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What to Serve with French Bread? 12 BEST Side Dishes

Ready to make that French bread shine? We know that French bread is awesome on its own, but it’s even better when you pair it with the right side dishes.

Sometimes, we like to dunk it in a gooey bowl of cheese, other times, we go with a zesty salsa.

It’s the perfect partner for soups, salads, and even hearty main courses. You can’t go wrong, really. Remember that one time we did a whole spread with just French bread and dips?

Yeah, that was a hit. So, let’s chat about the best sides to put with this crusty delight and make every meal feel like a mini feast.

Top 12 Side Dishes for French Bread

Here are some of our favorite sides to serve with French bread:

Side DishMain IngredientsFlavor ProfileDifficultyTime
Tomato Basil SoupTomatoes, basil, garlicSavory, herbyMedium30 min
RatatouilleEggplant, zucchini, bell peppersSavory, herbyMedium40 min
Caesar SaladRomaine, Caesar dressing, croutonsTangy, savoryEasy15 min
Garlic Butter ShrimpShrimp, garlic, butterGarlicky, savoryEasy20 min
Roasted Red Pepper HummusRed peppers, chickpeas, tahiniSmoky, creamyMedium25 min
Baked Brie with Honey and AlmondsBrie, honey, almondsSweet, nuttyEasy20 min
Caprese SaladTomatoes, mozzarella, basilFresh, tangyEasy10 min
Olive TapenadeOlives, capers, anchoviesSalty, tangyEasy15 min
Lemon Herb ChickenChicken, lemon, herbsZesty, savoryMedium30 min
Spinach Artichoke DipSpinach, artichokes, cream cheeseCreamy, savoryMedium30 min
French Onion SoupOnions, beef broth, Gruyere cheeseRich, savoryMedium1 hr
Prosciutto-Wrapped MelonProsciutto, melonSweet, saltyEasy10 min

1 – Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato Basil Soup is a classic that always sits well with French bread. The rich tomato base combines perfectly with fresh basil’s aromatic punch. It’s tangy yet comforting.

We love making it with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil leaves.

Puree until smooth. Add a dollop of cream too. This soup really makes the bread shine.

2 – Ratatouille

Let’s talk Ratatouille. We love this vibrant vegetable medley. It’s packed with zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The flavors? Simply amazing.

Each bite is a burst of fresh herbs and garlic. Herbs de Provence adds a touch of France. Olive oil makes everything velvety.

We often simmer it until veggies are tender. It’s rich, savory, and a perfect side for French bread.

3 – Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad is an all-time favourite. Crisp romaine leaves. Savory dressing. Parmesan shavings. Crunchy croutons. We love the balance of tangy, salty, and creamy flavors. Anchovies add a umami kick.

We whisk olive oil with egg yolk, garlic, and lemon juice. Then drizzle over the greens. Finish with ground pepper. Perfect with French bread.

4 – Garlic Butter Shrimps

Who doesn’t love garlic and butter? They’re the best duo ever.

We toss shrimp in garlic butter with a squeeze of lemon. Each bite is juicy and rich. Shrimp get a light, crispy edge.

The flavors blend perfectly. It’s an irresistible side with French bread. Our tip? Use fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra zest.

5 – Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

We love Roasted Red Pepper Hummus for its smoky, sweet flavor. It’s smooth and creamy with a bold taste. The roasted peppers add a charred depth that’s irresistible.

Our recipe uses chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until silky. Top with paprika and fresh parsley.

We enjoy it with fresh-cut veggies. It’s always a hit.

6 – Baked Brie with Honey and Almonds

Who knew brie could be this exciting? Melted cheese with honey and almonds is pure comfort food. We love the creamy texture of the brie paired with the sweetness of the honey.

It’s so simple, too. Just pop a wheel of brie in the oven, drizzle some honey, and sprinkle with almonds. The flavor is a mix of sweet, salty, and nutty. Enjoy it with French bread for the ultimate taste combo.

7 – Caprese Salad

We love a good Caprese Salad. It’s that perfect mix of fresh and flavorful.

Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella are the stars here. Drizzle them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Each bite is that perfect mix of tangy, creamy, and fresh.

We get the best results with ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella. Adds basil leaves for that extra punch. So simple, so good.

8 – Olive Tapenade

The love for Olive Tapenade is real. It’s a tangy, salty spread with a rich texture. Made from olives, capers, and anchovies, it screams Mediterranean flavor.

The briny taste pairs perfectly with French bread. The mix of black and green olives adds depth. Tip: Use good-quality olive oil. It’s our go-to for any gathering. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.

9 – Lemon Herb Chicken

Lemon Herb Chicken is a zesty and savory delight. Lemon adds a fresh tang, while herbs like thyme and rosemary bring out a rich aroma. We love how juicy the chicken stays. Each bite is bursting with flavors. We marinate it with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

What we also adore is the crispy skin. Bake it to golden perfection. The light, herbal notes complement the chicken’s natural flavor. Serve it with French bread to soak up any juices. Simple, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser.

10 – Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach Artichoke Dip is our go-to for creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s rich and flavourful, loaded with spinach and artichokes. We use fresh spinach, cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, and artichoke hearts.

The combination is savory, with a hint of tang from the artichokes. Melted cheese makes every bite warm and cozy. We often serve it warm with French bread. Pure, simple indulgence.

11 – French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a savory hug in a bowl. We relish the blend of caramelized onions and rich, beefy broth. It’s topped with a cheesy crouton layer. Those melted cheese strings are the best. It’s a hearty choice for pairing with French bread.

We use onions, beef broth, and Gruyère cheese. Slow-cooked onions are key. Bake the soup for a golden crust. It’s savory, cheesy, and a guaranteed favorite.

Our pro-tip: low and slow wins the race. Keep it simple and enjoy the rich, savory goodness.

12 – Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon

Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon is sweet, salty, and juicy. The melon’s natural sweetness pairs with the prosciutto’s savory edge.

We love how simple it is. Just wrap slices of ripe melon with thin prosciutto. A dash of balsamic glaze takes it to the next level.

Always use ripe melon for the best flavor. It’s a combo that’s hard to beat.

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