Now that Independence Day has come and gone, it’s time to start thinking about upcoming holidays full of good grub, times, and people. And if you’re looking to diversify your arsenal of party recipes, why not make French recipes to celebrate Bastille Day? Also known as French National Day, Bastille Day occurs on July 14. In France, it’s known as La fête nationale or Le quatorze juillet.
Even if you aren’t French or have never been to France, celebrating Bastille Day will be a treat. It’s the perfect excuse to try out appetizers, meals, and desserts that you might not have had before. And in the midst of all the summer BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs, something tells me very few people would object to a delicious change. After all, what better way to get a taste of another country than by chowing down on amazing grub?
Some of the recipes on this list are simply inspired by French staples, resulting in an imaginative hybrid of flavors and ingredients. In some cases, cooking or baking methods adapted from French cuisine techniques are used. To top it all off, there are even vegetarian versions of traditionally meat meals on this list.
Happy Bastille Day!
1. French Onion Cheese Bread
Pay homage to the iconic French onion soup with this amazingly hearty appetizer from Foodie Crush. It's like two dishes came together to create the ultimate comfort food.
2. Caramelized Onion and Feta Bread and Butter Pudding
Take it up a notch and create bread pudding inspired by French onion soup. My stomach is grumbling just looking at this recipe by Sugar et al.
3. Oven-Crisped Parmesan and Sage Truffle Fries
Whether you're celebrating Bastille Day or chilling on a summer night, finger food is a must. Give these oven-crisped truffle fries from How Sweet It Is a shot. Bet you can't eat just one.
4. Roasted Potato Galette with Cheddar and Chives
Score yourself some major French cuisine cred by creating a flat round crusty cake called a galette. This version by How Sweet It Is uses a buttery pie crust, creating the perfect home for cheddar, cheese, and everything delicious.
5. The Essential Cheese Quiche
Featuring a pastry crust and a custard-like interior, this basic cheese quiche by The Crepes of Wrath is a must for any French-inspired celebration. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Heck, you can even eat it for all three.
6. Deep-Dish Spinach, Leek, and Bacon Quiche
If you're feigning for something a little fancier, try this spinach, leek, and bacon alternative from Foodie Crush. This is another one that can be eaten all day, every day. Two points for good ol' bacon.
7. Smoked Salmon Quick Quiche
But wait... there's more. Fans of seafood will adore this smoked salmon quiche by Foodie Crush. And because it uses a frozen puff pastry, this one will be super easy to make.
8. Bouillabaisse
Thanks to the combination of tomatoes and citrus elements, this classic French fish stew is bursting with flavor. The dish might sound intimidating, but this recipe by Sugar et al breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand.
9. Cheddar Croissant Doughnuts with Honey Mustard
Inspired by the almighty croissant, these doughnuts are something special. Made with puff pastry and layers (yes, layers) of cheddar and mustard, this recipe by Joy the Baker is something out of a dream.
10. Heirloom Tomato Caramelized Onion and Feta Galette
For another take on the galette, check out Foodie Crush's recipe featuring juicy heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, and caramelized onions. What's up, summer veggie heaven.
11. Grape Crepes with Brie and Bacon
Between the homemade crepe batter and combination of grapes with brie and bacon, I can only imagine the flavors in this recipe. Sweet, salty, and savory? The Crepes of Wrath is brilliant.
12. Beet Bourguignon
Traditionally made with beef, this classic French dish is ideal for the lover of hearty, comforting dishes. Green Kitchen Stories figured out how to make a vegetarian version featuring beets, mushrooms, and carrots cooked in wine. Love it.
13. Vegetarian Bouillabaisse
Speaking of vegetarian dishes... Green Kitchen Stories also created a fish-less bouillabaisse.
14. Lobster Pot Pies
For the ultimate French-inspired comfort food, whip up a lobster pot pie (Homard en Croûte) by How Sweet It Is. After all, who says chicken should have all the fun?
15. Chocolate Croissants
A celebration for France isn't complete without croissants, a French pastry staple. This version by Joy the Baker can be made in just 30 minutes and features a tasty dark chocolate filling.
16. Cinnamon Sugar Nutella Crescent Rolls
Sweeten things up with a cinnamon sugar version complete with a Nutella interior. Head to Confessions of a Cookbook Queen for a full low-down.
17. Coconut Crepes with Yogurt Mango and Palm Sugar Caramel
For something a little out of the ordinary, skip the basic crepe and go for a coconut version by Sugar et al. Your sweet tooth will adore the creative yogurt, mango, and palm sugar caramel combo.
18. Raspberry Meringue Mille-Feuille
Also known as the Napolean, mille-feuilles are another classic French pastry to eat on Bastille Day. Try them out making this raspberry meringue adaptation by Sugar et al. This is another dessert that can be made using a glorious frozen store-bought puff pastry.
19. Lemon Souffle Pudding
If you're feeling gutsy enough to try out the French method of cooking with a bain marie, or water bath, then you're in luck. Joy the Baker demonstrates how to create a tangy lemon souffle pudding topped off with whipped cream.
20. Pots de Creme with Rose and Pomegranate
For a beautiful take on French dessert custard, try Sugar et al's recipe featuring rose and pomegranate. Not only is it summer appropriate, but it's pretty as heck, too.
21. Almond Chocolate Pots de Creme
If you're craving a generous dose of chocolatey goodness, look no further. This pots de creme recipe by Green Kitchen Stories features dark chocolate, almond milk, and honey. It's totally dairy-free, too.
Images: Foodie Crush; Sugar et al.; How Sweet It Is; How Sweet It Is; The Crepes of Wrath; Foodie Crush; Foodie Crush; Sugar et al ; Joy the Baker; Foodie Crush; The Crepes of Wrath; Green Kitchen Stories; Green Kitchen Stories; How Sweet Eats; Joy the Baker; Confessions of a Cookbook Queen; Sugar et al; Sugar et al; Joy the Baker; Sugar et al; Green Kitchen Stories
