From decadent chocolate desserts to light fruit-forward pastries, here’s a curated list of my best French desserts for Valentine’s Day – all impressive, delicious, and perfect for sharing.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve made one (or several) of them, and which one is your favorite. Enjoy, and bon appétit !

Decadent Chocolate Desserts for Valentine’s Day

Classic French Chocolate Moelleux Cake

A Classic of the French repertoire, a Chocolate Moelleux Cake is a decadent and intensely chocolatey cake, relying on only a few ingredients: eggs, sugar and a solid amount of butter and good-quality dark chocolate. Made with no flour, hence naturally gluten-free, this cake combines the richness of chocolate cake with the airiness of a mousse. A must for all chocolate lovers! 

Make the recipe

Classic French Chocolate Mousse

Decadent yet elegant, a Classic French Chocolate Mousse is a must in your repertoire as a French host(ess), or just to treat yourself. This timeless dessert relies on only a few ingredients – chocolate, eggs, butter and sugar – to create a smooth, airy texture with intense chocolatey taste. It is a great make-ahead dessert to serve in individual cups.

Make the recipe

Classic Chocolate Pots de Crème

These little Chocolate Pots de Crème are incredibly simple to make at home and are Perfect for making ahead too. You can pop them in the fridge for as long as two days, and serve them when needed.

Make the recipe

Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake

This Classic French Pear Cake features tender pear chunks nestled in a light and airy crumb, flavored with almond extract. Right before baking, the cake gets dusted with sugar to create a signature crackly top. It’s super-easy to make and is just sweet enough, with a delightful more-pear-than-crumb-ratio. If you love pears, this recipe will become a staple in your repertoire. 

Make the recipe

Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

Few things can satisfy your sweet-tooth more than a quick, easy and extremely delicious chocolate cake. And for this, this Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake hits the mark with a bulls-eye. Made with olive oil instead of butter, its yields a deep dark chocolate taste, intensified by the richness of olive oil. It tastes very chocolatey, yet has an airy and light texture that makes it suited for any occasion, any toppings and any season.

Make the recipe

Chocolate Marquise

If you’re looking to impress with a French dessert that’s as easy to make as it is elegant, let me introduce you to the Chocolate Marquise—known in France as Marquise au Chocolat. This rich, frozen chocolate terrine is a no-bake classic that combines the silkiness of a mousse with the intensity of dark chocolate.

Make the recipe

Fruit-Forward French Valentine’s Desserts

Crêpes Suzette Recipe

Crêpes Suzette is one of the most iconic French desserts, featuring delicate, paper-thin crêpes bathed in a rich, buttery orange sauce with a hint of liqueur. Despite its glamorous reputation, this classic Crêpes Suzette recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Make the recipe

Thin Apple Tart (Tarte fine Aux Pommes)

This Tarte Fine aux Pommes – literally “Thin Apple Tart” – is a French bakery staple in the Fall. It features a thin puff-pastry crust with no raised borders, thin apple slices for topping and crisp caramelized edges. I love how it’s quickly put together, requires no tart pan, yet makes for an utterly delicious and elegant dessert. It’s light, flaky and best enjoyed by hand.

Make the recipe

Classic French Pear Cake

This Classic French Pear Cake features tender pear chunks nestled in a light and airy crumb, flavored with almond extract. Right before baking, the cake gets dusted with sugar to create a signature crackly top. It’s super-easy to make and is just sweet enough, with a delightful more-pear-than-crumb-ratio. If you love pears, this recipe will become a staple in your repertoire. 

Make the recipe

Lemon-Lime Basil Tart

This Lemon-Lime Basil Tart is a summer twist on my Classic French Tarte au Citron, which is one of the most popular recipes on this blog. The basil infused lime filling tastes both fresh and creamy, and is the perfect pairing to a crisp buttery pâte sucrée, made the true French way. 

Make the recipe

Apple Tarte Tatin

As apple tarts go in France, I don’t think you’ll find more iconic than the classic Tarte Tatin. This tart of caramelized apples and crisp buttery crust turned upside-down, is an icon of French cuisine and a must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess). But don’t be confused, a Tarte Tatin is not French for apple tart. A Tarte Tartin is in fact a very particular kind of French apple tart.

Make the recipe

Apple Crinkle Cake

As apple tarts go in France, I don’t think you’ll find more iconic than the classic Tarte Tatin. This tart of caramelized apples and crisp buttery crust turned upside-down, is an icon of French cuisine and a must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess). But don’t be confused, a Tarte Tatin is not French for apple tart. A Tarte Tartin is in fact a very particular kind of French apple tart.

Make the recipe

Elegant Tarts & Custards for a Romantic Touch

Classic French Crème Brûlée

Crème Brûlée (which translates to “burnt cream”) is one of the most raved about French desserts of all time – and for good reason. The two contrasting layers of luscious vanilla cream under a crackly caramelized sugar top are a match made in heaven and make this dessert stand out from all the others.

Make the recipe

Biscoff Tiramisu (Ch’tiramisu)

This Biscoff Tiramisu, knowned as “Ch’tiramisu” is the French answer to Tiramisu. This popular Northern French dessert is made from layers of mascarpone cream and coffee soaked speculoos cookies – giving it a subtly spiced and warming flavor. This simple yet utterly delicious twist on the famous treat is a great no-bake dessert that’s even better when made in advance. What’s not to love?

Make the recipe

French Antilles Coconut Flan (Flan Coco)

Known in France as “Flan Coco”, this famous Coconut Flan hails from the French Antilles. With the exotic flavors of coconut milk, shredded coconut and vanilla, this recipe may be a stretch from what you would expect of a classic French dessert, yet it is a very popular flan in mainland France too. Most French (myself included) love to indulge in the cuisine from the French Antilles Islands, and this flan may be one of their most beloved recipes to recreate at home.

Make the recipe

Classic French Crème Caramel

Crème Caramel is one of those timeless French desserts that feels elegant, yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. This baked custard, crowned with a layer of golden caramel, comes together with just a few ingredients: eggs, sugar, and milk (no cream, true to French tradition). The result is a dessert that’s silky smooth and delicately sweet – like straight out of a French bistro.

Make the recipe

Sweet French Bites Perfect for Sharing

Roasted Hazelnut Financiers

While classic French financiers are typically made from ground almonds, these Roasted Hazelnut Financiers are made from – you guessed it – roasted hazelnuts, to help provide bolder flavors. This variation on these iconic French bite-sized cakes is a favorite of mine for its perfectly-matched notes of nutty brown butter and rich, toasty hazelnuts. 

Make the recipe

French Bakery Beignets

Unfussy, sugary and fried. French Bakery Beignets are nothing like what you’d expect from French pastries, yet they are quintessentially French. These plump buttery pillows rolled in sugar and filled with jams are found on most bakery stalls in France and are kids’ favorites at the time of the “goûter” ( mid-afternoon snack). They are also very popular during street fairs and carnivals across the country. Such an irresistible treat! 

Make the recipe

Classic French Chocolate Truffles

Homemade chocolate truffles are as decadent as they are simple to make. These bite-sized chocolate confections are made with only 4 ingredients, yet they’re blissfully elegant and so delicious. They’re creamy, melt-in-your-mouth and will satisfy all chocolate lovers’ cravings. They’re a luxurious treat that makes the perfect gift, or to serve as an after-dinner dessert.

Make the recipe

Which French dessert will you make this Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments!

The post French desserts for Valentine’s Day appeared first on Pardon Your French.

In this roundup, you’ll find 20 classic and modern French appetizer recipes that are ideal for apéro hour, dinner parties, holidays, and casual get-togethers. Each recipe links directly to the full instructions, making it easy to build a beautiful appetizer spread, whether you’re planning ahead or hosting at the last minute. Many of these French hors d’oeuvres are make-ahead friendly, easy to scale for a crowd, and guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort.

Whether you’re putting together a charcuterie board, hosting a festive holiday gathering, or simply enjoying pre-dinner drinks with friends, these French appetizer ideas will help you entertain like the French. 

Let me know in the comments if you’ve made one (or several) of them, and which one is your favorite!

French Chicken Liver Mousse (Mousse de Foie de Volaille)

Silky, rich, and surprisingly approachable, this French chicken liver mousse is a timeless apéritif spread that feels instantly luxurious. Whipped until ultra-smooth and delicately seasoned, it delivers a mild, buttery flavor that even liver skeptics tend to love. Perfect for stress-free hosting, it can be made ahead and served straight from the fridge with toasted baguette, crackers, or alongside a cheese board for an effortlessly chic start to any gathering.

Make the recipe

French Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

Light, golden, and topped with melty cheese, Gougères are the ultimate French bite-sized appetizer. These airy cheese puffs bake up crisp on the outside and tender inside, making them irresistibly warm from the oven. Ideal for cocktail parties and holiday hosting, they pair beautifully with wine and can be prepped ahead and frozen: a host’s secret weapon for last-minute entertaining!

