🍞 The Best Artisan Bread in South Orange County

Eight incredible bakers brought their best sourdough to a panel of six tasters. Same basic ingredients—wildly different flavors, crusts, and personality. Here’s who stood out:

Author

Lorna Ladd
July 19, 2025

Crust Us, These Bakers Rose to the Occasion

Eight incredible bakers brought their best sourdough to a panel of six tasters. Same basic ingredients—wildly different flavors, crusts, and personality. There was no loafing around when it came to judging which loaves truly rose to the top. Here’s who stood out:

🥇 1st Place: Diane’s Sourdough – Laguna Hills
The crust? Crackly perfection. The crumb? Light, chewy, and subtly tangy. Judges loved how soft it was. Order here

🥈 2nd Place: Jesse Mo’s – Rancho Santa Margarita
Rustic, hearty, and with a deep flavor that lingers. Order here

🥉 3rd Place: Parchment & Twine – Ladera Ranch
In this loaf you can really taste the sourdough (which is what we wanted), it also has a tender interior and just enough chew.
Follow: @parchment.n.twine

🔥 Best Flavored Sourdough: Lucy’s Jalapeño Cheddar – Mission Viejo
Cheddar and spicy jalapeño baked right in—this loaf was big, bold, and worth every calorie. Rich, savory, and perfectly crusty, it’s the kind of sourdough you plan an entire meal around.

Find Lucy at the Mission Viejo Farmers Market (Saturdays 9am–1pm) or order here for Friday porch pickup in Lake Forest.

Did you see our article on the Best chocolate chip cookie in South OC? Check out the top 3

Reply

or to participate.