Craving the charm of a French bistro without the plane ticket? These 20 French-inspired recipes bring the flavors of Paris straight to your kitchen. From elegant starters and classic sides to hearty mains and decadent desserts, this collection has everything you need for a cozy, restaurant-worthy meal at home.
And if you’re looking, instead, for a simple way to elevate even the simplest dishes (baked fish, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, etc.) try spooning a little citrusy lemon beurre blanc (a deviant of one of the Five French Mother Sauces) right on top–it elevates everything! Bon appétit!
Starters & Sides
1
Classic French Onion Soup
French Onion Soup is one of my all-time favorite soup recipes! This timeless classic is cozy and comforting, with a deep sweet onion flavor. Top with plenty of croutons and Gruyere cheese, then finish in an oven until the cheese is impossibly melty. Easily adaptable to be gluten-free and dairy-free.
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2
Ari’s Easy Homemade Steak Tartare
Steak Tartare is one of my all-time favorite appetizers! It's completely safe to eat and can be on the table ready to impress your guests in 20 minutes. My version is inspired by classic French beef tartare: I like to use a high-quality NY Strip. Enjoy with crackers or crostini, and whatever you do, do not forget to stir in a fresh egg yolk! Gluten-free.
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3
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Salmon Rillettes
Homemade Salmon Rillettes is a decadent holiday appetizer! Poached salmon fillets and smoked salmon are mixed with softened butter, sour cream, lemon, capers, sautéed shallot, and fresh herbs. Chill in a fridge to help setup, then serve spread on crackers, bread, or endive leaves. A luxurious first bite! Gluten-free.
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4
5-Minute Green Olive Tapenade (In A Food Processor)
Made entirely in a food processor this Green Olive Tapenade is not only easy, but full of flavor! I like Castelvetrano olives, but you can use any green olives you enjoy. Blend together with capers, anchovies, fresh herbs, garlic, pine nuts, and just enough olive oil to bind. The whole thing takes 5 minutes or less! Serve on toasted baguette, alongside crudité, or with crackers. Gluten-free.
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5
25-Minute Green Beans Almondine (French Beans with Almonds)
Crisp-tender beans, golden toasted almonds, silky butter, and a hit of lemon—Green Beans Almondine is proof that simple ingredients can shine. It’s fresh, crunchy, and ready in minutes, making it the perfect “goes-with-everything” side dish.
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6
Crispy Twice Fried French Fries (Pommes Frites)
Bistro‑style French fries at home! 🥔✨ Please take advantage of my endless recipe tests to figure out the secret to crispy, golden brown potatoes. Soak, double‑fry, and season while piping hot for ultra‑crisp, fluffy fries every time. Save this no‑fail method for steak night, burgers, or the poutine of your dreams.
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7
Frisée Salad with Perfect Poached Eggs
This classic Frisée Salad is a French bistro favorite, featuring crisp frisée greens tossed in a warm bacon-shallot dressing, topped with homemade croutons and perfectly poached eggs. It's a simple yet elegant dish that balances richness and freshness in every bite. Light yet satisfying, it pairs beautifully with roasted chicken for a well-rounded meal. Naturally dairy-free, this salad is a timeless addition to any table.
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8
Vinegar-Based French Potato Salad with Cornichons
Looking for a light, flavor-packed alternative to mayo-heavy potato salads? This French Potato Salad with Cornichons is everything you didn’t know you were missing—briny, vibrant, herby, and wonderfully refreshing. Tossed in a bold vinaigrette infused with cornichon juice and both whole grain and Dijon mustard, its irresistible flavor makes it a favorite make-ahead side dish for any gathering!
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Dinner
9
Bistro-Style Steak Frites with Compound Butter
Turn your kitchen into a Parisian bistro! 🥂 Learn how to sear a juicy, butter-basted steak and make ultra-crispy, double-fried pommes frites at home. This foolproof steak frites guide covers pro tips, ideal cuts of beef, and flavor-boosters like peppercorn sauce and garlic aioli. Your favorite date night dish can now be enjoyed from the comfort of home.
