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    Home » Recipes » Entertaining

    Published: Jun 28, 2024 by Anina Belle Giannini

    Best 25 French Recipes for Bastille Day

    The Best 25 French Recipes for Bastille Day. Bastille Day (France's National Day - le quatorze juillet/ fourth of July) is such a fun holiday to celebrate - wherever you are in the world. Especially if you are not in France, hosting a Bastille Day celebration is great excuse to do something unique and fun on a day where there are not many other events already planned. What better way to celebrate Bastille Day than with French food? I love having a Bastille Day celebration to look forward to, it is a chic and elegant way to celebrate the summer!

    French National Day - La Fête Nationale

    Whether you are planning a romantic Bastille Day themed dinner for two or an outdoor Bastille Day party, here are my favorite recipes for Bastille Day celebrations.

    Warm weather (in the northern hemisphere) lends itself to dishes that are light, fresh and full of summer flavors. Many of the below recipes are inspired from the French Riviera though many will make you feel as if you are in a French bistro in the streets of Paris with a view of the Eiffel Tower. All of them are a representation of authentic French Cuisine. French people love to celebrate Bastille Day.

    2 copper plates with Le Grand Aïoli, shrimp, cod, fresh vegetables, mussels a french baguette and aïoli
    Le Grand Aïoli

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    homemade French baguettes piled up on a striped cotton towl

    Quick Easy French Baguettes (Baking Baguettes for Beginners)

    Quick, easy French baguette recipe. Deliciously simple yet crusty and crackly, homemade French Baguettes. Follow this recipe for easy French Baguettes even first time bakers can make and with only a couple hours.

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    kir royale cocktail made with creme de cassis and champagne

    Kir Royale Cocktail

    The Kir Royale Cocktail is chic and refreshing. My favorite cocktail, made with crème de cassis and champagne, as seen on Emily in Paris. 

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    french crepe with blueberry compote

    Easy French Crêpes Recipe

    My Grandmother's Crêpes are as easy to make as 1-2-3. 1 Cup of flour, 2 cups of milk, 3 large eggs. Et Voilà!

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    french toast recipe

    Easy French Toast Recipe

    This, no-fail, easy french toast recipe is perfect for a decadent weekend brunch but is easy enough to put together in under 20 minutes with very little skill. 

    I love this recipe because it is high in protein and does not use sugar. As well, the measurements do not need to be precise for the end result to be tasty.  Kids tend to spill on the counter when mixing and that is ok here. It is nearly impossible to mess up this recipe!

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    butter and apricot jam tartine

    French Tartines Recipe

    A Tartine is an open face sandwich, very popular in France. Go to any bistro at breakfast or lunch and you will see Tartines offered on the menu. Tartines are not as popular in the United States yet (we love our sandwiches between two slices of bread!), but I love this lighter and sometimes more

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    close up of La Salade Tropezienne with shrimp, peaches, cucumbers, goat cheese, basil and cilantro and lemon thyme on a plate with a glass of Rosé wine and peaches

    Grilled Peach & Shrimp Salad

    Do you want to learn to make a salad that looks, and tastes like it comes from a Michelin starred restaurant in the South of France? Let's do it! Here is a step by step guide to making La Salade Tropezienne - a fancy Shrimp, Peach and Goat Cheese salad with a Rosé Vinaigrette inspired by Saint-Tropez.

    Read more
    Nicoise salad - tomatoes, artichokes, capers, cucumbers olives and capers with tuna

    French Salade Niçoise Recipe

    Here is an authentic, tasty French Salade Niçoise recipe that you will love! One of my all-time favorite salads that is full of protein (eggs, tuna and possibly sardines) and with lots of good veggies butter lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, artichokes fava beans, radishes and basil. It is simple to make yet impressive to serve and is perfect for picnics or long lunches in the sun.. Serve with a fresh baked baguette and a glass of Rosé for the perfect French Riviera lunch.

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    Confit Bayaldi a dish of layered eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and onions

    Simple Confit Bayaldi Recipe

    Confit Bayaldi is a beautifully presented French Riviera slow cooked vegetarian dish using the same ingredients as a Ratatouille.

    A perfect example of French Riviera cooking - Confit Bayaldi uses simple, fresh ingredients, beautifully displayed to create a dish that is memorable and full of flavor but is also surprisingly healthy.

    The colors are beautiful and vibrant and the fancy rose shape of the vegetables looks almost too pretty to eat! When cooked just right Confit Bayaldi can be the star of a special brunch table or the dish that everyone asks you the recipe for at a dinner party.

    Read more
    ratatouille topped with fresh basil

    Authentic Ratatouille Recipe

    Ratatouille is a delicious & healthy side dish from Provence made of baked eggplant, zucchinis, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and onions, seasoned with fragrant Herbes de Provence. The vegetables are robust in flavor, each distinctly seasoned. Each velvety forkful melts in your mouth, offering the beauty of Provence in each bite.

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    Soupe au Pistou

    Soupe au Pistou

    La Soupe au Pistou is a hearty yet summery vegetarian bean soup packed with mixed vegetables, pasta and LOTS of basil. The perfect meal in a bowl , ideal meal prep to get you through the week.

