A good sourdough bakery uses a real starter, lets the dough ferment slowly, and gives you a loaf with a crackly crust and a soft, open crumb. If there is no great one near you, Atome Bakery is a French bakery in Vancouver that ships 100% slow-fermented sourdough, frozen raw, to homes across Canada. You bake it in your own oven, so it comes out warm and crisp when you want it.
What makes a sourdough bakery worth visiting
Not every loaf labelled sourdough is the same. Here is what to check, whether you are walking into a shop or ordering online.
- A real starter. Sourdough rises with a live culture of wild yeast and bacteria, not just a pinch of packaged yeast.
- Time. Slow fermentation builds flavour. Our sourdough takes up to 3 days to make.
- A short ingredient list. Flour, water, salt and starter should do most of the work.
- A crust that sings. A deeply golden crust and a springy crumb come from proper proofing and a hot oven.
Why frozen raw works so well for sourdough
Our loaves are shaped and proofed, then frozen raw. That means you finish the job at home: the bake, the aroma and the crackle all happen in your kitchen. Nothing is reheated, so the bread you slice is the bread that just came out of your oven.
Many customers tell us they enjoy our sourdough without the bloating they get from supermarket bread. Researchers have also studied how long fermentation changes dough, and you can browse that general literature on PubMed.
Our sourdough is made with wheat or rye flour and contains gluten, so it is not a fit for anyone who has to avoid gluten.
The sourdough range
Everything below is box content: you add it to your box, then bake it from frozen.
- Sourdough baguettes: traditional, multigrain, sesame, poppy seed and Gruyère cheese.
- Sourdough loaves: white flour, wholewheat and country rye, in 2-packs.
- Ciabatta sourdough sandwich breads: built for sandwiches and toasties.
- Sourdough pizza dough: a 2-pack for pizza night.
How to bake frozen sourdough
Bake straight from frozen on the middle rack. For loaves and baguettes, place the frozen bread in your Atome Pan and close the lid. The Atome Pan is a $40 value and $10 with a box.
| Bread | Oven | Bake time | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional, multigrain, sesame, poppy seed and Gruyère baguettes | 500°F (260°C) | 28 to 32 minutes | 15 minutes |
| White flour, wholewheat and country rye loaves | 500°F (260°C) | 38 to 42 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Ciabatta sandwich breads (up to two in the Pan) | 500°F (260°C) | 28 to 32 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Sourdough pizza dough | 500°F | 10 to 15 minutes | Thaw overnight in the fridge first |
Cook to an internal temperature of at least 74°C (165°F), then let the bread rest before slicing. The rest matters: it lets the crumb set so the slices come out clean.
How to order from Atome Bakery
You pick a box, and the bread goes inside it.
- Build your own: choose your breads in the box builder. It is a subscription, delivered every 30 or 60 days, you save 20%, and you can cancel anytime.
- One-time box: use the one-time box builder for 6, 10 or 12 items at $149, $199 or $219.
- Gift it: send an Atome Bakery Gift Card, starting at $50, and let them choose.
Free shipping applies above $149. Boxes ship frozen, packed with dry ice and insulation. If a box arrives thawed, send a photo within 24 hours of delivery and we ship a new box at no charge. So far, 40,000+ boxes have gone out.
Where we deliver
We deliver across Canada; see the delivery area page and check by postal code. Delivery takes 2 to 5 business days in Greater Vancouver and Sea to Sky, and 3 to 9 business days elsewhere we deliver. The exact date shows at checkout.
FAQ
Do I need to thaw the bread before baking?
No. Loaves and baguettes bake straight from frozen. The exception is the sourdough pizza dough, which you thaw overnight in the fridge, then shape and bake.
How long does your sourdough take to make?
Up to 3 days. The slow fermentation is what gives the bread its flavour and its crackly crust.
How do I get sourdough delivered on a schedule?
Use the box builder and choose a delivery every 30 or 60 days. You save 20% and can cancel anytime. We send a reminder email 4 days before each charge.
Can I try a mix of breads?
Yes. A box can hold baguettes, loaves, ciabatta and pizza dough together, so you can taste the range and see which ones you reach for again. The box builder lets you choose.
Ready to bring a real sourdough bakery to your kitchen? Build your box and bake it hot, from frozen.
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