22 Tasty Dishes to Serve With Bread for a Complete Meal (2024)

As you probably already know, bread is the iconic staple food for almost every cuisine out there!

There are so many different types of bread, but it’s always a versatile, hearty, near-perfect side food.

If you have an excellent bread you’d like to serve for an event (or even just to treat yourself or your family to an amazing meal), why not pair your loaf with the perfect dish?

Bread is such a staple that pairs with almost anything but these are my top recipes to enhance. If included a diverse selection so that there’s something for everyone, including:

And more! Let’s get cooking.

Appetizers & Spreads

1. Burrata Bruschetta

Bruschetta is of course one of the most classic things to put on a nice slice of bread.

Traditional bruschetta is comprised of a crostini (a slice of bread toasted in an oven with a drizzle or brush of olive oil) diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and assorted seasonings.

However, this recipe takes it to the next level. It uses a cold, generous smear of burrata, a trendy and scrumptious type of mozzarella, and uses halved cherry tomatoes and whole basil leaves.

This not only enhances the flavor, but leads to a very pretty dish!

2. Baba Ganoush

Are you a fan of eggplant? To me, it’s a massively underrated vegetable that, when cooked properly, is so creamy, succulent, and utterly mouthwatering.

Even if you haven’t been a fan of eggplant in the past, I urge you to try baba ganoush! This dip is super silky, satisfying, and amazing on a crusty loaf or any dipping vessel.

To make this recipe, you simply need to slice a large eggplant in half and brush each exposed interior with olive oil.

Then, cook for roughly twenty-five minutes or until tender and slightly browning on the edges.

Scoop out the soft center of the eggplant and mix in a food processor with three cloves of garlic, the juice of one lemon, three tablespoons of tahini, and a half teaspoon of salt until smooth.

Then, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, sprigs of herbs of your choice (mint, basil, or rosemary work really well), and serve!

When serving, it sits majestically on the mezze platter, inviting everyone to dip their pita bread in or enjoy it along with salads like Lebanese Tabbouleh or Fattoush, homemade hummus, and various Lebanese grilled meats.

3. 10-Minute Olive Tapenade Recipe

If you prefer a spread that’s tart, pungent, salty, and very memorable, you need to try out this quick tapenade recipe. It’s sour, savory, briny, and the perfect complement to a nice bread, cracker, or pita.

To make this amazing side spread, all you need to do is combine olives, capers, tomatoes, garlic, oregano, parsley, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper in a food processor, and pulse until the desired texture is reached!

When it comes to serving, olive tapenade is incredibly versatile. Spread it on a sandwich for a burst of flavor, dollop it on pizza before baking, or pair it with cheese on a board.

I enjoy a half-combined, slightly chunky tapenade that still has a bite to it. However, you can also get this combo super smooth and creamy if you prefer.

4. Easy Goat Cheese Appetizer With Fig Jam & Pecans

After an amazing appetizer that feels super fancy while still being cheap, easy, and quick to prepare?

You’re in the right place! This simple and delicious appetizer is one of my go-to’s when I have guests and want to seem like I’ve gone the extra mile (but can’t be bothered, of course.)

One of the features that elevates this dish so much is cooking your figs. But don't worry – it still only takes ten minutes!

Just heat your fig jam with a little honey and balsamic for around five minutes or until slightly thick and sticky.

Then, drip this mixture over goat cheese with a spurt of olive oil, top with chopped pecans and thyme sprigs, and serve.

For convenience, it can even be made ahead of time. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to swap ingredients like the type of herbs or nuts based on preference or availability.

Any leftovers should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

5. Mushroom Pâté

Pâté is a classic scrumptious, protein-packed spread perfect for a slice of bread or crackers.

While this dish is traditionally made of meat, you don’t have to miss out if you’re vegetarian.

Even if you’re a carnivore, you should give this pâté a try!

It’s rich, savory, nutty, and herbaceous, along with being super healthy and loaded with protein and nutrients.