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    2 copper plates with Le Grand Aïoli, shrimp, cod, fresh vegetables, mussels a french baguette and aïoli

    Le Grand Aïoli, made simple

    Le Grand Aïoli. This classic dish is everything I love about summer dining in the South of France. A sophisticated take on a dipping platter with summer vegetables, seafood and a delicious homemade garlicky mayonnaise. Each individual ingredient shines beautifully and the presentation is artful yet casual. Perfect for a luxurious picnic or a long lunch outdoors accompanied by chilled glasses of Provençal Rosé.

    Read more
    Chef's scallops

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    poulet roti - roast chicken with lemon and thyme and garlic fresh out of the oven

    Lemon Thyme French Roast Chicken (Poulet Rôti)

    This Lemon and Thyme French Roast Chicken Recipe (Poulet Rôti au thym et citron) with Roasted Garlic is one of our family's favorite dishes. The meat is juicy and tender with the delicate perfume from the lemons, garlic and thyme. The skin is crispy and flavorful. Simply exquisite as well as super easy to make!

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    coq au vin blanc , a chicken stew with white wine, pork belly, celery, onions, mushrooms, parsley

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    Coq Au Vin Blanc is a French recipe for a succulent chicken stew made with white wine.

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    Portions: 4

    Degree of difficulty: ⅗ (simply for the equipment needed and for the bain marie technique)

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    Here are the recipes separated by meal time:

    Brunch

    No need to wait until the afternoon to celebrate Bastille Day!

    Here are 2 variations of French Crêpes recipes that are so easy to make you will want to make them every weekend!

    French Crêpes Made Simple - you will love this easy recipe!

    Lemon Sugar Crêpes

    Pain Perdu (French Toast)

    Chantilly cream over strawberry crepes

    L'Apéro (Welcome Cocktail):

    L'Apéro is what a French host will always serve as guests arrive for an evening event. Cocktails or wine with little nibbles to whet the appetite and make guests feel immediately welcome. Really, you could choose to host L'Apéro on its own for Bastille Day - I have written more about the art of the Apéro in this blog post

    Rosé wine overlooking La Baie des Anges - Nice, France

    Frequent Asked Questions about Bastille Day

    What is Bastille Day?

    "Bastille Day” is France’s national holiday. “La Bastille” refers to the storming of the Bastille, a turning point in the French Revolution that happened on July 14th 1789. Today, the French celebrate Bastille Day much like we celebrate the fourth of July in the US or July 1st in Canada - with wonderful friends, great food and beautiful wines! Not to forget the impressive Military Parade on the Champs Elysées!

    How to celebrate Bastille Day?

    In the South of France we always celebrated Bastille Day with a good meal between friends. Served outdoors in an informal style was always my favorite. An Apéro style is a fun way to welcome guests for a fun gathering

    What to serve on Bastille Day?

    Dishes such as Salade Niçoise, Salade Tropezienne, Fresh baked Baguette, Petit Farçis Niçois, Le Grand Aïoli and Bayaldi Provençal are great to serve. Your guests will appreciate the authentic French flavors

    To Drink:

    Piscine Pêche (Sparkling wine with peaches and rosemary - yum!).

    Kir Royale Cocktail

    St-Germain Spritz

    St-Germain-Spritz-Cocktail

    I also will serve a Martini blanc, an Aperol Spritz or a glass of Rosé.

    To Eat:

    Authentic Olive Tapenade

    Fresh Baked French Baguettes

    Gougères (French Cheese Puffs) - Recipe by Bakes by Brown Sugar

    I also like to serve a selection of nuts and finger foods such as cucumbers and dip and cherry tomatoes with L'Apéro. Perhaps a few slices of charcuterie as well but I save the cheese for after the meal!

    Kir Royal and tapenade
    Kir Royal and Tapenade on Homemade French Baguette

    Appetizers:

    Here are some fresh, summer dishes to inspire you - whether you are serving an individually plated meal or putting big plates in the center of the table for everyone to share.

    Confit Bayaldi , an elevated version of Ratatouille - a Provençal stew made of fresh vegetables.

    La Salade Niçoise

    Nicoise salad - tomatoes, artichokes, capers, cucumbers olives and capers with tuna
    La Salade Niçoise (Niçoise Salad)

    Fig & Goat Cheese Salad with a Honey Vinaigrette

    La Salade Mentonnaise - Fennel, Orange and Artichoke salad with roasted Pine Nuts

    Roasted Plum, Goat Cheese & Lemon Thyme Salad

    Prosciutto Salad with Melon and Burrata

    La Salade Tropezienne - Shrimp, Peach and Goat Cheese Salad with a Rosé Vinaigrette

    La Salade Tropezienne with shrimp, peaches, cucumbers, goat cheese, basil and cilantro and lemon thyme on a plate with a glass of Rosé wine and peaches
    La Salade Tropezienne

    French Onion Soup Gratinée (not my favorite choice in a heatwave, but it is one of the most popular recipes on my blog...even in summer!)

    french onion Soup gratinée in a white bowl with wine
    French Onion Soup Gratinée

    La Soupe au Pistou - A Provençal Summer Soup

    French Tartines Recipe

    fig and ham tartine

    Main Dishes Perfect for Bastille Day

    merguez sandwich with piperade sauce and taboule

    Merguez Sandwich - The French hot dog and one of the most popular Bastille Day foods. This recipe, with its fresh baguettes and smokey red pepper piperade sauce is perfect for a Bastille Day Party. Merguez sausage, made of lamb and spices, originates from North Africa and is one of the most famous BBQ foods in France - perfect for an outdoor feast.

