Baking at home is rewarding, but not always practical. Some baked goods require special tools, rare ingredients, or hours of patience. For many people, it’s simply easier to let the professionals handle the hard stuff. That’s why knowing which items are the best baked goods to buy instead of making at home can save you time, money, and frustration. You’ll get quality and convenience, and sometimes, store-bought just tastes better. Here are 13 baked goods that are usually worth picking up at your favorite bakery or grocery store.
1. Croissants
Making croissants at home is a labor-intensive process. You need to fold and chill the dough multiple times to get those signature flaky layers. Even with a good recipe, it’s challenging to achieve the airy texture and buttery flavor without extensive practice. Most local bakeries have mastered the art, so buying croissants gives you better results with none of the fuss.
2. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough bread is a staple at artisan bakeries. Maintaining a starter requires dedication, and the baking process is delicate and finicky. Professional bakers have the equipment and expertise to produce tangy, chewy sourdough loaves with the perfect crust. For most home bakers, it’s easier and tastier to buy this baked good instead of making it yourself.
3. Bagels
Bagels need to be boiled before baking to achieve their chewy texture. Home ovens often can’t replicate the high-heat conditions needed for that shiny crust. Local bagel shops invest in specialized equipment and use traditional recipes. If you want authentic taste and texture, buying bagels is the way to go.
4. Puff Pastry
Puff pastry involves rolling out layers of dough and butter repeatedly. It’s time-consuming and easy to mess up. Pre-made frozen puff pastry is affordable and works well for most recipes. When you want elegant hors d’oeuvres or a flaky tart, skip the hassle and buy puff pastry from the store.
5. Doughnuts
Frying dough at home can be messy, and the results are hit or miss. Professional bakeries often utilize deep fryers and can consistently produce delicious doughnuts. Whether you crave classic glazed or creative flavors, it’s usually easier and safer to buy doughnuts rather than attempt them in your kitchen.
6. French Baguettes
Baking a truly great French baguette requires steam injection and high heat—two things most home ovens lack. Bakeries use special ovens to create that crisp crust and airy interior. If you want authentic baguettes, your best bet is to buy them fresh from a bakery or grocery store.
7. Danish Pastries
Danish pastries are known for their buttery layers and sweet fillings. The dough is similar to croissant dough and just as difficult to make. Local bakeries offer a variety of flavors and shapes, so you can enjoy these treats without the multi-day effort they require at home.
8. Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that’s tricky to perfect. It needs a delicate balance of ingredients and precise mixing. Many grocery stores now carry high-quality brioche loaves and rolls, allowing you to enjoy this decadent bread at any time. For most people, it’s one of the baked goods to buy instead of making at home.
9. Cannoli
Cannoli shells must be rolled thin and fried until crisp. Filling them with sweet ricotta is a messy, time-sensitive process. Italian bakeries have perfected this pastry, offering fresh cannoli with a variety of fillings. When you want cannoli, buying them saves you time and cleanup.
10. Pita Bread
Pita bread needs to puff up in the oven to form its signature pocket. This is hard to achieve without commercial equipment. Store-bought pita is soft, consistent, and ready for sandwiches or dips. For most home cooks, it’s much easier to buy pita bread than to make it from scratch.
11. Macarons
Macarons are delicate French cookies made with almond flour and meringue. They require precise folding, piping, and baking. Even experienced bakers often struggle with their texture and appearance. Bakeries specializing in macarons offer a rainbow of flavors, making this a baked good to buy instead of making at home.
12. Rye Bread
Traditional rye bread uses a sourdough starter and specific flour blends. The flavor and texture are hard to replicate at home. Delis and bakeries often have a range of rye breads, from light to dense. Buying rye bread ensures you get the taste and consistency you’re craving.
13. Soft Pretzels
Soft pretzels need a baking soda bath before baking for their chewy crust. Shaping and boiling dough takes time and practice. Many grocery stores and bakeries offer fresh or frozen soft pretzels that are just as good, if not better, than homemade versions.
Choosing the Best Baked Goods to Buy Instead of Making at Home
Sometimes, buying baked goods is the smarter move. It saves time, reduces stress, and often results in better taste and texture. The best baked goods to buy instead of making at home are usually those with complicated techniques or special equipment requirements. Letting professionals handle these treats ensures consistent quality, whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want a fresh pastry with your coffee.
Which baked goods do you always buy instead of making at home? Share your favorites in the comments below!
What to Read Next…
- 7 Grocery Store Breads That Are Baked From Dough Shipped Frozen Months Ago
- These Are The Top 5 Bakeries In Savannah Ga
- 12 Frozen Foods That Taste Just As Good As Homemade
- 5 Foods You Should Never Buy At The Grocery Store And Make At Home Instead
- 5 More Uses For Boxed Cake Mixes Other Than Baking A Cake
The post 13 Baked Goods Worth Buying Instead of Making at Home appeared first on Grocery Coupon Guide.
