bread Archives - Cooking Classy with a sprinkle of fancy Wed, 10 Sep 2025 04:36:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 44235149 Pumpkin French Toast https://www.cookingclassy.com/pumpkin-french-toast/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/pumpkin-french-toast/#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:00:29 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=14002 Pumpkin French Toast is the coziest fall breakfast! Made with hearty bread, a mildly sweet pumpkin egg custard, pumpkin pie spices, and creamy half and half. Then when highlighted with the goodness of warm maple syrup it creates a pairing of dreamy morning decadence.

Three slices of homemade pumpkin french toast with maple syrup and whipped cream swirled on top.Can you really ever have too many pumpkin recipes? With fall nearing the corner, I definitely don't think so. Especially when it's an inviting yet simple breakfast like this.

This rich pumpkin French toast is near effortless but yields delicious payoff. It's the ideal dish for Thanksgiving morning, Christmas morning, or simply any autumn or winter weekend brunch.

Not only will everyone love its scrumptious fall infused flavor but also the sweet pumpkin spice aroma that fills your kitchen. Both young and old alike will enjoy each and every bite.

Pair pumpkin French toast with a cup of hot coffee or warm apple cider and slices of crispy bacon for the ultimate trio. A mouthwatering morning treat!

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Cheesy Garlic Bread https://www.cookingclassy.com/cheesy-garlic-bread/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/cheesy-garlic-bread/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:41:14 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=20052 Cheesy Garlic Bread is made with soft french bread that's toasted to a perfectly crisp crust, a garlicky butter and olive oil spread, and it's layered atop with plenty of melty cheese and a sprinkling of herbs to polish it off. Simple and satisfying comfort food!

Two halves of cheese garlic bread on a cutting board, one is cut into slices.

A Cozy Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe

It doesn't get much better then a warm slice of cheesy garlic bread straight from the oven!

This recipe is so easy to make and doubles as a crowd pleasing appetizer or cozy side dish. Perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or serving alongside all your favorite pastas and soups.

It uses a combo of garlic and olive oil for both flavor and so the bread doesn't get bogged down being heavy and overly greasy with a what is traditionally a full stick of butter.

It's also a versatile recipe where you can use fresh or dried garlic, various breads and different types of cheese.

My personal favorite is just as listed, with fresh garlic and the combo of two cheeses. Simple Italian flavor in every bite!

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Italian Wedding Soup https://www.cookingclassy.com/italian-wedding-soup/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/italian-wedding-soup/#comments Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:44:48 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=27921 The Best Italian Wedding Soup! A traditional, delicious and hearty Italian soup made with mini beef and pork meatballs, fresh veggies and tiny acini di pepe pasta in a simple savory broth.

Looking for a tomato-y meatball soup? Try my comforting homemade Meatball Soup recipe, likely to be another family fav!

Italian wedding soup in a serving bowl with baguette bread and parmesan shown for serving.

A Dependable Italian Wedding Soup Recipe

I used to be intimidated to make Italian Wedding Soup. I have no Italian lineage and my mom never made it growing up, so for whatever reason it seemed easy to mess up.

But I’m here to tell you it is so easy to make, and following this simple recipe and this foolproof step by step guide people may likely think it was passed down from an Italian Grandmother.

Everyone will be thoroughly impressed and completely satisfied with this homestyle soup! And people will be raving about those homemade, herb flecked, bite size meatballs. They may be a bit of rolling to get so many, but so worth it.

This quickly became a reader favorite recipe, try for yourself and see why!

Italian wedding meatball soup.

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Panzanella https://www.cookingclassy.com/panzanella/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/panzanella/#comments Mon, 05 Aug 2024 02:57:38 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=72877 Panzanella - An Italian bread salad made with a medley of toasted bread in bite-size pieces, plenty of fresh ripe tomatoes, flavorful sweet basil, bright red onion, and a vibrant vinaigrette. This version also includes refreshing cucumbers and chunks of rich fresh mozzarella to take it over the top!

Panzanella salad in a white bowl over a wooden tray with a purple cloth and fresh basil and tomatoes shown to the sides.

Wondering what to do with that hearty bread that's getting stale on the counter? One of the best options is to make this refreshing, summery, and brightly colorful panzanella salad! Homemade croutons will blow your mind.