Make the recipe

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil

This Smoked Salmon Tarte Soleil is a true showstopper that looks far more complicated than it is. Flaky puff pastry is layered with cream cheese and smoked salmon, then twisted into elegant pull-apart rays that guests can tear and share. Perfect for festive entertaining, it delivers bold flavor, visual impact, and minimal effort – exactly what you want in a holiday appetizer.

Make the recipe

French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue)

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, Accras de Morue bring bold Caribbean flavors to your appetizer spread. These bite-sized cod fritters are fragrant with herbs and spices, making them perfect for lively gatherings and cocktail parties. Serve them hot with a dipping sauce for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to disappear fast and spark conversation.

Make the recipe

Gruyère Cheese Twists (Torsades au Fromage)

Flaky, cheesy, and delightfully crisp, these Gruyère cheese twists are a classic French apéro snack that everyone loves. Made with puff pastry and nutty Gruyère, they come together quickly and bake into golden, savory straws perfect for nibbling. Ideal for casual hosting, wine nights, or holiday parties, they’re easy to make in advance and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make the recipe

Classic French Salmon Rillettes

These French salmon rillettes are a refined yet approachable appetizer that feels right at home on any entertaining table. Combining flaky poached salmon and smoked salmon with creamy crème fraîche, fresh herbs, and citrus, they strike the perfect balance between rich and refreshing. Serve them with crusty bread or crackers for a make-ahead spread that elevates brunches, dinners, and apéro hours alike.

Make the recipe

Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Pork And Brie (Champignons Farcis)

Savory, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these French-style stuffed mushrooms are made for entertaining. Tender mushroom caps are filled with seasoned pork, creamy Brie, and herbes de Provence for perfectly balanced bite-sized appetizers. They’re easy to prepare, bake beautifully, and work equally well for cocktail parties or cozy dinner gatherings.

Make the recipe

Sardine White Bean Cakes (Croquettes de Sardine)

These sardine and white bean croquettes are a delicious nod to French coastal cuisine. Crisp on the outside and creamy inside, they’re packed with savory flavor while still feeling light and satisfying. Perfect as finger food or part of an apéro spread, they’re a great way to introduce guests to sardines in an approachable, crowd-friendly way.

Make the recipe

Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine)

Smoky, creamy, and deeply flavorful, this French eggplant caviar dip is a staple of summer apéro tables. Made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s naturally elegant and wonderfully versatile. Serve it with toasted bread or crackers for a make-ahead appetizer that pairs beautifully with chilled wine and relaxed entertaining.

Make the recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Dip from Provence (Poivronade)

Bursting with sunny Mediterranean flavors, poivronade is a Provençal roasted red pepper spread that brightens any appetizer table. Blended with Feta cheese, nuts, and fresh herbs, it’s creamy, savory, and perfect for dipping or spreading on crostini. A fantastic choice for casual hosting, picnics, or outdoor apéro gatherings.

Make the recipe

French Egg Salad

This French-style egg salad offers a lighter, more refined take on a classic favorite. With chunky eggs, tangy cornichons, capers, and fresh herbs, it’s full of texture and bright flavor. Spoon it onto toast points or crackers for an easy appetizer that feels bistro-inspired and ideal for effortless entertaining.

Make the recipe

Brie en Croûte

Warm, gooey, and irresistibly festive, Brie en Croûte is a French entertaining classic that always steals the spotlight. Wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden, the molten Brie is elevated with sweet and savory toppings like honey, nuts, and fruit. Perfect for holiday parties and special occasions, it’s simple to assemble yet guaranteed to impress.

Make the recipe

Sardine and Cream Cheese Rillettes

Creamy, savory, and deeply nostalgic, these sardine rillettes are a French apéro essential. Blended with cream cheese and seasonings, they transform humble canned sardines into a rich, spreadable appetizer that’s perfect for sharing. Serve with crusty bread for a flavorful, budget-friendly addition to your appetizer lineup.

Make the recipe

Eggplant Toasts with Goat Cheese and Walnuts

These eggplant toasts with goat cheese and walnuts are simple, elegant, and full of Mediterranean flair. The tender roasted eggplant pairs beautifully with tangy cheese and crunchy nuts, making them ideal for light entertaining. Perfect as a vegetarian appetizer, they’re easy to assemble and look stunning on a serving platter.

Make the recipe

French-Style Deviled Eggs (Oeufs Mimosa)

A timeless party favorite, French deviled eggs ( known as œufs mimosa) are creamy, comforting, and always welcome. The filling is gently seasoned with Dijon mustard and herbs for a distinctly French twist. Easy to prepare and endlessly snackable, they’re perfect for buffets, picnics, and festive gatherings.

Make the recipe

French-Style Zucchini Fritters (Croquettes de Courgette)

Golden and crisp, these zucchini fritters are a delicious way to highlight seasonal vegetables in appetizer form. Studded with Gruyère cheese and aromatics, they’re tender inside with just the right crunch. Serve them warm for summer entertaining, brunch spreads, or casual cocktail parties.

Make the recipe

Swiss Chard Pancakes (Farçous)

Hailing from rural France, Farçous are rustic Swiss chard pancakes that make for wonderful finger food. Packed with greens and herbs, they’re savory, satisfying, and perfect for relaxed hosting. Serve them warm or at room temperature, making them an excellent make-ahead option for casual gatherings.

Make the recipe

Ham Cheese & Olive Bread (Cake Salé)

This French savory loaf is a staple of informal entertaining and apéro spreads. Studded with ham, cheese, and olives, it’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to slice into bite-sized pieces for guests to graze on. Ideal for make-ahead hosting, picnics, and buffet-style meals. (You can find another version of it on my Substack too!)

Make the recipe

Spinach and Cheese Quiche

Rich, creamy, and endlessly versatile, this spinach and cheese quiche is a French classic that works beautifully as an appetizer. Cut into small squares or thin slices, it’s perfect for serving at room temperature. A great make-ahead option for brunches, cocktail parties, or light entertaining. 

Make the recipe

Baguette Flambée

This is a recipe available on my Substack “A Table in France” for paid subscribers.

Inspired by the beloved tarte flambée, this baguette appetizer delivers big Alsatian flavor with minimal effort. Crispy baguette slices are topped with crème fraîche, smoky lardons, and sweet onions, then baked until golden. Ideal for casual hosting, it’s quick to assemble and perfect for sharing straight from the oven.

Make the recipe

The post French Appetizer Recipes appeared first on Pardon Your French.

About Easter weekend in France

I feel like the French are particularly fond of Easter weekend, which often marks the return of the delicious bounties of Spring season. Whether religious or not, everyone loves warmer days ahead and the opportunity to throw a big festive meal. It turns out this is also my favourite meal of the year, as it’s always close to my birthday (April 1^st!).

Just like during Christmas, it’s common to see Easter decorations around town, in stores and in homes. Decorations typically include spring flowers, bunnies and ducks, and all kind of pastel décor.

Like in many other countries, we also have a tradition of decorating and exchanging Easter eggs. In schools, kids dye or paint egg shells to bring them home and decorate the house. And chocolate eggs are particularly popular too, of course!

Elaborate chocolate creations, often filled with candies or other treats, can be found in most patisseries and chocolateries. We buy them to offer to our friends and family throughout the Easter holidays or just to treat ourselves.

On Easter Sunday, a part of the French population goes to church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Churches often hold special Easter Masses, and some communities organize processions or reenactments of the Stations of the Cross.

Then, Easter Monday (Lundi de Pâques) is a public holiday and this is when the family festivities happen. The morning often starts with a big family breakfast followed by the traditional Easter egg hunt in backyards and parks.

Many people take advantage of this long weekend to spend more time with family or friends, and spend some time outside after the long winter days. The traditional Easter lunch is then celebrated around a big table with friends and family.

The traditional French Easter Menu

The Easter lunch in France, held on Monday, is a festive multicourse meal that can last several hours, sometimes until the evening – in true French fashion. It’s the start of spring and therefore the peak season for lamb, new vegetables and strawberries – all essential for making traditional French Easter recipes. On the menu, you’ll find bounties of eggs, asparagus, lamb, carrots, strawberries, rhubarb and chocolate, often lots of it!   

A traditional French Easter menu really is a meal that celebrates the bounties of the Spring season and feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here are the main dishes that capture the essence of a classic French Easter celebration.

White Asparagus à la Grenobloise

Les entrées (Starters)

In many French regions, we start the meal with a “Pâté Bérrichon” (Berry pâté), a specialty hailing from the Berry. In this French province, each family tends to have its own recipe, which is passed down from generation to generation.

Also called Easter pâté, this Berry pâté consists of a puff or shortcrust pastry crust wrapped around a meat stuffing (a choice of veal, rabbit and/or pork) with hard-boiled eggs nestled in the middle. This is a deliciously rustic dish that gets served in hefty slices, often with some leafy greens on the side. 

