Out of French bread, one case
French bread substitute: best alternatives for baking
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Italian bread
Same amount as the French bread
The best French bread substitutes are Italian bread, sourdough bread, or baguette. Use 1:1 ratio - Italian bread for similar texture and flavor, sourdough for tangy flavor, or baguette for authentic French style. All work well for sandwiches, soups, and French dishes.
- Best for —
- sandwiches
One casethe full French bread card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of French bread |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italian breadsandwiches | Same amount |
| 2 | Sourdough breadsandwiches | Same amount |
| 3 | Baguettesandwiches | Same amount |
| 4 | Crusty white breadsandwiches | Same amount |
| 5 | Artisan white breadsandwiches | Same amount |
| 6 | Ciabattasandwiches | Same amount |
Italian bread
mild, slightly sweet
Similar crusty exterior and soft interior, good for French bread recipes
- Best for
- sandwiches, soups, bruschetta, garlic bread, French onion soup
- Texture
- crusty exterior, soft interior
Very similar texture and flavor to French bread, often indistinguishable in recipes.
Sourdough bread
tangy, slightly sour, complex
Tangy, chewy bread with crusty exterior and complex flavor
- Best for
- sandwiches, soups, toast, bruschetta, French onion soup
- Texture
- chewy, crusty exterior
Adds tangy flavor that enhances many dishes, especially soups and stews.
Baguette
mild, slightly sweet
Authentic French bread with thin, crispy crust and airy interior
- Best for
- sandwiches, soups, bruschetta, garlic bread, French dishes
- Texture
- thin crispy crust, airy interior
Most authentic substitute, good for French cooking and presentation.
Crusty white bread
mild, neutral
Generic crusty white bread with similar texture to French bread
- Best for
- sandwiches, soups, toast, garlic bread, general cooking
- Texture
- crusty exterior, soft interior
Widely available and works well in most French bread applications.
Artisan white bread
mild, slightly sweet, complex
Handcrafted white bread with crusty exterior and chewy interior
- Best for
- sandwiches, soups, bruschetta, toast, French dishes
- Texture
- crusty exterior, chewy interior
Higher quality than generic white bread, closer to authentic French bread.
Ciabatta
mild, slightly tangy
Italian bread with large holes and chewy texture
- Best for
- sandwiches, bruschetta, toast, paninis, soups
- Texture
- chewy, large holes
Different texture than French bread but works well in many applications.
How it behaves in this recipe
French bread is characterized by its crusty exterior, soft interior, and mild flavor. When substituting, you want to maintain these key characteristics. The best substitutes have a similar texture profile and can hold up to various cooking methods like toasting, grilling, or soaking in soups. Italian bread is the closest substitute, while sourdough adds flavor complexity, and baguette provides the most authentic French experience.
Tips for substituting French bread
8 tips- For French onion soup, use Italian bread or sourdough for best results
- When making garlic bread, choose bread with a crusty exterior that will crisp up nicely
- For sandwiches, Italian bread or baguette work best as they hold fillings well
- Sourdough adds tangy flavor that enhances soups and stews
- If you can't find French bread, Italian bread is the closest substitute
- For bruschetta, use bread with a crusty exterior that can be grilled or toasted
- Consider the dish - some recipes specifically need the thin crust of a baguette
- Store bread properly to maintain freshness and texture
Notes on French bread
- Focaccia for a different texture but similar functionality
- Brioche for a richer, sweeter option
- Whole wheat bread for a healthier alternative
- Rye bread for a different flavor profile
- Pita bread for a different shape but similar functionality
Questions
6 questionsWhat is the best substitute for French bread?
The best substitute for French bread is Italian bread, which has a very similar texture and flavor. Sourdough bread and baguette are also excellent alternatives, depending on your specific needs.
Can I use Italian bread instead of French bread?
Yes, Italian bread is an excellent substitute for French bread. It has a similar crusty exterior and soft interior, and works well in most French bread recipes.
What bread can I substitute for French bread in French onion soup?
For French onion soup, you can use Italian bread, sourdough bread, or baguette. Italian bread is the closest substitute, while sourdough adds a nice tangy flavor.
Is sourdough a good substitute for French bread?
Yes, sourdough is a good substitute for French bread, especially when you want to add tangy flavor to your dish. It works well in soups, sandwiches, and as toast.
Can I use baguette instead of French bread?
Yes, baguette is actually authentic French bread, so it's good as a substitute. It has a thin, crispy crust and airy interior that works well in most French bread applications.
What's the difference between French bread and Italian bread?
French bread and Italian bread are very similar, with both having crusty exteriors and soft interiors. The main difference is that Italian bread is often slightly sweeter and may have a different shape, but they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.