Classic Panzanella is a rustic salad that was originally created by the farmers of the central Italian countryside who made it as a way to use up day-old bread and their abundance of fresh homegrown vegetables.

It comes together quickly and it's the perfect side dish to various grilled meats. It's also such a versatile salad with options to swap in other vegetables, use various cheeses, try it with a protein, or add beans.

This is a great base and guide to get you started from there you can adjust it to your heart's content!

Overhead photo of homemade panzanella salad.

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Baked French Toast https://www.cookingclassy.com/baked-french-toast/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/baked-french-toast/#comments Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:22:46 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=70704 Baked French Toast - A big family friendly size batch of homemade French toast! Made with bakery soft French bread soaked in a rich and cinnamon-y egg custard, all baked together in a single baking dish, then it's cut into individual slices or squares to serve.

Baked french toast cut into individual slices.

Easy French Toast Bake

The great thing about this baked French toast recipe that sets it apart from others is that there's no need to soak the French toast overnight or even for hours in the fridge. It's baked right after it's prepared.

And this version doesn't require chopping into small cubes or adding a crumble topping (like a French toast casserole, which can be delicious but requires more effort). This version is very similar to the real thing (like this French toast) and it's also rich and delicious like bread pudding (just not as sweet and custard-like).

The process is almost the same as making a typical batch of French toast. You cut stale bread into slices, soak it in an egg custard briefly then instead of frying on a hot griddle you just align all the slices together in rows in a baking dish and bake it together in the oven. No tending to and turning individual slices.

It's creates a delicious holiday brunch or it makes a fun choice for a lazy Sunday breakfast, and any extra will be a treat for breakfast before work on Monday! Top it with maple syrup or try it with Buttermilk Syrup for a real splurge.

Baked french toast in a white baking dish.

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Greek Meatballs (Keftedes) https://www.cookingclassy.com/greek-meatballs-keftedes/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/greek-meatballs-keftedes/#comments Sat, 27 Jan 2024 03:11:45 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=70176 Greek Meatballs also called Keftedes - Are juicy tender meatballs made with ground beef, minced onion, earthy spices, and fresh flavorful herbs. They are such a comforting Mediterranean food and there are so many different ways to serve them.

Looking for more ways to make meatballs? Also, try my super popular Italian Meatballs and the healthier Turkey Meatballs.

Greek meatballs shown served with tzatziki and greek salad.

Greek Keftedes

Keftedes are a popular Greek dish made with ground meat like beef, lamb or pork, bread crumbs (dried panko breadcrumbs or fresh) with a liquid to soak, egg to bind, and to flavor they include onion and fresh herbs such as mint and parsley. Traditionally they are pan-fried in oil but for a healthier alternative, they can be oven-baked (I've included both methods in the recipe).

They have a delicious rich meaty flavor paired with fresh herby notes, they are beautifully browned, and you'll find them to be incredibly hearty and filling (5 meatballs may not seem like much but it's quite a generous serving).

These can be served bowl style as a main dish combined with other sides, or stuffed in a sandwich, or you can opt to serve them as an appetizer on a mezze platter or tray. See serving suggestions below.

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Cucumber Sandwiches https://www.cookingclassy.com/cucumber-sandwiches/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/cucumber-sandwiches/#comments Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:11:22 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=67945 Classic Cucumber Sandwiches! Light, refreshing, and unbelievably easy to make, they’re a staple finger food for afternoon tea, a baby shower, luncheons, a bridal shower, a brunch spread, picnics, and every occasion in between! 

Close up photo of stack of cucumber sandwiches on a cake stand.

Where Did Cucumber Sandwiches Originate? 

Cucumber sandwiches are often thought of as an English tradition. So, you might be surprised to learn that they were originally created in India. From there, they spread to China, the Middle East, and Europe. 

It is said that the sandwiches were created by British colonists in India who were trying to find foods that would fill their bellies and relieve them from the intense temperatures of a hot summer day. The sandwiches then made their way back to England and became a staple component of Victorian-era high teas. 

Today, they remain a popular recipe and are enjoyed all over the world. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s not hard to see why they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. I’ll show you how to make them in minutes for the perfect snack, appetizer, or light lunch! 

