The humble croissant, that buttery, flaky pastry, is a beloved breakfast (or anytime!) treat. But in Washington D.C., local bakeries are pushing the boundaries, crafting inventive and mouthwatering takes on this classic. Get ready to have your croissant cravings kicked into high gear!
Indulge in Insta-Worthy Creations at Petite Cerise
Executive Pastry Chef Carmelo Gil isn't messing around. His decadent croissants are spun with love (and take three days to make!), resulting in golden swirls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These limited-edition pastries boast a rotating selection of flavors, from rich chocolate to a delightful pistachio-raspberry combo, and are finished with a torched meringue flourish. Be warned, these sell out fast, so get there early!
Calling All Cookie Monsters: Junction Bistro's Delightful Mash-up
If you crave the comforting duo of cookies and croissants, then Junction Bistro has your dream pastry! They take a fresh croissant, split it open lovingly, and fill it to the brim with decadent cookie dough. They then bake it again until the center is warm, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying. This is a must-try for any cookie enthusiast!
Sweet and Savory Sensations at Nino's Bakery & Yellow
Nino's Bakery offers a visually stunning croissant with a flavor profile that's both sweet and savory. Imagine a flaky, zebra-striped pastry filled with a rich black-sesame paste and almond frangipane. This unique combination delivers a delightful mix of nutty and sweet flavors with a hint of umami.
Yellow takes inspiration from the Middle East for its take on the croissant. They create a Levantine-inspired delight speckled with Palestinian za'atar and overflowing with smooth, house-made labneh cheese. It's like your favorite everything bagel with cream cheese, reimagined in a flaky, buttery croissant!
Sunday Morning Bakehouse: The Toaster Pastry Reinvented
Sunday Morning Bakehouse takes the humble toaster pastry to new heights. Their version uses a flaky croissant dough as the base, encasing a savory surprise: Spanish chorizo, smoked Gouda cheese, and green onions. They've also offered sweeter options in the past, like a marshmallow-glazed creation filled with sweet potato. No matter your preference, Sunday Morning Bakehouse has a flavor combination that will tantalize your taste buds.
Savory and Seasonal at Seylou Bakery
For those seeking a more health-conscious option, Seylou Bakery's creation is a winner. They use freshly milled whole-wheat flour and plenty of butter to create a dark brown dough, which they then fill with a delightful and ever-changing combination of locally sourced greens and cheese. Imagine red mizuna paired with smoked mozzarella or peppery arugula with provolone!
So ditch the ordinary croissant and embark on a delicious adventure in DC! With these creative and flavorful options, there's a perfect pastry waiting to satisfy every craving.