To make this dish, you’ll need to plan ahead a little as you’ll need to soak your walnuts in hot water and lemon juice for at least four (but up to twelve) hours before preparing the rest of the recipe.

While this step is a little tedious, it’s essential for getting silky, creamy pâté. Once your nuts are ready, saute shallot, thyme, and sage in butter and oil for a few minutes.

Then, add in a pound of chopped mushrooms (any variety, I prefer mixed) and reishi mushroom powder, and saute until softened and sticking to the pan (roughly eight minutes), then deglaze with white wine and cook until it has evaporated.

Finally, add your cooked mushrooms, shallots, and herbs to a food processor along with your walnuts, and blitz until smooth.

6. Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese

If you’re looking for a super simple, easy, and amazing spread, salmon and cream cheese are a classic combo for a reason!

It’s smoky, savory, tart, and creamy, and enhances any carb you served it with.

The simple combination of creamy, tangy cream cheese with the salty, smoky notes of salmon creates a homemade spread that outshines any store-bought option.

All you need to do to whip up this dish is combine sour cream, cream cheese, and lemon juice and beat with a hand mixer until light and fluffy.

Then fold in smoked salmon, green onion, and dill – and you’re good to go! You can serve it right away, but I also enjoy it after it has chilled in the fridge.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, and you can even freeze it, though the texture might change post-thaw.

6. Creamy Shrimp Scampi Dip

Another delicious seafood and dairy spread is this shrimp scampi dip! This dish is warm, comforting, packed with flavor, and super cheesy.

To make this dip, you first melt butter in a cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe pan) and lightly saute garlic and lemon zest before adding your shrimp.

When the shrimp are starting to go pink, take the pan off the heat and add in cream cheese then sour cream, mayonnaise, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.

Top the mixture with a generous sprinkling of mozzarella, and pop it in the oven until the top is starting to brown (about ten minutes.)

Serve piping hot to keep the cheese melty and gooey.

For those planning ahead, you can assemble the dip the day before

7. Easy Homemade Pesto

Pesto is a simple, classic spread that is always a favorite. While there are many different ways to make pesto, this recipe is always my go-to because it’s healthy, bright, and salty in flavor, and only takes ten minutes to make.

This pesto shines when slathered on toasted bread, snuggled alongside crisp veggies, or tossed into a hearty pasta dish.

You simply put basil, spinach, garlic cloves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and lemon juice into a food processor, then slowly add in olive oil until you get your desired consistency.

Remember, toasting pine nuts is a must to eliminate bitterness. For a week's worth of freshness, store your pesto airtight in the fridge or freeze it for later enjoyment.

If pine nuts seem pricey, walnuts are an excellent substitute with a negligible taste difference.

Main Courses

1. Braised Beef Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce

This meal is restaurant quality, with rich, decadent, tender meat swimming in flavorful and intricate sauce.

It takes some time to come together, but is still very simple to make and the end result is entirely worth it.

You’ll need to first brown your ribs, then prepare your sauce using onions, carrots, celery, tomato paste, wine, broth, thyme, and bay leaves.

Then, put the meat back into the sauce, and cook at low heat for three hours; this is what makes the short ribs melt in your mouth tender and soaked in flavor!

Finally, carefully remove the ribs, then strain the sauce and simmer until thickened and glossy.

Serve with plenty of sauce spooned over the beef, and some nice bread to soak up excess juices!

2. Steamed Mussels in Garlicky White Wine Broth

Despite seeming super fancy, this excellent dish comes together in less than half an hour and only uses simple ingredients!

It’s tart, succulent, buttery, savory, and the perfect summertime delicacy!

To make it, simply saute garlic, shallots, and seasonings in extra virgin olive oil until fragrant, then add in cleaned mussels, broth, and wine and cover.

Should you choose not to cook with alcohol, use broth enhanced with lemon juice, clam juice, or fish stock.

Let the shellfish steam until open (five to six minutes), then serve immediately with a lemon wedge garnish and a nice bread.

3. Slow Cooker Beef Stew

This stew is another amazing, super tender beef recipe that’s even easier than the last!

