive? ›
Artisan bakers typically produce bread in small batches to maintain quality, which limits their availability and increases costs. The advantages of mass-production facilities, such as economies of scale, are not fully realised in this small-scale production, leading to higher costs for consumers.
Is artisan bread better for you than regular bread? ›
Nutrient Powerhouse: Artisanal breads often utilize whole grains and organic flours, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This is in stark contrast to refined white flour, stripped of much of its nutritional value. A Happy Gut: Sourdough bread is a natural source of beneficial bacteria (probiotics).
Can diabetics eat artisan bread? ›
Bigger bakery‑style and artisan breads often have one slice per serving, and can contain upwards of 22 grams of carbs per slice. While you don't need to avoid these larger loaves, you may want to use one piece instead of two. They are best for half-sized or open-face sandwiches, or for serving alongside salad or soup.
Are sourdough and artisan bread the same? ›
The difference between sourdough artisan bread and artisan bread is the fermentation process. Sourdough requires the starter which takes 5+ days to craft. On the other hand, artisan bread can be whipped up within a day using bread flour and instant yeast.
Why is artisan bread so popular? ›
Artisan bakeries build their reputations around producing the highest quality breads and baked foods, which comes from consistency, quality and creativity.
How do you eat artisan bread? ›
How to serve artisan bread. This is a breakfast, lunch, or dinner bread. Serve for breakfast with butter and jam alongside a nice omelet, or as a toasted pesto sandwich for lunch, or it accompanies almost any dinner meal. When serving with dinner I love to accompany it with a nice oil dip.
Ciabatta loaves are more moist and spongy than most artisan breads. This is largely due to the addition of olive oil in the dough. Ciabatta is generally milder than sourdough but still has a slightly tangy, rustic sort of flavor.
How long does artisan bread last? ›
Room Temperature: One of the best ways to store artisan bread is at room temperature. This allows the bread to maintain its natural moisture and flavor. Keep the bread in a bread box or a paper bag with the opening folded down to keep the bread fresh for up to 2-3 days.
What nationality is artisan bread? ›
Many artisan breads originate from France where bakeries or boulangeries perfect a vast array of different styles using only the most basic ingredients.
Is artisan bread like white bread? ›
The main differences between a loaf of artisan bread and regularly manufactured bread are the ingredients and methods used to create the bread. Artisan bread uses cleaner, less processed ingredients and is often handmade, making each loaf unique.
