10 Best French Lunch Recipes to Make
French cuisine is world-renowned for its delicious, complex flavors and techniques. From decadent desserts to savory main courses, French cooking is an art form that has been perfected over centuries. But French cooking isn’t just limited to elaborate meals. There are many delicious, easy-to-make French lunch recipes that are perfect for an effortless meal or a fun family gathering. Let’s explore some of the best French lunch recipes and why they’re so beloved around the world.
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a savory pie that hails from the Lorraine region of France. It’s a classic and well-loved dish that consists of a buttery pastry crust filled with a rich custard made from eggs, cream, or milk, and often includes cheese, seasoning, and various fillings.
The traditional Quiche Lorraine contains crispy lardons or bacon. The meat is cooked and then combined with the custard mixture, typically seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper. The entire mixture is then poured into the pastry shell and baked until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Over the years, many variations of quiche have emerged, with additional ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, spinach, and various cheeses. However, the original Quiche Lorraine is noted for its simplicity, relying mainly on the flavor of the bacon or lardons and the creamy custard.
Tarte Flambée
Tarte Flambée, also known as Flammekueche in Alsatian, is a dish originating from the Alsace region of France. It is a thin flatbread typically made with a dough that’s rolled out very thinly and then topped with a mixture of crème fraîche or fromage blanc, thinly sliced onions, and lardons or bacon.
Once the flatbread is assembled with its toppings, it’s baked in a very hot oven, traditionally a wood-fired oven, until the edges become crispy and slightly charred. This gives the dish its name, which translates to “flamed tart.”
Tarte Flambée has some similarities to pizza, but it is distinct in its flavor profile and preparation. The combination of the creamy sauce with the sweetness of the onions and the saltiness of the bacon creates a delightful and balanced taste that’s both rustic and satisfying.
Tarte Flambée is relatively simple and quick to prepare, making it a practical lunch choice, especially when time may be limited. Often served on a large wooden board, it encourages communal dining. Sharing a Tarte Flambée with friends or family is a delightful social lunch experience. Despite its rich flavors, Tarte Flambée is often considered a lighter option compared to some other French dishes, making it excellent for a light lunch.
Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is a classic French lunch meal. This beloved French sandwich is made with slices of ham and cheese, usually Gruyère or Emmental, nestled between two slices of buttered bread. The sandwich is then grilled or fried to a golden brown, and finished with a creamy béchamel sauce and then broiled until bubbly and slightly browned. The finished plate is a warm, crispy, and gooey sandwich that offers a delightful contrast of textures and rich, savory flavors.
The Croque Monsieur is one of the most popular French lunch recipes because it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that provides a fulfilling sense of comfort, making it ideal as a midday meal.
Its preparation is relatively quick, allowing for a delicious meal without a lengthy wait, fitting for a lunch break or a leisurely weekend lunch.
The Croque Monsieur’s status as a classic French dish elevates even a simple lunch into something special. The balance of convenience, satisfaction, and elegance in the Croque Monsieur makes it a wonderful French lunch meal, whether enjoyed in a Parisian café or made at home.
Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish that stems from Nice. It’s made by simmering together a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, often garnished with herbs like rosemary and bay leaf. The ingredients are typically sautéed separately to maintain their unique flavors and then combined and cooked slowly to blend together into a harmonious, aromatic dish. The result is a medley of soft, flavorful vegetables that retain their individual character while contributing to a rich and complex overall taste.
Ratatouille is an excellent French lunch meal for several reasons. Its vegetables make it a nutrient-dense option, providing an array of vitamins and minerals, which is ideal for a wholesome and balanced lunch meal.
As a vegetable-based dish, it is lighter on the stomach, avoiding the post-lunch sluggishness that might come with heavier, meat-centric meals. Ratatouille’s slow-cooked nature means that the flavors have time to develop and meld, offering a flavorful eating experience without relying on rich or heavy ingredients.
It is served as a main course with bread or rice, or as a side dish accompanying meat or fish. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, whether at home, in a restaurant, or as a packed meal. As a celebration of the regional produce and tradition of Provence, enjoying Ratatouille connects you with French culture, turning a basic lunch into a cultural affair.
Salade Niçoise
Salade Niçoise is a vibrant and classic salad that originates from the city of Nice, on the French Riviera. It’s a composed salad that typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, Niçoise olives, anchovies, and tuna, either canned or freshly grilled. The salad is often dressed with olive oil, and may also include other vegetables such as green beans, bell peppers, and artichokes. Fresh herbs like basil and local seasonings are used to bring out the flavors. The arrangement of the ingredients is intentional and often artistic, enhancing the salad’s visual appeal.
For lunch, Salade Niçoise packs in freshness, flavor, and nutritional balance. The mix of vegetables provides vitamins and fiber, promoting a sense of well-being and satiety without heaviness. The inclusion of protein-rich ingredients like tuna and eggs adds substance to the salad, making it satisfying enough to serve as a primary course. Its flavors are bright and varied, offering a pleasing palate experience that’s neither too rich nor too bland.
Salade Niçoise’s lightness makes it spot-on for a lunch that fuels the day without weighing you down. The convenience of being able to prepare it in advance also adds to the benefits, whether enjoyed at home, in a bistro, or taken to work.
Its composition and the medley of tastes encapsulate the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoying a Salade Niçoise can feel like a quick trip to the sunny French coast. It pairs well with a chilled glass of rosé or white wine.
Croque Madame
Croque Madame is a variation of the classic French sandwich known as Croque Monsieur, yet it’s distinguished by the addition of a fried or poached egg on top.