It’s hearty, homey, and warming, packed with juicy beef and tender veggies that make it nourishing and delicious. Pair it with warm biscuits, cornbread, or spoon it over mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

To prepare the stew, brown the cubes of beef and pre-cook onions and garlic, then add them along with carrots, potatoes, broth, and seasonings to a slow cooker.

Cook on low for seven and a half to eight hours, then add in peas and a cornstarch slurry, top with cold pats of butter for a glossy finish, and serve!

Chuck roast is your best pick for the stew, being both affordable and tender. If chuck isn't your choice, try rump or bottom round.

This stew can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months

4. Egg Salad

Egg salad is one of my favorite meat-free mains! It’s creamy, rich, loaded with protein, and super easy to make.

All you do is mix together chopped hard-boiled eggs with red onion, chives, parsley, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Then, you’re good to go! It’s great as a main, but also as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.

For storage, a sealed container in the fridge keeps the salad fresh for three to four days (just remember to avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long).

5. Baked Beans

These baked beans are hearty, smoky, sloppy, and perfect for dipping or just shoveling in your mouth.

It’s easy to make too!

Just brown your ground beef and cook bacon until crispy, then combine with the beans, onions, sugar, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, and vinegar.

You can make this recipe in a slow cooker, on the stove, or even in the oven – so that part’s up to you!

Serve warm; I like topping with sour cream or cheddar cheese and extra bacon.

You can store leftovers for up to five days in the refrigerator, although freezing is not recommended.

These baked beans pair wonderfully with sandwiches and grilled meats, and their hearty texture and savory flavor will likely overshadow any store-bought version.

While the recipe is not exactly from scratch since it uses canned beans, it's a fabulous way to elevate a simple can of beans into a gourmet side dish that will complement your bread and dazzle any main course.

6. Homemade Meatballs

If you’ve never made meatballs at home before, you’ll be shocked at how easy it is! The easy meatball recipe is perfect for various dishes; whether you crave appetizers, a hearty sub, or a classic spaghetti topping, these meatballs are your go-to.

In a large mixing bowl, you blend simple ingredients: ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, adding onions, garlic, and seasonings for depth of flavor.

Fresh parsley is optional, but it's a great touch for vibrancy. Combine everything without overworking the meat to keep it tender.

If you desire, simmer the baked meatballs in marinara sauce for that extra Italian zest before serving them.

These meatballs taste just like the ones you’d get at an Italian restaurant too; they’re tender with a good bite, savory, and delicious.

Serve it up with some garlic bread, and you've got yourself a meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

And don't worry about leftovers; they can be frozen and easily reheated for another delicious dinner. Simply cool, freeze individually, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the slow cooker with sauce.

7. Indian Shakshuka

This twist on traditional shakshuka uses Indian-inspired spices, resulting in a spicy, savory, sauce with creamy pockets of cream and eggs.

This is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes to make as well because it uses both eggs and chickpeas ensuring it’s full of protein!

After preparing the sauce using veggies, chickpeas, curry paste, and other seasonings, make four wells and add in a dollop of coconut cream, followed by an egg.

Bake it in the oven for eight to ten minutes, depending on how you like your eggs.

I prefer taking it out a little on the early side, as the eggs continue to cook while you garnish and serve – and I wouldn’t want to miss dunking a piece of toast or naan into the gooey yolk!

7. Lamb Roast

If you’re really wanting to go all out, try this lamb recipe! It’s rustic, hearty, and the meat is incredibly succulent and tender.

You’ll need to marinate your lamb overnight, as well as cook it low and slow to achieve this dish's incredible texture and flavor.

You will fall in love with this lamb roast, primarily for its tender meat, achieved through slow roasting, and the unique sweetness provided by grated carrots, which also contribute to a heavenly caramelized crust.

Despite the term "slow-roasting" seeming daunting,do not worry because the active preparation requires less than 15 minutes.

8. Beef Kafta Kebabs

These kebabs are tender, nourishing, and perfectly spiced!

