In the Westport area looking for a guilt free sweet treat? Kneads bakery has got you covered! This charming bakery has a secret recipe for success: a dedication to fresh and local ingredients with a diverse menu that extends beyond baked goods.
At Kneads, they focus on making their products the “old fashioned” way, without added preservatives. They get their flour fresh from their mill, and into their baked goods. Their pastries are whole grain as they avoid using white flour. Their bread is the real deal, made without factory yeast or preservatives. This means that each slice boasts the authentic tangy flavor and chewy texture that sourdough enthusiasts crave. This was a perfect pair with the homemade tomato soup! We got into the fall spirit by enjoying a warm pumpkin spice latte with their house-made pumpkin syrup. Beautiful latte art was displayed. I almost didn’t want to drink it!
Let’s break down what we got to try!
First up, the infamous pumpkin spice latte. This is every PSL lover’s dream. I could not put down my cup! We also tried their lavender latte which had the perfect amount of flavor and not overpowering at all.
Diving into the pastries, we got to try their apple turnover (my favorite) and croissant. The croissant was flaky and I just had to dip it into my latte which made it 10x better. Every pastry looked incredible and I will definitely be going back to try more!
Their breakfast sandwiches were UNREAL!! Some of the best I have ever had (and ive had a lot). We first tried the classic bacon egg and cheese, but theirs was much more than just classic. All the goods sandwiched between their delicious croissant, with a sunny side up egg, shallots, cheddar cheese melted all over, and mustard that gave it a twist of flavor that I was in love with.
We also tried the sausage egg and cheese with a homemade whole wheat bun, a perfectly crispy hash brown, and a pepper mayo that I wanted to bottle up and take home with me. This breakfast sandwich is a must when you are here!
Moving on to lunch, we tried their fried chicken sandwich with more of that delicious pepper mayo, apples and cole slaw that gave it a nice crunch and freshness. Will say there were no crumbs left on this one.
For a bit of health, we went with the kale and pear salad. This had walnuts and pecans that added a nice texture, and grilled pears that were warm and sweet. Definitely did not feel like I was eating a salad. I loved this!
Saving the best for last, is by far the best tomato soup I’ve ever had. I couldn’t stop dipping their sourdough bread in it. I was in heaven! It was warm and cheesy and perfect for a brisk fall day.
In a world where freshness, quality, and community spirit matter, Kneads Bakery stands out as a shining example. Their commitment to local ingredients, artisanal techniques, and a menu that’s as diverse as it is delectable is a testament to their passion for good food and good company. They have something for everyone and will guarantee to blow you away. A hidden gem for sure, I will definitely be returning!
Q & A with general manager Kubo Hrvacic!
What is the background of Kneads Bakery?
- Kneads is a family owned and operated bakery that opened up in 2020 in the midst of covid. We have our own mill which is very unique to this place. We work with local suppliers and get all of our grains from the northeast!
How do you think Kneads differs from other bakeries in the area?
- We do many things that sets us apart such as having our own mill. All of our pastries are mainly whole grain which you cant find a lot at other bakeries. Definitely makes you feel a little bit better!
What is your favourite item on the menu?
- For coffee I like something short and simple, so i always go with our cortado. For the lattes we use fresh ingredients and make our own syrups so those are always a good option! I also love the fried chicken sandwich.
Does your menu change often?
– Yes we change it based on what ingredients are available during the seasons! Over the summer we used a lot of peach and now we are switching gears to warmer spices and fall flavors!
About Kneads:
Our flour begins with careful sourcing and farming practices. We proudly work with certified organic grain farms, Wild Hive Farm and Oechsner Farms, who are both committed to promoting grain based local agriculture. During our visit to the Finger Lakes, Thor Oechsner explained how, at a time when conventional farming dominated the region, he helped pioneer the organic grain and sustainable agriculture movement in the north-east. He, alongside his partner companies, Farmer Ground Flour and Wide Awake Bakery, are a great example of the tradition of local farming, milling and baking. Working with local farmers like these provide us with the opportunity to work with unique grains ranging from heritage wheats, like Red Fife to the ancient grain Einkorn. At Kneads we intend to bring back the flavor and capture the grain at its peak moment. Our hope is to share and continue the tradition of bringing together farmers and bakers through milling.