French-style Deviled Eggs (Oeufs Mimosa)

Highlights of the Easter starters are also spring produces which have just arrive on French stalls, with asparagus at centre stage. They are usually just steamed and served with a Mousseline sauce, a Hollandaise sauce, a Grenobloise sauce (my favorite!) or a Gribiche sauce.

Radishes served with butter are also a popular option, so are young leeks often served with vinaigrette. Peas and carrots are enjoyed in soups or quiches, and leafy greens in salads.

Last but not least, eggs are a star of the Easter celebration in France. They are served either poached, in cocottes, or as “Oeufs Mimosa,” which are French-style deviled eggs.

French Easter Starter recipes 

• Pâté Bérichon (Berry pâté)
• Oeufs Mimosa (French-style deviled eggs)
• Leeks with Dijon Shallots Vinaigrette
• Asparagus with Gribiche Sauce
• Asparagus Goat Cheese Quiche
• Sweat Pea and Ham Quiche
• Roasted Carrot Soup
• Radish Leaf Soup

One-pan garlic lamb chops

Le Plat Principal (Main Course)

The centrepiece of a traditional French Easter is undeniably the Easter lamb, symbolizing the Lamb of God in Christian tradition. The most traditional take is usually a whole leg of lamb roasted in the oven for several hours until fork tender, with very simple seasonings and white wine.

A rack of lamb is also popular for Easter, often covered with a crust of aromatics or a simple herby seasoning. For smaller tables or people who prefer saucy dishes, Navarin d’Agneau is the way to go: a delicious ragoût of lamb cooked with spring vegetables.

French Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti)

For those who prefer another meat, chicken is a popular choice (Roast Chicken, Chicken Tourte). So is rabbit, often prepared as Lapin à la Moutarde (Dijon mustard rabbit) or Lapin aux Pruneaux (rabbit with prunes).

French Easter Main recipes 

• Lamb Navarin (Navarin d’Agneau)
• French Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti)
• Lapin aux Pruneaux (Rabbit with prunes)
• Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte)
• One-pan garlic lamb chops with potatoes and carrots
• Creamy French Chicken Tarragon
• French Chicken Marengo
• French-style Braised Oxtail with carrots

French-style Glazed Carrots

Les accompagnements (The Sides)

Just like any other French celebratory meal, sides are perhaps just as important as the main. And to please everyone, Gratin Dauphinois is always a great choice. This gratin of potatoes baked in milk compliments any main dish and pleases all kids and adults.

Classic French Gratin Dauphinois

Sides are also another great way to showcase the newly arrived Spring produces: carrots, peas, new potatoes… Sides such as Carrottes Vichy (Glazed Carrots), French-style Potato Salad, Green Bean Potato Salad and French lentil Salad are very popular for Easter.

French Easter Side recipes 

• Classic French Gratin Dauphinois
• French Glazed Carrots (Carrottes vichy)
• Green Beans Almondine
• Creamy Cauliflower Gratin
• French Lentil Salad 
• Potato Piemontaise Salad
• Green Bean Potato Salad
• French Style Potato Salad 
• Crispy Duck fat Potatoes

Le Dessert (Dessert)

The most popular dessert for Easter is called “Nid de Pâques”: a bundt cake topped with strings of buttercream to recreate the look of a bird’s nest and filled with chocolate or candy eggs in the middle. Flavors vary from chocolate to praline and coffee, and I can’t tell you how much how I love this dessert!

These Easter nests are usually quite elaborate pastries and the French buy them at their local bakery rather than making them at home.

Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake

Aside from Easter nests, chocolate desserts are always high on the list for Easter. A chocolate tart, a chocolate cake or chocolate mousses served in individual cups are definite crowd-pleasers.

And for those who want more freshness for their traditional Easter dessert, tarts and cakes showcasing in-season lemon, strawberries and rhubarb are also very popular. Try a classic French Lemon Tart, a French Strawberry Tart, a Strawberry Charlotte Cake or a Strawberry Rhubarb Galette.

Classic French Lemon Tart

Lastly, a favorite Easter dessert of mine is called the “Lamala,” from Alsace: a simple genoise cake baked in a traditional lamb-shaped mold (yes, you read that right!).  The cake is very light and airy, and dusted with powdered sugar. A perfectly light ending to a big meal.

French Easter Dessert recipes

• Classic French Lemon Tart
• Reine de Saba Chocolate Cake
• French Strawberry Tart
• Dark Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
• Strawberry Charlotte Cake
• Strawberry Rhubarb Galette
• Lemon Lime Basil Tart
• Classic French Chocolate Mousse
• Classic French Crème Brûlée

Digestif (Digestive)

When lunch is over and the children have already gone hunting for chocolate eggs, adults love to sit around the table and nibble on some chocolate eggs with a glass of digestif. For Easter, liqueurs with herbal and floral flavors are very much liked, such a Chartreuse, Suze, Pastis and Crème de menthe.   

Almond Croissants

Le petit-déjeuner (breakfast)

Besides the Easter lunch, preparing a big family breakfast for Easter morning is a dear French tradition. This is a cherished moment where the French take the time to prepare homemade baked goods that go way beyond the classic baguettes and croissants.

Classic French Butter Brioche

And Brioche is undeniably the most favorite morning treat to prepare for Easter! Try a classic French all-butter brioche or a “Mouna”: a delicious orange and Anise Sugared Brioche, with Algerian origins.

For those looking for quicker treats, making crêpes, chouquettes or French toasts are great options too. 

French Easter Breakfast recipes

• French Butter Brioche 
• Orange Anise Sugared Brioche 
• French Sugar Puffs (Chouquettes)
• Classic French Toasts (Pain Perdu)
• Bakery-style Almond Croissants 

Whatever menu you decide on, I hope your Easter celebrations will be filled with joy and togetherness! If you have any questions, please leave a comment. 

The post A traditional French Easter Menu appeared first on Pardon Your French.

So while your menu may consist of many traditional dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy, here’s some inspiration for some new and exciting French flavors that will also perfectly suit your table. From a crowd-pleasing Chicken and Mushroom Pie to a classic French Potato Gratin or a simple apple cake, these are festive recipes I love to make in the Fall and that are sure to please your guests. 

Let me know in the comments if you’ve made one (or several) of them, and which one is your favorite!

Appetizers

Eggplant Toasts with Walnuts and Goat Cheese

Inspired from Mediterranean cuisine where eggplant holds a prominent role, these Eggplant Slices with Goat Cheese and Walnuts are as simple to make as they are delicious. A great, delicious recipe to celebrate this plum purple vegetable.

Make the recipe

Ham Cheese and Olive Bread

Known in French as a “cake salé” (savory cake), you’ll often find this type of rustic bread/loaf served at friendly get-togethers or for pre-meal snacks and drinks in France. They come in all variations and are traditionally cut in thin slices or cubes for guests to pick at, while mingling before dinner.

Make the recipe

Braised Beets with Kale

In this Fall-perfect dish, beets are braised in white wine until sweet and tender, mingled with chopped kale, goat cheese and crusty bread.  It is a simple, unfussy side-dish or light dinner, and it’s a wonderfully different way to enjoy beets.

Make the recipe

Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil

This Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil – known as a “Sun Tart”, in English – is a gorgeous tear-and-share French appetizer. It features two layers of buttery puff pastry with a filling of cream cheese and smoked salmon, cut and twisted into tearable strands.  

Make the recipe

Brie en Croute with Cranberries and Nuts

Brie en Croûte is a festive French appetizer that is simply perfect for entertaining. Made with store-bought puff pastry, it encases a warm and melty whole wheel of brie, that’s then topped with honey, cranberries, nuts and thyme. Serve it on a platter with fruits and crackers, and be sure to impress your guests!  

Make the recipe

French Cheese Puffs (Gougères)

Cheesy, crisp, and airy, Gougères are impossible to stop at just one! Originating from Burgundy, these French savory cheese puffs are typically served warm to accompany wine tastings in France – but there’s little wonder as to why they’re so beloved across the country. Served as appetizers or as part of a cheese platter, they are ideal for the Holidays as they’re easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Make the recipe

Starters

Roasted Carrot Soup

If you’re like me, a heartwarming soup made with seasonal vegetables never disappoints over Winter. And from my weekly rotation, this Roasted Carrot Soup has to be one of my favorites. Simple to make and affordable, this soup is creamy, satisfying and boasts delicious sweet flavors from roasted carrots. It’s also a great make-ahead and freezer friendly recipe. The perfect soup to cozy up to on colder days!

Make the recipe

Butternut Squash Soup

Comforting, nourishing and full of flavor, a simple Butternut Squash Soup is a cold weather staple. This easy-to-make, no-frill recipe requires just a few classic ingredients to create a naturally thick and creamy soup (no cream needed) with hints of sweetness and warmth. This is a simple and traditional soup recipe for everyone to have in their repertoire. 