    Branzino with Vierge Sauce

    Le Grand Aïoli

    Seared Scallops & Leeks in White Wine

    Super Simple French Roast Chicken

    Coq au Vin made simple - a French Bistro classic your friends will love. Coq au Vin Blanc is also a great alternative for summer - made with white wine instead of red wine.

    Les Petits Farcis Niçois

    Branzino on a plate with Vierge Sauce made of tomatoes, capers, shallots, olives and basil
    Branzino with Vierge Sauce

    French Cheese Board

    French cheese board

    How to make a expert selection of cheeses is all explained in this blog post.

    French Dessert Recipes

    If you are up to spending some time preparing your desserts, here are some of my absolute favorite classic French desserts that are always impressive to serve.

    La Crème Brûlée

    Mousse au Chocolat (Chocolate Mousse)

    Profiteroles by Molly J. Wilk (I love how simple she makes French baking!)

    Strawberry Macarons by Britney Breaks Bread

    (the above can be made in advance so are great for an outdoor gathering when you won't be next to an oven)

    homemade creme brulee that has a bite out of it - sugar crackly crust
    Crème Brûlée

    Soufflé au Chocolat

    Moelleux au Chocolat

    Easiest French Crêpe recipe

    Moelleux au chocolat - molten lava chocolate cake
    Moelleux au chocolat the most elegant dessert and incredibly delicious!

    Please let me know if you are making one of these best 25 French recipes for Bastille Day, my favorite French recipes. I love to hear from you!

    Happy Bastille Day!

    Bon Appétit,

    Le Chef's Wife

    Le Chefs Wife logo a big blue stock pot next to the sea with lemons

    ABOUT LE CHEF'S WIFE

    Bonjour! I am Anina Belle. I translate the fancy cooking of my Michelin-star trained French Chef Husband, Le Chef, into easy to make dishes that busy people with no culinary training (like me!) can make at home. We have two young kids (6 and 3) and I work full time in addition to this blog. I strongly believe that even busy people deserve to eat well at home.

    Look inside our Kitchen with this recent Washington Post Article. We were recently featured on the TODAY SHOW for our recipes of French Onion Soup Gratinée and Moelleux au Chocolat. You can watch our full segment here:

    I share our home cooking on Instagram, pinterest and tiktok. Sign up for my newsletter to be the first to receive my new recipes and have advance access to cooking classes. I look forward to cooking with you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ann-Marie Michaels says

      July 02, 2024 at 11:19 am

      So excited to find your blog. My new fave! I am planning a "Babette's Feast" with my best girlfriends this month. I think I will use some of your recipes. Love the idea of whole garlic bulbs with the roast chicken, and the shrimp/peach salad looks to-die-for.

      Reply
      • Anina Belle Giannini says

        July 02, 2024 at 11:46 am

        Bonjour Ann-Marie,
        Thank you so much for letting me know! I love to hear it. I just made roast chicken yesterday and my husband ate the entire bulb before I could get to it. Note to self : put 2 garlic bulbs with the chicken!
        Bonne journée,

        Anina Belle

        Reply
    2. Suzanne says

      July 09, 2022 at 3:13 pm

      All very useful and appetizing. Thank you lechefswife!

      Reply
      • lechefswife says

        July 09, 2022 at 11:22 pm

        Thank you for your comment! I am glad you like it 🙂

        Reply
    3. Shani says

      July 09, 2022 at 12:37 pm

      Anina Belle, what a tremendous roundup to honor Bastille Day! I'm going straight for the French Onion Soup Gratinée and La Crème Brûlée. Amazing job!

      Reply
      • lechefswife says

        July 09, 2022 at 11:23 pm

        thank you so much for your comment, Shani! This French Onion soup is amazing - we use chicken stock and the onions melt in your mouth!

        Reply
    4. Britney Brown-Chamberlain says

      July 09, 2022 at 12:32 pm

      I cannot wait to try some of these recipes to celebrate Bastille Day! What a great lineup! Thanks for the recommendations!

      Reply
      • lechefswife says

        July 09, 2022 at 11:23 pm

        thank you so much for your comment, Britney! And thank you for your amazing Macaron recipe! The perfect dessert for Bastille Day.

        Reply

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    Bonjour. If you are looking for French Recipes, made simple, you are in the right place! I translate the fancy cooking of my French Chef husband into easy-to-follow recipes that busy people with no culinary training, like me, can cook. From French Baguettes to French Riviera classic recipes, I invite you to learn French cooking with me.

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