Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight and you find yourself in desperate need of a quick and delicious meal. You want something that will transport you to the streets of Paris with just one bite. That’s when you turn to your go-to French recipe, a fail-proof dish that never fails to impress. Whether it’s a classic ratatouille, a savory quiche, or a mouthwatering croque-monsieur, everyone has their secret weapon when it comes to whipping up a delectable French feast in a hurry. So, what’s your go-to French recipe when you need something fast? When you find yourself in need of a quick and delicious French dish, look no further than these go-to recipes. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got you covered with a variety of classic French dishes that can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some French flavors, these recipes are sure to impress. So let’s dive in and discover some easy and mouthwatering French recipes that will become your new favorites!
Appetizers
Classic French onion soup
Warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, classic French onion soup is a perfect way to start any meal. Caramelized onions, beef broth, and a hint of thyme create a rich and savory base, while a layer of melted gruyere cheese adds a delightful touch to this timeless dish. Simply sauté the onions, add the broth, let it simmer for a while, and finish it off with a slice of crusty bread topped with cheese. Pop it under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and voila! You have a delectable and easy appetizer that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Cheese and charcuterie platter
When you need a quick and indulgent appetizer that requires minimal effort, a cheese and charcuterie platter is the way to go. Choose an assortment of your favorite cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and comté, and pair them with an array of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and saucisson. Add some crusty bread, tangy cornichons, and a dollop of Dijon mustard, and you have a beautiful and delicious spread that is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a light meal.
Quick and easy quiche
Quiche is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Made with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg filling, quiche can be customized with a variety of fillings such as ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or tomato and basil. Simply mix up the filling ingredients, pour it into the pre-baked crust, and bake it until set and golden. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and you have a delightful and fuss-free appetizer that will impress your guests.
Main Courses
Croque Monsieur
If you’re looking for a quick and hearty main course that feels indulgent but is actually simple to make, a Croque Monsieur is your answer. This classic French sandwich combines layers of ham and gruyere cheese with rich béchamel sauce, all sandwiched between slices of crusty bread. Simply assemble the sandwich, grill it until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and you have a deliciously satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a vibrant and flavorful dish that showcases the best of French vegetable cookery. Made with a medley of summer vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, ratatouille is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served as a side dish. Saute the vegetables until tender, season with herbs like thyme and oregano, and let the flavors meld together. Serve it with crusty bread or as a side to grilled meats, and you have a wholesome and delicious main course that is both satisfying and healthy.
Omelette
When it comes to quick and easy French dishes, you can’t go wrong with a classic omelette. Whether you prefer it plain with just eggs or filled with an array of ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables, an omelette is a versatile and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Simply whisk the eggs, season them with salt and pepper, and cook them in a hot pan with a bit of butter. Add your desired fillings, fold it over, and let it cook until the cheese is melted and the eggs are set. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread, and you have a delicious and nutritious meal that can be on the table in no time.
Salads
Niçoise salad
The Niçoise salad is a classic French salad that originates from the city of Nice. It is a hearty and flavorful salad that combines ingredients like tuna, olives, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and green beans. Tossed together with a simple vinaigrette, this salad is a complete meal in itself. It can be easily customized to fit your preferences, making it a versatile and quick option for a healthy and delicious meal.
Endive and blue cheese salad
For a lighter and more elegant salad option, the endive and blue cheese salad is a perfect choice. The bitterness of the endive is balanced perfectly by the creamy and tangy blue cheese, resulting in a harmonious combination of flavors. Toss the endive leaves with a simple vinaigrette and top it with crumbled blue cheese and roasted nuts for added crunch. This salad serves as a refreshing and sophisticated side dish or can be enjoyed as a light lunch on its own.
Caprese salad
Caprese salad is a timeless and refreshing dish that showcases the beauty of simple ingredients. Made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, this salad is a celebration of summer flavors. Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and you have a beautiful and delicious salad that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to a main course.
