Tucked into the charming mountain town of Swannanoa, just east of Asheville, we discovered a small but mighty gem that every foodie in Western North Carolina should know about: Roots & Branches. This specialty shop and artisanal bakery has been perfecting small-batch handmade crackers, flatbreads, and soup mixes since 2011—and let us tell you, they’ve got something truly special baking.
A Taste of Appalachian Artistry: Our Visit to Roots & Branches in Swannanoa, NC
Roots & Branches isn’t just a bakery; it’s a philosophy in action. From the moment we walked into their production space, we could feel the warmth of a family-run business that puts heart, heritage, and high-quality ingredients into every single batch. You can taste it in their crisp rosemary flatbreads, their satisfyingly snappy sea salt crackers, and their wholesome, hearty soup mixes that bring comfort in every bite.
Let’s talk soup. Not just any soup, but handcrafted, beautifully curated soup mixes that pay tribute to the region’s flavors. Their Mountain Curry Soup Mix, Appalachian Lentil Soup Mix, and Blue Ridge 3 Bean Soup Mix are easy to make, deeply nourishing, and, like everything they do, built around quality and care. These soups are more than pantry staples; they’re local legacy in a bowl.
Flatbreads & Crackers: A Brief History
Flatbreads and crackers are some of the oldest forms of prepared food in human history. Flatbreads trace back thousands of years to the Middle East, South Asia, and the Mediterranean, where unleavened dough was cooked over open flames or in simple ovens. Think pita, naan, lavash.
Crackers were the natural evolution of flatbreads—harder, crispier, and longer-lasting. They came to the U.S. in the 18th century, popularized by bakers who adapted old-world recipes to new-world ingredients and techniques. What was once a survival food became a beloved part of American culinary culture.
Roots & Branches takes these ancient traditions and adds a distinctly Appalachian twist, merging Old World wisdom with New World heart.
Why We Love It
In an age of mass-produced everything, Roots & Branches reminds us what real food tastes like. Here are a few reviews that echo our excitement:
- “Love the crackers so much!”
- “Great products!”
- “Amazing crackers.”
Their products elevate any meal—whether you’re building a charcuterie board, topping their flatbreads with cheese and herbs, or cozying up with a warm bowl of soup. Or, heck, just eat the crackers straight out of the bag. No judgment here.
Visit Them!
Roots & Branches is located at: 131 South Ave, Swannanoa, NC 28778
And you can find more about their products or place an order at: rootsandbranchesavl.com
If you’re a restaurant, café, or shop looking to carry local, artisan-made snacks and soups, definitely reach out to them. They’re one of those businesses that makes our region feel like home.
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