Embark on a culinary journey through French cuisine, where 21 délicieuse French side dishes await. Immerse yourself in the artistry and finesse of French cooking as you savour each meticulously crafted dish. Whether hosting a dinner party or yearning for a taste of French culture, let these sides whisk you away on an unforgettable gustatory adventure. Grab your apron, uncork a bottle of Bordeaux, and dive into the extraordinary world of French culinary brilliance. Bon appétit!
This post is all about 21 délicieuse French side dishes you should try!
1.Gratin Dauphinois (potato gratin)
Experience culinary bliss with Gratin Dauphinois, a quintessential French delight. Thinly slice potatoes and layer them in a buttered dish. Infuse with aromatic garlic, pour in warm milk, cream, and nutmeg. Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese for a golden crust. Bake until tender and bubbly. Indulge in velvety potatoes, creamy richness, and subtle hints of nutmeg and garlic. This mouth-watering symphony embodies French culinary tradition. Savour each heavenly bite.
2.Ratatouille
Embark on a vibrant and flavourful journey through the iconic French dish, Ratatouille. Begin by gathering a colourful assortment of fresh vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a sizzling pan with fragrant garlic and olive oil. Let the aromas fill your kitchen as the vegetables become tender and release their natural juices. Enhance the medley of flavours with a sprinkle of herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano, and season generously with salt and pepper. Allow the Ratatouille to simmer gently, allowing the ingredients to meld together and create a harmonious symphony of taste. As the vegetables soften and blend their vibrant hues, you’ll be left with a masterpiece of rustic elegance that captures the essence of French Provence.
3. Salade Niçoise (Nicoise salad)
Indulge in the elegance of Salade Niçoise, an iconic French masterpiece. Assemble fresh lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, onions, olives, and boiled eggs. Intertwine with tuna and anchovies. Sprinkle with fragrant herbs, drizzle with Dijon vinaigrette. Experience the crunch of veggies, the oceanic essence, and the burst of Mediterranean flavours. This salad transports you to the French Riviera, enchanting your senses. Perfect for any meal or gathering, let Salade Niçoise captivate your palate.
4. French Onion Soup
Prepare to immerse your taste buds in a sensational culinary experience with French Onion Soup. Begin by slicing onions, then sauté them in a sizzling pot with melted butter, allowing their natural sweetness to caramelize to perfection. Add a splash of rich beef broth and a touch of fragrant herbs like thyme and bay leaves, letting the flavours meld into a symphony of savoury goodness. Allow the soup to simmer gently, allowing the onions to infuse their essence into the broth. Meanwhile, you can prepare a crusty baguette and melt generous amounts of gruyere or comté cheese on top until golden and bubbly. Ladle the soul-warming soup into bowls, then place the cheesy baguette on the surface, allowing it to soak up the delicious broth. With the first spoonful, you’ll experience a burst of flavours—a harmonious blend of sweet caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and melted cheese.
5. Boulettes de Viande (meatballs)
Indulge in the savoury delight of Boulettes de Viande, French meatballs that will tantalize your taste buds. Combine ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Shape into bite-sized meatballs. Brown in a skillet for a delicious crust. Simmer in tomato sauce or your choice of sauce. Serve hot with fresh herbs and a side of crusty bread or pasta. Each succulent bite bursts with flavours. Whether for a comforting dinner or a gathering, this French side dish captures the essence of French tradition. Embark on a culinary adventure and savour these delectable meatballs.
6. Grilled Eggplant
Get ready for a thrilling culinary adventure with Grilled Eggplant! Slice fresh eggplant, brush with aromatic herbed oil, and let the grill work its magic. Achieve a delightful char and tender perfection. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, then garnish with green onions for freshness. Each bite is an explosion of smoky richness, aromatic herbs, and subtle nuttiness. This versatile masterpiece is perfect as a standalone dish, a side, or a delightful addition to salads and sandwiches. Fire up the grill, unleash your inner chef, and savour the enchanting flavours of French cuisine with Grilled Eggplant.
