It's hard to find someone who doesn't like bread and other baked goods, isn't it? And using these dishes and products at social and corporate events is a great way to guarantee a menu that pleases your guests. 

The option of using baked goods at gatherings is a smart way to ensure a more casual menu and cater to different tastes. For example, a growing trend is the bread platter, where breads can be combined with various fillings and accompaniments. 

It's important to understand that the use of breads, savory pastries, cakes, and other baked goods should be explored beyond bakeries, for example at events like coffee breaks. To achieve this, it's necessary to let creativity flow and rely on culinary experts to develop a successful menu. 

We've prepared a comprehensive guide on how to use one of humanity's oldest elements, bread, and other baking techniques at events. Now, to learn more and get tips from chef Tyales Veiga, from the Food and Beverage team at Center Convention, just keep reading.

The history of breadmaking

First, it's interesting to understand a little about the history of breadmaking, which is full of culture and curiosities. As we mentioned earlier, bread – the main product when we talk about breadmaking – is thousands of years old. To exemplify, there are records bread-making techniques, dating back 10,000 years to the region of ancient Mesopotamia.

It is worth noting that at the time, the preparation of the product was different from what we see today. For example, the grains were ground with the aid of a stone, the resulting flour was mixed with water, and the resulting dough was baked over a fire. 

From then on, this process gained more technique and elements. In addition, baking began to expand and new products were created. Sweet rolls, cakes, and savory pastries are some of the foods that have been created over the years. 

Similarly, bread itself has taken on new shapes, grains, and colors, attracting the public's attention both in bakeries and on event menus.

The 'boom' in the baking market in recent years

The changes and innovations we see in bakery products also demonstrate the boom the sector has experienced and continues to experience. 

Thinking only about establishments, according to the Brazilian Association of the Industry Bakery and Pastry (ABIP), andm 2021, The bakery and confectionery market generated R$105.85 billion in revenue in the country. The number represents a growth of 15.3% when compared to 2020..

This growth demonstrates the public's interest in bakery products, and we also see this in the events sector. For example, a complete bread table, diverse and with many options, has become more commonly used in both corporate and social events. 

Furthermore, the coffee break – which always features many baked goods – remains a strong option for corporate meetings. Brunch (a British meal combining breakfast and lunch) has also begun to attract the attention of couples planning daytime weddings.

How to incorporate baking into an event menu

Now, how can you incorporate baked goods into event menus? It's possible to create interesting options for various occasions. At an evening event, for example, you could have appetizers and canapés, such as... bruschetta, presented on artisanal breads. Furthermore, on a cold cuts platter, the breads are perfect accompaniments to pâtés, jams, and antipasti.

But if the goal is to give even more prominence to breadmaking, a good option is a bread table. There, you can offer different types, such as baguettes, whole wheat, vegan, with or without nuts. And going further, artisanal breads with long fermentation..., Ciabatta or rye bread.

The interesting thing about this option is that the accompaniments to be enjoyed with the breads cater to various dietary restrictions and preferences. Try mousses, such as gorgonzola; spiced vinaigrettes; different types of pâtés, such as olive and ricotta; creamy cheeses and more.

When planning daytime birthdays or weddings, brunch is a great option. And, in this type of event, bread is used even more extensively. In addition to a variety of breads and accompaniments, a good tip is to invest in mini tarts for individual consumption, and several types of cakes so that guests can choose. 

Tips from chef Tyales Veiga 

Chef Tyales Veiga, from the Food and Beverage team at Center Convention, reinforces a key tip when discussing the use of baked goods at events: you need to be discerning. 

“"When it comes to setting a table with a different perspective, where various guests will seek variety, flavors, textures, aromas, and combinations, it is necessary to be very meticulous in the choice of bread and how it will be presented along with the other accompaniments," he emphasizes.

“"Furthermore, the accompaniments should be as rich and varied as the bread so that they complement each other in the best way," Tyales points out. 

To illustrate how to use breadmaking in different types of events, chef Tyales Veiga points to a scenario. “In the case of a party with a country or Tuscan theme with a vintage touch, we have to choose a table with assorted cheeses, preferably Italian, sandwiches and bruschettas from the region, or platters of Italian and international cold cuts.”.

Finally, Tyales shares some tips on types of bread that can be interesting and eye-catching at an event. "Blueberry and walnut bread is an excellent cousin to ricotta and honey; or even garlic and onion bread, with a little beef carpaccio and arugula, or simply drizzled with olive oil and salt, are great options," he concludes.

Chef Tyales Veiga participated in Taste Tomorrow.

Chef Tyales Veiga, who already has extensive experience in baking, continues to invest in his knowledge and recalls one of the training courses he participated in. The Taste of Tomorrow program addressed...  Key trends and insights from the baking industry, and Tyales shares his experience participating.

“It was one of the main courses I took, and it focused a lot on conscious consumption, plant-based products, with less sugar, more fiber, and artisanal products. Consumer behavior is constantly evolving, and they demand freshness and appreciate artisanal and authentic traditional recipes,” she explains.

Host your event at our venue.

Interested in holding your event at the Center Convention? You can check out all the infrastructure available at the Convention Center and throughout the Center Shopping Complex by speaking with our team. Call us at (34) 3239-8300 or email comercial@centerconvention.com.br. You can also reserve a date by clicking [here]. HERE.