Baguette or loaf, French breads are versatile enough to star in sweet and savoury dishes, alike. There are loads of ways that you can bake a loaf or two, according to your favourite recipe, and then serve them in special, unique ways.
Here are a few that we can think of!
Garlic Bread: Slice the loaf open lengthways and brush with lots of olive oil. Then top with minced garlic, parsley, and a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan. Serve as is, or place under a grill for a little extra crunch.
Super Soups: Serve individual portions of soup in pretty bowls. Top with a slice of stale French bread and some gooey Swiss cheese.
Quickie Mini Pizzas: Slice the loaf into mini rounds and place on a baking sheet. Top with a smear of tomato pasta sauce, slices of salami, grated cheese and black olives, then bake until warmed through.
Pain Perdu: This vanilla-spiced French toast is a great way to use day-old baguettes or French bread. Top milk-and-cinnamon-soaked slices of pan-fried bread with berries steeped in wine.
Bread Pudding: Stale French Bread is perfect for Bread Pudding. Add a twist to yours with the addition of bourbon-soaked raisins. You can even whip it up the night before or let it stand 30 minutes before baking, for added convenience. And for the crowing touch: serve with a quick sauce made with bourbon and melted butter.
Grilled Vegetable Sandwiches: Roast you favourite mix of veggies with a splash of olive oil and a few sprinkles of French herbs – a perfect sandwich filling for French bread stacked with creamy Provolone cheese.
Bruschetta: Our favourite combination is Gorgonzola and Apples. A buttery gorgonzola, laced with a splash of brandy is layered on thin slices of toasted or grilled French bread. Serve with apple wedges, grapes, or other seasonal fruit.