Known for its finesse, rich taste, and masterful presentation, French cuisine is an important part of the culinary world.

Looking to impress your guests at your next dinner party? Try one of these classic French recipes to really dazzle your friends and family.

What Is A Typical French Dinner?

A typical French meal includes an apéritif for starters (an alcoholic drink), hors d’oeuvres (often soup, vegetables, or eggs), the main meal (meat, pasta, or a crêpe), a salad (served separate from the main meal, and cheese (also served separate from the main meal).

What Is A Typical French Lunch?

Lunch is traditionally a lighter meal for the French. It begins with an entrée (salad, soup, terrine, or pâté), followed by the main dish of fish or meat, cheese, and a dessert. Meals can be simpler or fancier depending on the setting and the occasion.

Best French Recipes

French Omelette Recipe

A typical French omelet puts any other omelet to shame! Loaded with herbs and plenty of savory flavor, this omelet is simple to prepare. You may need a little practice with flipping and folding it but you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

French Palmier Pastry Cookies (Elephant Ears Recipe)

This flaky pastry is made with puffed pastry. It looks so impressive that your guests will definitely give their compliments to the chef.

Opera Cake

This classic French dessert is layers of almond sponge cake drenched in coffee syrup and layers of espresso-flavored buttercream frosting and irresistible chocolate ganache. This decadent dessert is topped with a chocolate glaze and is honestly the best dessert you’ve ever tasted!

French Macaron

Macarons, which originated in beautiful Paris, are not the same as macaroons. This light and crisp cookie with almond paste filling is a traditional French dessert. Bite-sized goodies, these macarons are simply delectable.

Cafe Au Lait (French Coffee And Milk)

Skip your usual trip to your favorite barista and make your own authentic Café Au Lait at home. It’s simpler to make than you may think.

Chocolate Ganache

This delectable frosting is creamy and delicious. You’ll never reach for the store-bought kind again.

Cherry Clafoutis

Made with fresh cherries, milk, sugar, eggs, and flour, this decadent dessert is so simple to make. This fruity sweet is so versatile that you can easily substitute the recipe with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples if you prefer.

Best French Steak Tartare

Authentic steak tartare is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Follow this recipe to recreate this French delicacy at home. 

Napoleon Dessert (French Napoleon Pastry Recipe)

A flaky pastry filled with creamy goodness, this tasty dessert is lighter than you would think. Great for serving with coffee or tea, this sweet treat is always a hit.

Easy Bisquick Quiche Recipe

Classic French quiches are simple to make with a little Bisquick on hand. No one will know these savory bites were made in a flash!

Easy French Pancakes (Classic Crêpe Recipe)

Crêpes – a traditional French recipe – is one of the most versatile culinary delights in the world. Thin and lightly sweet, authentic French crêpes can be stuffed with sweet filling, cheese filling, or salty breakfast foods. For a meal, a snack, or dessert, crêpes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Classic French Chateaubriand

A thick cut of beef tenderloin, this cut is also known as chateaubriand steak or filet mignon roast. Serve with roasted potatoes and a homemade sauce for a truly authentic taste!

Mango Cheesecake Charlotte

Made with a ladyfinger crust, this mango cheesecake is a no-bake dessert. Creamy filling covered in a sweet glaze, this flavorful dessert is easy to make in advance and perfect for bringing along to your next potluck.

Classic Coq Au Vin

Braised chicken stew with a savory red wine sauce, hearty noodles, and a side of polenta or pasta, this comfort meal is perfect for the cooler seasons.

French Gimlet

Made with only three simple ingredients – St. Germain, lime, and gin – this refreshing cocktail is both savory and elegant.

French Cake

This buttery rum cake with chunks of sweet apples is simple to make and always a hit.

Pain Au Chocolat (Homemade Chocolate Croissants)

This puff pastry chocolate bread is made with semi-sweet chocolate. The key to this recipe is allowing the dough to rest throughout the baking process. Slowly and steady wins the race!

Mushroom Galette Recipe

A fan of mushrooms? Then this flaky pie recipe is the one for you. Made with a combination of delicious cheeses, caramelized onions, and mushrooms, these tarts make a great appetizer.

French Beignets 

Not to be confused with New Orleans beignets, French beignets are a little different. Sweet and delicious, these beignets are the original.

French Ratatouille Recipe

Made with eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and sweet bell peppers in a tasty tomato sauce, this authentic ratatouille recipe is simmered slowly for a rich, delicious result.

French Potato Salad

Looking for something different to bring along to your next potluck? Authentic French potato salad is a cold side with a tangy twist. Made with Dijon mustard and champagne vinegar, this is no ordinary potato salad.

Brioche Bread

Fluffy and delicious, this typical brioche bread is the best bread for making sandwiches or even French toast. You can easily turn these into burger buns or cinnamon rolls, too.

Financiers

Made with brown butter, these French-style muffins make a quick snack or dessert. They’re simple to make but also delicious enough to serve to company.

Potatoes Au Gratin (Dauphinoise)

You haven’t truly enjoyed creamy potatoes until you have indulged in these au gratin potatoes! Made with layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, and butter, this delicious dish includes a hint of thyme for an even more flavorful result.

French Cruller Donuts

Light, fresh, and fluffy, these cruller doughnuts are unbelievably simple to make. Along with your coffee or as a dessert, these glazed doughnuts are irresistible.

Croque-Monsieur

Forget plain old grilled cheese! Gruyère cheese and fresh ham combined with parmesan and a creamy béchamel sauce, toasted to perfection in the oven. This is the ultimate comfort meal.

Chicken Paillard

You can make this recipe with either chicken or veal. The key is to pound the meat as thinly as possible for a tender dish. Serve with green veggies and mustard dressing for an authentic meal that is absolutely mouthwatering.