French bread is a classic, versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. From breakfast to dinner, there are so many delicious recipes you can make with french bread.
It’s the perfect accompaniment to an appetizer, main course, or dessert. Whatever you decide to serve with it, french bread adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to dishes.
Here are some recipes that pair perfectly with a crusty slice of french bread.
In short - What to Serve with French Bread French Toast Casserole, Shrimp Po'Boy Sandwich, Cheesy Garlic Bread, French Onion Soup, Caprese Salad, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Salads, Pasta Dishes, Stir-Fries, Burger, Pizza, Quesadillas, Wraps, Chicken Cordon Bleu
30 Amazing Side Dishes to serve with French Bread
1. French Toast Casserole
French Toast Casserole is a delicious breakfast casserole that is sure to please!
Start by cubing several pieces of french bread and spreading the cubes on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ cup of sugar. Pour the egg mixture over the cubed french bread and top with ½ cup of melted butter. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 40 minutes until golden brown, and enjoy!
Know More: What to Serve with Crusty Bread
2. Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich
Shrimp Po’Boy Sandwich is a classic sandwich that is perfect for lunch or dinner!
To start, mix together 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 4 tablespoons of spicy mustard in a bowl. Spread the mixture evenly over both sides of two slices of french bread.
Top each slice with lettuce leaves, 5 ounces of cooked shrimp per slice, diced tomatoes, and sliced onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
3. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is perfect as an appetizer or side dish! Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice one loaf of french bread into 8 equal slices but do not separate them from one another (leave them attached).
In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup butter softened at room temperature, 1 tablespoon minced garlic cloves (or garlic powder), 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried leaves (or Italian seasoning), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped finely (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley).
Spread the butter mixture between each slice of bread using your fingers to spread it evenly across each piece. Sprinkle 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, followed by 2 tablespoons melted butter evenly distributed across each piece.
Bake in preheated cookstove for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, then serve warm with a marinara sauce for dipping if desired!
4. French Onion Soup
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy French onion soup topped with melted cheese and served with a side of crusty french bread.
This classic soup is easy to make and full of flavor. Start by caramelizing onions in butter and sugar until they’re deeply golden brown, then add garlic, herbs, and broth before simmering for about 20 minutes.
Top it off with your favorite cheese and toast some slices of french bread in the oven. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
5. Caprese Salad
Caprese Salad is an Italian salad that is light yet flavorful enough for any occasion. It pairs perfectly with french bread due to its freshness and simplicity – all you need are tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar (for dressing).
Slice the tomatoes into wedges, top them off with mozzarella cheese slices and torn basil leaves, then drizzle on some olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar for added flavor. Serve this salad alongside your favorite type of french bread for a delicious meal!
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A grilled classic cheese sandwich pairs nicely with french bread since its soft texture complements the crunchiness of the grilled cheese perfectly.
To make this dish even more delicious, add some bacon or ham along with your favorite cheese like cheddar or Swiss.
Toast up two slices of french bread until golden brown, then place them together on your griddle or frying pan along with your desired fillings – cook until the cheese melts, and enjoy!
7. Salads
Create a simple yet satisfying meal by making your own salad. Start with a bed of lettuce or spinach and add in some vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Then top it off with your favorite protein, such as hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken, for an extra boost of energy.
Know More: What to serve with salad
8. Pasta Dishes
Who doesn’t love a delicious bowl of pasta? From classic spaghetti Bolognese to easy macaroni and cheese dishes, there’s something for everyone.
You can easily customize your own pasta dishes by adding in vegetables, proteins, and sauces.
9. Stir-Fries
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, stir-fries are simple to make and require minimal ingredients.
Start with some veggies like carrots, cauliflower, and bell peppers, then add in your favorite protein, like beef or chicken. Finish off the dish with flavorful spices like garlic and ginger to really bring out the flavor of the dish.
10. Burgers
Whether you opt for beef or turkey burgers, these classic burgers are sure to please any crowd.
Get creative by adding toppings such as pickles, onions, bacon, avocado slices, or jalapeño peppers to give your burger an extra kick.
11. Pizza
Whether you’re making your own homemade pie or ordering from your favorite restaurant, there’s nothing quite like a slice of pizza!
For an even healthier option, choose a thin crust and pile on the veggies for more flavor and nutrition.
12. Quesadillas
Enjoy Quesadillas, delicious Mexican-style sandwiches filled with melted cheese and your favorite fillings such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, and beans. Quesadillas are easy to make at home and only require a few ingredients.
14. Wraps
Wraps are perfect for lunchtime and can be made with any type of wrap, from whole wheat to spinach tortilla wraps.
Fill them up with lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, and your favorite protein, like turkey or chicken. Add a drizzle of ranch dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
15. Chicken Cordon Bleu
Crunchy breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese served with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce is a classic French dish that pairs well with the hearty texture of a French baguette.
16. Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille
Roasted Vegetable Ratatouille is a colorful medley of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a tangy tomato sauce that is perfect for scooping up with crusty French bread slices.
17. Boeuf Bourguignon
A beef stew cooked in red wine makes for an amazing dish to pair up with a warm crusty baguette.
18. Blanquette de Veau
Veal stew slow cooked in white wine paired with buttered potatoes is salty enough to cut through the richness of a French baguette slice smothered in butter.
19. Croque Madame Sandwich
Layers of cheesy béchamel sauce stuffed between two crunchy slices of brioche or Italian-style bread slathered generously in butter on both sides, then pan-fried until golden brown; goes great when served alongside a freshly baked baguette loaf or sliced diagonally into crostini-sized pieces for easy dipping.
20. Salade Lyonnaise
Classic French salad mixed together from frisée lettuce tossed in fat bacon dressing made from
Dijon mustard vinaigrette topped off with croutons for added crunch, and savory flavor that pairs nicely when eaten alongside chunky slices of warm, freshly baked baguettes dipped into its flavorful juices left behind on its plate after it’s been devoured!
21. Pate de Campagne
Rustic pâté made from lean pork shoulder blended along with herbs such as parsley or tarragon, then served chilled or at room temperature, is equally delicious when paired against the heartiness & texture of freshly baked French bread Baguettes!
22. Tartiflette
Tartiflette is a classic French gratin made from potatoes, cream, and cheese served to bubble hot is best enjoyed with crusty slices of baguette to soak up all the creamy goodness left on its plate!
23. Moules Frites
Moules Frites is a classic French dish where juicy mussels are steamed in white wine, garlic & herbs and then served alongside crunchy french fries is even better when eaten accompanied by crisp slices of baguette, perfect for scooping up all the flavorful juices that are leftover on its plate!
24. Confit de Canard
Confit de Canard is a duck leg confit cooked in duck fat until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. It makes for an amazing dish to pair alongside crunchy slices of baguettes to soak up all the salty, savory flavorsome juices left behind on its plate!
25. Pain Perdu
Pain Perdu is a French toast-like dessert made by soaking stale or day-old bread in egg batter and then cooking in butter till golden brown; it goes great when served alongside fresh slices of sweet yet slightly tart raspberry jam and crunchy slices of freshly baked baguettes!
26. Croquembouche
Croquembouche is a classic French dessert made from choux pastry balls stacked up into a cone-shaped tower and bound together with melted sugar and crunchy caramelized almonds; best enjoyed alongside thick slices of freshly baked baguettes to sop up all the sugary syrup left behind on its plate!
27. Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate Mousse is a traditional French dessert made by combining rich dark chocolate, cream, eggs, and sugar until it turns creamy and fluffy; complemented nicely when served with warm slices of buttery baguette for added texture contrast.
28. Crepes
Crepes are thin pancakes that can be enjoyed sweet or savory depending on the filling inside them; it goes great when served with freshly sliced baguettes that allow you to soak up all the deliciousness left on its plate!
29. Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a classic French upside-down tart made from apples, butter & sugar cooked in a caramelized syrup until golden brown; it goes great when served with thick slices of crusty baguettes for added sweetness and texture contrast!
30. Andouillettes
Andouillettes is a grilled or boiled sausage that is usually served alongside crunchy french fries as street food or during special occasions; best enjoyed when paired up against thick slices of freshly baked baguettes for extra flavor and heartiness.
These are simply a few of the wonderful dishes that you can enjoy with freshly sliced baguettes. With its unique flavor and texture, it adds elegance to any meal when paired together. So why not give it a try? Who knows – you might end up discovering your new favorite way to enjoy some classic French cuisine! Bon Appetit!
What to make with french bread for breakfast
French bread can be used to make a variety of breakfast dishes, including French toast, croque madame, and Pain Perdu.
French toast is a classic and comforting dish that consists of slices of French bread lightly fried in butter or oil until golden brown.
To make a basic French toast, beat together eggs and milk with sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Soak the slices of french bread in the egg mixture for several minutes before cooking.
Place classic ham and cheese sandwich sandwiches on a hot skillet until golden brown before topping them with an egg that is cooked to your liking.
Pain perdu (meaning lost bread) is another classic breakfast dish originating from France that reuses stale french baguette slices or other dense types of bread like brioche or challah by soaking it in an egg batter and then frying it in butter or oil until crisp on the outside but soft on the inside.
No matter how you choose to use it, french bread can elevate your breakfast experience and ensure that you start the day off on the right foot. Bon Appétit!
Baguette ideas for dinner- 10 ways to eat a baguette
Baked Bolognese Baguettes
Start by slicing a baguette lengthwise and spreading each side with a generous layer of your favorite Bolognese sauce.
Top it off with fresh mozzarella cheese, ground oregano, and garlic powder for an extra kick. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve warm with a side salad or chips for a delicious dinner.
