These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (2024)

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It's the centuries of fine cuisine that makes their culinary culture so rich; that, and all the butter.

By

Julie R. ThomsonTaste Senior Editor, HuffPost

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (1)

There are many reasons to love French food. There are the amazing pastries, the rich sauces, and the salads loaded with bacon. And of course, all the bread. It's the centuries of fine cuisine that make their culinary culture so rich; that, and their unapologetic use of butter and heavy cream.

The French are definitely not scared of butter OR heavy cream. And if you're going to tackle French recipes -- which you should -- you can't be either. Get ready to channel your inner Julia Child because to enjoy this cuisine you have to be prepared to enter their world of rich food with abandon. It's the secret to their culinary success. And it will be yours, too.

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1

Salade Lyonnaise

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (2)

James Ransom/Food52

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2

Pâté En Croûte

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (3)

Manger

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3

Gratin Dauphinois

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (4)

Beloved Green

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4

Pan-Fried Foie Gras

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (5)

Manger

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5

Onion Soup

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (6)

James Ransom/Food52

Get the Onion Soup recipe from Nicholas Day via Food52

6

Garlic Soup

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (7)

Manger

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8

Liver Pâté

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (9)

Simply Recipes

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9

Quick Cassoulet

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (10)

Dinner with Julie

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10

Beef Bourguignon

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (11)

The View From The Great Island

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11

Bouillabaisse With Red Pepper Rouille

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (12)

What's For Lunch Honey?

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12

Dijon Chicken

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (13)

Simply Recipes

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13

Escargots à la Bordelaise

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (14)

Manger

14

Croque Monsieur

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (15)

Verses from My Kitchen

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15

Salad Nicoise

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (16)

Wild Greens And Sardines

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17

Steak Au Poivre

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (18)

Cookin' Canuck

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18

Braised Rabbit With Prunes

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (19)

Simply Recipes

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19

Quiche Lorraine

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (20)

Simply Recipes

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20

Simple Skillet Ratatouille

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (21)

The Fitchen

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21

Gougères

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (22)

Manger

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22

Blanquette De Veau (Veal Stew)

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (23)

Manger

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23

Nutella Banana Crepes

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (24)

Sweet and Savory Tooth

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24

Creme Brulee

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (25)

30 Pounds of Apples

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25

Profiteroles

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (26)

A Cozy Kitchen

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26

Apple Tarte Tatin

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (27)

Dramatic Pancake

Get the Apple Tarte Tatin recipe from Dramatic Pancake

27

Cherry Clafoutis

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (28)

James Ransom/Food52

Get the Cherry Clafoutis recipe from lauren via Food52

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28

Floating Island

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (29)

Cafe Johnsonia

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29

Dark Chocolate Mousse With Raspberry Puree

These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (30)

White On Rice Couple

Get the Dark Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Puree recipe from White On Rice Couple

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These French Recipes Are Almost Better Than A Trip To France (2024)

FAQs

Why is French cooking considered the best? ›

With its formal techniques, emphasis on fresh ingredients and simple flavors, pride in presentation, and rich and colorful history, French cuisine truly has come to rule the world, laying the foundations for many other styles and specialties.

Why is food so much better in France? ›

One of the reasons is because chefs in France use only the freshest, local ingredients available to them. The culture does not rely on preservatives and artificial flavorings in their kitchens, in the way many other countries do.

Why are the French so proud of their cuisine? ›

Books were written on the art of cooking. Rich people and aristocrats made it an important art. Dishes were discussed philosophically. So much so that France became the world leader in gastronomy for over 2 centuries.

Which country has the best food? ›

  • Italy. #1 in Has great food. #15 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Spain. #2 in Has great food. #17 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Mexico. #3 in Has great food. #33 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • France. #4 in Has great food. ...
  • Greece. #5 in Has great food. ...
  • Thailand. #6 in Has great food. ...
  • Turkey. #7 in Has great food. ...
  • Portugal. #8 in Has great food.