Make the recipe

Creamy  Roasted Cauliflower Soup

A classic Breton recipe, this Cauliflower Soup uses a whole head of cauliflower, chopped and roasted, to create a thick texture that’s very satisfying and with an incredible depth of flavor. It requires staple ingredients and no cream, but tastes perfectly rich and creamy thanks to the blended cauliflower. Serve it as a side or a meal on its own, to keep you warm on crisp evenings. 

Make the recipe

French Lentil Soup

If you enjoy fresh and wholesome salads, this is a great one for your repertoire. This Classic French Lentil Salad is made using earthy, healthy Puy lentils, carrots, shallots and herbs drizzled with a quick zippy Dijon vinaigrette. It is affordable, simple to make and very satisfying. A great side dish for hosting, or as a make-ahead recipe for meals on-the-go.

Make the recipe

Mains

French Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

Known as a “Tourte”, this homemade French Chicken and Mushroom Pie is a comfort food classic through and through. It features two flaky sheets of puff pastry (homemade or store bought), encasing a creamy filling of mushrooms, bacon and chicken breast pieces, flavored with thyme and Dijon mustard. This is a wonderfully hearty dish, perfect for autumn or winter.

Make the recipe

French Roast Chicken

Known as Poulet Rôti, a French Roast Chicken is an unbeatable favorite in any household to wrap up the week. In true French fashion, mine is full of garlic, herbs and lots of butter – sneaked both under and over the skin before cooking and basted with plenty more during cooking. The result is succulent flavors, juicy meat all around and a crispy golden skin.

Make the recipe

Classic French Hunter’s Chicken Stew

A classic from the French repertoire, this Chicken Chasseur is a stew originally born from hunters returning home with their bounty of small game and wild mushrooms. In this classic version of the dish, bone-in chicken pieces and loads of mushrooms are braised in tomato sauce with white wine and fresh herbs, with a big dollop of butter to enrich the sauce at the end.

Make the recipe

Chicken Fricassee with Shallots and Bacon

A French Chicken Fricassée is the perfect combination of simplicity and comfort.This French classic featuring chicken seared in butter and then braised in white wine, likely knows as many variations as there are grandmothers in France – and for good reason. It is a simple single-pot recipe that uses humble ingredients, comes together easily and is very versatile. With shallots and bacon, this version of a Chicken Fricassée is deliciously sweet, salty, and full of comfort.

Make the recipe

Classic French Beef Bourguignon

Fork-tender beef in a rich red-wine gravy nestled with veggies makes the Beef Bourguignon one of the most acclaimed French recipes around the world. As its name suggests, this beef stew originates from Burgundy (Bourgogne), a French region prized for producing exceptional cattle meat as well as red wine, which are both the star ingredients of this local dish. Beef Bourguignon is rich, earthy and indulgent.

Make the recipe

French Chicken Marengo

Chicken Marengo is a classic French dish named after the Battle of Marengo, a victory for Napoleon’s French troops in 1800. This saucy one-pot dish is a tasty combination of chicken thighs braised in a white wine, tomato and mushroom sauce – livened up with orange zest. This is a wholesome meal to serve for your family or dinner guests, and is guaranteed to please.

Make the recipe

Sides

French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad

With crisp greens and tender potatoes, this French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is a satisfying yet light salad that yields bold Mediterranean flavors. As per French tradition, it is not tossed in mayo, but instead a delicious, zippy French-style vinaigrette spiked with briny olives, capers and fresh herbs. It’s a great side dish for gatherings or potlucks. Add hard-boiled eggs on top to make it the perfect warm-weather lunch!

Make the recipe

Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin

This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is a simple and utterly comforting dish, making do with “Potimarron” (red kuri squash): a star of French market stalls during the Fall and Winter months. This gratin features layers of tender and sweet squash, tangy blue cheese with crème fraiche, walnuts and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This is a great dish for vegetarians, or a festive side dish to serve alongside meat or fish during gatherings – especially perfect for a unique Thanksgiving side!

Make the recipe

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gruyère Gratin is an elegant yet cozy side dish to enjoy all throughout Winter. It features Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized, coated in a rich creamy sauce laden with Gruyère cheese and finally baked until crisp and bubbly. This is a flavorful veggie-focused recipe that can be prepared in advance. Perfect for the Holidays or any chilly day, really! 

Make the recipe

Classic French Gratin Dauphinois

Potatoes, milk, cream and a touch of other ingredients. The Classic French Gratin Dauphinois is proof that French cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated and often relies on simple ingredients to create a decadent dish. In this traditional French gratin, thinly sliced potatoes are baked slowly in creamy milk until utterly tender. It is a great classic of the French culinary repertoire, and one of the most beloved dishes to make in the Winter. 

Make the recipe

Green Beans Almondine

Green Beans Almondine – or Amandine in French – is a classic French side dish that’s quick, easy and elegant. Crisp green beans are tossed in brown butter with toasted almonds and shallots for a healty-ish side that’s buttery, nutty and crunchy. It’s a great dish for the Holidays, or dinner any night of the week!

Make the recipe

French-Style Potato Salad

No mayo, fresh herbs and zippy add-ons are what make a Classic French-Style Potato Salad a Summer favorite! In comparison to its American counterpart, almost always thickly dressed with mayonnaise, the French-style potato salad relies on a lively vinaigrette dressing to create a more elegant and lighter version of this staple.

Make the recipe

Desserts

Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake

This Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake is one of Julia Child’s most famous recipes, and for all the right reasons. It’s a simple cake recipe that yields a rich chocolatey taste with hints of almonds and a thin layer of chocolate buttercream to wow your guests. If you are learning French baking and need a staple dessert up your sleeve, the cake is a must!

Make the recipe

Classic Tarte Tatin

Simpler to make than apple pie, a Tarte Tatin defies the cliché of fussy, flawless French desserts, while offering that same rich, sophisticated taste. Made with juicy apples doused in sweet caramel and draped with a buttery crust, it proves how simple ingredients can work magic together. An absolute must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess)! 

Make the recipe

Classic French Apple Cake

A tender, buttery, rum-flavored crumb nestled with big chunks of apples makes the Classic French Apple Cake a delicious staple. Right before baking, the cake gets dusted with sugar to create a signature crackly top that makes it even more unique, all while letting the apples shine beautifully. It is a simple and timeless cake recipe, just sweet enough and with a delightful more-apple-than-crumb-ratio. A must for your French baking repertoire.

Make the recipe

French Almond Pear Gratin

The French Almond Pear Gratin, also known as “Gratin de Poires aux Amandes,” combines the sweetness of pears with the rich nuttiness of almonds, creating a delightful and comforting treat – one that’s naturally gluten free. It features softly baked pears nestled in a bed of almond cream, creating a perfect match of texture and flavor. Embrace this rustic dessert, on the table in less than an hour, for the cozy season.

Make the recipe

Apple Cinnamon Galette

This Apple Cinnamon Galette, or a “Tarte Rustique” as we call it in France, holds all the deliciousness of an apple pie but with half the work. This rustic-looking fruit tart features a flaky all-butter crust, folded in a free form manner over crisp apples. It is an uncomplicated Fall dessert that doesn’t require much time to assemble nor does it require a pie dish. It’s laid-back, comforting and always a crowd pleaser.

Make the recipe

The post French Recipes for Thanksgiving appeared first on Pardon Your French.

So here is a roundup of some favorite French soup recipes from the blog – and my cookbook – to give you some inspiration. Let me know in the comments if you’ve made one (or several) of them, and which one is your favorite!

Smoked Ham Hock Bean Cabbage Soup (Garbure)

The Garbure is a rustic soup from the Gascony region consisting of smoked ham hock, beans, cabbage and seasonal vegetables slowly stewed. It’s rich, full of smokey flavor and intentionally thick: it’s said a Garbure is ready when the ladle can stand upright in the pot. This robust soup is a great classic of French mountain cooking and best enjoyed on a blistery Winter day.

Make the recipe

Roasted Carrot Soup

If you’re like me, a heartwarming soup made with seasonal vegetables never disappoints over Winter. And from my weekly rotation, this Roasted Carrot Soup has to be one of my favorites. Simple to make and affordable, this soup is creamy, satisfying and boasts delicious sweet flavors from roasted carrots. It’s also a great make-ahead and freezer friendly recipe.

Make the recipe

French Onion Soup

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, look no further than this French Onion Soup recipe. This timeless French bistro classic is loved for its rich caramelized onions, savory broth and bubbly, cheesy topping.

Make the recipe

Classic French Lentil Soup

A warm, cozy yet healthy-ish meal is what we often yearn for during the colder seasons – and this French Lentil Soup is just that. Made with heaps of lentils, carrots, celery, ham and spices for good measure, this soup is a simple recipe that delivers big flavors. It’s hearty, filling and with a texture that is both creamy and chunky. This is a delicious staple for a weekday dinner to cozy up to. 

