Imagine being able to whip up a delicious French-inspired dinner in just 20 minutes. It may seem like a dream, but with the right recipe, it can become a reality. Say goodbye to lengthy preparation times and hello to a quick and satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Paris. From savory Ratatouille to mouthwatering Coq au Vin, there are countless options to choose from. So, what’s your go-to 20-minute recipe that brings a taste of France to your dinner table?
Salads and Starters
Classic Nicoise Salad
The Classic Nicoise Salad is a delightful and refreshing combination of flavors and textures. This iconic French salad features a bed of crisp lettuce topped with boiled potatoes, tender green beans, juicy tomatoes, briny black olives, and hard-boiled eggs. To elevate the dish further, it is traditionally garnished with anchovies and drizzled with a homemade vinaigrette. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch.
French Onion Soup
Indulge your taste buds with the heartwarming and comforting French Onion Soup. This soul-satisfying dish is a classic in French cuisine. Caramelized onions are slowly cooked in a savory beef broth until they become rich and sweet, creating a flavor base that is simply irresistible. Topped with a crusty slice of baguette and melted Gruyère cheese, this soup is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter or a satisfying meal on its own, French Onion Soup is a must-try.
Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
For a lighter option, the Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad is a fantastic choice. This salad combines the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with the creamy tanginess of goat cheese. Tossed in a simple vinaigrette made with Dijon mustard, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of honey, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries or fresh raspberries provide a burst of sweetness. This salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.
Main Courses
Chicken Provencal
Chicken Provencal is a classic French dish that is both hearty and flavorful. This recipe captures the essence of the Provence region with tender chicken thighs braised in a fragrant tomato and herb sauce. The chicken is infused with flavors from garlic, onions, Herbes de Provence, and a splash of white wine. As the dish simmers, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and the sauce develops a rich and robust flavor. This dish is perfect for a comforting and satisfying main course.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a true French classic that is sure to impress your dinner guests. This delectable dish features tender and succulent beef braised in a rich red wine sauce. The beef is slow-cooked with aromatic vegetables, bacon, and garlic, creating a complex depth of flavors. The addition of pearl onions and mushrooms adds both sweetness and earthiness to the dish. Served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread, Beef Bourguignon is comfort food at its finest.
Mussels Mariniere
If you’re a fan of seafood, Mussels Mariniere is a must-try French dish. This flavorful and delicate seafood dish consists of fresh mussels cooked in a fragrant white wine and shallot broth. The mussels are steamed until they open, releasing their briny and sweet juices into the broth. The addition of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon adds a bright and refreshing note to the dish. Served with a crusty baguette to soak up the flavorful broth, Mussels Mariniere is a simple yet elegant main course option.
Vegetarian Options
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a classic French vegetarian dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of summer vegetables. This colorful and hearty dish features an array of vegetables including zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The vegetables are sautéed until tender and then simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with fragrant herbs like thyme and oregano. Ratatouille can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.
Mushroom Tart
For a savory and satisfying vegetarian option, Mushroom Tart is the way to go. This elegant tart showcases the earthy and meaty flavors of mushrooms. A flaky pastry shell is filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs. The tart is baked until golden and the flavors meld together beautifully. Served as an appetizer or a main course, this Mushroom Tart is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of mushrooms.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and vibrant vegetarian dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side dish. Bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful filling made with a combination of rice, vegetables, and herbs. The filling can be customized to suit your taste, but popular options include rice, onions, garlic, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs such as parsley or basil. Baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is golden, these Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful addition to any French-inspired dinner.
Fish and Seafood
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Cream Sauce
Pan-Seared Salmon with Dijon Cream Sauce is a sophisticated yet simple dish that is perfect for a special occasion or weeknight dinner. The salmon fillets are seasoned with salt and pepper, then pan-seared until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The creamy Dijon sauce adds a tangy and velvety element to the dish. Serve the salmon with a side of roasted asparagus or steamed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that highlights the delicate and sweet flavor of shrimp. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The shrimp are sautéed in a garlic-infused butter and white wine sauce, which enhances their natural flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add freshness and brightness to the dish. Serve the Shrimp Scampi over a bed of linguine or with a crusty baguette for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce
Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter Sauce are a luxurious and elegant option for seafood lovers. These delicate scallops are quickly seared until golden brown on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside. The tangy and velvety lemon butter sauce pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the scallops. Serve them over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside grilled asparagus for a restaurant-quality meal that can be prepared in minutes.
Side Dishes
Potato Dauphinoise
Potato Dauphinoise, also known as Gratin Dauphinois, is a decadent and delicious potato dish that makes a perfect side for any French-inspired dinner. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with rich cream, garlic, nutmeg, and gruyere cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful dish that will leave everyone wanting seconds.
Haricots Verts Amandine
Haricots Verts Amandine is a simple and elegant French side dish that showcases the natural flavors of green beans. Haricots verts, French green beans, are blanched until crisp-tender, then sautéed in butter until lightly browned and coated in a delicate almond and lemon-infused butter sauce. The addition of toasted almonds brings a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the dish. Haricots Verts Amandine is a perfect accompaniment to any main course and adds a touch of sophistication to your dinner table.
Gratinated Broccoli
If you’re looking for a creative and delicious way to enjoy broccoli, Gratinated Broccoli is the answer. This side dish takes ordinary broccoli to a whole new level of flavor. Tender broccoli florets are blanched until bright green and then topped with a cream and cheese sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, the result is a rich and decadent dish that will have even the pickiest eaters asking for more. Gratinated Broccoli is a great way to add variety and excitement to your French-inspired dinner.
