Do you often find yourself with an ungodly amount of French bread after a meal? Have you ever been at a loss as to what to do with your remaining baguette besides toss it aside and forget about it? If so, fear not — we’ve got the perfect solution! Keep reading to learn what to do with leftover French bread.
With plenty of creative ideas on how to use your leftover French bread, you can create delicious dishes that the whole family will not only love but ask for again and again! Whether you’re looking for baking recipes or savory entrees, this blog post will provide helpful tips and tricks for all things leftover French bread-related.
So get ready to indulge in some delectable leftover bread recipes because using up your day-old bread is (and tastier) than ever before!
What is French Bread?
French bread is a type of traditional European-style bread that originated in France. It has a light, airy texture with a crisp and crusty exterior. French bread is made with wheat flour, yeast, water, and salt. The dough is kneaded until it forms a smooth round loaf, then baked in the oven.
French bread’s popularity has grown worldwide due to its unique flavor and texture. It can be found in many varieties, such as baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia, etc. French bread can be served as an accompaniment to meals or enjoyed as an appetizer or snack with condiments.
French Bread Pizza
Turn your stale loaf of French bread into the perfect ingredient for pizza night and make French bread pizzas! All you need is a loaf of French bread, sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
You can go for classic ingredients such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers, or get creative with other ingredients like bacon, pineapple, or even shrimp!
French Onion Soup
Another great idea for your leftover French bread is to make a crunchy topping for your French onion soup. Simply cut the bread into cubes and spread it out on a baking sheet. Bake in the oven until golden brown, and then sprinkle over your soup!
There’s nothing like the combination of soft, silky onions, topped with a layer of crusty bread and finished off with plenty of ooey-gooey melted cheese.
Homemade Croutons
One of the easiest ways to make use of leftover bread is by making crunchy croutons. Just slice your load into bread cubes and coat lightly with olive oil before popping them in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until they turn into golden cubes of crunchy goodness. Sprinkle your homemade croutons over a salad, or soup, or just snack on them as is.
Homemade Breadcrumbs
Homemade breadcrumbs are another simple way to make use of your leftover bread. All you need is some store-bought breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices.
Unlike store-bought versions that can be loaded with preservatives and additives, homemade bread crumbs are free from all of those nasties. It’s one of the most genius ways to amp up the flavor of your dishes with just a few pantry staples.
French Toast
French toast is one of those classic breakfast dishes that are popular all over the world, and French bread is one of the best types of bread to make it with!
Just soak your bread in a mixture of milk, eggs, and added flavorings. Once cooked, it creates a delicious golden-brown toast with a soft and fluffy interior. Serve it with maple syrup, jam, honey, or fresh fruit for added sweetness.
Bread Pudding
Turn your leftover French bread into a classic bread pudding that’s sure to please the whole family. This delicious treat starts with cubes of French bread soaked in an egg custard made with brown sugar and warm spices.
After baking until golden brown, top it off with a scoop of your favorite ice cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy this comforting dessert any night of the week!
Panzanella (Italian Bread Salad)
Panzanella is the perfect complement to your summertime get-togethers. This Italian salad is a healthy veggie-packed treat that’s full of flavor.
Toasted French bread adds a delicious crunch, and it’s tossed in an Italian vinaigrette along with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Don’t forget to give your Panzanella a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese!
Garlic Bread
Leftover French bread provides the perfect setup for making the garlic bread of your dreams. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Then mix together the melted butter and minced garlic until they are well combined.
Spread this delicious garlic-butter mixture on your sliced French bread and sprinkle with some herbs for extra flavor. Pop the garlic bread in the oven for about 8-10 minutes, and viola — a crispy and delicious garlic bread!
French Toast Casserole
This cinnamon raisin French toast casserole is sure to sweeten up your morning! It’s a great way to use your leftover bread and make a delicious breakfast for any occasion. The best part is it can be prepped ahead of time so that all you need to do on a special day is pop it in the oven and enjoy.
FAQs
What do you eat French bread with?
French bread is a highly versatile bread that can be paired with a variety of dishes. Our favorites are French onion soup, scrambled eggs with cheese, peanut butter, jam, avocado, and potato salad!
Is French bread healthy to eat?
French bread has numerous health benefits. The carbohydrates provide a great boost of energy to take on the day. On the flip side, these carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar levels. So enjoy it in moderation!
How is French bread different from regular bread?
Unlike other types of bread, French bread is longer and narrower in size, with a texture that is hard and crusty on the outside with a soft crumb on the inside.
Go From Bread Waster to Bread Winner!
French bread is a classic for a reason, and with these recipes, it will stay that way! These recipes are sure to breathe fresh air into your leftovers. From Italian Panzanella to sweet and simple French toast, there’s no limit to what you can make.
No matter what you choose to do, your old loaf will be transformed into something new and delicious! So don’t wait until tomorrow — start cooking today!
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