YOU DON ’ T HAVE TO TRAVEL TO PARIS TO GET A GOOD CROISSANT . RHODE ISLAND HAS SEVERAL BAKERIES THAT HAVE PERFECTED THE ARTFORM .
Little Sister
Little Sister stocks the usual classic and chocolate versions , but owner Milena Pagán also puts her own Latin spin on two varieties by stuffing one with chorizo and manchego cheese , and sprinkling one with sesame seeds and toasted almond slices . Inside the almond version is a yummy filling made from their horchata , which is a rich , creamy drink derived from almonds , cinnamon and other spices . Little Sister also creates cruffins — croissant and muffin hybrids — usually stuffed with tropical fruits like mango and guava . 737a Hope St ., Providence , littlesisterpvd . com
Butterbang
Self-taught baker Brian Leosz fell in love with croissants in France and dedicated himself to perfecting the craft . His croissants take about three days to make , and the attention to detail pays off in the texture and flavor . As the bakery moves into a new location , follow Butterbang on social media for the inside scoop on when to order and pick up varieties that range from classic , choco , almond , choco almond , the Dainty Pig ( prosciutto , gouda and rosemary ) and yum rolls ( a croissant cinnamon roll with vanilla glaze and salted caramel ). instagram . com / butterbangcroissants
Ellie ’ s
Ellie ’ s is like a trip to Paris in Providence . The display case shows off elaborate cakes and French macarons in every color of the rainbow and the croissants are as warm and flaky as any you ’ d find on the Champs-Élysées . The bakery and cafe serves the usual classic , almond and chocolate versions , but there ’ s also a ham and melty cheese one that ’ s a meal in itself . Insider ’ s tip : Go right at 8 a . m . when they are still warm out of the oven . 225 Weybosset St ., Providence , 563-3333 , elliesprov . com
Madrid European Bakery
The croissants at this European-style bakery in Wayland Square are a must no matter what else distracts you . Whether it ’ s classic , chocolate or fruit-filled , add a few to your order . Best consumed immediately with backups for breakfast the next day . 199 Wayland Ave ., Providence , 409-2300 , madrideuropeanbakery . com
South County Bread Company
South County Bread Company creates croissants for both butter-lovers and plant-based pastry fans . They stock traditional butter , almond , chocolate and ham and Swiss croissants made with sourdough starter as well as vegan traditional and chocolate versions
A selection of croissants from
South County Bread Company in
Wakefield . made with plant butter and oat milk . They also go all out with specials like a Reuben croissant made using rye croissant dough filled with Russian dressing , pastrami , sauerkraut and Swiss cheese . 333 Main St ., Wakefield , 792-4303 , socobreadco . com
The French Confection
The croissants at the French Confection are made by fifth-generation French baker and pastry chef Xavier Mauprivez who is from the city of Reims , France . Opt in for butter , chocolate and almond versions or use one as a savory vessel for bacon , egg and cheese , ham and swiss , spinach and feta or a half a dozen other sandwiches . 72 E . Main Rd ., Middletown , 619-7816 , thefrench confection . com – J . C .
48 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2022