Andy Montoya
The baguette is an iconic French bread with a crisp crust and airy crumb. It is a culinary delight that is versatile and pairs well with a variety of ingredients. When combined with cheese, it creates a simple yet indulgent dish that is beloved by many. The grilled cheese sandwich, a classic comfort food, is elevated when made with a baguette. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of the baguette provide the perfect texture contrast to the melted cheese. Whether it's a classic French ham and cheese baguette, a creative topping like grilled halloumi, or a sophisticated combination of brie and fig jam, the baguette with cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. This dynamic duo is a staple in French households and has gained popularity worldwide, solidifying its place as one of the best food combinations the world has to offer.
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What You'll Learn
Baguette grilled cheese is better than bagels
When it comes to grilled cheese, the baguette offers a more sensible option than inverting a bagel, which can lead to technical difficulties. With a bagel, you may encounter issues with the cheese not staying intact and the bread not toasting evenly, creating a messy and unsatisfying eating experience.
The baguette grilled cheese allows for a variety of fillings and toppings, enhancing the flavour profile. You can stick to the classic combination of butter, French-style ham, and cheese (such as Emmental or Gruyère), or get creative with toppings like grilled halloumi, smoked salmon with cream cheese, or roasted beets with goat cheese. The possibilities are endless, catering to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
Preparing a baguette grilled cheese is also a relatively simple process. Cut a 7 to 8-inch piece from your baguette, slice it in half, and butter the insides generously. You can even add mayo for an extra kick. Carefully place thinly sliced cheese in the middle, and grill to perfection. Just be cautious when flipping, as the baguette grilled cheese can be more slippery than a traditional grilled cheese sandwich.
In conclusion, the baguette grilled cheese surpasses its bagel counterpart due to its culinary versatility, the avoidance of technical challenges, and the endless opportunities for flavour experimentation. It is a comfort food elevated to perfection, evoking the essence of a cosy rainy day in Oregon or a picnic in Paris.
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French baguette sandwiches
Classic French Baguette Sandwiches:
Start with a traditional French baguette, known for its crispy crust and airy crumb. Slice the baguette lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, and lightly spread the insides with softened butter. Layer thin slices of French-style ham and your choice of cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère. For a touch of freshness, add a few arugula leaves and sliced cornichons. This sandwich is a delightful balance of flavours and textures.
Mediterranean-Style Baguette Sandwich:
Spread a layer of good-quality Dijon mustard on your baguette. Layer with slices of juicy tomato, crisp cucumbers, and salty olives. If desired, add a protein like tuna for a heartier sandwich. This combination captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its bright, bold flavours.
Grilled Cheese Baguette:
For the ultimate comfort food, transform your baguette into a grilled cheese sandwich. Cut an 8-inch piece of baguette and slice it open. Butter the insides generously and layer with thin slices of your favourite cheese. Grill the sandwich until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. For added flavour, brush the insides of the baguette with balsamic vinegar and mayo before grilling.
Sweet and Indulgent Baguette Treats:
For a sweet indulgence, spread a layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on your baguette and top it with sliced bananas, toasted almonds, or a drizzle of honey. Alternatively, create a homemade berry compote by simmering berries with sugar and lemon juice. Spread the compote on your baguette for a sweet and tart treat. These combinations offer a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
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Toppings and fillings
Baguettes are a versatile food, perfect for a variety of toppings and fillings. They can be used for anything from a quick snack to a gourmet meal.
For a simple, classic French baguette sandwich, spread butter on the baguette and add French-style ham and cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère. You could also add some peppery arugula and sliced cornichons.
For a more indulgent option, try a grilled cheese baguette. Cut a 7-8 inch piece of baguette, butter the insides, and add thinly sliced cheese. You could also brush the insides with balsamic vinegar and mayo, and add basil leaves and tomato slices.
If you're feeling creative, experiment with different toppings and fillings. Some unique ideas include grilled halloumi cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese, or roasted beets with goat cheese. You could also try a variety of cured meats, such as salami, prosciutto, or chorizo, paired with cheeses like brie, cheddar, or goat cheese.
