33 Classic French Recipes to Transport You to France

Wish you were in France right now?

Me too. I find myself longingly dreaming of French patisseries, perfectly cooked steaks with crispy fries, delicious crisp white wines and deep earthy red wines…

However, for the time being, I am stuck in Bulgaria, far from any French food — unless, of course, that which I can make in my kitchen.

I’ve gathered over 30 different incredible and traditional French recipes to help you bring a bit of France to your table. This includes breakfasts, side dishes, lunches, salads, sandwiches, soups, and dinners.

However, it doesn’t include French desserts and pastries — that merits a post of its own (coming soon!)

Here are my favorite classic French recipes you can easily make at home.

French Dishes

Want to cook some delicious savory French dishes?

Here are some of the classics of French cuisines (and a few spins on French classic recipes) for France-inspired breakfasts, lunches, and dinner recipes.

French desserts and pastries, of course, deserve their own post -- which is coming soon!

Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com

Nicoise Salad {Salade Niçoise}

Nicoise Salad is really called a salad composée, because it’s not tossed, but rather “composed”, on a serving platter or plate.

While you don’t have to “compose” a Nicoise salad, it is a classic French recipe, and it does make a lovely presentation

Photo Credit:www.vegrecipesofindia.com

French Onion Soup

Our favorite French Onion Soup made vegetarian with the classic French recipe.

French onion soup is made with caramelizing onions in butter which are then deglazed with dry white wine and further cooked with meat stock or veggie stock.

Photo Credit:www.veganosity.com

Easy Homemade Vegan French Onion Soup

Want French onion soup the vegan way?

Savory, 'cheesy,' and easy vegan French onion soup is full of flavor and perfect for a first course or a main.

Photo Credit:www.currytrail.in

French Onion Chicken

This French onion chicken is reminiscent of French onion soup, only that pan-seared chicken is smothered and cooked in a rich and glorious sauce.

This is a one-pan/skillet chicken recipe perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.

Photo Credit:www.askchefdennis.com

Coq au Vin for Two

I encountered this classic French dish on my first trip to Paris and it’s been a family favorite ever since. Although there are a few extra steps in this dish, it’s not difficult to make and you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients.

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Confit de canard – Duck Confit Recipe

Traditional French confit de canard or duck confit, a simple yet amazing recipe, perfect for a special occasion.

These duck legs are a delicious French recipe everyone will love!

Photo Credit:simplebites.net

Classic Steak Frites

A classic French dinner, loved by young and old, made the classic way. Great for grilling season!

French Onion Tart

French onion tart is a savory tart that's great for party appetizers. Sweet caramelized onions, hint of fresh herbs and ricotta cheese over homemade tender crispy pastry is sure to become everyone's favorite appetizer.

Photo Credit:www.chocolatesandchai.com

Cheesy Oeufs en Cocotte / Eggs in Pots

This Cheesy Oeufs en Cocotte recipe is a super-simple but audaciously tasty French dish.

You can mix it up in a thousand different ways, and it’ll taste great every time.

Photo Credit:champagne-tastes.com

French Crêpe Recipe (Basic Crêpes)

This easy French Crêpe Recipe is adapted from Julia Child’s basic crêpe recipe, and will walk you through how to make paper-thin French Crêpes at home!

Stuff them with sweet jam or fruit for a sweet breakfast crepe or ham and cheese for an afternoon meal or snack!

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Garlic Soup – Julia Child’s Aigo Bouido Recipe

This Aigo Bouido, or garlic soup, is a Julia Child classic.

While it is so simple, it is restorative and so comforting.

Photo Credit:thishealthykitchen.com

Oil Free Socca Bread (Chickpea Flatbread)

Socca flatbread is a common street food in Nice, France. It's fluffy and flavourful, and SO simple to make. Here's three great ways to use it!

Photo Credit:thishealthykitchen.com

Vegan Mushroom Soup (Veloute) – GF + Oil Free

Mushroom veloute is a classic French mushroom soup that packs so much flavor!

This silky, creamy, velvety soup is so easy to make, and perfect for dunking crusty French bread!

Photo Credit:champagne-tastes.com

Fish Meunière: Fish in Butter Sauce

Julia Child made this classic French dish famous with her Sole Meunière.

This easy Fish Meunière is seared in butter and oil, and served with a lemon and butter sauce, and it's a classic French dinner recipe.

Photo Credit:www.endofthefork.com

French Tomato Tart

Perfect for the summer, a delicate light tart using fresh tomatoes, mustard and Comté cheese.

It's the perfect savory French pastry!

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Omelette Roulee or Rolled Omelette from Julia Child

Looking for an easy French dinner recipe? Try Julia Child's Omelette Roulee - it's more elegant than it sounds!

French Ham and Butter Baguette Sandwich (Jambon Beurre)

One of the simplest sandwiches you can ever have, and yet so incredibly delicious, and oh, so French!

Jambon buerre is a classic French dish, and it's so easy to make in your home.

Photo Credit:veggiedesserts.com

Parmentier Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic

You’ll love these 5-ingredient roasted Parmentier potatoes with rosemary and garlic. The classic French cubed, diced potatoes are quick, easy and tasty.

Photo Credit:www.theschizochef.com

Brined Quail with Cherry Port Sauce

French comfort food with a gourmet presentation. Brined quail leads to super tender meat.

Fresh Cherry sauce compliments the quail beautifully. Mashed Potatoes and grilled green beans complete the meal.

Photo Credit:www.krumpli.co.uk

Petit* Pois a la Francaise With Roast Chicken Breast

Petit* Pois a la Francaise may sound all sorts of fancy but it is nothing more than peas, lettuce and bacon braised in stock, cream and butter. And yes it is every bit as good as that sounds!

Photo Credit:thebeanbites.com

Rustic French Style Lentils Recipe

This French-style lentils recipe makes the perfect Provencal side dish to any grilled or roasted meat or fish.

Made with French green lentils and classically French seasoning it brings the Mediterranean home.

Photo Credit:www.everyday-delicious.com

Ratatouille (Summer Vegetable Stew)

What's more French than ratatouille?

This stew is the perfect summertime treat when fresh vegetables are bursting from your garden.

Photo Credit:www.baconismagic.ca

Carb & Gluten Free Vegan Ratatouille

A classic French recipe from Provence, ratatouille uses the best of seasonal vegetables to create a stunning dish on the table.

It is traditionally vegan and gluten free but also bursting with flavour.

Photo Credit:www.everyday-delicious.com

Soupe au Pistou (French Vegetable Soup)

This tasty, fresh soup is light and delicious, with a pistou (pesto) to brighten it all up.

It's an easy classic French soup recipe perfect for spring.

Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com

Salmon Tartare

Salmon tartare is such a lovely, elegant appetizer with delicate flavors. It’s light, pretty healthy & easy to prepare.

Perfect for date night and entertaining, this French starter is the perfect recipe to impress your guests!

Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com

Alsatian Tarte Flambée

Tarte flambée (sometimes called Flammekueche, its German equivalent) is essentially a bacon onion flatbread/pizza from the Alsace region which borders Germany.

It may seem like only a few ingredients, but they are transformed into a truly delicious dish you’ll instantly love! And it’s easy to make, too.