Veggie Pesto Baguettes
Slice a French baguette in half lengthwise before spreading each side with premade pesto sauce (or make your own).
Top it off with roasted red peppers, sliced tomatoes, olives, onion, mushrooms, and your favorite vegetables before baking in the oven until your veggies are lightly crispy. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor boost.
Mediterranean Steak Baguettes
Begin by setting aside some shaved steak from your local butcher shop or grocery store deli counter.
Lay a thin layer of olive oil over each side of the baguette before topping it off with thinly sliced steak, feta cheese crumbles, diced tomatoes, and chopped green onions.
Bake in the oven until the steak is cooked through and the cheese has melted. Serve up this flavorful dinner for your family to enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Baguettes
Initiate by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before slicing a French baguette along its length and brushing both sides generously with BBQ sauce – try something smoky like chipotle or spicy like habanero-mango!
Top it off with shredded chicken, diced red onion, and cheddar cheese before baking in the preheated oven until all ingredients are warm throughout and the cheese has melted completely.
Philly Cheese Steak Baguettes
Start by thinly slicing some beef ribeye steaks into small strips, then sautéing them on medium heat until they’re lightly browned all over – add some Worcestershire sauce towards the end to give them an extra savory flavor boost!
Spread both sides of the sliced baguette with mayonnaise, then top it off with sautéed beef strips, bell peppers (optional), provolone cheese slices and optionally sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top for an added boost of flavor!
Bake in preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven until all ingredients are hot throughout and the cheese has melted entirely to perfection before serving alongside fries or potato chips as part of an ultimate dining experience!
Cheesy Bacon Baguettes
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before slicing a French baguette along its length and brushing both sides generously with mayonnaise (vegan options work, too!).
Top it off with thinly sliced bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced tomatoes before baking in the preheated oven until all ingredients are warm throughout and the cheese has melted completely.
Serve up this delicious savory treat for everyone to enjoy!
Ham & Swiss Cheese Baguettes
Start by lightly buttering each side of the baguette before topping it off with thinly sliced ham, creamy swiss cheese slices, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped parsley as desired.
Bake in the preheated oven until all ingredients are warm throughout and the cheese has melted entirely. Serve this delicious combination for a quick and easy dinner!
Pizza Baguettes
Start by spreading a generous layer of your favorite pizza sauce over both sides of the sliced baguette before topping it off with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, Italian sausage (optional), bell peppers, and onions as desired.
Bake in preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven until all ingredients are hot throughout and the cheese has melted entirely to perfection before serving alongside freshly cut vegetables as part of an ultimate dining experience! Enjoy!
Soup and Bread Bowls
Pack a lot of flavor into one bowl with this comforting pairing of hearty soup, served in a crusty bread bowl. Choose from any variety of soups or stews, like tomato basil bisque or curried vegetable stew.
Tacos
For an easy weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor, tacos are the way to go.
Choose from a variety of proteins like chicken, beef, pork, and seafood, then top them off with flavorful condiments like cilantro, jalapeño peppers, and guacamole. \
Wrap Up
French bread has been around for centuries, but it still never ceases to amaze us with its versatility when it comes to creating delicious meals.
Whether you’re serving up a bowl of French onion soup or making a classic grilled cheese sandwich, there’s something special about adding just one more ingredient – french bread – that elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Try out these delicious recipes today for an easy way to impress your friends and family!
FAQs
What cheese goes with the baguette?
A classic cheese pairing for a baguette is Brie. This creamy, buttery French cheese has a mild, slightly tangy taste and stands up nicely against the crunch of the toasted bread.
Another option is Camembert, which is similarly creamy but with a stronger flavor.
For something sharper, you could try a semi-hard cheese like Gruyère or Comté. Olives are an especially popular choice and pair very nicely with salty meats or creamy cheeses.
You could also try adding some pickles or capers to give it a bit of zing! Finally, don’t forget the butter – spreading a generous layer on top of your baguette will ensure that all the flavorful ingredients meld together perfectly.
How do you enjoy baguettes?
I enjoy baguettes in many different ways. Toasted and spread with butter or jam is a classic way to enjoy it. It’s also delicious when topped with deli meats, cheese, tomatoes, pesto, or other spreads.
I like to toast the slices and make a tasty sandwich or wrap as well. Baguette can also be used to add crunch and flavor to salads or soups. The possibilities are endless! As long as it’s fresh, the baguette is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re having a picnic or dinner party, adding a loaf of freshly baked baguette will take your meal to the next level. With its crunchy crust and light flavor, there’s no doubt that everyone will be asking for more!
To get creative with baguettes, try cutting slices into cubes and baking them in the oven until they are crisp. This makes an amazing crouton topping for salads or soups.
Another way to use crisp baguette pieces is to make crostini. Slice pieces of the bread thinly and toast them in the oven; top with cheese, herbs, garlic butter, or anything else you can imagine. They make an elegant and delicious appetizer or side dish.