For a refreshing option, add some sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. Or, for something more savory, spread BBQ sauce on your baguette and add pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled onions.
Baguettes are also great for breakfast, topped with jam or honey. For a sweet treat, spread chocolate hazelnut spread on your baguette and garnish with sliced bananas or almonds.
The options for baguette toppings and fillings are endless, so get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
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How to eat a baguette
Baguettes are a popular food worldwide, and especially in France, where they are eaten almost daily. They are versatile and can be eaten in a variety of ways, including:
- Plain, sometimes with butter, or with cheese and ham.
- As a sandwich, with fillings such as cheese, ham, mustard, pickles, arugula, and cornichons.
- As an open sandwich, or crostini, with toppings such as olive oil, pureed chickpeas, onions, pancetta, and carrots.
- As a grilled cheese sandwich, with fillings such as basil leaves, tomato slices, balsamic vinegar, and mayonnaise.
- With soup, such as French onion soup, or a rich seafood soup.
- With a meal, to mop up sauces and juices, such as with seafood cooked in wine and oil.
- As a wrap, with fillings.
- As bread pudding.
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise, being careful to not cut all the way through, so the two halves remain connected.
- Spread both sides generously with softened, good-quality butter.
- Layer with slices of French-style ham. This is usually plain, uncured ham, sliced on the thicker side.
- Add slices of cheese, such as Emmental or Gruyère.
- Optionally, add some peppery arugula leaves and sliced cornichons.
- Enjoy your baguette sandwich!
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Baguette as a side
Baguettes are a staple in most French households and are often served as a side with meals. They are also used as a tool for sopping up sauces or eating with cheese or jam at breakfast. In France, baguettes are treated like sacred objects and are even protected by law. The Bread Decree of 1993 requires that they be made on the same premises where they are sold, never frozen, and contain only flour, water, yeast, and salt.
When serving baguette as a side, it is common to slice it into pieces and put them in a bread basket that will accompany the meal on the table. Some families may leave the entire baguette on the table, passing it around and allowing each person to rip off a piece as they eat. It is important to note that at more formal dinners or in restaurants, baguettes are usually pre-sliced. In France, the baguette is typically placed directly on the table next to the dinner plate, with no need for a separate bread plate or butter.
When serving baguette as a side, it can be paired with various toppings or dips. Here are some ideas for baguette sides:
- Top with grilled halloumi cheese, smoked salmon with cream cheese, or roasted beets with goat cheese.
- Transform it into a charcuterie platter by topping with cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, or chorizo, and cheeses such as brie, cheddar, or goat cheese. Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a refreshing touch.
- Spread with BBQ sauce, pile on some pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled onions for a classic BBQ sandwich.
- For a sophisticated option, spread fig jam on the baguette, top with slices of brie, and drizzle with honey.
- Keep it simple with good-quality butter and thin slices of French-style ham. If desired, add Emmental or Gruyère cheese and a few leaves of arugula.
- For a sweet treat, top with a homemade berry compote, chocolate hazelnut spread, or pumpkin butter.
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Frequently asked questions
Baguette with cheese is a simple yet versatile combination that can be adapted to suit many tastes and occasions, from a quick snack to a gourmet meal. The baguette's light, crisp, and chewy texture is the perfect vessel for a variety of cheeses and toppings, and its long shape is ideal for sharing.
A classic French approach is to top a baguette with butter, French-style ham, and thin slices of Emmental or Gruyère cheese. For something more indulgent, try pairing brie with sweet fig jam and a drizzle of honey. If you're feeling adventurous, grilled halloumi cheese or goat cheese with roasted beets are unique and creative options.
Experiment with different textures and flavours by adding toppings such as cured meats, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, or a variety of fresh herbs. For a heartier option, spread your baguette with BBQ sauce and pile on slow-cooked pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled onions. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
In France, baguettes are often served directly on the table next to the dinner plate, with no separate bread plate or butter. It is common to slice the baguette into pieces and put them in a bread basket, ensuring there are some pieces left for the cheese course at the end of the meal. Some families take a more casual approach, leaving the entire baguette on the table for each person to rip off a piece as they eat.