Sauces and Dressings
Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise Sauce is a classic French sauce that is renowned for its rich and velvety texture. This sauce is made by emulsifying clarified butter into egg yolks and lemon juice, resulting in a luxurious and creamy sauce that is perfect for drizzling over vegetables, fish, or eggs benedict. The key to a successful Hollandaise Sauce is patience and proper technique, but once you master it, you’ll be able to elevate any dish with this delectable sauce.
Dijon Vinaigrette
Dijon Vinaigrette is a versatile and flavorful dressing that is a staple in French cuisine. Made with Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of honey, this dressing is tangy, slightly spicy, and slightly sweet. It pairs well with a variety of salads and can be used as a marinade for grilled meats or vegetables. Whether you’re looking to dress a simple green salad or add a kick of flavor to your grilled chicken, Dijon Vinaigrette is a fantastic option.
Beurre Blanc
Beurre Blanc, which translates to “white butter,” is a luxurious French sauce that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your dishes. This rich and velvety sauce is made by slowly whisking cold butter into a reduction of white wine, vinegar, and shallots. The result is a smooth and creamy sauce with a tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile. Beurre Blanc pairs beautifully with fish, seafood, and vegetables, adding a decadent touch to any meal.
Desserts
Crème Brûlée
Crème Brûlée is a classic French dessert that is both elegant and indulgent. This creamy and velvety custard is flavored with vanilla and baked until set. Just before serving, a thin layer of sugar is caramelized on top using a blowtorch or broiler, creating a crispy and rich caramel crust. Each spoonful of Crème Brûlée offers a heavenly combination of flavors and textures, with the creamy custard and the satisfying crackle of caramelized sugar. This dessert is the perfect finale to any French-inspired dinner.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a heavenly caramelized upside-down apple tart that is a beloved classic in French baking. This delicious dessert starts with a layer of butter and sugar that is caramelized to perfection in a skillet. Sliced apples are then arranged over the caramel before being topped with a sheet of puff pastry. The tart is baked until golden and bubbling, allowing the flavors to meld together. When inverted onto a serving platter, the result is a stunning dessert with soft, caramelized apples and a crisp, buttery crust.
Chocolate Mousse
For all the chocolate lovers out there, Chocolate Mousse is an absolute must-try. This light and airy dessert is made by folding whipped cream into a decadent mixture of melted chocolate, eggs, and sugar. The result is a velvety smooth mousse that is rich, chocolaty, and incredibly indulgent. Serve the Chocolate Mousse in individual bowls or glasses, and top with whipped cream or shaved chocolate for an extra touch of elegance. This dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests.
Bread and Pastries
French Baguette
No French-inspired dinner would be complete without a fresh and crusty French Baguette. This iconic bread has a crispy exterior and a soft and chewy interior, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether used for sandwiches, dipped in sauces, or enjoyed on its own, the French Baguette adds a touch of authenticity and elevates any dining experience. Warm it up in the oven just before serving for an extra special treat.
Croissants
Croissants are a beloved French pastry known for their delicate layers and buttery flavor. These flaky delights are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or for indulging in a sweet treat. The process of making croissants can be time-consuming, but the results are well worth the effort. Serve them warm with a dollop of jam or enjoy them plain, and savor each buttery and flaky bite. Croissants are a true testament to the artistry of French pastry-making.
Pain au Chocolat
Pain au Chocolat, or chocolate croissants, are a heavenly combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate. Similar to croissants, these pastries feature the same buttery and delicate layers, but are filled with a generous amount of chocolate. Whether enjoyed as a decadent breakfast or as a sweet ending to your French-inspired dinner, Pain au Chocolat is a delightful treat that is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Cheeses and Wine
Brie
Brie is a quintessential French cheese that is known for its creamy and rich texture. This soft and velvety cheese has a mild and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with bread, fruit, and even desserts. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into a dish, Brie adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a truly indulgent experience.
Camembert
Camembert is another beloved French cheese that is renowned for its creamy and luscious texture. Similar to Brie, Camembert has a bloomy rind and a soft and buttery interior. It has a slightly stronger and earthier flavor compared to Brie, making it a favorite among cheese connoisseurs. Whether served as part of a cheese platter or melted over bread or potatoes, Camembert brings a luxurious touch to any French-inspired dinner.
Red Wine Pairings
France is well-known for its exceptional wines, and a French-inspired dinner wouldn’t be complete without a glass of red wine. Red wine pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, enhancing flavors and adding depth to your meal. For the rich and robust flavors of Beef Bourguignon or Coq au Vin, opt for a bold and full-bodied red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Bordeaux. If you prefer a lighter red wine, a Pinot Noir would complement dishes like Chicken Provencal or Ratatouille perfectly. Explore different red wine varieties to find the perfect pairing for your French-inspired dinner.
Cocktails and Aperitifs
Kir Royale
Kir Royale is a delectable French cocktail that is perfect for starting your French-inspired dinner on a celebratory note. This classic cocktail is made by combining crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, with sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco. The result is a refreshing and elegant cocktail with a beautiful deep red color. Served in a champagne flute, the Kir Royale is the epitome of sophistication and is guaranteed to impress your guests.
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that combines the refreshing flavors of gin, lemon juice, sugar, and sparkling wine. This cocktail is believed to have been created during World War I and was named after the French 75mm field gun, known for its powerful kick. The French 75 is a light and citrusy cocktail that is perfect for pairing with seafood dishes or as a refreshing aperitif before a French-inspired dinner.
Negroni
Originally created in Italy, the Negroni has gained popularity in French cocktail culture. This bittersweet and aromatic cocktail is made with equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. The Negroni is a sophisticated and complex cocktail that is perfect for those who enjoy bold and intense flavors. Serve it as an aperitif before your French-inspired dinner to awaken your taste buds and set the stage for a delightful dining experience.