7.French Lentil Salad
Experience a culinary delight with our recipe for French Lentil Salad with Crispy Bacon. This vibrant dish combines the rich flavours of French lentils, bacon slices, onion, baby spinach, fresh parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper, resulting in a symphony of taste and texture. Follow the simple steps: gather the ingredients, cook the lentils, prepare the bacon and veggies, create the tangy dressing, assemble the salad, and garnish with crispy bacon. Enjoy this tantalizing creation as a side dish or a satisfying main course, and let the medley of flavours captivate your taste buds!
8. Stuffed Mushrooms with Breadcrumbs and Herbs
Experience the burst of flavour with our irresistible recipe for Stuffed Mushrooms with Breadcrumbs and Herbs. Earthy mushrooms are filled with a delectable mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. You can add some chilli if you want to add some extra spice! Create a harmonious blend of textures and flavours as you follow the steps: gather the ingredients, prep the mushrooms, prepare the filling, fill the mushrooms generously, bake until tender and golden, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve as an elegant side, appetizer or a delightful snack. Embark on this culinary journey and indulge in the mouth-watering results!
9. Bouillabaisse (Marseille-Style Fish Stew)
Embark on a thrilling culinary journey with our Bouillabaisse recipe, the iconic Marseille-style fish stew. Combining fresh fish like red snapper, monkfish, shrimp, along with shellfish such as mussels and clams (you can add you favourite seafoods) as this vibrant dish celebrates the sea. Create a flavourful base with aromatic vegetables, saffron, and herbs. Layer in the seafood, toast crusty bread with garlicky rouille, and savour the robust flavours. Immerse yourself in French coastal cuisine and indulge in the magic of Bouillabaisse!
10. Quiche Lorraine
Indulge in the mouth-watering goodness of Quiche Lorraine, a classic dish featuring a rich and creamy bacon and cheese filling baked in a buttery crust. Follow these steps: prepare the crust, cook the bacon, whisk together eggs, cream, salt, pepper, and cheese for the filling, assemble and bake the quiche. Serve warm or at room temperature as a brunch centrepiece or a satisfying meal. Get ready to savour the delightful combination of flavours in this timeless dish. Gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary journey to create your Quiche Lorraine masterpiece!
11. Creamed Spinach
Prepare to be captivated by the tantalizing flavours of Creamed Spinach with Onion and Garlic. This exquisite dish features vibrant spinach sautéed with aromatic onions and garlic, bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce. You will need to gather fresh spinach, onion, garlic, butter, flour, milk, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Sauté the aromatics, wilt the spinach, prepare the creamy sauce, season and simmer to perfection. Serve this delightful side dish or vegetarian main course, and let the harmonious blend of flavours transport you to culinary bliss!
12. Coq Au Vin (chicken cooked in red wine)
Coq Au Vin is a French classic that you will absolutely love as it combines succulent chicken with bold red wine flavours. To make this amazing dish, you will need to gather chicken, onions, carrots, garlic, mushrooms, thyme, red wine, chicken broth, tomato paste, butter, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics vegetables, deglaze with red wine, braise and simmer the dish. Thicken the sauce with a beurre manié, remove the thyme, and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. Experience the magic of Coq Au Vin’s tender, flavourful chicken and luscious wine-infused sauce. Enjoy this exciting culinary journey and saver this unforgettable dining experience!
13. Haricots Verts Amandine (green beans with almonds)
Experience the sensational flavours of Haricots Verts Amandine, where tender green beans and crunchy almonds come together in a culinary masterpiece. Gather fresh green beans, sliced almonds, butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blanch the beans, toast the almonds, sauté with garlic, season with lemon juice, and sprinkle with almonds. Enchant your taste buds with this vibrant and elegant French side dish that elevates your dining experience. Dive into the flavours of Haricots Verts Amandine and indulge in its fresh and nutty symphony!
14. Scallops
Indulge in the exquisite flavours of French scallops with this delightful recipe. Perfectly seared and succulent, French scallops are a true culinary delight. Sear the scallops to perfection, allowing their natural flavours to shine. You can add salt, pepper and add a thyme to the scallops. Serve them as an elegant side, appetizer or as a centrepiece to a gourmet meal. With their delicate texture and rich taste, French scallops are sure to impress. Elevate your dining experience with these delicious gems from the sea.