Make the recipe

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

A classic Breton recipe, this Cauliflower Soup uses a whole head of cauliflower, chopped and roasted, to create a thick texture that’s very satisfying and with an incredible depth of flavor. It requires staple ingredients and no cream, but tastes perfectly rich and creamy thanks to the blended cauliflower. Serve it as a side or a meal on its own, to keep you warm on crisp evenings. 

Make the recipe

French Cabbage and Sausage Soup

Known in French as Soupe Paysanne, this Cabbage and Sausage Soup is a rustic recipe that takes centre stage on French family tables throughout Winter. This one is loaded with cabbage, carrots, leek, smoked pork sausage and potatoes in a flavourful broth. It is a perfectly hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup that satisfies and warms you up during colder days.

Make the recipe

Watercress Soup (Soupe de Cresson)

This Watercress Soup, known as “Soupe de Cresson” in French, is a typical recette de grand–mère, aka a “grandmother’s recipe”. Made of onions, potatoes for extra body, and bright peppery-tasting watercress, this soup offers healthy comfort for the soul. But you can still dress it up with a dollop of crème fraiche for a touch of richness.

Make the recipe

Classic French Carrot Soup (Potage Crecy)

A classic from the French repertoire, this Carrot Soup (also known as Potage Crécy) mixes carrots and rice to create a deliciously thick and sweet soup. It is then enriched with crème fraiche for extra richness and body, making it perfect for dinner or packed up for a quick lunch. 

Make the recipe

Split Pea Bacon Soup (Potage Saint Germain)

Known as “Potage Saint-Germain”, this Split Pea Bacon Soup is a staple French recipe that combines earthy green split peas with vegetables, pureed until smooth, and topped with crispy bacon for good smoky flavor. This is an easy and affordable soup to make. It’s thick, creamy and very satisfying. Another classic recipe for your French repertoire – it will surely be a family favorite.

Make the recipe

Provencal Garlic Soup (Aïgo Boulido)

Translating in Provencal dialect as “boiled water”, the Aïgo Boulido is an unassuming broth of garlic and sage, enriched with eggs. It is delicately aromatic and believed to have powerful curative properties. This soup is widely consumed in the South of France to aid digestion, ward off winter ills, as a detox soup after days of feasting – and as a salving cure for hangovers too.

Make the recipe

Tomato Velouté Soup

Velvety smooth and full of flavor, a Tomato Velouté Soup is a delicious bowl of comfort and the best way to use up fresh tomatoes from your garden in the Summer. In the Winter, when tomatoes aren’t in season, I use canned diced tomatoes instead – choose a “no salt added” brand. This is a simple recipe made in under 30 minutes. You’ll  never want to reach for canned soup again!

Make the recipe

Creamy Leek and Potato Soup (Soupe Vichyssoise)

Known in French as Soupe Vichyssoise (or sometimes “Potage Parmentier), this soup is made of puréed leeks and potatoes, enriched with cream. This is a simple soup that’s absolutely comforting when enjoyed warm on a chilly day.

Make the recipe

Creamy Chestnut Soup

This creamy chestnut soup, or “Soupe Aux Marrons” is a wholesome soup and a French favorite all throughout Winter. Fresh chestnuts are simmered in an aromatic broth and then pureed until smooth, creating a luxuriously thick, creamy texture with the full-on sweet buttery taste of fresh chestnuts.

Make the recipe

2 bonus recipes you can find in my cookbook… 

Winter Vegetable and Crushed Ham Soup (La Bréjaude)

This Bréjaude soup, from the Limousin region in central France, takes it name from the word bréjer which means “to crush” in the local dialect. In addition to crushed pork, it features chunky vegetables and is traditional poured over bread, which makes for a robust bowl of soup that’s perfect for cold winter days. You can find this recipe in my cookbook Rustic French Cooking Made Easy. 

One-Pot French Onion Soup (Gratinée à l’Oignon)

Bread, cheese and wine. Clearly, this quintessential French soup was bound to become one the most sought-after dishes from the French repertoire. This deliciously iconic soup is a breeze to re-create at home, and with just a few ingredients. You can find this recipe in my cookbook Rustic French Cooking Made Easy. 

The post French Soups for the cold season appeared first on Pardon Your French.

Scroll through to find one or more simple French recipes to enjoy this apple season!

Classic French Apple Cake

A tender, buttery, rum-flavored crumb nestled with big chunks of apples makes the Classic French Apple Cake a delicious staple. Right before baking, the cake gets dusted with sugar to create a signature crackly top that makes it even more unique, all while letting the apples shine beautifully. This is one of the most popular and loved recipes on the blog. 

Make the recipe

Apple Breton Pound Cake

A Breton Pound Cake, known as “Quatre-Quarts” (four quarters) is the ubiquitous French snacking cake. It’s simple, not-too-sweet, just dense enough to be eaten with your hands and full of buttery flavors. This version is studded with lightly caramelized apple chunks to keep it moist and irresistible. A great year-round recipe for your baking repertoire!

Make the recipe

Apple Jelly

This simple, no-waste apple jelly recipe uses whole apples – cores and peels included – to make a sweet, juicy tasting and colorfully translucent preserve. Enjoy it as a spread for breakfast, to glaze your roasts or serve it on a cheese platter. It also makes a great Holiday favor when visiting friends and family!

Make the recipe

Apple Crinkle Cake (Gâteau Froissé)

Looking for a show-stopping yet simple dessert? This Apple Crinkle Cake combines crispy phyllo layers, sweet apples and a rich vanilla custard, for the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess.

Make the recipe

Skillet Caramelized Apple Cake from Brittany

Known in French as a “Michon aux Pommes”, this rustic-looking dessert features a succulent flan-like texture and big clusters of caramelized apples. As fragrant and luscious as it is, the recipe is ridiculously simple and thrown together in a few short minutes, for a result that is big in flavor and exciting textures.   

Make the recipe

Normandy Apple Tarte (Tarte Normande)

Normandy Apple Tart is a classic French dessert that features a buttery, flaky pastry crust filled with sliced apples and a creamy Calvados-spiked filling. This tart is best served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s a perfect dessert for fall or winter gatherings and will satisfy any sweet tooth!

Make the recipe

Classic French Tarte Tatin

As apple tarts go in France, I don’t think you’ll find more iconic than the classic Tarte Tatin. This tart of caramelized apples and crisp buttery crust turned upside-down, is an icon of French cuisine and a must to have in your baking repertoire as a French host(ess). 

Make the recipe

Apple Cinnamon Galette

This Apple Cinnamon Galette, or a “Tarte Rustique” as we call it in France, holds all the deliciousness of an apple pie but with half the work. This rustic-looking fruit tart features a flaky all-butter crust, folded in a free form manner over crisp apples. 

Make the recipe

Gluten Free Apple Crisp

This Gluten-Free Apple Crisp is proof that healthier desserts don’t have to be boring. Made of melty apples under a crisp gluten-free topping of ground almond, oats and pecans, this rustic dessert is pure comfort. I love how it’s a snap to prepare, it doesn’t have to look perfect and it’s a delicious crowd pleaser.

Make the recipe

French Thin Apple Tart

This Tarte Fine aux Pommes – literally “Thin Apple Tart” – is a French bakery staple in the Fall. It features a thin puff-pastry crust with no raised borders, thin apple slices for topping and crisp caramelized edges.

Make the recipe

Invisible Apple Cake Recipe

A French home baker’s favorite, the Invisible Apple Cake is a deceptively easy, yet exceptional recipe for apple season. It features nearly invisible apple slices layered in a custardy batter and baked until sweet, melty and golden.

Make the recipe

Buttered Cabbage & Apple

Known in French as an “Embeurrée de choux”, this Buttered Cabbage recipe is a cold-weather staple hailing from central France. The idea here is to turn shredded cabbage utterly soft and melty by cooking it in a generous amount of butter, along with onions garlic and a sprinkle of fragrant Juniper berries.

Make the recipe

Pork Chops with Apples and Cider Sauce

Pork chops, apples and cider collide in this typical dish from Brittany – a French region famous for its apple orchards and pig farms. These Pork Chops with Apples served in a cider-spiked creamy sauce are a favorite recipe amongst Brittany home cooks, as it’s a simple one-pan dish that boasts delicious sweet and savory flavors.

Make the recipe

Poulet Vallée d’Auge (Cider-Braised Chicken with Apples and Mushrooms)

A comforting one-pot recipe hailing from beautiful Normandy, featuring chicken leg quarters braised in apple cider and served in a creamy apple-and-mushroom studded sauce. You can find this recipe in my cookbook Rustic French Cooking Made Easy. 

Get the cookbook

If you try any of these French Apple recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, rate them, and don’t forget to tag a photo @pardonyourfrench on Instagram. Bon appétit !

The post Easy French Apple Recipes appeared first on Pardon Your French.

From refreshing ratatouille to creamy roasted eggplant dip, rice and tuna salad, and summery tarts, I’ve gathered for you my favorite Bastille day recipes that are festive, easy to prep, and perfect for an authentic French-inspired celebration. Plus, I am including a few tips to host a Bastille Day celebration wherever you are. Bonne fête nationale !

