Bread isn’t just for lunch and dinner. Believe it or not, there are some pretty great ways to use French bread for breakfast, too.
French bread is versatile and can be used in so many different breakfast recipes or even enjoyed all on its own. In this article, we’ll explore some of the many benefits of eating French bread for breakfast, as well as a few quick and easy breakfast ideas that you can make with it.
We’ll also provide a few recipes ready for the more advanced cooks out there looking to try something new using French bread. Let’s get started!
Overview of French Bread
French bread originated in France, but it has become popular around the world due to its distinctive flavor and texture. A traditional French baguette is long and thin, with a crisp crust and soft center.
It contains few ingredients, typically just flour, water, salt, yeast, and sometimes sugar. It has a mild flavor that makes it perfect for pairing with other dishes or adding to sandwiches or toast.
Benefits of Eating French Bread for Breakfast
Eating French bread for breakfast can be a great way to start your day off right. It makes an excellent base for all kinds of sweet and savory dishes—from toast with butter to strawberry crepes—and provides plenty of energy-rich carbs that will help fuel your morning activities.
Plus, French bread is naturally low in fat and calories so you won’t have to feel guilty about indulging in some of your favorite dishes that include it.
Quick and Easy Breakfast Ideas Using French Bread
One of the great things about using French bread for breakfast is that you don’t need any fancy ingredients or cooking techniques to create delicious dishes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
French Toast
This classic dish is one of the most popular ways to enjoy french toast for breakfast (or brunch). All you need is some stale french bread (or fresh if you prefer), eggs, milk (or cream), sugar, cinnamon (optional), butter or oil, and syrup if desired.
Simply mix together the egg mixture in a shallow bowl then dip each slice of french toast into the mixture before frying both sides until golden brown. Top with syrup if desired!
Croque Madame Sandwich
This mouthwatering sandwich is made by layering slices of ham and gruyere cheese between two pieces of french toast then topping them off with an egg cooked sunny-side up or over-easy egg. Fry up your sandwich until all sides are a nice golden brown then enjoy with a side salad or fruit!
French Bread Pizza
If you’re looking for something more savory than sweet in the morning then this french bread pizza could be just what you’ve been searching for! To make this easy morning pizza just top sliced french bread with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, sliced pepperoni pieces, and any other toppings you desire.
Then just bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until everything is hot and melty. Enjoy either hot from the oven or cold on the go!
Recipes For More Advanced Breakfast Ideas Using French Bread
If you’re feeling up to trying something more complicated than the quick ideas above here are a few scrumptious recipes that will take your french toast game up a notch:
Savory Crepes With Gruyere And Ham
These crepes make an unforgettable stuffed breakfast sandwich filled with smoky ham, gooey gruyere cheese, dijon mustard, chives, sour cream, freshly cracked pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (optional), shredded parmesan cheese (optional), cooking spray, and 8 slices of thinly cut deli ham.
Whisk together all ingredients except ham then pour onto preheated pan coated in cooking spray. Quickly spread out the mixture into 8 thin circles then stack 1 piece of ham onto each one followed by 1 tablespoon of gruyere cheese.
Fold each crepe into half moon shape before flipping onto the opposite side to finish cooking then serve while still warm either on its own or layered between 2 slices of crispy french toast!
Pain Perdu (French Toast Casserole)
This decadent casserole features layers upon layers of slices of french toast drizzled with custard before being baked until soft and golden brown on top. To make pain perdu gather 1 loaf day old french bread cut into 1-inch cubes, 8 large eggs beaten together, 3 cups whole milk, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional), ¼ cup light brown sugar plus an extra 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar divided into two portions, 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract divided into two portions, 6 tablespoons melted butter divided into two portions plus additional melted butter for greasing the pan, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon divided into two portions plus additional cinnamon for sprinkling over the casserole when it is done.
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan then whisk together the egg mixture before combining the remaining wet ingredients. Place cubes of french bread in the pan before pouring half of the wet mixture over it evenly then let it sit for 10 minutes before pouring the remaining egg mixture over the top again ensuring all cubes are thoroughly coated.
Sprinkle with extra cinnamon before baking 35-40 minutes at 350°F and then let it cool slightly before serving!
Spinach And Ricotta Strata
This recipe combines classic flavors like spinach ricotta as well as basil pesto, red onions, roasted red peppers(optional) Parmesan cheese (optional) fresh mozzarella balls torn apart along the edges, eggs, shredded Italian sausage( optional ), milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian Parsley, and salt & pepper.
You will also need 6 slices of stale french bread cut into 1-inch cubes and then nonstick cooking spray. Begin by spraying a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
You will then need to layer the cubed french bread and sprinkle the spinach ricotta mixture on top followed by a layer of basil pesto ( optional ) & red onions. Then spoon the roasted red peppers over the top followed by Parmesan cheese & torn apart mozzarella balls.
Crack the eggs into a separate bowl adding milk, seasonings, and sausage( optional ). Gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the strata pushing down to submerge the fillings until fully coated Then cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil & bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
Once it is done remove the foil & continue baking 20 minutes longer until the eggs on top are golden brown in the center, Once that is done set it on the counter to cool and then serve warm and enjoy !
Conclusion
Knowing how versatile it is when it comes to making delicious breakfasts makes us love French Bread even more every morning! Not only is it full of flavor but its low-calorie count makes it guilt free too!
Whether you choose one of our quick recipes that starts your day off right or decide on one of the more advanced ideas listed here there’s no wrong choice – just deliciousness waiting ahead! Have fun exploring all the possibilities that come when making breakfasts with French Bread today!