They’re excellent paired with Middle Eastern breads or even in a Western-style sandwich, plus they only take twenty-five minutes to come together!

The key to these skewers lies in the simplicity of the ingredients—lean beef, yellow onion, fresh herbs, and the spices.

A food processor helps blend the onion and parsley to a near-liquid consistency, while mixing by hand ensures the spices and meat combine without overworking.

Serve these kebabs with a delectable dip, such as Mint Yogurt Sauce or other traditional Middle Eastern sauces. Serve it with a warm pita bread.

Soups

1. Classic Pasta e Ceci Soup (Italian Chickpea Soup)

This simple, hearty, healthy soup only uses one pot and comes together in roughly 15 minutes!

It’s a traditional, classic meal that warms you up from the inside out and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.

To make it, soften onion and carrot in a pot, then add in seasonings, and finally your tomatoes, chickpeas, pasta, and vegetable stock (or water.)

Bring to a boil, then simmer until the pasta has cooked, season to taste, and serve with parmesan and parsley.

So go ahead, tear off a piece of warm, crusty bread, and dive into the rustic pleasure of a bowl of Pasta e Ceci.

If there are leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for as long as a month. The pasta will soak up the liquid, so you might need to add water or broth upon reheating.

2. Creamy White Bean Soup with Gremolata

If you’re after a super thick, creamy, filling soup, but don’t want that heavy feeling that comes from cream-based soups (or need dairy-free or vegan meals), this soup is a great choice!

It’s a soup everyone loves regardless of diet as well - it’s tasty, comforting, and super healthy!

Share this soup with a side of bread. The bread acts as a vessel, soaking up the rich, creamy broth.

It also adds a pleasant textural contrast to the smoothness of the soup.

So, relish this cozy and nourishing soup with a slice or two of your favorite bread.

3. French Onion Soup

French onion soup is one of the most beloved soups out there! It’s so flavorful, warming, and comforting.

French onion soup ticks all the boxes with its combination of caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and toasty bread topped with melted cheese. As you look for what to serve with bread, this soup stands out as a perfect match.

The crusty baguette slices absorb the rich broth without becoming too soggy, offering a pleasant textural contrast to the tender onions.

It’s also pretty easy to make at home – you just need a little time and patience to caramelize your onions, and the rest of the soup is straightforward! Serve with toast and plenty of cheese.

For convenience, you can caramelize the onions in a Crock Pot to avoid continuous stirring.

4. Butternut Squash Soup

This soup is nutty, creamy, slightly sweet, and straight-up delicious!

It’s an easy use of roasted squash, and is perfect for chilly autumn or winter evenings, though of course, it’s great year-round.

This soup is not only flavorful but also healthy because it avoids unnecessary dairy, sugar, and fat additions. The roasting also ensures the soup isn't watery.

Plus, it's batch-friendly, so you can prepare extra roasted squash for other uses or to make another batch of soup later on.

The thick, rich nature of the soup ensures that the bread doesn't become overly soggy, but instead soaks up the flavors for enhanced enjoyment.

Bread also provides a comforting counterbalance to the soup’s sweetness and warmth, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that's perfect for cozy, chilly days.

5. Potato Leek Soup

This creamy leek and potato soup is hearty, satisfying, and super comforting. It's a rich and cozy meal that promises to satisfy and warm you up, especially when bread is used to dunk into this nourishing soup.

It only takes a handful of simple ingredients and just over half an hour from start to finish, but the final dish is still intricate and delicious.

The soup itself is straightforward to make; sauté leeks, add potatoes with seasoning, and simmer until soft.

Once it is tender, blend the mixture but don't over-blend, or you risk getting a gummy texture.

The smooth, velvety soup contrasts the crusty bread, making each bite both comforting and satisfying.

Plus, the bread acts as a vehicle to savor every last drop of the soup, ensuring not even a smidgen of deliciousness is left behind.

This pairing is not just food; it's an experience of comfort and pleasure, bite after bite.

📖 Recipe