What To Serve With French Bread? 10 BEST Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with French bread?

You’re in luck – these 10 BEST side dishes are guaranteed to take your meal to the next level!

You don’t have to be an experienced chef or bakery owner to appreciate a fresh, crusty loaf of French bread.

It adds that special something when served as part of breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

But what should you pair it with?

What complements its buttery flavor and crunchy texture?

Whether you like rich sauces, comforting stews, or gourmet salads, I’ve got some inspiring ideas for you.

From creamy polenta and succulent roast vegetables to zesty tapenades and smoky soups, here are my top ten side dishes for serving with French bread!

Why Consider Serving Sides with French Bread?

• Variety: Serving sides with French bread adds variety to the meal, allowing diners to choose from a range of flavors and textures.
• Balance: Sides can help balance out the flavor of the French bread by adding complementary flavors or contrasting tastes. For example, a sweet jam or honey pairs nicely with a savory cheese spread on French bread.
• Nutrition: Adding sides such as fruits and vegetables provides additional nutrition to the meal, making it more balanced and nutritious overall.
• Presentation: Serving sides alongside French bread makes for an attractive presentation that will impress guests at any gathering or dinner party.
• Customization: Offering different types of sides allows diners to customize their meals according to their individual preferences and dietary needs, making everyone happy!

What To Serve With French Bread? 10 BEST Side Dishes

French bread is a delicious and versatile side dish, but it can be tough to know what to pair it with.

Here are ten of the best side dishes that will go perfectly with French bread:

1 – French Onion Soup

Transform your French bread into something special with an indulgent bowl of French onion soup.

Onion soups from France are everywhere, and on chilly days, you can enjoy the deliciously rich flavors of caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, beef broth and cognac at home.

An easy-to-make classic, this nourishing recipe will ensure that everybody savors their slice of crispy baguette!

2 – Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

A crusty loaf of French bread is the perfect foil for a comforting plate of scrambled eggs.

The heaping bowlfuls of fluffy egg scramble are indelibly delicious with cheddar cheese, cooked up in bacon fat for an extra flavor boost.

Whip them just to soft curds and serve it piled generously on slices of warm French Bread, sprinkled with freshly-ground black pepper and hot sauce to finish it off.

3 – Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Make a creamy mushroom sauce to serve over hot, crusty French bread slices.

It’s as simple as sautéing mushrooms and onions in butter until golden-browned for deep, earthy flavor – starring an array of fresh treat varieties such as chewy shiitakes, bite-sized button mushrooms and flavorful oyster mushrooms.

A splash of cooking sherry or white wine is key for extra depth – adjust the amount used according to your taste.

4 – Strawberry Jam

This homemade strawberry jam takes just minutes to make.

It has a delightfully tart-sweet flavor and it’s just the right texture for spreading on French bread or bruschetta.

Stir in some honey, cinnamon, or orange juice concentrate to give your jam even more flavor.

Enjoy a warm slice of toast with melting butter and a generous dollop of this amazing jam!

5 – Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a delightful surprise when spread onto warm French bread.

It’s not just for PB&J sandwiches, after all!

Spread some creamy peanut butter on your baguette slices and pair it with any meal that needs something sweet, savory, and unexpected.

Try spreading the peanut butter and sprinkling flaky sea salt over top, or adding sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey for an elegant side dish that everyone will love.

6 – Creamy Potato Salad

Potato salad is an easy and delicious side to pair with crusty French bread.

The creamy potato salad can be made ahead of time, so it’s always ready for a quick weeknight dinner or even just lunch!

Serve this luscious dish as-is, or add some twists by adding crumbled bacon, diced hard boiled eggs, freshly chopped herbs like dill or parsley—the possibilities are endless.

7 – Classic Chicken Soup

A warm and comforting bowl of classic chicken soup is an ideal side dish for crusty French bread with butter.

This flavor-packed meal starter features juicy chunks of chicken, plus celery, carrots, onions, and herbs in a light and flavorful broth.

It comes together quickly and without fail on busy weeknights or after increasingly popular at-home Sunday dinners.

8 – Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and broccoli when you need to feed your family something warm, comforting and nutritious.

They are delicious alongside a freshly-baked loaf of crusty French bread – just add in some olive oil or butter for dipping or spreading.

The roasted veggies can also be served scooped onto slices of the bread nice hearty paninis.

9 – Baked Brie

If you feel like going the extra mile in your meal pairings, try baking up a round of brie in the oven with nuts, seeds and honey.

This creamy cheese pairs perfectly with french bread and is ready in no time at all!

Walnuts or pecans take on a delightful roasted flavor when toasted lightly and sprinkled over slices of soft brie cheese – top it off with a drizzle of honey that will caramelize while baking for a truly special finishing touch!

10 – Pesto Sauce

Take your french bread to a whole new level with this delicious pesto sauce!

Rather than spreading butter on the crusty loaf, slather it in garlic-infused homemade pesto.

This easy sauce is made with basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s perfect for dipping bread and veggies or tossing into warm pasta dishes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, French bread is a versatile and delicious bread that can be served with a variety of side dishes.

The best sides to serve with French bread include French onion soup, scrambled eggs with cheese, creamy mushroom sauce, strawberry jam, peanut butter, creamy potato salad, classic chicken soup, roasted vegetables, baked brie, and pesto sauce.

These sides are all easy to make and go perfectly with French bread.

So, the next time you’re looking for something to serve with French bread, consider one of these 10 sides and you won’t be disappointed.