Easy Bastille Day Starters

Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine)

Known as “Caviar d’Aubergine”, this eggplant caviar dip is a staple of the French apéro: the pre-dinner snacks and drinks. It is a creamy and flavorful dip made of roasted eggplant, shallots and garlic, seasoned with fresh herbs and seasonings.

Try the recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Dip (Poivronade)

Smooth, savory, and tangy, this dip is made with sweet roasted peppers, feta, parmesan, and basil. A perfect apéro with fresh baguette slices or crudités.

Try the recipe

Black Olive Tapenade

This spread of black olives and capers is a culinary icon in the region of Provence and a perfect drinking companion – as all salty snacks are. This is one of my most iconic Bastille day recipes to prepare and bring to an outdoor gathering, it’s always a hit!

Try the recipe

Classic French Grated Carrot Salad (carottes rapées)

This classic bistro salad features grated carrots tossed with herbs, a light dressing, and a generous mix of raisins and nuts for texture and flavor. It’s crunchy, tangy, refreshing—and a vibrant, healthy addition to any table.

Try the recipe

Ham, Cheese & Olive Bread

This Ham Cheese and Olive Bread is savory and flavorful, but not too rich nor moist. It has a tender crumb that’s both cheesy and eggy, spruced up with dried herbs and nestled with salty ham cubes and briny olives.

Try the recipe

French-style Cucumber Salad with crème fraiche

This classic French recipe combines thinly sliced cucumber with tangy shallots, chopped herbs like chives and dill, and a smooth, creamy dressing made with crème fraîche and lemon juice. 

Try the recipe

French-style Egg Salad

Unlike the richer, mayo-heavy American version, this egg salad is lighter and brighter, with generous chunks of tender eggs, crunchy cornichons, briny capers and a handful of fresh herbs that brings everything to life.

Try the recipe

Ratatouille (Stovetop version)

This classic Provençal vegetable stew is full of color and summer flavor—zucchini, eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, simmered slowly until meltingly tender. Serve warm or cold. Bonus: it’s even better made ahead!

Try the recipe

Seasonal Mains for a French Feast

French-style Potato Salad

A no-mayo potato salad that’s full of Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and tangy vinegar. It travels well and pairs perfectly with grilled meats or quiches.

Try the recipe

Savory, Tomato, Corn and Gruyere Galette

With ripe tomatoes, sweet corn and salty Gruyère cheese held together in a flaky crust, this savory Galette hits all the right marks: seasonal, quick and delicious for a late Summer lunch or dinner.

Try the recipe

Classic French Tomato Mustard Tart 

This savory Tomato Mustard Tart is a classic Summer recipe that French home cooks love to make every year when tomatoes are in season. It features a buttery puff pastry, with in-season ripe tomatoes, a sprinkle of grated cheese and a heavy smear of Dijon Mustard at the bottom.

Try the recipe

French-Style Green Bean & Potato Salad

With crisp greens and tender potatoes, this French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is a satisfying yet light salad that yields bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s a great recipe for gatherings or potlucks.

Try the recipe

French-Style Rice and Tuna Salad

This vibrant mix includes rice, tender tuna chunks, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp bell peppers and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing yet filling salad, perfect for serving at a luncheon, as a side dish for a barbecue, or packed for a picnic or potluck.

Try the recipe

Crustless Quiche with Summer vegetables

This crustless quiche embraces ripe summer vegetables: zucchini, eggplant and cherry tomatoes, all encased in a rich egg custard with melty Swiss cheese and fresh herbs. This is a perfect gluten-free brunch, lunch, or dinner that you can easily prepare ahead as well!

Try the recipe

French Lentil Salad with Tomatoes

This salad features earthy Puy lentils mingling with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, all brought to life with loads of fresh herbs and a zippy dressing with red onions.

Try the recipe

French Summer Desserts

Classic French Cherry Clafoutis

Some fresh seasonal cherries and a few basic baking ingredients (flour, sugar, eggs and milk) is all you need to create this utterly delicious dessert in your own kitchen. Enjoy it warm or cold. 

Try the recipe

Apricot Almond Frangipane Tart 

This Apricot Frangipane Tart is a French Summer classic, through and through. Made with ripe apricots baked in an almond frangipane over a buttery crust, it is a favorite to bake in French households during stone fruit season.

Try the recipe

Classic French Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

A crisp buttery crust with a smooth tangy lemon custard. That is all you need to recreate this utterly iconic French dessert: a Classic French Lemon Tart. 

Try the recipe

Peach and Blueberry Galette

This rustic fruit tart features a flaky all-butter crust, folded in a free form manner over ripe Summer fruits. An uncomplicated dessert to make during those hot summer days. 

Try the recipe

Alsatian Blueberry Tart

This rustic Alsatian Blueberry Tart is a quintessential Summer dessert, hailing from the Alsace region in the Eastern part of France, where blueberries are plentiful. 

Try the recipe

Peach Crème Fraiche Streusel Tart 

 This rustic dessert combines a classic French shortcrust (Pâte Sablée) with ripe peaches dotted with crème fraiche and then topped with a crumbly streusel. It is the perfect combination of sweet juicy flavors from baked peaches, slight tartness from the crème fraiche and a satisfying crispness from the streusel.

Try the recipe

Classic French Tarte aux Fraises

This traditional French dessert combines a buttery pastry crust with juicy ripe strawberries arranged on a layer of velvety crème pâtissière.

Try the recipe

Classic French Fruit Tart

The Classic Fruit French Tart – known as Tarte aux fruits frais – is an ultimate Summer show-stopper. It features a buttery, sweet pastry crust filled with rich pastry cream and topped with colorful fresh fruits and an apricot glaze.

Try the recipe

Fresh Strawberry Moelleux Cake

A “moelleux” is a very casual yet scrumptious French cake made with the simplest of ingredients and a generous amount of butter, for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The crumb is rich and a little dense, which makes it the perfect vessel for ripe Summer berries or stone fruits.

Try the recipe

French-style Cherry Cake (Gâteau aux cerises)

Here’s to the perfect summer treat – a Cherry Cake, inspired by the beloved dessert from the Vosges Mountains, in Eastern France. This cake is light, airy, bouncy and nestled with sweet, juicy cherries. It’s the perfect baked good to celebrate cherry season and enjoy all summer long.

Try the recipe

Do not hesitate to share your favorite recipe(s) to make for Bastille Day in the comments section at the bottom of this post!

How to celebrate like the French

Planning a July 14 gathering and want to channel the spirit of Bastille Day? Here’s how to host a fête that feels authentically French:

• Savor the season: Bastille Day meals celebrate the best of summer. Serve dishes featuring seasonal produce like ripe tomatoes, zucchini, juicy stone fruits, and fresh berries for a table full of flavor and color.
• Toast with French flair: Rosé is the quintessential summer sip in France—refreshing and effortlessly chic. A crisp white also pairs beautifully with Provençal dishes like Chicken Provençal or seafood.
• Dine Al Fresco: Nothing says très français like a picnic or garden party. July 14 is usually warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the day outside. And come evening, fireworks light up the skies across France—whether you’re in a park, on a beach, or in your backyard, you’ll have the best seat in the house.
• Set the mood with music: Create an atmosphere with a mix of Francophone classics and contemporary chansons. Think Édith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Stromae or Angèle —anything that adds rhythm to your celebration.

Bastille Day Recipe FAQs

What is Bastille Day?

Bastille Day, celebrated on July 14, is France’s national holiday. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789—a key event at the start of the French Revolution. In spirit, it is like the U.S. Independence Day for the French : Bastille Day is a patriotic celebration of national identity, with fireworks, flags, and festivities. Both are summer holidays marked with food, gatherings, and a very festive atmosphere. Here is a good article on Bastille Day if you would like to learn more. 

How is Bastille Day celebrated in France?
The day is marked with military parades, fireworks, concerts, and public festivities across France. Families and friends often gather for outdoor meals, featuring seasonal French dishes, wine, and music. Where I live in Brittany, we usually gather on the beach, enjoy a time of swimming and sun-tanning, followed by a big picnic to wrap up the day. 

What do the French eat on Bastille Day?
It depends on the region, but common Bastille day recipes include cold salads, dips and breads, quiches, charcuterie, grilled meats, and fruit-based desserts. Light, summery fare is typical—often enjoyed picnic-style or at garden parties. So finger foods and dishes that resist outdoor heat are prefered.

What dessert is served on Bastille Day?
Tarts are a popular pick—lemon tart, fruit tart, or even clafoutis. Anything seasonal and fresh!

Can I prepare these Bastille Day recipes ahead of time?
Many of these dishes are served cold so you can prepare them ahead and simply pop them in the fridge until serving. Also, some of the dishes including ratatouille, potato salad and even the lemon tart are even better the next day.

The post Seasonal French Dishes to Celebrate July 14 appeared first on Pardon Your French.

