La Brea Bakery has led the modern artisan bread movement since 1989, celebrated for its iconic sourdough starter. With a signature golden crust and soft interior, La Brea Bakery artisan breads grace the tables of homes and restaurants across the country. Now fans of La Brea Bakery will find more inspiration for their meals with the La Brea Bakery cookbook, From Starter to Finish: Sourdough Breadmaking and Culinary Inspirations.

A fresh addition to the cookbook world, this collection of simple recipes incorporating artisan bread is designed for both seasoned and aspiring home bakers and chefs, passionate sourdough aficionados, and devotees of the La Brea Bakery brand. Diving into the art of breadmaking, From Starter to Finish shares breadmaking insights, tips, and techniques, along with the secrets of sourdough. With beautiful imagery and food creativity, this cookbook presents delicious recipes for every meal and every occasion, from sandwiches and appetizers to sweet or savory dishes that incorporate La Brea Bakery artisan breads, baguettes, and rolls.

Start the day with La Brea Bakery’s play on breakfast, with recipes that include Maple-Bacon Breakfast Sandwich on a La Brea Bakery Ciabatta Roll and a Cinnamon Raisin French Toast with Apple Cider Syrup made with delicious cinnamon raisin bread.

Find comfort in sandwich recipes, from timeless to gourmet, including the Classic Steakhouse Ribeye Sandwich on a La Brea Bakery French Baguette, and an array of delectable and unique grilled cheese recipes.

Attract a crowd with recipes for appetizers, salads, or entrees, like the Toasted Wheat Panzanella Salad, the Ahi Tuna Skewers, or the Sweet Potato and Sage Soup with Blue Cheese Croutons made from La Brea Bakery’s classic Italian Round bread.

And end the day on a sweet note with desserts that include La Brea Bakery Café Signature Bread Pudding, a decadent Strawberry Mascarpone Crostini, and Caramelized Telera Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Whether the book is displayed in your reception room or becomes a trusty kitchen companion, La Brea Bakery's From Starter to Finish is the perfect cookbook for artisan bread lovers. 

Sourdough Melts

Panera Bread has announced the newest additions to its sandwich menu: two toasted Sourdough Melts available nationwide starting at $8.99. Crafted on Panera’s signature Country Rustic Sourdough, these new Sourdough Melts pair perfectly with its signature soups this National Soup Month, where for a limited time, guests can complete their meal with a cup of soup for just $1 on the Panera app with purchase of an entrée.

Guests can choose between the new Bacon Avocado Melt with applewood smoked bacon, fresh avocado, smoked gouda, everything bagel seasoning blend and chipotle aioli on toasted sourdough, or the Southwest Chicken Melt with smoked pulled chicken, smoked gouda, red onion, cilantro and chipotle aioli on toasted sourdough. These sandwiches are available as a whole or half sandwich portion or as part of a You Pick Two.

“Just in time for National Soup Month, it’s the perfect season for guests to cozy up with a new Sourdough Melt and complete their meal with a cup of their favorite Panera soup for $1, an incredible value to kickstart the year,” says Drayton Martin, senior vice president, brand building, Panera Bread. “At Panera, we pride ourselves on being the sandwich experts - and our team of chefs and bakers have taken our grilled cheese to new heights with melty new sandwich varieties that pack the perfect combination of flavors.”