30 Oct How to Elevate Your Holiday Bread Basket

The holidays are right around the corner! Whether you’re planning to host a big family dinner or a cozy friendsgiving, when you’re breaking bread with loved ones, start the experience off with a stunning bread basket that’s as unforgettable as the main course.

At Tribeca Oven, we believe that the foundation of any great meal begins with bread. Our rustic baguettes, tangy sourdough loaves, and pillowy focaccia are just a few bread basket classics that are a must on your holiday table. Whichever Tribeca Oven products you choose, try elevating them with unique, on-trend accompaniments that will have your guests reaching for more! We’re always on the lookout for the hottest culinary trends—we tapped Datassential, an industry-leading food-and-beverage market research and intelligence platform to dream up these innovative (and easy!) bread basket accouterments! 

Hot Honey Butter

Hot honey is a truly hot trend! What began as a social media darling-especially drizzled on pizza-is now on restaurant menus and available in markets and grocery stores. The sweet-spicy combo is undeniable, and its bold flavor is an exciting addition to any bread basket or cheese plate.

Making your own hot honey butter is so simple: Allow any type of butter (we like cultured and salted) to come to room temperature, then stir in hot honey, to taste. Serve right away or scoop the butter and chill in a small bowl or crock to firm it back up. 

You can purchase hot honey, or try this DIY: Warm up honey and dried chipotle peppers in a saucepan for about 10 minutes. Transfer the honey to a clean jar and let it infuse for 1-2 days. Strain the mixture and you’ve got hot honey ready to use however you wish! 

Pair with: Tribeca Oven Sourdough Baguette, perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with just the right touch of tang.

Love the idea of imaginative flavored butter? Try sweet-and-sour tamarind butter: Using the same technique as honey butter, stir in a few spoonfuls of tamarind chutney to softened butter.

Fior di Latte Cheese & Mustard Caviar

Fior di Latte is a traditional Italian mozzarella cheese. Its name translates to “flower of milk,” because it’s made with high-quality cow’s milk. It’s like a super-fresh and creamy version of mozzarella, with a mild, milky flavor and a delightful texture. Look for it in specialty Italian grocers.

Balance the creaminess of the cheese with a pop of tangy pickled mustard seeds, aka mustard caviar. Similar to a whole-grain mustard and reminiscent of the texture of caviar, this trendy condiment is a breeze to make at home. Add ¼ cup each brown and yellow mustard seeds and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan with ½ cup of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar and kosher salt. Add enough water to cover the mixture (about ¾ cup), then bring everything to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer, and cook for 45 minutes. Let it cool, then add a small scoop to a piece of bread topped with a slice of Fior di Latte cheese. 

Pair with: Tribeca Oven Focaccia, with a crisp crust surrounding an airy, open interior.

Whipped Feta

Something amazing happens to feta cheese when it’s whipped. The feta’s usually crumbly texture becomes stunningly light and fluffy. Maybe you’ve seen whipped feta on influencer posts on your social media feeds, swiped elegantly across toast, or served as a dip with pretty fresh vegetables. 

Making whipped feta takes just a few minutes, and it adds a touch of Mediterranean flair to your bread basket. Add a block of feta, a scoop of Greek yogurt, a squeeze of lemon juice, a glug of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt to a food processor. Blend it on high until it achieves a light, airy texture, then taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.  

Pair with: Tribeca Oven Café Classic Rosemary, with a distinctive herbaceous flavor and aroma.

Love to cook and entertain? Check out our recipe collection and blog for culinary inspiration. Follow Tribeca Oven on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and LinkedIn for even more breaducation and expert tips. And, to find Tribeca Oven products in grocery stores near you, use our convenient product locator.