These 12 Classic French Recipes Are Easy Enough to Make Anytime

updated Jul 5, 2022
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

As a French person who lived in the United States for almost eight years, I know that French food can sometimes be perceived as intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! In fact, most French home cooks are all about easy recipes that rely more on ingredient quality than on cooking skills. These 12 classic dishes exemplify that perfectly.

1 / 12
Croque Madame
This classic toasted French ham and cheese sandwich is made with nutty Gruyère, creamy béchamel sauce, and topped with a fried egg.
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2 / 12
Chantilly Potatoes
French-style Chantilly potatoes are the best fast-and-fancy side dish. The addition of whipped cream makes them extra light and fluffy.
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3 / 12
Salad Niçoise
This traditional French recipe includes lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, tuna, potatoes, and eggs.
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4 / 12
Quiche Lorraine
Love a deeply savory quiche? Quiche Lorraine is for you.
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5 / 12
Pommes Persillade
Crispy diced potatoes tossed in melted butter, garlic, and parsley is the ultimate side dish.
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6 / 12
French Apple Cake
This simple, traditional French cake is made with a rum-based batter and is studded with chunks of sweet apple.
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7 / 12
Easy French Ratatouille
Make this thick-and-silky French stew of eggplant, zucchini, sweet peppers, and ripe summer tomatoes before summer ends.
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Classic French Omelette
A good omelette is soft and custard-like, golden yellow, and best eaten while still hot from the skillet. Here's an easy recipe you can make at home.
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9 / 12
Cardamom and Stone Fruit Clafoutis
French clafoutis is mixed up in just one bowl, can be customized with an array of stone fruit, and bakes up with a soft, custardy texture.
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10 / 12
Quick and Easy Socca
Learn how to make this three-ingredient, vegan and gluten-free flatbread that cooks in under 10 minutes.
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Galette des Brittany (Salted Butter Cookies)
These cookies are special because they rely on cultured butter to flavor them. No vanilla, no citrus zest — just high-quality, salted butter.
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Tartiflette (French Potato, Bacon, and Cheese Casserole)
This cozy casserole originating out of Savoy in the Alps is made with potatoes, Reblochon cheese, bacon, and onions.
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