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Bruschetta Chicken https://www.cookingclassy.com/bruschetta-chicken/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/bruschetta-chicken/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2023 04:20:04 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=66680 Bruschetta Chicken is a delicious dish made of pan seared chicken breasts topped with a tomato basil bruschetta mixture. Here it's also upgraded with fresh mozzarella, balsamic glaze and toasted sourdough bread. A new staple dinner!

Bruschetta Chicken served with balsamic glaze and a side of toasted baguette and asparagus.

Flavorful Chicken Bruschetta

Who doesn't love the classic bruschetta with vibrant Roma tomatoes, rich olive oil, bold garlic, and plenty of fresh basil? Convert that quartet of ingredients into a smothered chicken dish and you'll have a dinner people won't forget!

It's a full flavored, well rounded, Italian style dish that has layer after layer of fresh goodness.

You won't see the bread included in this recipe elsewhere but I'd say it's a must (unless you are on a special diet and need to reduce carbs of course). It brings that authenticity and texture to this dish, you'll love the toasty golden brown flavor and crunch of the crust.

You can use store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze in this recipe. Did you know it only requires one ingredient to make it? Which you probably already have, just balsamic vinegar and that's it!

It's the ultimate finishing touch to this recipe.

Add this chicken bruschetta to the menu this week, you don't want to pass on this one!

Pan seared bruschetta chicken with fresh mozzarella.

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Crockpot Stuffing https://www.cookingclassy.com/slow-cooker-stuffing/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/slow-cooker-stuffing/#comments Wed, 16 Nov 2022 23:00:14 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=21897 Crockpot Stuffing - It's made with fresh bread, fresh vegetables, lots of butter, and plenty of an abundance of fresh herbs! This method is a great way to free up the oven space during the holidays. This is a family favorite and may likely become your go-to Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

Stuffing in a crockpot with decorative fall leaves and a green cloth to the side.

Free up the Oven, Make Stuffing in a Crockpot!

This is a go-to stuffing recipe for us, once you try it you'll see why. It's just as good as what you can make in the oven and it takes less tending to, so you can manage the rest of your Thanksgiving menu.

Boxed stuffing is popular, but once I tried this made-from-scratch crockpot stuffing version I was hooked. You'll love all the fresh, real flavor it has when it's homemade—plus it's easier to make than you'd think.

This stuffing is packed with fresh herbs, freshly dried bread cubes (I listed store-bought bread cubes as an option just in case you don't have time to make your own), and has the perfect amount of butter and veggies.

On Thanksgiving, we all know how little oven space is available so it always helps to either be able to make some of it ahead of time or in the slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for a busy kitchen.

And believe it or not, I think you'll love the way the slow cooker cooks the stuffing. You get a soft buttery center and deliciously crisp edges—the best of both worlds for the perfect easy Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

I hope this recipe becomes a staple for your Thanksgiving dinner sides! It's just one of those timeless classics that always pleases.

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Tuna Melt https://www.cookingclassy.com/tuna-melt/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/tuna-melt/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2022 05:13:06 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=64534 The perfect Tuna Melt recipe! This amazingly easy-to-make sandwich includes flavorful sourdough bread (or other of choice), a creamy and herby tuna salad, rich cheddar and fresh tomato slices. It's the ultimate upgrade to a traditional tuna sandwich!

Two tuna melt sandwiches cut into halves and stacked on a large white plate.

What is a Tuna Melt?

A tuna melt is similar to a classic hot grilled cheese sandwich but with the addition of tuna salad.

It's layered with a tuna filling made from canned tuna, along with shredded or sliced cheddar cheese, and optional tomatoes and it's all sandwiched between fresh bread slices that are slathered in butter (or mayo!). From there the sandwich is pan-fried until the cheese is melty, the filling has warmed and the bread has taken on a gorgeous golden brown, toasty and crisp exterior. The perfect crunch!

It makes one of the best lunches or a quick and satisfying dinner. And you'll love that it's made with simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand.

Serve it with fresh fruit or vegetables and crisp, salty potato chips for the perfect finish.

Stacked tuna melt sandwiches.

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