6 french loaf recipes

Best ever French bread uses a stir-and-rest method instead of kneading for a crusty, chewy loaf with a glossy egg-washed crust. Adapts to wheat, rye, cheese, or herb.

Easy French bread for the bread machine: a 5-ingredient lean dough that bakes into a soft, golden loaf with a tender crumb and a faint chew. Pantry-staple bread anytime.

Rustic French meatloaf channels country pâté with ground pork, veal, puréed chicken livers, chopped prunes, and pistachios. Served with Dijon mustard for a bistro dinner in loaf form.

Bread machine pear and hazelnut bread blends ripe pear, toasted hazelnuts, rye flour, and a whisper of fennel seed. A subtle, slightly sweet loaf that makes outstanding French toast.

Whole wheat challah braided into a glossy three-strand loaf, blending nutty whole wheat flour with white for a tender, sturdier crumb. Egg-washed and poppy seed-topped, ready for Shabbat or weekend French toast.

Flourless-style chocolate loaf cake spiced with cinnamon, lifted with whipped egg whites, and drenched in a glossy mocha sauce. A dense, fudgy slice with espresso depth.