Bon appétit, happy Easter—or as we say in France, Joyeuses Pâques!

The Traditional French Easter Menu

The French Easter meal is traditionally enjoyed on the Sunday or Easter Monday, which is a public holiday in France. The meal usually consists of chicken or lamb, served with roasted potatoes and sides of vegetables – usually seasonal carrots. As asparagus come into Season, they are often served as a starter or as a side as well.  A large cheese platter served before dessert is a must during any French meal, and Easter is no exception. Finally, for dessert, Easter classically calls for either a big chocolate dessert (like a Queen of Sheba Cake, a Moelleux Chocolate Cake or individual chocolate mousse cups) or a strawberry dessert, like a Classic French Strawberry Tart. And of course, a typical Easter feast is always finished off with an Easter egg hunt in the backyard or nearby park – for the kids and kids alike. 

That said, the French nowadays tend to get more and more creative with their Easter menu, making the most of seasonal ingredients. While we tend to stick to tradition when it comes to the Christmas menu, it is safe to say we allow more modern takes for the Easter menu. 

French appetizers for Easter

• French-style Deviled Eggs (Oeufs Mimosa)

This beloved French treat, “Oeufs Mimosa,” is the perfect addition to your Easter table. Hard-boiled eggs are carefully halved and filled with a creamy, indulgent mixture of egg yolks, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs.

• White Asparagus à la Grenobloise

This simple starter of White Asparagus à la Grenobloise is a French Spring classic. Tender and slightly sweet white asparagus, which are incredibly popular in France, are doused with a tangy Grenobloise sauce of butter, lemon, capers, parsley and crunchy croutons.

• French Antillean Cod Fritters (Accras de Morue)

A fun way to bring some French Caribean flavors to your Easter table! These crispy, golden bites made with the perfect blend of salted cod, aromatic herbs, and spices. 

• Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine)

Known as “Caviar d’Aubergine”, this eggplant caviar dip is a staple of the French apéro: the pre-dinner snacks and drinks. It is a creamy and flavorful dip made of roasted eggplant, shallots and garlic, seasoned with fresh herbs and seasonings.

• Creamy Roasted Caulilower Soup

This Cauliflower Soup is a celebration of spring, featuring a whole head of cauliflower, lovingly chopped and roasted to bring out its natural sweetness. The roasting gives the soup a wonderfully thick texture and an incredible depth of flavor—perfect for warming up this Easter season.

• Roasted Carrot Soup

Simple to make and affordable, this soup is creamy, satisfying and boasts delicious sweet flavors from roasted carrots. It’s also a great make-ahead and freezer friendly recipe. 

• Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil

This Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Tarte Soleil – known as a “Sun Tart”, in English – is a gorgeous tear-and-share French appetizer. It features two layers of buttery puff pastry with a filling of cream cheese and smoked salmon, cut and twisted into tearable strands. 

• Classic French Salmon Rillettes

These salmon rillettes, made with both poached and smoked salmon, are a simple yet sophisticated spread bursting with flavor—perfect for your Easter table. Whether enjoyed on crackers or fresh bread, they’re sure to impress your guests.

French mains for Easter

• Lamb Navarin (Navarin d’Agneau) 

This beloved French dish is a staple for Easter celebrations. A traditional meat stew, it features tender lamb chunks simmered with an abundance of seasonal vegetables, including carrots, peas, turnips, and new potatoes. Hearty yet light, this comforting dish is the perfect way to bid farewell to winter and embrace the arrival of spring.

• Braised Pork Loin with Prunes (Porc aux Pruneaux)

In my home region of Brittany, Porc aux pruneaux is especially popular for Easter, making it a cherished tradition at family gatherings. Slow-cooked in white wine, the pork becomes irresistibly tender, soaking up a rich depth of flavor complemented by sweet onions and luscious, melt-in-your-mouth prunes. 

• One-pan Garlicky Lamb Chops with Carrots & Potatoes

If you want to keep your Easter hosting stress-free, a one-pan lamb dish is a fantastic alternative to the traditional rack of lamb. This simple yet flavorful recipe delivers all the classic Easter lamb flavors with half the effort. Plus, it’s perfect for hosting a small gathering of four!

• French Chicken and Mushroom Pie (Tourte)

This homemade French Chicken and Mushroom Pie, known as a “Tourte,” is the epitome of comfort food. Encased in two layers of golden, flaky puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), it boasts a rich, creamy filling of tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy bacon, enhanced with thyme and Dijon mustard for a burst of flavor. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a special Easter gathering. 

• Creamy French Tarragon Chicken (Poulet à l’Estragon)

This creamy French Chicken Tarragon, known as “Poulet à l’Estragon”, is a simple one-pan recipe that’s both comforting and fresh tasting.The delicate aniseed-like notes of fresh tarragon make this dish truly special. A traditional dish for Easter, with unique flavors !

• French Style Roasted Chicken

Nothing beats a classic French roast chicken to bring everyone together around the table! Juicy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe never fails.

• French Chicken Marengo 

Tender chicken thighs are braised in a luscious sauce made of white wine, tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms, then brightened up with a hint of fresh orange zest. This traditional French Chicken Marengo dish is a comforting one-pot wonder that brings a bit of French elegance and springtime joy to any festive meal!

• French Beef Daube (Traditional Provençal Stew)

If you’re looking to bring a taste of Southern France to your Easter table, this recipe is a great choice! Beef Dauce is a slow-cooked Provençal stew featuring tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, rich red wine, and the earthy flavors of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. What makes it extra special are the subtle touches of clove, juniper berry, and orange peel, which add a cozy, aromatic warmth. 

• French-Style Braised Oxtail with Carrots

This Queue de Boeuf aux Carottes is a classic French-style braised oxtail that’s perfect for a cozy Easter feast. The tender oxtail practically falls off the bone, soaking up a deliciously rich, velvety red wine sauce, packed with the sweetness of carrots, leeks, and fragrant herbs. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, making it the ideal centerpiece for a special holiday meal.

• Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Choux Farcis)

Choux Farcis can be a fun twist for your Easter table! Imagine tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground sausage, bacon, egg, and pork, then lovingly rolled into little parcels and slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth.

French Sides for Easter

• Crispy Duck Fat Potatoes

“Pommes de Terre Sarladaises” is a beloved classic from the south-west of France. These tender potato slices are cooked in rich duck fat, then finished off with a punch of garlic and fresh parsley. It’s a deceptively simple dish, but the duck fat brings all the flavors! Perfect for anyone who loves a side dish with bold, hearty flavors!

• Classic French Potato Gratin Dauphinois

The ultimate French side dish! This delicious “Dauphinois” potato gratin is the perfect accompaniment to any meat—whether it’s beef, lamb, pork, or chicken—or even fish. It’s an absolute must-try!

• Classic French-Style Potato Salad

Fresh herbs, a zesty vinaigrette, and a few playful add-ons turn this Classic French-Style Potato Salad into the perfect dish for spring gatherings—especially Easter! Unlike its heavy, mayo-laden American cousin, this version is all about lightness and elegance.

• Classic French Lentil Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant salad to brighten up your Easter table, this Classic French Lentil Salad is a must-try! Packed with the earthy goodness of Puy lentils, sweet carrots, fragrant shallots, and a touch of fresh herbs, it’s the perfect balance of wholesome and flavorful.

• French-style Potato and Green Bean Salad 

A true spring delight! This French-Style Potato and Green Bean Salad is the perfect dish to bring to the table. Crisp green beans and tender potatoes create a fresh, vibrant base, while the bold, Mediterranean flavors shine through. 

• Vichy Carrots (French-style Glazed Carrots)

A wildly popular side dish in France, Vichy Carrots feature perfectly tender carrot coins cooked in butter, sugar, and water until it reduces into a sweet buttery glaze, which is then finished off with fresh parsley.

• Classic French Celery Root Remoulade

French Desserts for Easter

• Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake (Reine de Saba)

This Queen of Sheba Chocolate Cake is one of Julia Child’s most famous recipes, and for all the right reasons. It’s a simple cake recipe that yields a rich chocolatey taste with hints of almonds and a thin layer of chocolate buttercream to wow your guests.

• Chocolate Moelleux Cake

This is a true French classic, perfect for the Easter season: a Chocolate Moelleux Cake. It’s a rich, indulgent treat that celebrates all things chocolate, with a simple yet luxurious blend of eggs, sugar, butter, and high-quality dark chocolate.

• Classic French Chocolate Mousse

Rich and indulgent yet wonderfully refined, a Classic French Chocolate Mousse is the perfect treat to share with loved ones this Easter. With just a few simple ingredients—chocolate, eggs, butter, and sugar—it comes together to create a velvety, airy texture and an intensely chocolatey flavor

• Double Chocolate Twice-Baked Cookies

Perfect chocolatey cookies to finish up your Easter meal with a cup of coffee!

