French cuisine is often associated with escargot and pastries, but the dishes from this country have so much more to offer.
And the elegance of French cuisine is not only evident in its main courses but also shines brightly in its side dishes.
These accompaniments, often subtle yet packed with flavor, have the power to transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
Below, we share 20 of our most beloved French side dishes inspired by some of the best French chefs. We’ve sampled many a side dish to bring you this list of recipes – each of which is a true reflection of the beauty of French cuisine.
If you’re ready to embrace French bistro vibes and stun your guests with delicious food they won’t forget, keep reading.
Originating from the sun-drenched regions of Provence, Ratatouille is a celebration of fresh garden produce.
This classic, rustic Provençal vegetable medley showcases the region’s freshest ingredients like bell peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, and had to take pride of place to start our list.
Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of tender vegetables enriched with herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Our Top Tip: Cook each vegetable separately before combining them to retain individual flavors.
Pairing: Wonderful with grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian dish.
A timeless classic from the foothills of the French Alps, Gratin Dauphinois is a testament to the indulgence of French cooking.
This creamy potato dish incorporates layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cream and has enjoyed popularity across the world as one of the most favored French side dishes.
Flavor Profile: Rich, creamy, and indulgent with a beautifully browned top.
Our Top Tip: Use a mandoline for uniformly thin potato slices.
Pairing: Perfect alongside roast meats, especially lamb.
This dish showcases the harmonious balance that French cuisine often achieves, marrying bitter endives, creamy, strong Roquefort cheese, and crunchy walnut flavors and textures.
Flavor Profile: Bitter, creamy, and nutty all in one bite.
Our Top Tip: Drizzle with a walnut oil vinaigrette to intensify flavors.
Pairing: Complements grilled meats, especially pork.
A culinary jewel from the French Riviera, Pissaladière showcases caramelized onions, olives, and anchovies atop a soft dough. It’s reminiscent of the Mediterranean’s salty breeze.
Flavor Profile: Sweet onions offset by the salty depth of anchovies and olives.
Our Top Tip: Use good quality olive oil for drizzling to enhance the flavors.
Pairing: Excellent with a chilled rosé on a summer day or to accompany a light salad.
Hailing from the Alsace region, Tarte Flambée, or Flammekueche, is a thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, painting a picture of Alsatian culinary traditions.
Tender leeks bathed in a sharp vinaigrette is a celebration of the French’s ability to make humble vegetables the star of a dish.
Flavor Profile: Soft, sweet leeks contrasted with a zingy vinaigrette.
Our Top Tip: Ensure the leeks are well-cleaned to remove any grit.
Pairing: Perfect as a starter or alongside grilled fish.
In Summary
We hope you’ve enjoyed diving fork-first into the world of French side dishes. It’s a journey of flavors, textures, and culinary traditions.
We love the refreshing hit of Tomato Provençal, but if you’re craving potatoes, then Pommes Duchesse is a must!
Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, crispy, or earthy, French cuisine has a side dish ready to whisk your taste buds straight to the heart of France.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
