France is known worldwide for its culinary creations and gastronomical works of art. So it’s no surprise that France holds the title for most Michelin-starred countries.
From exquisite breakfasts to succulent desserts, French cuisine delivers some of the most delicious meals globally, making it the culinary capital of the world.
This article will cover some of the most famous French breakfast foods to create an authentic Parisian meal that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Contents
17 Popular French Breakfast Foods
1. Classic French Crepes
Crepes are a staple of French cuisine and are known for their versatility. They’re like thin pancakes but are unsweetened, so you can choose whether to add savory or sweet toppings.
Crepes can be served with fruits like bananas or strawberries for breakfast and spread with Nutella or chocolate spread. For a simple recipe, check the link below:
https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/make-crepes/
2. Café Au Lait
No French breakfast meal is complete without a cup of coffee, and a café au lait is the perfect beverage. Café au lait consists of equal parts hot coffee and steamed milk.
Most drinkers add some honey or sugar to curve the bitter taste but can be enjoyed plain.
3. Basic Brioche
Brioche is a fluffy, rich bread made with high amounts of eggs and butter. French bakeries go hand-in-hand with breakfast and can make some wonderful creations from the same ingredients.
Brioche is a local favorite due to its rich flavor and texture. Try it for yourself with this recipe in the link below:
https://www.theflavorbender.com/brioche-bread-recipe/
4. Croissants
Croissants are amongst the most popular pastries around the world and are easily recognizable due to their crescent shapes.
Croissants can be served plain or drizzled with chocolate and almonds for a hearty breakfast dish to complement a hot cup of coffee or orange juice.
5. French Toast
An iconic French breakfast, french toast is a wildly popular dish made by dipping toast into butter, eggs, and milk and heating it on a skillet.
French Toast is a versatile dish and can be customizable with fresh fruits or sweet jams like fig or apricot spread. For a simple recipe, check the link below:
https://addapinch.com/perfect-french-toast-recipe/
6. French Toast Roll-ups
French Toast Roll-ups are a twist on the classic French Toast. Slices of toast are prepared like french toast but are then cut into strips and rolled up.
French Toast roll-ups are best served with some sweet dipping sauces like chocolate or strawberry jam, or can even be wrapped around sausage for a savory treat.
7. Buckwheat Crepes (Galettes)
Buckwheat crepes are a gluten-free alternative to classic crepes and have gained popularity amongst patrons with gluten-restrictive diets.
Buckwheat crepes are usually served with meats and cheeses, but can be modified to be sweet with sugar and other delicious toppings.
8. French Scrambled Eggs
French Scrambled eggs are a variation of classic scrambled eggs, with a difference in texture and technique.
The eggs are gently folded inside the pan, and take longer to make than standard scrambled eggs. However, the texture is much smoother and creamier, making it worth the wait. To learn how to make french scrambled eggs, follow the link below:
https://umamigirl.com/french-scrambled-eggs/
9. Cruller Donuts
French Cruller Donuts are popular in donut stores for their iconic pinwheel shape and taste. Crullers have an airy, egg-like texture that resemble many french breads.
As far as donuts go, crullers have the least amount of calories and grams of fat, making them the healthiest donut at the bakery.
10. Beignets
Beignets are essentially donuts without a hole and topped with a generous amount of powdered sugar. They’re extremely popular in New Orleans, where French cuisine is a significant part of the local culture.
Beignets have lots of air pockets, making them fluffy and egg-like similar to French crullers. Paired with hot coffee or chocolate, these pastries are sure to delight everyone.
11. Croque Monsieur
Croque Monsieur is the French version of a Ham and Cheese sandwich, but made with a few key ingredients. Parmesan and Gruyere cheese are melted within and on top of the sandwich, and made with a bechamel sauce.
12. French Radishes with Butter and Salt on Toast
This dish is popular among French locals and is uncommon in the states, but its taste may make you a fan!
Radishes are sliced and topped on your choice of toast and served with salt and butter. You can also make a radish spread with butter and cream for an even heartier taste.
13. French Omelette
Making a French omelette is less about the ingredients and more about the technique. Its ingredients are simply eggs and butter.
To make a French omelette, you have to keep stirring the beaten eggs on a hot pan for about 3-5 minutes and gently fold it into itself once it’s completely cooked. For more details, follow the link below:
https://www.peteandgerrys.com/egg-recipes/french-omelet
14. Croque Madame
Croque Madames are sandwiches prepared on a griddle, consisting of ham, cheese, and a fried egg on top. These dishes are usually served for lunch but can be ordered for breakfast, as well.
Croque Madames are cousins of the Croque Monsieur, a sandwich with ham and cheese but without the fried egg.
15. French Breakfast Puffs
These puffs are the perfect finger breakfast food. They’re made similarly to beignets, but in bite-sized shapes perfect for dunking.
French breakfast puffs are made with eggs, flour, baking powder, and sugar, and can be served with a side of jam or jelly for a sweet breakfast dish.
16. French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)
Give your hot chocolate an upgrade by tossing your powders and try authentic French Hot Chocolate. French style chocolate is made with rich European chocolate and heavy cream.
The secret to good French Hot Chocolate is using milk, heavy cream, and dark chocolate. This drink is perfect with any pastry or egg dish and will warm your body
17. Apple Turnover (Chaussons aux Pommes)
This pastry is like an apple pie for breakfast. Chaussons aux Pommes are flaky pastries made with golden delicious apples and give it a tart yet sweet taste.
Chaussons aux pommes are best paired with a tall glass of juice or hot coffee.
Wrap-Up
You don’t have to travel to France to have an authentic French breakfast.
Now that you know some of the best French breakfast items, let us know which are your favorites in the comment section below!
17 Popular French Breakfast Foods
Ingredients
- Classic French Crepes
- Café Au Lait
- Basic Brioche
- Croissants
- French Toast
- French Toast Roll-ups
- Buckwheat Crepes (Galettes)
- French Scrambled Eggs
- Cruller Donuts
- Beignets
- Croque Monsieur
- French Radishes with Butter and salt on toast
- French Omelette
- Croque Madame
- French Breakfast Puffs
- French Hot Chocolate (Chocolat Chaud)
- Apple Turnover (Chaussons aux Pommes)
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prepare and enjoy in 30 minutes or less!