• Classic French Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

A slice of spring on your plate.! This Easter, treat yourself to the delightful simplicity of a Classic French Lemon Tart, a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is iconic. Perfect for celebrating the season with a burst of citrus sunshine!

• Classic French Fruit Tart (Tarte aux Fruits Frais)

This traditional French Tart features a buttery, sweet pastry crust filled with rich pastry cream and topped with colorful fresh fruits and an apricot glaze.

• Classic French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

This classic French dessert is a perfect celebration of Spring, featuring a buttery pastry crust filled with velvety crème pâtissière and topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. As Easter arrives and strawberry season begins, this delightful tart becomes a staple in boulangeries (bakeries) all over France.

• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

A sweet tangy filling bubbling underneath a buttery oat crumble… This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp has to be one of my favorite Spring desserts. It just has it all: it’s a snap to prepare, it doesn’t have to look perfect and it’s a delicious crowd pleaser. 

• Strawberry Rhubarb Galette

Another great recipe if you’re a fan of the Strawberry-Rhubarb combo! Easier than pie but just as delicious, this Strawberry Rhubarb Galette features a flaky all-butter crust, folded in a free form manner over a sweet filling of ripe strawberries and tangy rhubarb. 

French Breakfast and Brunch ideas for Easter

• Classic French Crêpes

Crêpes are a true French favorite, loved for their light, airy texture and endless possibilities. Perfect for any meal—whether you’re serving them sweet or savory—they’re a delightful addition to your Easter brunch spread.

• Bakery-Style Almond Croissants

Almond Croissants are a French brunch classic that’s surprisingly easy to make at home! Just use day-old croissants, fill them with almond cream, and top with syrup and shaved almonds. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have warm, flaky pastries packed with almond flavor—perfect for your Easter brunch spread!

• Classic French Toast (Pain Perdu)

These sweet, tender slices of bread, dipped in an eggy mixture and toasted to perfection, make for a cozy, delicious Easter brunch. Known as Pain Perdu, this dish reflects the French reverence for bread and their belief in never wasting it.

• Classic French Butter Brioche (Brioche Pur Beurre)

Nothing says Easter brunch like a Classic French Butter Brioche, or “Brioche pur Beurre.” This soft, pillowy bread is rich with butter, making it the perfect indulgence for a festive morning.

• Chouquettes (French Sugar Puffs)

Chouquettes are also a fun treat to make at home. They’re easy, quick and require only staple ingredients… and they’ll disappear fast! 

• Chocolate Vanilla Mable Cake (Gâteau Marbré)

A quick and easy cake recipe with a buttery and tender crumb and beautiful chocolate and vanilla swirls. 

• Pea and ham Quiche

For an Easter Brunch, quich is always a good idea! This one is loaded with sweet peas, cheese and diced ham. 

Don’t hesitate to leave a comment to share your traditional Easter menu! If you do make a recipe from this French Easter roundup, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram.

The post French Recipes for Easter appeared first on Pardon Your French.

I am also taking this chance to express a huge thank you to you all! Thank you for following along my cooking adventures… for cooking my recipes… sharing photos on social media and for always showing your support and kindness. 2021 has been a record-breaking year for this blog, with an ever-growing audience! My social media audience has been growing too and we are close to 10,000 subscribers to the newsletter! It is incredible to see all of you cooking and baking, and it is the best reward and motivation to keep going. 

And now, without further ado… Here are the 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2021. 

Let me know in the comments if you’ve made one (or several) of them, and which one is your favorite! 

10. Classic French Chocolate Pots de Crème

9. Classic French Beef Bourguignon

8. Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake

7. Classic French Apple Cake

6. Three  Day Classic French Croissants

5. French Antilles Coconut Flan (Flan Coco)

4. Classic French Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)

3. Classic Tarte Tatin

2. French-Style Potato Salad

1. Classic French Lemon Tart (Tarte au Citron)

And even though these ones are not included in the “Most Popular Recipes of 2021” round up, I also wanted to include a few of my personal favorite recipes published on the blog this year:

• Split Pea Bacon Soup (Potage Saint Germain) 
• Fresh Tomato Velouté Soup 
• Classic French Quiche Lorraine
• Chicken Fricassée with Shallots and Bacon 
• Belgian Endives & Ham Gratin
• Gluten-Free Apple Crisp 
• Apple Breton Pound Cake (Quatre-Quarts Aux Pommes)
• Strawberry Flaugnarde

The post The 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2021 appeared first on Pardon Your French.

Do not hesitate to share your favorite recipe(s) from Provence in the comments!

Eggplant Caviar Dip (Caviar d’Aubergine). A creamy and incredibly flavorful dip made from roasted eggplants, garlic and shallots with herbs and spices. Like many Mediterranean staples, it bears strong influences from the Middle East and reminds one of Baba-ganoush. But if you ask me, it is easier to make and it feels less rich, since it does not include tahini. It simply lets the beautiful flavours of roasted eggplant shine through.

Black Olive Tapenade with Crostini. What better way to help Summer linger than embracing every chance left to sit outside with a  chilled drink and, of course, some delectable nibbles on the side? And for that, the Provençal people undoubtedly have it all nailed down, with their utterly beloved and popular Black Olive Tapenade. This spread of black olives and capers is a culinary icon in the region and a perfect drinking companion – as all salty snacks are.

Classic Vegetable Tian from Provence. A Classic Vegetable Tian embodies the essence of Provençal cooking during Summer: it’s simple and makes do with the abundance of vegetables available from this sun-drenched region of France. This iconic dish that alternates slices of tomatoes, zucchini and eggplants, is colorful, full of flavor and the perfect side dish for your Summer feasts.

Cod Provençal with Tomatoes, Capers and Olives. An easy, one-pan fish dish that can be ready for the table in less than 30 minutes is always a good recipe to have in your repertoire. This classic Cod Provençal recipe boasts meaty cod loins, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce nestled with salty capers and black olives. This is a quick, simple and healthy one-pan dish that is incredibly flavorful and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Provençal Eggplant Tomato Gratin. This typical Southern French recipe includes tender slices of eggplants baked in-between layers of  tomato sauce, spiked with Herbs de Provence and loads of Parmesan cheese. This is a fuss-free recipe that makes a great side or a perfect vegetarian dinner.

Classic“Tomates Farcies” (Baked Ground Meat-Stuffed Tomatoes). A typical recipe from Provence, these Classic “Tomates Farcies” are the perfect addition to any Summer table. This unfussy recipe of ripe tomatoes, carved and filled with a stuffing of ground meat, herbs, bread and cheese is a staple dish in any French household – and a personal childhood favorite of mine. Naturally, this dish is best made at the peak of tomato season, when they are juicy, sweet and full of flavor.

Chicken Provençal with Olives and Cherry Tomatoes. With bold sun-kissed flavors, this classic Chicken Provençal is an uncomplicated recipe reminiscing of warm summers in the South of France. It features wine-braised crispy-skinned chicken with loads of melty garlic and shallots, briny bites of green olives, tender artichoke hearts and sweet cherry tomatoes – all showered under fragrant Herbes de Provence.

Provençal Chickpea Salad with Olives, Anchovies and Celery. This Provençal Chickpea Salad is quick and simple, budget-friendly and made with pantry staples. It oozes salty flavors with the addition of anchovies and black olives, and a nice crunch from the celery. Because of the protein from the chickpeas, it’s nutritious enough to be a meal on its own. But really, it can also double as a the perfect side or starter to any Spring or Summer table.

French Pistou Sauce. If you don’t know it, the French Pistou is a Provençal sauce made from cloves of garlic, fresh basil, olive oil (and Parmesan, occasionally). It is quite similar to Ligurian pesto, but it omits pine nuts, which makes it most affordable and lets the basil really shine. It is creamy and so fragrant, and has nothing to envy from its Italian counterpart.

Provence-Style Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs and Herbs (“Tomates à la Provençale”). If you’re attending a barbecue or outdoor get-together in the thick of Summer in France, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble on this staple dish.  Known as “Tomates à la Provençale”, this typical warm-weather dish from Provence calls for fresh, seasonal tomatoes slowly confit’d on the stove-top (meaning they’re slowly cooked in their own juice). The confit tomatoes are then finished off in the oven topped with breadcrumbs, garlic and Herbes de Provence, and cooked until crisp and golden.

Chocolate Almond Twice-Baked Cookies from Provence (“Croquants”). Known in French as “croquants”, these little twice-baked cookies may remind you of the Italian biscotti, but I promise they are French through and through. They are very popular in the South of France, and especially in Provence, where almonds grow abundantly. Just like biscotti, they are quick and easy to assemble, cut cross-ways and twice baked for an incomparable crispness. And they are very hard to stop at one!

 Lavender Sablé Cookies. Floral, zesty, buttery. these Lavender Sablé Cookies are the perfect little Summer treat. They are very popular in Provence, in the South of France, a region known for its abundance of lavender fields and lavender-forward cooking repertoire.

The post Classic Provençal Recipes To Try appeared first on Pardon Your French.