15. Salade Lyonnaise
Experience the tantalizing burst of flavours in Salade Lyonnaise! Toss greens, sizzle crispy bacon, croutons, poach eggs, and whisk a lip-smacking vinaigrette. Assemble with elegance, and indulge in the luxurious simplicity of Salade Lyonnaise, a dish that effortlessly captures the essence of French side cuisine. Whether enjoyed as a side, light lunch or a tantalizing appetizer, this salad is sure to impress with its harmony of textures and tastes. Bon appétit!
16. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Prepare for a mouth-watering delight with this recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Gather russet potatoes, garlic cloves, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Boil and mash the potatoes, then infuse them with fragrant garlic butter. Gradually add warm milk for a creamy consistency. Season generously and serve hot. Indulge in the comforting, robust flavours of these irresistible mashed potatoes—a versatile and satisfying French side dish. Enjoy the creamy garlic goodness!
17. Caramelized Shallots
Elevate your meals with the exquisite flavours of Caramelized Shallots! Sauté thinly sliced shallots in butter and olive oil until golden brown. Sprinkle with sugar for delicate sweetness and cook until deep golden and caramelized. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist or add a slice of cheese if you wish! Serve as a topping for steaks, roasted veggies, or alongside succulent roast chicken. This simple yet exquisite French side dish will bring a burst of flavour to your table, making every bite a moment of pure culinary bliss. Enjoy the caramelized perfection!
18. Roasted Beet Salad – Blue Cheese Peacon Nuts
Indulge in this elegant simplicity of a roasted beet salad with blue cheese and pecan nuts. You will need roasted beets, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy pecans which will combine a harmonious symphony of flavours. Roast the beets, arrange them on a bed of mixed salad greens, and generously sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese. Top with toasted pecans for delightful crunch. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Serve this masterpiece as a refreshing side starter or a memorable main course. Experience the sophistication of this vibrant and delicious French salad!
19. Pommes Anna
Discover the exquisite flavours of Pommes Anna, a celebrated French masterpiece that promises a remarkable culinary experience. You’ll need russet potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper. Thinly slice and layer the potatoes in a skillet with melted butter, salt, and pepper then put the Pommes Anna on the stovetop for a few minutes, until the bottom layer turns golden and crisp. Now, transfer this masterpiece to the oven and let it continue its transformation. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes until the potatoes become tender on the inside, yet gloriously golden and crispy on the outside. Invert onto a platter, revealing the golden layers. Each bite offers a heavenly balance of creamy and crispy textures. Serve with finesse and savour this refined indulgence!
20. Pissaladière -Onion and Anchovy
Embark on a culinary adventure with Pissaladière! Caramelized onions, salty anchovies, and flaky pastry create this French delight. Sauté onions until golden, roll out puff pastry, and layer with onions, anchovies, and thyme. Drizzle with olive oil, season and slide the Pissaladière into a preheated oven and let it bake until the puff pastry turns a gorgeous golden brown, achieving a delightful crispness. As it bakes, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that evokes the enchanting streets of Provence. Once the Pissaladière is perfectly golden and the pastry has achieved a delightful crunch, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together, making each bite even more enticing!
21. Roquefort and Pear Salad
Experience the extraordinary flavours of Roquefort and Pear Salad! This exquisite dish combines creamy Roquefort cheese with sweet pears for a harmonious taste. Simply toss mixed salad greens with lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Thereafter, top with sliced pears, crumbled Roquefort cheese, and toasted walnuts. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Serve as a side, an appetizer or light main course. Impress your guests with this gourmet creation!
The above post was about 21 délicieuse French side dishes!
In conclusion, our journey through 21 French side dishes has been extraordinary, showcasing the artistry and sophistication of French cuisine. These dishes bring unique character and flair to complement main courses, inviting us to savour the richness of French culinary traditions. Whether for a special occasion or a taste of France, they offer an exquisite selection to elevate your meals. Embrace the allure of French cuisine and let them transport you to Paris or Provence. Get inspired to create your own French culinary delights. Bon appétit!
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