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Especially this time of year, it’s hard for me to imagine a satisfying meal without some excellent bread on the side. But that makes it sound as if the bread is an afterthought — and it most certainly is not. No, what I’m really talking about is when the bread, dipped into a delectable sauce or even a pan of drippings, becomes the main attraction.

Sourdough tips and resources from a former skeptic

That wintry craving is convenient now that I can’t seem to stop baking sourdough bread at home, but I am all for getting your hands on a loaf from your favorite local source, whether that’s the bakery or a stand at the farmers market. Then, work backward and decide which one of these saucy dishes from our archives to serve with it.

Mosca’s Chicken a la Grande With Sauteed Green Beans, above. Turn this dish into even more of an all-in-one meal, with meat, vegetables and a loaf of bread for dipping into the garlicky juices. See also: Wine-Braised Chicken With Mushrooms.

This fast, no-knead focaccia is a gateway into the world of baking bread

Anthony Bourdain’s Boeuf Bourguignon. Long-cooked beef, wine and four onions give richness and luxury to a sauce cooked for two-plus hours. This would go especially well with a crusty — dare I say French — bread. Another option: Instant Pot Beef Stew.

The path to homemade, no-knead crusty bread goes through your Dutch oven

Simple Butter Chicken. You need not only consider what goes well with loaves of bread. Flatbreads are always fair game, and I can think of few superior to Indian naan, which is a perfect pairing with this restaurant favorite. Easy Chickpea Curry is another natural partner for naan, as is Chickpea Tikka Masala.

Warm, soft, homemade naan is the no-fuss bread for the no-fuss baker

Classic Mussels Mariniere. Slices of grilled or broiled rustic bread are just the thing to accompany a brothy serving of these quick-cooking bivalves. The recipe offers three sauce options, so pick what suits you best.

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Reverse-Seared Pork Chops With Apple Cider Pan Sauce. The pork gets an initial slow-roast in the oven, but after the chops are seared in a skillet, you build a pan sauce that includes cider, cider vinegar and warming spices. Yes, you’re going to want to dip bread in it.

How to make a little yeast go a long way when baking bread

Smoky White Beans and Brussels Sprouts. You can use canned beans if you prefer, but cooking dried beans and using their liquid will make for an especially velvety sauce just begging for bread.

Browse our Recipe Finder for more than 9,200 Post-tested recipes.

Spicy Red Shakshuka. Trust me, challah makes for a wonderful dipper in this dish of eggs baked in a spiced tomato sauce.

Take a tour of Middle Eastern cooking with 9 recipes, including shawarma, flatbreads and tahdig

Roasted Fish With Potatoes and Green Beans in Pesto Broth. While the fish cooks in the oven, you build a broth on the stove top that includes garlic, white wine and pesto (go ahead and use store-bought!).

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