French cuisine is loved for its rich flavors and elegant presentation and many dishes can be achieved at home. Here are 20 easy French recipes to kickstart your culinary journey and impress your dinner guests:
Crêpes
These pancakes are a staple in France and are filled with a variety of sweet and savory fillings. Ham, cheese, and béchamel sauce are the most common savory flavors with a nutella and strawberry the favored sweet Crêpes. You will need a good non-stick pan to achieve the perfect Crêpe but once you do they’re very easy to make with just four main ingredients; flour, milk, eggs and butter.
Crêpes Suzette
The most famous crêpe to come out of France is the Crêpes Suzette. Flambéed crepes are drizzled with a sweet orange sauce for a sticky sweet treat after dinner.
Croque Monsieur
Monsieur Croque, a traditional ham and cheese sandwich enhanced with a dash of Dijon mustard. The French usually use Gruyère but you can use any type of cheese as long as it melts properly.
Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce)
Béchamel sauce features in many French dishes so it will be one of the main dishes to master. Béchamel is a versatile sauce used in not only French dishes but Italian and Greek dishes, like lasagna and moussaka.
Bouillabaisse (Marseillaise Fish Stew)
Bouillabaisse is a popular dish for seafood lovers. This rich stew packed with various types of fish and shellfish caught fresh that day in the port city of Marseille. It’s easy to replicate at home and can be made in less than an hour.
French Toast (Pain Perdu)
Pain perdu is a specialty in France but is also seen on many brunch dishes in the U.S. Give stale bread a new lease on life by dipping it in a custard mixture and pan-fried until it’s golden. This dish is usually served with berries, syrup and cream, depending on your taste.
Soupe à l’Oignon (French Onion Soup)
A bowl of french onion soup is the perfect comfort food when you need a warm hug. Caramelized onions are bathed in rich beef broth and topped with crusty bread and melted cheese. You need to chop a lot of onions and patience to wait for them to caramelize but other than this it’s an achievable dish you can make at home.
Cassoulet (Toulouse Bean Stew)
The French also love stews when they’re looking for comfort food and this Southern French dish is among the best. This hearty bean stew is slow-cooked with sausage, duck confit, and vegetables for a true winter warmer.
Salade Niçoise
Niçoise salad is easy to rustle up in a hurry and offers a healthy and nutritious lunch. You will need salad leaves, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, olives, tomatoes and anchovies, all dressed in a simple French vinaigrette.
Vinaigrette
The basic French vinaigrette is made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. It is commonly used in France for salads and grilled vegetables, including globe artichokes which is eaten as a simple starter. .
Escargots à la Bourguignonne (Garlic Snails)
Snails are not to everyone’s taste but if you’re holding a themed dinner party you should give this iconic dish. Snails are coated in garlicky herb butter and baked in their shells to be eaten as an appetizer with bread on the side to dunk in the sauce.
Coq au Vin (Chicken in Wine)
Coq au vin is made with chicken thighs and drumsticks cooked in red wine with mushrooms, bacon and onions. This French bistro classic is perfect for busy families who need to stick everything in one pot and let it cook slowly in the oven while you get on with other chores.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is the perfect dish for vegans and vegetarians as it’s packed with colorful vegetables including eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes. The veggies are stewed alongside herbs and tomato sauce and served with rice and crusty bread.
Haricots Verts (Green Beans)
Another simple yet tasty vegetarian dish is French green beans. The freshly trimmed beans are simply sauteed with butter (or oil if you’re vegan) and shallots for a healthy side dish.
Steak Frites
One of the easiest French dishes to cook at home is steak frites, a Parisian favorite. Thinly sliced steak is simply seasoned and seared to be served with crispy french fries for a simple yet satisfying dinner.
Quiche Lorraine
If you like to bake, this savory custard tart filled with bacon, cheese and onions is the perfect for lunch or a light dinner. You can make yIf our own paste from scratch or buy a ready-made packet from the grocery store.
Gratin Dauphinois
Dauphinois, sometimes spelt Dauphinois, potatoes are a luxurious French dish often served with steak or other grilled meat. The dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered in cream and baked until golden brown..
Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée is the ultimate after-dinner treat if you truly want to eat like the French. This dessert consists of a smooth custard dessert with a caramelized sugar crust.
Chocolate Mousse
Chocolate mousse is another popular dessert in France taht is eaten throughout the year. This rich and decadent chocolate mousse is made with whipped cream and eggs for a luxurious ending to a meal.
Tarte Tatin (Upside-Down Apple Tart)
Tarte Tatin is a rustic yet elegant dessert made with caramelized apples and a flaky pastry crust. It is usually served with fresh cream or crème pâtissière, a rich, creamy custard.
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