Cravings: Holiday Breads

’Tis the season for freshly baked breads—their scents making us salivate for a hunk of doughy goodness. Try these favorite locally made sweet and savory treats, guaranteed to enhance your holidays

COLUMBIA CITY BAKERY
The traditional Milanese PANETTONE is a potpourri of flavor. Packed with candied orange peel, honey, currants and butter, each sweet and crumbly slice is as colorful as it is delicious. $11/1-pound loaf. Columbia City, 4865 Rainier Ave. S; 206.723.6023; columbiacitybakery.com

THE ESSENTIAL BAKING CO.
Essential’s SWEET POTATO PECAN BREAD is more savory than sweet, but its velvety-soft, potato-ey texture, speckled with bits of pecan, provides perfect company for a holiday leftover sandwich. $6/loaf. Multiple locations, including Georgetown, 5601 First Ave. S; 206.876.3746; essentialbaking.com

MACRINA BAKERY
For a heartier option, try the circular PORCINI HARVEST LOAF, made with whole-wheat flour and porcini mushrooms. The earthy robustness makes a superb pairing for rich and creamy soups and stews. Order 48 hours in advance. $4.95/loaf. Multiple locations, including SoDo, 1943 First Ave. S; 206.623.0919; macrinabakery.com

GRAND CENTRAL BAKING CO.
The PANETTONE here marries dark and golden raisins, vanilla bean seeds, candied lemon peel and a handful of almonds. Delight in every sweet, moist, decadent bite. $11.99/20-ounce loaf. Multiple locations, including Pioneer Square, 214 First Ave S.; 206.622.3644; grandcentralbakery.com

LARSEN’S DANISH BAKERY
Made with rum-soaked bits of fruit, a thin layer of marzipan and ample butter, the oval-shaped German STOLLEN at Larsen’s steals the spotlight at holiday gatherings. Order 24 hours in advance. $12.99/small (1 pound), $21.99/large (2 pounds). Ballard, 800 24th Ave. NW; 800.626.8631; larsensbakery.com