Sweet Success: Two Minnesota Bakeries Rank Among the Nation’s Best

Minnesota has a lot to offer when it comes to great food, and now we can add two bakeries to the list of national standouts.

Two bakeries in Minnesota are celebrating a big win to wrap up 2024, earning national recognition for their exceptional baked goods and unique offerings.

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A recent feature in The New York Times highlights the best bakeries across the United States, and two from Minnesota made the cut. Here’s a closer look at why these spots deserve a visit.

First up is Flour & Flower in St. Joseph, a small community about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Erin Lucas and Mateo Mackbee left Minneapolis for the small town of about 7000 people to create the bakery and a restaurant.

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Lucas, a big-city pastry chef, has built a reputation with her breads and pastries, Highlights include cardamom rolls topped with maple icing and a seasonal cranberry croissant finished with rosemary streusel.

The bakery also serves pizza on Monday nights, and supplies Krewe, a New Orleans-style restaurant across the alley where Mackbee is the chef.

Next on the list is Diane's Place, an all-day restaurant in Minneapolis where Diane Moua brings her vision of Hmong American cuisine to life. Opened last spring, highlights include coconut pandan croissants and sweet pork Danishes, which have quickly become breakfast favorites.

The menu doesn’t stop there, as diners are encouraged to begin their lunch or dinner with a selection of baked goods.

The NYT list of standout bakeries also featured several Midwestern gems. Cafe Mochiko in Cincinnati, Ohio, earned its spot with creative pastries and a fusion of Japanese and American flavors that have customers raving. Loaf Lounge in Chicago, Illinois, brought attention to its artisanal breads and innovative baked treats, solidifying its place as a favorite in the Windy City.

Meanwhile, The Sour in Rapid City, South Dakota, stood out for its dedication to sourdough and hearty, rustic loaves that celebrate the region's flavors. These bakeries, alongside those in Minnesota, highlight the incredible diversity and talent in the Midwest’s baking scene.

These two Minnesota bakeries, along with others across the country, showcase the depth of talent in the food scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a buttery croissant, a rustic loaf, or something entirely unique, this list proves that exceptional baking is thriving from coast to coast.