19 French Holiday Recipes You'll Actually Want To Try This Christmas (2024)

If there's one French dessert that epitomizes Christmas, it's this one. The name literally translates to "Yule log" and it's meant to look like a tree trunk. There are frozen versions you can buy, as well as others made with French buttercream or praline. This one features a chocolate sponge cake and chestnut cream. Baking it from scratch is a bit of an undertaking, but this recipe allows you to choose between three levels of difficulty, depending on how daring you're feeling.

Recipe: Bûche de Noël

This traditional dish is the French version of scalloped potatoes. The secret (as you will find with many French dishes) is lots of butter and cream. Some purists will tell you not to top this gratin with more cheese, but I say forget the rules. Cheese is never a bad idea.

Recipe: Gratin Dauphinois

A French Christmas is usually a feast of rich dishes like foie gras, poultry, gratins, cheese, and chocolate. So in the midst of all this decadence, a fresh and lighter recipe is always welcome like this winter salad, which combines bitter endives, sweet pear, and tangy blue cheese.

Recipe: Endive Boats With Pear, Blue Cheese, and Shallot Vinaigrette

This drink is so rich and so, so luxurious, it's basically a gift from the gods to any chocolate lover. The recipe only calls for two ingredients – milk and chocolate –so opt for high quality ingredients here. You can also add brown sugar if you like your cocoa sweeter.

Recipe: Parisian Hot Chocolate

In France, this classic would almost be considered too rustic for an elegant holiday meal. But it's so comforting and delicious that IMO, it's the perfect addition to any winter meal.

Recipe: French Onion Soup

In Provence, one traditionally serves 13 desserts on Christmas to represent Jesus and his 12 apostles. One of those desserts is nougat, a honey-based candy bar. It's definitely worth trying to make at home, especially if you can't find a decent store-bought version. This pistachio and hazelnut version is a treat for the ages and you'll want to recreate it every holiday season.

Recipe: Pistachio and Hazelnut Nougat

The better known Kir Royal co*cktail is made with crème de cassis (a blackcurrant liqueur) and Champagne. This drink is similar, but with a special twist from Normandy. It also throws Calvados (apple brandy) into the mix. Serve these bubbly co*cktails for Christmas or New Years...or any random Tuesday night when you're in the mood for something festive.

Recipe: Kir Normand

Christmas in France is a chocolate lover's dream. These rich and delicious chocolate truffles, which are made with just five ingredients, are one of our most traditional treats.

Recipe: Chocolate Truffles

Two words: Cheese puffs. Need I say any more?

Recipe: Gougères (French Cheese Puffs)

The French know that the secret to the crispiest, most delicious roast potatoes is duck fat. In Southwest France, potatoes are tossed in duck fat and sprinkled with a bit of salt, but this recipe goes a step further and calls for semolina flour to make them even more decadent.

Recipe: Duck Fat Potatoes

Macarons aren't the most traditional Christmas treat, but we all know Americans love 'em (and I have to agree that they're pretty darn good).

Recipe: Black Cherry Macarons

Some people will probably be grossed out by the idea of eating snails, but trust me, these are amazing. Cooked in butter, garlic, and parsley, they taste completely delicious. If you're still not convinced, that's okay. It means more for the rest of us!

Recipe: Escargots à la Bourguignonne

Cassoulet, a hearty meat and beans stew, isn't usually served for Christmas in France, but IMHO it's the best winter dish ever invented. It takes days to make, so I'd say it's worthy of a special holiday meal.

Recipe: Cassoulet

Duck pâté wrapped in flaky pastry dough? Count me in. Keep in mind that this dish takes over 24 hours to make, but it's so worth the time and effort.

Recipe: Duck Pâté en Croûte

So straightforward and yet so brilliant, duck confit is the Chanel of the Christmas foods. Forget about ham or turkey, this indulgent duck is the main dish you need on your holiday table.

Recipe: Duck Confit

This Alsatian dessert, also made in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, is popular during the holiday season. It isn't overly sweet, which means you can eat it for dessert or for breakfast.

Recipe: Kugelhopf Cake