Sandwiches
Croque Madame
Building on the flavors of the Croque Monsieur, the Croque Madame adds a fried egg on top for a touch of indulgence. The egg adds a creamy richness to the sandwich and makes it a perfect option for brunch or a satisfying lunch. Follow the same steps as the Croque Monsieur, but simply add a fried egg on top before serving. The combination of melted cheese, ham, béchamel sauce, and a perfectly cooked egg creates a mouthwatering sandwich that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Tuna Nicoise sandwich
The Tuna Nicoise sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Niçoise salad. It combines all the elements of the salad, such as canned tuna, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and green beans, in a convenient and portable sandwich format. Spread some Dijon mustard onto crusty bread, layer it with the tuna salad, and top it off with lettuce and tomato. This sandwich is a quick and flavorful option for a light and satisfying lunch on the go.
Ham and cheese baguette
Simple yet satisfying, a ham and cheese baguette is a staple in French cuisine. Choose your favorite type of ham, such as prosciutto or smoked ham, and pair it with a creamy cheese, like brie or camembert. Layer the ham and cheese onto a fresh baguette, and you have a delicious and filling sandwich that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a quick snack.
Side Dishes
Pommes Anna
Pommes Anna is a classic French side dish that is surprisingly simple to make. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a skillet with butter, salt, and pepper, and cooked until golden and crispy. The result is a flavorful and elegant dish that pairs well with any protein, such as roast chicken or grilled steak. Pommes Anna is a perfect choice when you’re looking for a quick and impressive side dish that will impress your guests.
Green beans with garlic
For a vibrant and healthy side dish that comes together in a flash, green beans with garlic are a go-to option. Simply blanch the green beans until they are tender-crisp, then sauté them in a bit of olive oil with minced garlic until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper, and you have a bright and flavorful side dish that complements any meal.
Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois is a rich and creamy potato dish that is perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, garlic, and gruyere cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a luscious and indulgent dish that pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and satisfying side dish.
Desserts
Crème brûlée
Crème brûlée is a classic French dessert that is surprisingly simple to make. It consists of a rich and creamy custard base that is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar, creating a delightful contrast of textures. The custard is typically flavored with vanilla, but you can also experiment with other flavors like chocolate or coffee. Crème brûlée is an elegant and impressive dessert that can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or a special treat for yourself.
Mousse au chocolat
If you’re a chocolate lover, mousse au chocolat is the ultimate dessert for you. Made with just a few simple ingredients like chocolate, eggs, and sugar, this airy and decadent dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Melt the chocolate, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy, and fold in the whipped egg whites for a light and fluffy texture. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator until set, and you have a luxurious and indulgent dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert that features caramelized apples atop a buttery and flaky pastry crust. While it may sound complicated, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make. Simply cook the apples with butter and sugar until caramelized, then top them with a sheet of puff pastry and bake until golden and bubbling. Invert the tart onto a serving plate, and you have a stunning and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Breads
Pain au chocolat
Pain au chocolat, also known as chocolate croissants, are a beloved French pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat. Made with laminated dough and filled with dark chocolate, these pastries are flaky, buttery, and simply irresistible. While making authentic pain au chocolat from scratch requires some time and skill, you can easily find ready-made croissant dough and chocolate bars at your local grocery store. Simply roll out the dough, cut it into triangles, place a piece of chocolate at the wide end, and roll it up. Bake until golden and puffed, and you have a delightful pastry that is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
Baguette
There’s nothing quite like a fresh and crusty baguette straight from the oven. With its thin, crispy crust and soft, chewy interior, baguette is a staple in French cuisine. While making an authentic baguette from scratch can be a lengthy process that requires precise technique, you can find pre-made baguettes at your local bakery or grocery store that are just as delicious. Enjoy it on its own, slice it for sandwiches, or serve it alongside a cheese and charcuterie platter for a quintessentially French experience.
Socca
Socca is a traditional French street food that hails from the region of Nice. It is a simple and savory pancake made from chickpea flour, water, and olive oil, and baked until golden and crispy. Socca is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a versatile and healthy option for those with dietary restrictions. Cut it into wedges, sprinkle it with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, and enjoy it as a snack or as part of a meal.
