These saucy dishes demand a hunk of good bread to sop up every last drop

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.

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.

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.

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.

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