Everyone obsesses over the pastries. But the side dishes?
That’s where my heart really is. Creamy, rich, and way simpler than they sound, these 15 classic French recipes prove you can bring a little je ne sais quoi to your table any night of the week.
1. French Onion Soup
Caramelized onion soup is already a dream on its own, and then you add bread and melty cheese. How can you resist?
The secret to that deep, savory magic is a really good beef broth. Chicken broth works in a pinch, but beef brings that extra something that makes every spoonful sing.
2. Easy Lyonnaise Potatoes Recipe
Potatoes, butter, and onion… is there a more perfect trio? It’s simple and always hits the spot.
My trick for tender middles with that gorgeous crispy crust? A quick parboil so they spend just the right amount of time in the oven turning golden brown.
3. Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms (Champignons farcis au beurre d’escargot)
Tell me something better than a tender, meaty stuffed mushroom. I’ll wait.
(Spoiler: you can’t. Crimini mushrooms are my pick.
They’re perfect little bite sized vessels. The real star is that garlicky butter paste, a simple mix of butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can absolutely nudge the salt to suit your own taste.
4. Easy French Lentils
Lentils are packed with protein and goodness, but they can turn to mush in a heartbeat if you stop paying attention. I cook them in vegetable oil with salt, a medley of herbs, and garlic powder. That way, they soak up every bit of that flavorful goodness as they simmer.
5. Creamed Leeks
Leeks have this gentle, subtly oniony flavor that I just adore. They bring a gorgeous pop of green to the plate and such a soft savory note.
The one tiny hiccup? You definitely need to wash them after slicing to get all the hidden grit out.
6. Gratin Dauphinois (Scalloped Potatoes)
The ultimate gratin, no question: whisper thin sliced potatoes swimming in a garlic and cheese cream sauce. I soak and dry the slices so they crisp up in the oven, and keeping them thin means everything cooks through evenly. Gruyere is the classic French cheese of choice, but a good mature cheddar makes a fantastic stand in.
7. Haricots Verts Amandine (Green Bean Almondine)
These green beans get boiled, then pan fried with sliced almonds, butter, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Their light, bright flavor pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, or even pork. Don’t forget to toast those almonds first so the flavor is as nutty and wonderful as can be.
8. French Glazed Carrots
A simple glaze of chicken stock, butter, sugar, and salt is all it takes to transform your carrots. I cook the sliced rounds in that liquid, then lift them out so it can reduce into a thick, syrupy glaze. Once the carrots go back in, every single piece gets coated in glossy, buttery sweetness.
9. Baked Brie Appetizer
The French adore their cheese, and honestly, same. When I need something effortlessly elegant and gloriously gooey for a crowd, this appetizer saves the day.
I simply slice a wheel of brie in half and let it bake on the same sheet as a sliced baguette. So easy, so melty.
10. Classic French Spinach Au Gratin
Au gratin is that dreamy, creamy baked dish blanketed with cheese. The ingredient list might look long, but I’d guess you already have everything you need tucked in your kitchen. The combo of onion and thyme in a creamy spinach sauce is already lovely, then you toss in a little rosemary and it’s just ridiculously good.
11. Petits Pois a la Francaise (French Peas)
Leave it to the French to make even humble garden peas feel fancy. If you need easy, this one’s got just a handful of ingredients and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Want to keep it veggie friendly? Just skip the lardons. But they bring so much savory depth, so I always leave them in if I can.
12. Ratatouille
This vegetarian French stew is hearty enough to stand on its own, yet totally at home next to roast chicken or pot roast. The traditional lineup of eggplant, zucchini, onion, and peppers is a classic for a reason, but other vegetables feel right at home too.
If you don’t have twine to bundle your herbs, cheesecloth bags do the trick. They infuse all that flavor without you having to fish out stray twigs later.
13. Traditional French Broccoli Gratin Recipe
Even the pickiest eater at my table reaches for more of this cheesy baked beauty. Fresh broccoli is your best
14. Perfect Pommes Frites Recipe (French Fries)
Okay, they might not technically be French, but their roots trace right back to their northern neighbor. Nothing beats a hot plate of salted fries straight from the oven.
My biggest secret? Cut them as evenly as you possibly can so every last one cooks up perfectly together.
15. Classic French Aligot
If you love mashed potatoes, this smooth, insanely cheesy dish is a major level up. After your potatoes are cooked and mashed, you warm crème fraîche with garlic, then slowly work that into the spuds followed by a sharp, melty cheese. It stretches, it comforts, it’s everything.