Beverages
Espresso
When it comes to French beverages, espresso is an integral part of the culture. A strong and concentrated coffee served in small portions, espresso is perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a post-meal libation. Whether you have an espresso machine at home or prefer to visit a local café, savoring a cup of espresso is a great way to experience the rich and robust flavors of French coffee.
Kir Royale
If you’re in the mood for a refreshing and elegant cocktail, Kir Royale is a French classic that is sure to impress. Made with crème de cassis, a blackcurrant liqueur, and champagne, this cocktail is both sweet and bubbly. Simply pour a splash of crème de cassis into a champagne flute, top it off with chilled champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist. The result is a beautiful and celebratory drink that is perfect for any special occasion.
Vin Chaud
During the colder months, a glass of Vin Chaud, or hot mulled wine, is a comforting and aromatic beverage that will warm you from the inside out. Made with red wine, spices like cinnamon and cloves, and a touch of sweetness from honey or sugar, Vin Chaud is a cozy and festive drink that is commonly enjoyed during the holiday season. Simply simmer the wine with the spices and sweetener until fragrant, strain it into mugs, and serve it piping hot. Sip and savor the delightful flavors, and let the warmth of the drink envelop you on a chilly evening.
One-Pot Meals
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a classic French stew that features chicken cooked in red wine with onions, mushrooms, and herbs. The long, slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and savory dish. Brown the chicken, sauté the onions and mushrooms, deglaze the pan with red wine, and let it simmer until the chicken is tender and the sauce is flavorful. Serve it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy night in.
Beef Bourguignon
Beef Bourguignon is a comforting and flavorful stew that showcases the robust flavors of red wine and beef. Cubed beef is seared until browned, then simmered in a rich sauce made with red wine, beef broth, onions, carrots, and herbs. The slow cooking process tenderizes the beef and allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a dish that is deeply satisfying. Serve it with buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete and hearty meal that will warm both your body and soul.
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty and rustic French dish that features a slow-cooked casserole of white beans, meat, and aromatic vegetables. Traditionally made with duck confit, pork sausage, and bacon, cassoulet is a robust and flavorful dish that requires some time and effort to prepare. However, the result is well worth it, as the flavors meld together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of red wine for a true taste of French countryside cuisine.
Quick Sauces
Béchamel
Béchamel is a classic French white sauce that is the base for many other sauces and dishes. Made from a roux of flour and butter cooked with milk, béchamel is a versatile and essential sauce in French cuisine. It can be used as a base for mac and cheese, gratins, or as a topping for vegetables and pasta. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a smooth paste, slowly add milk while whisking continuously, and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper, and you have a velvety and creamy sauce that adds a touch of richness to any dish.
Hollandaise
Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce that is decadently rich and buttery. Made from butter, egg yolks, and lemon juice, this sauce is traditionally served with eggs Benedict, asparagus, or fish. Despite its luxurious taste, Hollandaise sauce can be prepared in just a few minutes with the help of a blender or an immersion blender. Simply melt butter until foamy, blend it with egg yolks and lemon juice, and season with salt and cayenne pepper. The result is a velvety and tangy sauce that adds a touch of elegance to any meal.
Roux
Roux is a fundamental element in French cooking that serves as the base for many sauces, soups, and gravies. It is made by cooking equal parts flour and fat, such as butter or oil, until the mixture becomes a smooth and slightly golden paste. Roux comes in different degrees of color, ranging from white to blond to brown, each offering a different flavor and thickness. It is a crucial technique to master when it comes to thickening sauces and achieving the desired consistency in your French dishes.
With these go-to French recipes, you can easily create delicious and satisfying meals that capture the essence of French cuisine. Whether you’re craving a comforting soup, a quick and easy sandwich, or a decadent dessert, these recipes will become your favorites when you need something fast. So grab your apron, head to the kitchen, and bon appétit!