What is France top 1 food? ›

Boeuf Bourguignon – Most Famous Food in France

Boeuf Bourguignon is a French stew made with beef braised in beef stock and red wine, naturally from the Burgundy region. Carrots, garlic, onions and a bouquet garni (fresh herbs tied together) are cooked slowly resulting in a hearty beef stew.

What is France's number one food? ›

There are many options to choose from, but France's national dish is probably the Boeuf Bourguignon. Well known in and outside France, it represents the beauty of the cuisine by transforming a simple piece of meat into an intensely flavored dish, only composed with national ingredients.

What is France's signature dish? ›

Pot-au-Feu, France's National Dish | History Today.

What do French eat at home? ›

Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy cooking your way through these classics.
  • 01 of 22. Bacon, Cheddar, and Onion Quiche. ...
  • 02 of 22. Bouillabaisse. ...
  • 03 of 22. Gruyère Cheese Soufflé ...
  • 04 of 22. Crème Brûlée. ...
  • 05 of 22. Hot Niçoise Salad. ...
  • 06 of 22. Coq au Vin. ...
  • 07 of 22. Chicken and Mushroom Fricassee. ...
  • 08 of 22. Toulouse-Style Cassoulet.
Jan 9, 2023

What do French eat for breakfast? ›

A typical French breakfast consists of a croissant or bread with butter and jam and sometimes a sweet pastry. Fresh fruit juice and hot beverages, like coffee or tea, are also included. Here all meals for French breakfast. The tradition of eating a large meal mid-day continues at dinner time in France.

Why is France so healthy? ›

Europeans – the French in particular – make physical activity part of their day. “Americans are often very obsessed with physical activity, but on the other extreme, they're also almost religiously inactive,” he says. “Europeans – the French in particular – tend to be very active as part of their normal day.

What do French eat for lunch? ›

An usual French lunch will include: an appetizer (une entrée), such as a mixed salad, soup, terrine or pâté; main course, (le plat principal), choice of beef, pork, chicken, or fish, with potatoes, rice, pasta and/or vegetables; cheese course (from a local selection) and/or a sweet.

What do the French eat for snacks? ›

Some typical French snacks include:
  • Crêpes, galettes, beignets.
  • Baguette sandwiches.
  • Pizzas.
  • Quiches.
  • Tartines (toast with butter and jam)
  • Croissants, pains au chocolat, pains aux raisins (pastries)
  • Biscuits (cookies)
  • Fougasse (a large flatbread sprinkled with herbs), focaccia (an Italian flatbread)
Apr 20, 2022

What is a French dessert? ›

Top 12 Popular Desserts in France
  • Crème brûlée. Crème brûlée is arguably the most well-known French dessert outside of France, a staple on menus from Paris to New York. ...
  • Chocolate Soufflé ...
  • The Mille-Feuille. ...
  • Fruit Tarts.
  • Apple Tarte Tatin. ...
  • Paris-Brest. ...
  • Ile Flottante. ...
  • Eclair & Religieuse.
Jan 19, 2024

Why French gastronomy is considered one of the most important in the world? ›

The French gastronomy is known all over the world for its quality and diversity. It is the fruit of a secular heritage and is also constantly evolving thanks to its professionals who continue to revisit their classics to always surprise and satisfy us.

What is the secret of French cooking? ›

Shallots – The Secret Allium:

Shallots, with their delicate and mild flavor profile, are the culinary secret weapon of French chefs. Finely chopped shallots lend a subtle and refined taste to sauces, dressings, and sautéed dishes, adding depth and complexity that cannot be replicated by any other ingredient.

Is France the best country for food? ›

France Takes The #3 Spot for Best Food in the World

There are a variety of excellent dishes that are part of the cuisine of France. Macarons, escargot, and baguettes are some examples of the delicious French cuisine that secures France a spot at #3 on this list.

Are French good at cooking? ›

Culinary schools teach it, four-star restaurants use it, and we all speak it every time we open a menu or watch “Top Chef.” So while they might not have invented cooking, the French were the first and best at creating systems and rules for cooking, writing them down, and passing them on.

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