Bon Appétit! 15 Classic French Recipes to Try Now (2024)

Bastille Day is coming up, and here's a little-known fun fact: You don't actually have to be Julia Child to master the art of French cooking. I mean, you saw Ratatouille; if Remy the rat can do it, so can you. Still don't believe us? After checking out these 15 easy breezy recipes, you'll be on your way to effortlessly cooking French food at home. We promise!

French Onion Soup

Yup, this soup isn’t actually American like the fortune cookie. It’s actually from France! Turns out you’ve been dining classily all this time. (via Jenny Steffens Hobick)

Mostly Classic Salade Lyonnaise

We’re calling this salad a BLP because it’s a delicious combination of bacon, lettuce and a poached egg. You’ll never dread eating salad again. (via Bake and Baste)

Duck Confit With Spicy Pickled Raisins

For such a simple recipe, that sure looks good, doesn’t it? The best part about this dish, aside from the taste, is that you can cook the duck up to a week in advance. (via Bon Appétit)

Parsnip Gratin With Gruyere and Thyme

Parsnips need love, too! The root vegetable shines in this dish, along with that nutty and creamy gruyere. (via Atelier Christine)

Filet Mignon With BéarnaiseSauce

When it comes to Béarnaise sauce, all you gotta do is know how to use a whisk. Easy as pie. (via Weight Watchers)

Slow Cooker Chicken Provençal

We hardcore love slow cookers. All you have to do to make this chicken dish is pop all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work ;) (via Skinny Mom)

Baked Ratatouille

You were waiting for this one, weren’t you? A traditional ratatouille is usually stewed, but ain’t nobody got time for that! We’re baking this. (via Vmac + Cheese)

Very Berry Galette

A galette is a freeform tart that can either be made savory or sweet. We’re showing off this season’s sweetest and juiciest fruits with this gorgeous thing. (via Chatelaine)

Beef Bourguignon

It’s pronounced bore-ghin-yawn, by the way. This dish was one of Julia Child’s most famous; you might remember it from the movie Julie &+Julia! (via Whipper Berry)

French Crepes With Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

After trying out this awesome recipe, you’ll want to eat crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All day, everyday. (via Chatelaine)

Beautiful Baked Camembert With Nutty Cranberry Crumbles

Um, baked cheese? Count us in. (via Jamie Oliver)

Caramelized Leek + Cheese Soufflé

Here’s yet another example of how much the French have contributed to the culinary world. And boy do we owe them a lot for the humble soufflé! (via Go Make Me)

Bouillabaisse

Don’t worry; you don’t need to know how to pronounce the name to make this seafood dish. Clam, lobster and fish lovers, rejoice! (via )

Skillet Roasted Chicken With Potatoes

A typical French lunch on a Sunday consists of roasted chicken with potatoes, so we’d say we’re hitting a home run with this one. (via Two Recipes)

Fondue Savoyarde

Ah, fondue savoyarde. The simplistic queen of all fondues, straight off of France’s national website. (via France)

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FAQs

What is the secret of French cooking? ›

Shallots – The Secret Allium:

Shallots, with their delicate and mild flavor profile, are the culinary secret weapon of French chefs. Finely chopped shallots lend a subtle and refined taste to sauces, dressings, and sautéed dishes, adding depth and complexity that cannot be replicated by any other ingredient.

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What is the most popular recipe from Mastering the Art of French cooking? ›

One of the most celebrated recipes is Coq au Vin, a classic French dish that showcases the art of slow cooking. Julia's detailed instructions guide readers through every step, from browning the chicken to perfection to creating a flavorful sauce with red wine, mushrooms, and bacon.

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What is the most important ingredient in French cooking? ›

Butter, with its golden hue and velvety texture, is a staple in French cuisine. Its richness and ability to enhance flavors make it an indispensable ingredient in sauces, pastries, and cooking techniques.

What is Julia Child's favorite meal? ›

Vichyssoise. Well-known as one of Julia Child's favorite dishes, this chilled leek and potato soup is startling in its simplicity. Aside from the leek, potato, and water, Child's version of the soup calls for barely any additional ingredients.

What was Julia Child's favorite soup? ›

Soup was one of Julia Child's favorite things to eat, and reportedly, her absolute favorite was vichyssoise. Leek and potato soup, known as potage parmentier in French, is a classic base soup recipe. What sets vichyssoise apart is the addition of cream—and the fact that it is traditionally served chilled.

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What are the three secrets of French cooking? ›

With its silky texture and dynamic taste, it's no wonder Auguste Escoffier said the three great secrets of French cooking are butter, butter, butter.

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What are the three main ingredients in French cooking? ›

Mirepoix consists of onions, carrots and celery (either common Pascal celery or celeriac). Mirepoix is used in many dishes, such as stocks, soups, stews and sauces. It is used either raw, roasted or sautéed with butter. Mirepoix is known as the holy trinity of French cooking.

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What is the basic philosophy behind cooking in France? ›

Mise en place is not only a practical technique, but also a philosophical one. It reflects the French attitude towards cooking: meticulous, disciplined, and respectful of the ingredients.

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What is the basis of French cooking? ›

Wine, cheese, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables are just a few staples. Herbs and spices are also important to French cuisine and can contribute a depth of flavor to otherwise subtle dishes. A few commonly used in French dishes include herbs de Provence, tarragon, and nutmeg.

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