What To Serve With French Bread? 15 BEST Side Dishes

There's something magical about a warm loaf of French bread, right? Its soft interior enclosed in a crusty exterior makes it versatile and satisfying, no matter how you serve it.

You can dunk it in a bowl of soup, spread some jam over a slice, or use it as a base for a variety of toppings.

But what are the best companions for this delightful bread? Here are 15 amazing sides that complement French bread beautifully.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with French bread are French onion soup, beef bourguignon, scrambled eggs, chicken soup, raspberry jam, shakshuka, baba ganoush, canned cranberry sauce, cheese fondue, avocado smash, brie and fig jam, tomato bruschetta, pesto, and garlic confit.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Onion Soup

An unmistakable classic, French onion soup is a comforting bowl of caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with melted cheese. The sweetness of the onions pairs perfectly with the crusty French bread, which acts as a sponge to soak up the savory broth. The tangy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese adds a depth of flavor that completes the experience.

2. Beef Bourguignon

A hearty dish originating from the same nation as our bread, Beef Bourguignon is a slow-cooked stew full of tender beef chunks and root vegetables in a rich, red wine sauce. The crusty French bread serves as the perfect tool to mop up the indulgent sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.

3. Scrambled Eggs

Simple yet satisfying, fluffy scrambled eggs with a touch of salt and pepper are a fantastic pairing with French bread. Spread some butter on a warm slice of bread and top it with a heap of creamy eggs for a breakfast you'll crave every morning.

4. Chicken Soup

There's nothing quite like the comfort of chicken soup paired with a crusty loaf of French bread. The bread absorbs the flavor-packed broth while adding a satisfying crunch. You can tear it into bite-size pieces for an easier eat or dip it in whole for a more rustic feel.

5. Raspberry Jam

French bread with a smear of raspberry jam is a sweet and tart treat that's not just for breakfast. The crusty bread holds up well to the jam, and the fruity sweetness is a pleasant contrast to the bread's mild flavor.

6. Shakshuka

This Middle Eastern dish is a rich, spiced tomato and pepper stew with poached eggs. The spices bring out a fantastic flavor that goes wonderfully with a slice of French bread. Dip it in the sauce, scoop up the vegetables, and enjoy a mouthful of cultural fusion.

7. Baba Ganoush

A creamy, smoky eggplant dip, Baba Ganoush is another brilliant companion for French bread. The rich, velvety texture of the dip, combined with the smoky flavor, provides a lovely contrast to the bread's mild flavor and crusty texture.

8. Canned Cranberry Sauce

The tart and sweet flavor of cranberry sauce adds a festive touch when spread on warm, crusty French bread. It provides a delicious contrast and cuts through the bread's richness. It's a simple yet satisfying way to serve your loaf.

9. Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

These simple sandwiches are a refreshing and creamy addition to your French bread spread. Thinly sliced cucumbers on a layer of smooth cream cheese offer a delightful crunch and coolness that pairs beautifully with the crusty bread. Add some fresh dill or mint for an extra pop of flavor.

10. Cheese Fondue

What could be more perfect than dipping your French bread into a pot of bubbling, creamy cheese? Cheese fondue offers a delightful contrast of crispy bread and gooey cheese, with garlic and wine undertones that will make your tastebuds sing.

11. Avocado Smash

Healthy and simple, smashed avocado provides a creamy, rich spread for your French bread. Add some salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, satisfying side. It's an easy way to elevate your bread into a nourishing meal.

12. Brie and Fig Jam

A layer of creamy brie topped with sweet fig jam creates a mouthwatering duo on a slice of French bread. The sweetness of the jam paired with the creamy, slightly savory brie is an indulgent treat that's hard to resist.

13. Tomato Bruschetta

Fresh, juicy tomatoes diced with garlic, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, served atop a slice of crusty French bread, make a vibrant, flavorful bruschetta. The freshness of the tomatoes and the crunch of the bread are a match made in heaven.

14. Pesto

Fresh, fragrant basil pesto is a delightful spread for French bread. The zesty, garlicky flavors stand up well to the crusty bread, and a drizzle of olive oil on top adds the perfect finishing touch.

15. Garlic Confit

Garlic confit, made by slow-cooking garlic cloves in oil until they're sweet, tender, and caramelized, makes for a rich, flavorful spread on French bread. The mild, sweet garlic flavor is incredibly delicious and elevates your loaf to gourmet status.

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