Classic French recipes to have in your kitchen repertoire

Steak frites and coq au vin and éclairs, oh my. French cuisine has long been lauded as one of the most precise in its cooking techniques. The best French recipes use top-quality produce and intricate techniques to make simple ingredients and flavours shine.

Classic French techniques are often simple, but when done right they are the cornerstone to creating enormously flavourful dishes — you likely employ French techniques in your cooking without even realising it. Braising meats low and slow in whatever wine is available is the key to creating a rich, comforting French favourite, boeuf Bourguignon. And a well-balanced, meticulously flavoured bouillabaisse was first created to elevate the catch of the day, but is now a mainstay on Michelin-star menus around the world. Even sautéing is the essential first step in classic dishes like a buttery chasseur.

From fragrant French stews to buttery pastry, soufflés and ratatouille, and not to mention spectacular French desserts, French cuisine has contributed culinary delights across the globe. In short, French recipes are well worth mastering.

So, you already have the skills — it’s time to test them. This is our collection of the best French recipes to master.

The best French recipes to master in 2026

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

French onion soup

French onion soup

French onion soup is a bistro classic for good reason. For this recipe, we’ve given an already rich soup some extra luxe touches, because you may as well go all in on decadence.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Crème caramel

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Coq au vin

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Tartiflette with bacon and sage

Tartiflette with bacon and sage

Cheesy, savoury and warming, this tartiflette gives all other potato dishes a run for their money.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Omelette au fromage

France-Soir’s omelette au fromage

The secret to this cheesy omlette recipe starts with the quality and freshness of the eggs.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Crème brûlées

Crème brûlées

A crackling top, a silky custard middle. You can’t go wrong with this French classic.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Salmon rillettes with pickled baby vegetables

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Duck à l’orange

Duck à l’orange

Duck à l’orange is a classic that has evolved with an abundance of interpretations over the years. One thing that remains constant is the deep satisfaction that comes from cooking a whole duck. Begin this recipe a day ahead.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Twice-baked goat’s cheese soufflé recipe with Manchego, and chive

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Bouillabaisse

How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet

This Provençal staple may have had humble beginnings, but it’s the undisputed king of fish stews.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Boeuf Bourguignon

Boeuf Bourguignon

The recipe for the traditional braise of Burgundy may have changed slightly, but one ingredient remains non-negotiable: a bottle of the region’s red wine.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

crêpes Suzette in a cast iron pan with candied orange peel and sauce with flames

Crêpes Suzette

Prolific restaurateur and chef ANDREW MCCONNELL shares his take on the French classic that sets hearts (and crêpes) on fire at Melbourne’s Gimlet.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Hanger steak with eschallots

France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots

A classic French main rooted in tradition, bringing the charm of Parisian dining to your table.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Moules à la Normande

Moules à la Normande

Australian Gourmet Traveller recipe for moules à la Normande by chef David Bransgrove at Sydney restaurant La Brasserie.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Apple tarte Tatin

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Ratatouille with ruby snapper

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Leek and chèvre soufflé omelette

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts

Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts

Smoked bacon, Brussels sprouts and Puy lentils – a classic combination that makes a great accompaniment to any Parisian meal.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Madeleines with lemon sugar

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Pork and veal terrine

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Chocolate marquise

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Easy duck and sausage cassoulet

Easy duck and sausage cassoulet

This classic French stew typically takes hours of simmering to do right. But we’ll make an exception for this recipe.
The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

How to make crème anglaise

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Pork hock croque-monsieur

The best French recipes to master in 2026, French onion soup , Tartiflette with bacon and sage , France-Soir’s omelette au fromage , Crème brûlées , Duck à l’orange , How to make bouillabaisse with Damien Pignolet , Boeuf Bourguignon , Crêpes Suzette , France-Soir’s Onglet À l’échalote: Hanger steak with eschallots , Moules à la Normande , Puy lentils with bacon and Brussels sprouts , Easy duck and sausage cassoulet , Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

Milleufeuille with layers of crème pâtissière and blueberries and a glass of sweet vermouth in the background.

Blueberry millefeuille with rosemary and sweet vermouth crème pâtissière

With the option to make each element ahead of time, this stunning millefeuille practically assembles itself.
What is traditional French cuisine?

Traditional French food is wonderfully diverse thanks to France’s many regions and their characteristic culinary traditions. For example, traditional Niçard dishes include salade Niçoise and ratatouille, while traditional Breton dishes range from buckwheat crêpes to kouign-amann, a classic buttery Breton pastry. However, some French dishes can be called quintessential French, from baked goods like croissants and baguettes to stews like coq au vin, bouillabaisse and cassoulet. Other widely known French foods include escargots de Bourgogne (snails cooked in garlic, butter and parsley), soupe à l’oignon (French onion soup), foie gras, cuisses de grenouille (frog legs) and steak frites, as well as desserts and pastry such as soufflé, macaron and crème brûlée.

What is the most popular French cuisine?

French cuisine can be broken down into several categories to reflect different styles, regions and techniques. Haute cuisine, for example, is the pinnacle of French cooking. Haute cuisine is mainly associated with fine dining and high-end restaurants where dishes are meticulously prepared and presented and showcase elaborate cooking techniques. Another popular French cuisine is bistro cooking, which is typically casual and unpretentious yet incredibly flavourful — think classic bistro dishes like steak frites, duck confit and French onion soup. Then there is cuisine bourgeoise, or traditional French home cooking, and all the regional cuisines. Another notable one is Modern French cuisine, which often takes on traditional French dishes and incorporates new-age techniques or international influences. Pâtisserie can also be considered a cuisine, with famed pastries such as croissants, éclairs, choux pastry, madeleines and macarons known around the world.

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