I just love baguette. It’s the unassuming, skinny loaf of bread that can do amazing things. I’m rather picky about my baguette. Some stores just haven’t mastered the crusty old cousin to the French Bread, or they haven’t gotten the flavor just right to where sometimes it just tastes like a bad dough.
My husband and I used to love going to a little Italian deli located in a suburb of Green Bay…Before you get all excited, yes, Green Bay has suburbs and yes, there was an Italian deli at one time. It unfortunately closed and we miss it terribly. Anyway, they used to make the most amazing sandwiches on baguette. You’d think they’d do Italian bread, but no…baguette. It was a great way to have a really nice sandwich bread that didn’t overshadow the sandwich ingredients.
Easy Versatility – You Can’t Go Wrong!
When I’m preparing to host guests, I always somehow include baguette because of its versatility. Beyond delicious sandwiches, baguettes make a great carrier for so many amazing toppings. I almost always use toasted baguette for bruschetta. That way, the appetizer is kept bite-sized and the focus is on the bruschetta topping. I also toast baguette, drizzled with just a bit of good olive oil, and serve with charcuterie (fancy name for cheese and sausage tray!). 
But my new favorite way is with the magic of goat cheese. First, can I just say goat cheese is amazing? It really is. It’s a bit tart and tangy, but so creamy and smooth. It’s really lovely paired with fruits and honey, and it’s wonderful with some of the stronger herbs like basil or rosemary.
Here are some of my beautiful baguette bites. In all cases, I lightly toast the baguette with just a light drizzle of olive oil. Oven at 325°F, and only until it starts to get a bit toasty.
Beautiful Bites
- Goat cheese, thin slice of pear, drizzle of honey
- Goat cheese, thin slice of fresh peach, drizzle of honey
- Goat cheese, dollop of fig jam
- Goat cheese, dollop of raspberry jam
- Goat cheese, dollop of orange marmalade and a small sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme
- Thin slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and small dollop of bruschetta
- Goat cheese, dollop of hazelnut spread, shaved chocolate
- Goat cheese, drizzle of honey, shaved chocolate
- Goat cheese, drizzle of honey, slice of candied/dried lemon
- Goat cheese, dollop of fresh cranberry compote or relish, topped with orange or lemon zest
- Goat cheese, drizzle of balsamic glaze, small sprinkle of fresh basil chiffonade (thin slices)
Tell me all the tasty ways you use baguette! Comment below…I always love great, new ideas!
