24 Classic French Recipes To Master

Coq au vin is a hearty French stew of chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and crisp pancetta.

This grated carrot salad with lemon dijon vinaigrette is standard fare in French bistros and markets.

A classic French dish, steak au poivre is a pan-seared filet mignon with a crunchy peppercorn crust and rich Cognac sauce.

Made simply with sliced potatoes, heavy cream, and grated cheese, potatoes au gratin is the ultimate comfort food.

This beef tenderloin with a rich red wine sauce is a true show-stopper. Perfect for a special occasion!

A French classic, this creamy potato leek soup is quick, easy, and comforting.

Soaked in a rich cinnamon-laced custard, this challah French toast is fit for a special occasion.

This pretty roasted beet salad makes the perfect starter for a dinner party.

This classic French beef stew is the ultimate cold weather comfort food. After a few hours in the oven, the meat becomes meltingly tender and enveloped in a rich wine sauce.

This hearty lentil salad is perfect for a light dinner or a wholesome on-the-go lunch.

This classic French fruit tart has a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy vanilla custard, and heaps of fresh fruit.

With chunks of sweet apples nestled in a tender and buttery rum cake, this French apple cake is the essence of simplicity.

Made with heavy cream and Gruyère, this rich spinach quiche is classic French.

Chockfull of vegetables and bacon, this lentil soup is a hearty and healthy meal unto itself.

With smoky bacon, nutty Gruyère, and shallots, this classic quiche Lorraine is ideal for brunch, dinner, or anytime in between.

Gougères are savory cheese puffs made from pâte à choux with a generous amount of cheese folded in. Slightly warm, with a crisp shell and a cheesy interior, they’re the perfect little bite to serve with sparkling wine or cocktails.

This classic chocolate mousse is light yet intensely chocolate. Don’t be fooled by the French name — it’s quick and easy to make!

Made with frozen spinach and heavy cream, this easy yet elegant side dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the microwave.

This classic French onion soup topped with melted gruyère and parmesan is the epitome of rustic comfort food.

This ham and cheese oven-puffed pancake falls halfway between a crepe and a soufflé: crisp on the outside and comfortingly tender inside.

Like an apple pie without the pan, this French apple tart consists of a thin layer of cinnamon-scented apples atop a buttery, flaky crust.

This blend of cottage cheese, sour cream, garlic and fresh herbs makes an irresistible spread.

Traditional French crepes are easier to make than you think. Serve them sweet or savory fillings any time of day.

A well-made omelette is the mark of a good cook. If you haven’t mastered this simple dish, it’s time to get cracking.