12 French Recipes for When You Want to Romanticize Your Weekend

I’ve been to France around 3 times now and all I can say is that their food is incredible.

It’s honestly so hard to have a bad meal in France. You can pop into a random restaurant and I’m gonna guarantee you that it will most likely be a good meal.

But French food is just like that; they use some of the best ingredients, they have predictably good cooking methods, and they put so much time into each dish.

So if you also want to romanticize your weekend and kind of feel like you’re a character in some indie film, then here are a few French recipes to try.

1. Cherry Clafoutis

I love rustic French desserts, and this traditional tart looks like the perfect recipe to make for an at-home cafe with friends. Or you can just make it for yourself and call it breakfast for the next 5 days or so.

It’s simple, buttery, sweet, tart, and only requires 15 minutes to prep. Perfect for enjoying on a Saturday morning with good coffee.

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2. Plum Galette

Galettes are another one of those traditional rustic French recipes that I am in love with. My husband suggested making one a couple months ago, so I decided to go to the store and get the ingredients same day. And I definitely don’t regret it.

It was an easy dessert to pull together, and it was so rich and buttery and sweet. I’ve made multiple since then.

Here’s the plum galette recipe I personally used.

3. Coq au Vin Blanc

I’ve made this traditional French recipe multiple times and it is so good. It’s rich, creamy, savory, hearty, and total comfort food. It’s the kind of meal you’d make when you’re craving something cozy no matter what time of the year it is.

Also, it’s one of those classic dishes you can easily pull out and your friends will think you spent 4 hours in the kitchen.

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4. French Peach Clafoutis

French cuisine has some of the best desserts. They’re so rich and I could definitely see myself making this recipe on repeat. It’s fresh peaches baked in a custard and the ingredients and instructions are so simple.

While some French desserts require a lot of steps, this one is perfect for a lazy Sunday.

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5. Lyonnaise Potatoes (Fried Potatoes and Onions)

There’s something so good and comforting about buttery pan-fried potatoes and onions. Also, this is one of those classic French dishes you could make as a side for a dinner party with friends or enjoy as apart of your weekend breakfast.

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6. Tarte Tatin Pommes

This is another one of those simple French classic dishes that looks complex but is actually pretty simple. It’s only 5 ingredients and looks photo-worthy for your group chat.

You can make this as apart of a brunch with friends, or just enjoy it by yourself with a good espresso and a nice French playlist.

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7. Profiteroles

These kind of look like the ultimate French dessert. It’s not healthy, it’s chocolatey, has crispy/soft pastry, and there’s a lot of rich ice cream. Maybe this is something you can enjoy after a really good French dinner

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8. French Hot Chocolate

I remember when I first had French hot chocolate. It was in a small idyllic French village in a cute cafe called Cafe Marignan.

The hot chocolate was so decadent and thick that it reminded me of a rich, dark homemade chocolate pudding. I would definitely make this if you’re craving comfort food during the fall or winter.

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9. Baguettes

There’s something so comforting and nice about walking into a French bakery. You’re met with the warmth of the ovens and the smell of wonderful fresh bread.

So if you’d like to make your own baguette at home, then I’d definitely recommend it. There’s so much that they can go with, or you can just enjoy one with a bit of French jam.

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10. Strawberry Sablé Breton Tart

I love Breton desserts. They’re uniquely good and so much fun to make. But they sometimes do require a bit more time than other classic French sweets. So if you have a bit more time on your hands and you like the prepping and cooking process, then this strawberry sablé Breton tart might be your answer.

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11. Beef Bourguignon

I believe I’ve made beef bourguignon before, and if memory serves, it was a hearty, savory, and rich dish that I’d love to make again soon.

It has comforting ingredients like red wine, thyme, bacon, shallots, and butter. Also, it’s the perfect recipe to start in the afternoon so you can smell the amazing aromas for a few hours before enjoying it at dinner.

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12. Madelines

I love French madelines! They’re so soft and pillowy, and their flavor goes incredibly well with a hot cup of creamy coffee!

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13. Chicken Liver Parfait-Pate

Chicken liver pate is always good when paired with fresh bread, so maybe try making this along with that baguette recipe up above?

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