From buttery croissants to sweet éclairs and hearty coq au vin, the French culinary landscape is as diverse as it is delicious, brimming with flavors that evoke an essence of history, art and a certain je ne sais quoi. This month, we embark on an especially scrumptious journey, paying homage to the timeless allure of French fare.
No need to book a flight to Paris—dive into our chef-picked selection of 10 French-inspired recipes, each telling a tale of tradition, passion and flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these dishes promise a slice of France, right on your plate. Bon appétit!
Hungry for more? Create delicious, comforting classics in Staub’s new high-capacity French ovens, available in three stunning colors.
This traditional French recipe is perfect for both savory fillings and sweet toppings, from melted cheese and ham to a simple sprinkle of sugar with butter. Because they’re delicately thin and tender, they require a combination of technique, patience, and a good nonstick pan. Having a quality pan is especially important, as it’ll distribute heat evenly to cook the crêpes uniformly.
Palmiers, often referred to as “Elephant Ears,” are easy-to-make French pastries that boast a beautifully caramelized crunch on the outside with delicate, flaky layers within. Made with just puff pastry and sugar, these heart-shaped treats are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients and perfect technique.
Serve and enjoy these sweet treats with a cup of tea or coffee, and customize them by adding ingredients like cinnamon, cardamom or cocoa powder to the sugar mix for an extra layer of flavor.
This French-Mediterranean fusion dish, slow-cooked to perfection in a braiser or deep skillet, brings together fresh and earthy flavors, making it a delightful side or a light main course that’s both healthy and flavorful.
The savory base of white wine, chicken stock and lemon juice melds all the ingredients together—infusing each bite with salty, nuanced richness.
Embrace the comforting layers of thin, mandoline-sliced potatoes and softened leeks, all nestled under a blanket of golden-brown cheese, in this French-inspired recipe.
The leeks—a member of the onion family—offer a hint of sweetness that complement the velvety Gruyère cheese, cream and hint of nutmeg in this dish, which comes together in just under an hour, baked and bubbling in your favorite casserole.
Delve into the rich and aromatic world of coq au vin, a timeless French classic. Succulent pieces of chicken, slowly braised in a luxurious red wine sauce, are complemented by the deep flavors of earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon and pearl onions.
This comfort food classic embodies a rustic elegance and is extra delicious alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
This savory version of the classic French cuisine favorite is perfect for a brunch, appetizer or side dish. The smooth texture and nutty flavor of the Gruyère make this dish extra decadent, but the flaky homemade tart dough shares the spotlight and brings another gourmet element to the dish that really sets it apart.
Enjoy a taste of the French seaside with this comforting bouillabaisse, featuring a complex and flavorful saffron broth with notes of fennel, orange zest and garlic.
Teeming with fresh seafood (your favorite white fish, shellfish and shrimp!), the vibrant, aromatic stew pairs wonderfully with a dollop of creamy garlic aioli, which can be quickly whipped together in a food processor and brings a touch of richness to the dish.
Savor the heartwarming richness of beef bourguignon, a classic French stew where tender chunks of beef slowly simmer in a robust red wine sauce.
Boasting aromatic herbs, smoky bacon, pearl onions, cremini mushrooms, carrots and a wine-brandy sauce, this dish is a symphony of deep flavors and melt-in-your-mouth textures. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave a hearty meal, this is comfort food at its finest.
Chicken chasseur, a classic French recipe also known as “Hunter’s Chicken,” is made up of succulent chicken pieces bathed in a rich tomato-based sauce, punctuated with aromatic herbs, earthy mushrooms and a splash of white wine.
This recipe has a smoky and salty element with the addition of thick-cut bacon—the rendered fat is used to brown the chicken, ensuring all that delicious flavor is infused into the dish even more.
This easy mussels recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
A modern twist on a classic seafood delicacy, this French dish combines the aromatic allure of saffron with the crisp notes of white wine, all effortlessly cooked in a multicooker. As the mussels steam, they soak up the vibrant flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both rich and refreshing. Finished with a hint of buttery creaminess, these mussels promise a gourmet experience at home—whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a showstopper for guests.
Get the Instant Pot Saffron White Wine Mussels recipe!
Hungry for more? Create delicious, comforting classics in Staub’s new high-capacity French ovens, available in three stunning colors.
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