Like its counterpart, the Croque Madame consists of buttered bread filled with ham and cheese, typically Gruyère or Emmental, and it is grilled until crispy. A béchamel sauce is spread over the sandwich before grilling, and more cheese may be sprinkled on top for added richness. Once grilled, a perfectly cooked egg is placed on top, with the yolk still runny, creating a visually appealing and delicious addition to the sandwich.
The Croque Madame makes an outstanding choice for lunch in France or elsewhere. The ham, cheese, and egg provide a well-rounded meal with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, offering the sustenance needed in the middle of the day. The textures and flavors are diverse and satisfying, from the crispiness of the bread to the creaminess of the béchamel and cheese, balanced by the savory ham and the luxuriousness of a runny egg yolk.
Despite its rich and indulgent taste, the Croque Madame can be enjoyed as a complete meal without feeling too heavy. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad or a bowl of soup, offering a full and balanced lunch.
Cassoulet
Cassoulet is a hearty slow-cooked casserole originating in the south of France, particularly associated with the regions of Toulouse, Carcassonne, and Castelnaudary. It’s named after the traditional “cassole,” a deep, round, earthenware pot in which it’s cooked.
The dish primarily consists of white beans, which are simmered with a variety of meats such as pork sausages, goose, duck, or mutton. Depending on the region, the meats can vary, and other ingredients like tomatoes and herbs may be added for flavor.
Enjoying a cassoulet for lunch can be a particularly satisfying experience. As a rich and substantial dish, cassoulet offers a robust and comforting meal that is appealing on a cold day or when a more filling lunch is needed. The cooking process allows the flavors of the meats, beans, and seasonings to meld together, creating a comforting flavor. This complexity turns your lunch meal into an experience, rather than just a means of sustenance.
Though it’s a substantial dish, cassoulet’s combination of protein and fiber from the beans provides nourishment that can energize rather than fatigue you, especially when enjoyed in reasonable portion sizes.
As a dish that’s often better the day after it’s cooked, cassoulet can be convenient for lunch, as you can prepare it ahead of time.
Whether savored in a rustic countryside inn or prepared at home, cassoulet is a most fulfilling French lunch recipe, blending nourishment, comfort, and a taste of southern French gastronomy.
Coq au Vin
Coq au Vin is a classic French dish that translates to “rooster in wine.” Traditionally, it was a way to cook an older, tougher bird, allowing the slow cooking process to tenderize the meat. In modern recipes, chicken is more commonly used, and it’s braised with wine, typically red, along with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and often bacon or lardons.
The dish might also include carrots and other vegetables, and it’s seasoned with herbs like thyme and bay leaf. The wine and slow cooking create a rich, deeply flavored sauce that permeates the chicken, making it tender and succulent.
Coq au Vin can be an elegant possibility for lunch. Its rich, slow-cooked flavors offer an indulgent meal that feels special. Despite its luxurious taste, Coq au Vin can be made with relatively inexpensive ingredients, making it a dish that’s accessible yet feels gourmet.
While it’s a recipe that is typically made ahead of time, it’s conveniently reheated for a quick lunch, whether at home, at a family gathering, or even for guests. The ratio of protein, vegetables, and sauce delivers a robust meal, especially when served with a side of potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Confit de Canard
Confit de Canard, meaning French duck confit, is a renowned French dish made from the leg of the duck. The term “confit” refers to the cooking method used, where the duck leg is slowly cooked in its own fat. The process involves seasoning the duck with salt, herbs, and sometimes garlic, then letting it cure for a while before slowly cooking it in duck fat at a low temperature. The outcome is an incredibly tender, flavorful meat with a slightly crispy skin.
Having Confit de Canard for lunch is a special experience. The dish’s rich, savory flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture make it satisfying and indulgent. The slow-cooked duck is both comforting and luxurious, offering a unique culinary pleasure that can elevate a regular lunch into a memorable meal.
Confit de Canard is typically paired with delicious sides to balance the meal. Served with sautéed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad, it’s a well-rounded, substantial lunch.
The preparation method, while time-consuming, lends itself to making the dish in advance. Confit de Canard can be stored for a longer period if kept in fat, and quickly reheated, making it a convenient pick for lunch, even on a busy day.
French Onion Soup
Soupe à l’Oignon, or French onion soup, is a timeless and cherished dish arising from France. It’s made by slowly caramelizing onions to draw out their natural sweetness, then simmering them in a rich beef or vegetable broth.
Often flavored with a splash of wine and herbs like thyme, the soup is traditionally ladled into a bowl, completed with a slice of crusty bread, and generously covered with grated cheese such as Gruyère or Emmental. The dish is then broiled until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned, creating a molten, savory top layer.
The appeal of French Onion Soup as a fall or winter lunch option lies in its blend of simplicity, comfort, and sophistication. The slow caramelization of the onions develops a depth of flavor that’s both sweet and savory, creating a satisfying base for the soup. Its rich, warming nature makes it particularly appealing in colder weather, where it provides a nourishing and comforting meal.
While the soup itself is hearty, it’s not overly heavy, making it just right for a midday meal. The soft, sweet onions, flavorful broth, crunchy bread, and melted cheese offer a pleasing variety of textures that delights the palate without leaving you feeling weighed down.
French Onion Soup also carries elegance despite its rustic roots. The bubbling cheese and the balance of flavors present a dish that feels indulgent and gourmet, turning an ordinary lunch into a special occasion.
While the preparation requires attention to detail, particularly in caramelizing the onions, the soup can be made in advance and reheated. This quality allows for convenient serving.
French Onion Soup is an enticing selection for lunch, whether as a quiet solitary meal or as an impressive dish for guests. It embodies French comfort food while still retaining a sense of culinary charm, making it a beloved choice for many French families.
Which one of these French lunch recipes are you going to make?
