When it comes to bread, there’s no denying the allure of French bread. Crusty on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, this classic loaf has won hearts around the world. But why stop at just one type of French bread? With its versatility and endless possibilities for toppings and fillings, the options are truly limitless. From classic baguettes to cheesy pizzas, herbed rolls, and sweet puddings, we’ve rounded up 20 mouthwatering French bread recipes that will elevate your baking game and satisfy any craving.
In this article, we’ll explore a wide range of French bread recipes perfect for every occasion – from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these delicious recipes are sure to impress. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on our culinary journey through the world of French bread!
Classic French Baguette
Mastering the art of baking a classic French baguette requires patience, precision, and practice. This recipe yields a crusty, chewy loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or serving with your favorite soups and spreads.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water (around 90°F)
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently to dissolve, then let it sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour, one cup at a time, stirring until just combined before adding more.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Gently shape the dough into a baguette, placing it on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Parmesan French Bread
Elevate your bread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of parmesan cheese, the pungency of garlic, and the softness of French bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread (14-16 inches)
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter, softened
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
4. Spread the garlic-butter mixture evenly onto each bread round, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges.
5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic-butter layer.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Place the bread rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cheesy French Bread Pizza
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet satisfying recipe for Cheesy French Bread Pizza. Fresh from the oven, this crispy and gooey treat is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf of French bread (about 12 inches long)
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup of pizza sauce
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the French bread in half lengthwise.
3. Spread pizza sauce on each half, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Add optional toppings if desired.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
French Bread Rolls
Experience the rich flavor of France with these tender and crispy bread rolls. Perfect as a side dish or used to make sandwiches, this recipe yields 8-10 delicious rolls.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and shape into 8-10 rolls.
7. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed French Bread
Elevate your bread game with this flavorful Herbed French Bread recipe, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down dough and shape into a baguette or loaf.
7. Sprinkle rosemary and thyme on top of the bread before baking for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Bread Stuffing
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful French bread stuffing recipe, featuring tender herbs and savory spices. Perfect for accompanying roasted meats or served as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion, celery, and garlic until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, melted butter, sautéed vegetables, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
4. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Bread Pudding
A rich and decadent dessert that reimagines classic French bread as a moist and flavorful pudding, perfect for serving warm or chilled.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
French Bread with Olive Oil and Herbs
Elevate your bread game with this classic French recipe infused with the flavors of olive oil and fresh herbs. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or served alongside soups and stews.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough comes together in a sticky ball.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a long baguette.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Bread Bruschetta
Elevate your snack game with this simple yet flavorful French Bread Bruschetta recipe. Toasted baguette slices topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese make for a perfect pairing.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette
– 2 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
5. Brush the mixture evenly onto the toasted bread slices.
6. Top each slice with diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
French Bread French Toast
Elevate your breakfast game with this decadent twist on traditional French toast. Thick slices of crusty French bread, rich eggs, and a hint of vanilla create a sweet and satisfying start to the day.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 slices of French bread (preferably day-old)
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioner’s sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
3. Dip each slice of French bread into the egg mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated bread slices on the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with confectioner’s sugar sprinkled on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
French Bread Crostini
Elevate your appetizer game with these crispy French bread crostini, perfect for topping with your favorite spreads and cheeses.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette (12-14 inches)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 1-inch thick rounds.
3. Place the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the crostini and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if using.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tips:
– For an extra crunchy texture, bake the crostini for an additional 2-3 minutes.
– Top with your favorite spreads, cheeses, and garnishes to create a unique flavor combination.
French Bread with Roasted Garlic
Elevate your bread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of roasted garlic with the classic crust and crumb of French bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and separated into individual cloves
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Add olive oil, salt, roasted garlic cloves, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Gradually add remaining cup of flour, kneading the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
French Bread Focaccia
This classic Italian flatbread gets a French twist with the use of rich, buttery French bread instead of traditional focaccia dough. The result is a soft, airy loaf with a subtle sweetness and a deep, caramelized flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 piece of French bread (about 1 lb), torn into small pieces
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the French bread pieces, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes, allowing the bread to absorb the flavors.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread is crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
French Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your bread game with this flavorful combination of classic French bread and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to your favorite soups.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Knead for 10 minutes until dough is well developed.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Punch down the dough and shape into a round loaf.
8. Place sun-dried tomatoes on top of the bread, slightly overlapping each other.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
French Bread with Brie and Honey
Savor the rich flavors of France with this effortless recipe combining crispy French bread, creamy Brie cheese, and a hint of sweet honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette (French bread), warmed
– 8 oz Brie cheese, softened
– 2 tbsp honey
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the French bread into 1-inch thick pieces.
3. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Top each bread slice with a generous portion of softened Brie cheese.
5. Drizzle honey over the Brie, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
French Bread Panzanella Salad
Panzanella salad, a Tuscan staple, gets a French twist with the addition of crusty baguette and creamy brie cheese. This refreshing summer salad is perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cubed French bread (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup crumbled brie cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Toss bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, toasted bread, and crumbled brie cheese.
4. Drizzle with white wine vinegar and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
French Bread with Caramelized Onions
French Bread with Caramelized Onions Recipe
Experience the rich flavors of France with this classic bread infused with sweet and savory caramelized onions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, one cup at a time, until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Knead the dough for 10 minutes, then place it in a lightly oiled bowl, covered with plastic wrap, to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Roll out the risen dough into a long rectangle. Spread caramelized onions and butter evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Fold the edges over the filling, then roll the bread into a tight log shape. Place on prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
French Bread with Rosemary and Sea Salt
This recipe combines the simplicity of a classic French bread with the bold flavors of rosemary and sea salt, creating a deliciously aromatic and savory loaf.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is activated.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour to the bowl. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough on a floured surface, shape into a round or oblong loaf, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
6. Sprinkle chopped rosemary and sea salt over the dough before baking.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Bread with Black Olive Tapenade
Experience the perfect marriage of crusty bread and rich flavors with this simple recipe that combines the traditional art of French bread-making with the savory goodness of black olive tapenade.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
Tapenade Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pitted black olives, chopped
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes until frothy.
3. Add flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10-12 minutes.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Punch down the dough and shape into a round or oblong loaf.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
8. While the bread is baking, mix tapenade ingredients in a small bowl.
9. Serve the French bread with black olive tapenade spread on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
French Bread with Fig and Prosciutto
This elegant sandwich combines the rich flavors of fig jam, crispy prosciutto, and warm French bread for a perfect snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette (preferably day-old)
– 4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp fig jam
– 1/4 cup arugula leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the baguette into 3-inch pieces.
3. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted and crispy.
5. Meanwhile, layer a slice of prosciutto, a dollop of fig jam, and a sprinkle of arugula leaves onto a toasted baguette piece.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Repeat the layers one more time for the second sandwich half.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including baking time)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the flavors of France with these delicious French bread recipes! From classic baguettes and garlic parmesan breads to cheesy pizzas and sweet puddings, there’s something for every occasion. Try making French bread rolls for a snack or herbed bread for a rustic meal. Stuff your bread for a savory main course or make it into croutons for a salad. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner inspiration, these 20 recipes will guide you through the world of French bread. Treat yourself to a taste of France with these mouthwatering dishes!
