Sourdough bread, with its rustic crust and tangy flavor, has captured the hearts and taste buds of bread enthusiasts across the globe. Kentucky may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of sourdough bread, but it boasts a vibrant artisanal bread scene that’s worth exploring. Whether you’re a seasoned sourdough connoisseur or just dipping your toes into the world of artisanal bread, the Bluegrass State has something special to offer. Here are the top ten places to get fresh sourdough bread in Kentucky.
Bluegrass Baking Company – Lexington
Located in the heart of Lexington, the Bluegrass Baking Company has been serving up delicious sourdough bread for over 20 years. Their commitment to quality and traditional baking methods shines through in every loaf. The crust is crisp, the crumb is chewy, and the flavor is delightfully tangy. Be sure to try their classic sourdough or explore their rotating selection of specialty sourdough varieties.
Wiltshire Bakery – Louisville
Wiltshire Bakery, nestled in the bustling culinary scene of Louisville, is a haven for sourdough enthusiasts. Their sourdough bread is made using a natural fermentation process that results in a complex and satisfying flavor profile. With a focus on local and organic ingredients, you can taste the difference in every bite of their sourdough creations.
Andy’s Artisan Bread – Frankfort
Andy is passionate about traditionally leavened bread and viennoiserie (the art of croissants and other flaky pastries). His bakery offers fresh bread and baked goods made with care, in the traditional way, from real ingredients. In addition to the fantastic sourdough, this bakery also offers muffins, scones, cookies, granola, and locally fresh-roasted coffee, making it a must-try in Frankfort.
Blue Dog Bakery and Cafe – Louisville
Blue Dog Bakery Cafe offers a wide variety of traditionally baked breads, including calamata olive and cranberry walnut loaves. This bakery is dedicated to producing high-quality, naturally fermented sourdough bread. The owners are passionate about their craft, and it shows in the incredible flavor and texture of their loaves.
Crust – Crestwood
Crust is a mother-daughter-run home bakery specializing in organic local ingredients. This Crestwood hidden gem boasts made-to-order sourdough bread, sourdough bagels, and scones. You can also find their amazing breads at the La Grange farmers’ market on Saturday mornings.
The BTB Pizzeria, Bakery & Cafe – Newport
If you’re looking for the ultimate sourdough dining experience, The BTB pizzeria in Newport is it. By day it is a bakery offering fresh sourdough loaves and coffee, by night it is a pizzeria with sourdough crust pizzas and other fabulous dishes made from local ingredients. If you’re looking for sourdough in Northern Kentucky, you can’t miss the BTB.
Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery and Restaurant – Horse Cave
Try sourdough the Amish way at Farmwald’s Restaurant and Dutch Bakery. Farmwald’s boasts a large country restaurant, bakery, and store filled with homemade goods, including their famous sourdough. You can even build your own sandwich on fresh sourdough, making it the perfect stop for a hearty lunch.
Kirchhoff’s Deli and Bakery – Paducah
Kirchhoff’s Deli and Bakery is a real historic landmark in Paducak, KY, getting it’s start way back in 1873 when Prussian immigrant, Franz Kirchhoff opened the bakery. Today, it is owned by the fifth generation of the Kirchhoff family. Kirchhoff’s Bakery and Deli combines Old World recipes and quality ingredients to make fresh, quality artisanal bread.
Wild Lab Bakery – Lexington
Naturally leavened sourdough bread is the specialty of Wild Lab Bakery, a family-owned home bakery in Lexington. Their sourdough is made from locally and regionally sourced flour, some of which is milled in-house using a small tabletop mill; it doesn’t get much fresher than that!
Harvest Bakery and Cafe – Bowling Green
The Harvest Bakery in Bowling Green is a nonprofit bakery that’s on a mission to help immigrants and refugees transition to life in America through learning traditional baking skills. In addition to a delectable selection of artisan breads, try their scrumptious sourdough chocolate chip cookies. Want to hone your own baking skills? Try their sourdough focaccia decorating workshop. Harvest truly is a unique spot for sourdough bread.
These ten exceptional bakeries prove that the Bluegrass State has a lot to offer in the world of artisanal bread. Whether you’re in Louisville, Lexington, or exploring the charming towns of Kentucky, you’re never far from a delicious loaf of fresh sourdough bread. So, embark on a culinary adventure and savor the unique flavors of sourdough bread in Kentucky. Your taste buds will thank you.
About the Author
Jennifer is a writer and blogger who founded The Bluegrass Village. She also blogs at The Nerd Mom, a mommy blog for parents who love nerd culture. She is a wife and mama to four rambunctious kiddos. She and her family moved to Kentucky in the fall of 2019 and immediately fell in love with the Bluegrass State. She loves reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her kids and chickens.