There is something to be said about carb loading to start the day, delighting in a yeasty snack before a meal, or appreciating the perfect amount of layers in an extra large croissant. Fresh ingredients, including top-notch butter, hand-milled grain, and the use of centuries-old recipes, are the reasons many will happily stand in line to pay top dollar for bakery bread. While some might scoff at the idea of spending $10 on a loaf of sourdough, there is no comparison to the bread that is pre-sliced and wrapped in plastic on a grocery store shelf. In Houston, pastry fans have their pick of where to snag freshly baked loaves and innovative pastries and exactly which restaurants or coffee shops are wholesale customers.
"There is just something magical about bread that is made that day," says Urban Harvest shopper Jessica Norman. "Not only does it add something to the meal, but you can really taste the ingredients that went into it. Freshly baked bread and pastries are a staple in our house, especially on the weekends."
Houston chef Omar Pereney just announced a new location of his popular croissant spot, Love Croissants, and in a recent interview, he commented about the Bayou City’s love for baked goods. "People are very appreciative of having that freshly baked product, so that's why we decided, let's try to do a full-blown retail store in the Heights," he said.
We've rounded up some of the best bread in Houston, but don't take our word for it. Find a bakery, coffee shop, or restaurant nearby and try out their bread service because chances are you won't be disappointed.
Dish Society
Housemade biscuits
Dish Society's scratch-made buttermilk biscuits are a brunch essential—fluffy, golden, and downright delicious. They shine in the fan-favorite Chicken Biscuits plate, featuring crispy, cage-free chicken breast on a warm biscuit. Feeling daring? Try the spicy version for an extra kick. dishsociety.com
Kolache Shoppe
Kolaches
Kolache Shoppe is opening in Memorial this summer, bringing its classic Czech-inspired kolaches to the area. Using founder Erwin Ahrens' 1970 recipe, their signature yeast dough is the base for two dozen flavors. Regular collaborations with local chefs and producers add creative monthly specials, blending tradition with new culinary twists. kolacheshoppe.com
Love Croissants
Croissants
The popular croissant shop from Omar Pereney started as an experiment in his test kitchen in 2022. After selling out at Urban Harvest every weekend, Pereney decided to source to local coffee shops before opening a brick-and-mortar store in Midtown. His second location will open this summer in the Heights, serving large croissants in signature flavors like chocolate, almond, and ham and cheese, along with breakfast sandwiches and savory pies. lovecroissants.com
Magnol French Baking
Breads and pastries
Established in 2019 by French-trained baker Otto Sanchez, Magnol has earned a reputation as one of Houston's top bakeries. Its croissants, baguettes, and pastries are featured at local restaurants like Rosie Cannonball, Ostia, and Le Jardinier. Those looking for a weekend treat should arrive early to snag popular pastries, including eclairs, cookies, and tarts. magnolfrenchbaking.com