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10
One-Pan Provencal-Style Baked Whole Fish (Red Snapper)
Imagine sitting by the Mediterranean coast, enjoying a meal with a cold glass of wine in the warm sun. That's exactly what this Provençal-Style Baked Whole Fish is like. Tender, flaky snapper is cooked over a medley of roasted vegetables with fragrant herbes de Provence. The best part? It's all done one pan so cleanup is a breeze. Ideal for special occasions or simply just because!
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11
Braised Chicken Fricassé in White Wine Sauce
There’s something timeless and comforting about this Chicken Fricassé—a French-inspired dish where golden seared chicken is gently braised in a luxurious, creamy white wine sauce with mushrooms, shallots, garlic, and smoky bacon. It’s rustic yet elegant, homey yet worthy of a dinner party, and surprisingly easy to pull off for a weeknight meal.
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12
Warm French Lentil Salad with Crispy Bacon
My French Lentil Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is a filling meal that can be enjoyed year round. French green lentils cook in a rice cooker, giving them a perfectly creamy texture with the slightest bite. They're tossed lovingly with a simple-to-make Dijon vinaigrette with tangy balsamic vinegar. Finish with bacon, capers, and fresh herbs, which really balance out the salad. My preferred way to serve it? With perfect pan-seared scallops nestled on top. Gluten-free.
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13
Niçoise Salad with Pan-Seared Salmon & Basil Vinaigrette
Think of a classic Provençal Nicoise salad—crisp greens, jammy eggs, tender potatoes, briny olives, and a bright herb vinaigrette—then swap the traditional tuna for pan-seared salmon along with blistered tomatoes. It’s light yet deeply satisfying; a composed salad that eats like a full meal, and absolutely perfect on a hot summer day!
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14
French-Style Provencal Beef Stew (Daube Provençale)
Daube Provençale is, at its heart, melt-in-your-mouth beef gently braised with white wine, aromatic herbs, and fresh ribbons of orange peel. The meat turns pillow-soft and the vegetables soak up every drop of winey, savory goodness, while the sauce comes together from briny black olives. It's rich, yet eats light and fresh from the citrus. Trust me, this braised beef dinner that will truly surprise you!
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15
Juicy Chicken Thighs with Creamy Dijon Pan Sauce
Indulge in a true French classic with this Creamy Dijon Chicken! Golden-browned chicken is braised in white wine and herbs, then smothered in a rich, tangy Dijon mustard sauce. This dish brings all the comforting flavors of French cuisine right to your table. Plus, it's surprisingly simple to make! Pair with your favorite side dishes, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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16
Sole Meunière (French Pan-Fried Sole in Butter Sauce)
Sole Meunière is a classic French dish featuring lightly pan-fried fish filets with a luscious lemon and browned butter sauce. The fish is coated in almond meal and all-purpose flour, which gives the already delicate, flaky fish a crisp, golden brown exterior. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and perfect with any simple side dish, such as potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad. Easily adaptable to be gluten-free and dairy-free.
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17
20-Minute Moules Marinières (Mussels in White Wine)
Mussels in white wine sauce (moules marinières) is a true 20 minute meal! Steam mussels in shallots, fennel, garlic, tarragon, dry white wine, and sherry (or vermouth). Finish with creme fraîche and cold butter, for a rich, creamy sauce. Serve with baguette or french fries (moules frites) for a flavorful, elevated weeknight dinner! Gluten-free.
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French-Inspired Desserts
18
French Chocolate Mousse with Whipped Egg Whites
This French chocolate mousse is pure decadence. Thanks to folded in whipped egg whites it's light and fluffy with a rich, velvety texture. I like to serve it with whipped cream, but fresh berries are a great addition. The perfect sweet treat to follow any special occasion meal or simply because you're craving chocolate!
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19
Coffee Crème Brûlée
I'm not sure I've ever been more proud of a dessert than I am of these insanely creamy Coffee Crème Brûlée. The custard has a rich coffee flavor from instant espresso powder, and is silky smooth. The very best part? That caramelized sugar topping, which adds the perfect crunch. Can be made 2 days in advance (but brûlée the sugar just before serving!). Gluten-free.
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20
Impossibly Easy Apple Almond Cake
I never tire of ways to bake with apples during the fall, and this French Apple Almond Cake is my newest go-to. It's got a delicate, tender texture with crisp edges and sweet, tart apple flavor. Enjoy with powdered sugar, ice cream, whipped cream, or crème fraîche!
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