16 Bastille Day Dishes To Try

On the 14th of July, the French celebrate the events of Bastille Day with parades and fireworks. But Bastille Day is not just reserved for the French. It’s an invitation for all of us to celebrate the art of living and eating with a generous dash of “ooh la la”. And we are RSVPing “Oui!”

This is the perfect opportunity for you to try authentic French recipes and honour France’s National Day. While there’s no set list of “Bastille Day Recipes”, this celebration offers a wonderful chance to experiment with a range of classic French dishes.

So, get ready to transport your taste buds to the streets of Paris – no passport required.

Most Popular Dishes

In the realm of French cuisine, some dishes have truly stood the test of time, captivating taste buds around the globe. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty or an elegant masterpiece, these dishes pay homage to the spirit of the French Revolution.

Popular recipes for a Bastille Day celebration include:

• Caviar blinis
• Pan-seared foie gras
• French onion soup
• Canard a L’orange
• Crème brûlée
• Salade Nicoise
• Cassoulet

Let’s dive deeper into these culinary delights, starting with some tantalising appetisers.

Appetisers

These hors d’oeuvres will ensure your Bastille Day dishes are off to a winning start. Get ready to awaken your palate and set the stage for the culinary journey ahead.

Caviar blinis

These are light and fluffy savoury flapjacks with a spread of creme fraiche or sour cream topped with a decadent helping of caviar. Spanning no more than 5 cm in diameter, these easy starters require minimal fuss. But don’t be fooled by its apparent simplicity.

Caviar blinis are a perfect blend of umami flavours, from the slightly sweet, earthy buckwheat flapjack to the rich briny caviar, all balanced out by the creamy spread. The explosion of textures and delicate flavours is nothing short of mouth-watering, which can be enhanced with additional accompaniments for caviar.

Pan-seared foie gras

A slice of duck or goose liver seared at a high temperature for a short period ends up with a crisp outer layer and a soft creamy centre. The juxtaposition of these textures with the rich, buttery, foie gras, offset by a sweet accompaniment like compote or fig jam, is what makes foie gras a firm favourite.

Pâté or Rillettes

For a more relaxed DIY approach, try an assortment of Pates or Rillettes. Add some intrigue to toasted bread, crackers, and pickled vegetables with a smooth, spreadable pâté. If you want a chunkier, more dense texture, add rillettes. While these spreads are both made of minced and shredded animal meat or organs, pâtés are often served cold, while rillettes are served warm.

Salade Nicoise

Since Bastille Day occurs in the summer, a Niçoise salad is an obvious choice for a Bastille Day feast. Made up of tuna, olives, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, and coated in vinaigrette, this dish will transport you to the French Riviera (where it originated).

You’d be remiss to exclude what Gordon Ramsay has described as “the finest summer salad of all” from your Bastille Day dishes.

French onion soup

Yes, Bastille Day occurs in the summer, but who says soup is only for the colder months? Besides, this isn’t just any soup – it’s French onion soup. Slowly simmered onions release their natural sugars into a rich, savoury broth, traditionally topped with a generous cheesy crouton. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and comfort knows no season.

Gougeres

You’ve heard of Profiteroles; now, prepare to meet its cheesy, savoury relative – light, crispy choux pastry filled with a bold cheese such as Gruyère and herbs. You can even improvise and add bacon for some extra flavour. These traditional French cheese puffs are as addictive as they are elegant.

Mains

Your main course is the heart of your Bastille Day feast. These classic French dishes offer something for every taste. Whether you’re a meat lover or a devout veteran vegetarian, there’s room for delicious substitutions and creative tweaks.

Coq au vin

The classic “rooster in wine” (don’t worry, these days it’s chicken) is a hearty, savoury stew that’s a much-beloved staple in many French homes. Chicken is braised in a full-bodied red wine sauce along with vegetables, onions, mushrooms, and pancetta or bacon. You can serve your coq au vin with creamy mash or boiled potatoes.

Ratatouille

Perhaps one of the most famous French recipes, this dish has humble Provençal origins, so it’s budget-friendly and celebrates the late summer harvest. Summer vegetables such as aubergine, courgettes, tomatoes, and bell peppers are stewed with garlic, tomato paste, herbs, and a light lashing of olive oil until tender and slightly caramelised.

Cassoulet

This French casserole is versatile and can be tailored to suit anyone’s preferences and palate. The slow-cooked dish comprises white beans, sausages, fresh herbs, and a meat of your choosing. You could use duck, goose, pork, or mutton. The slow cooking ensures that even the toughest meats are cooked to tender perfection. Check out our suggestions on what to serve with Cassoulet.

Canard A L’Orange

Canard a l’orange, or duck a l’orange, has been a staple on many prestigious menus for decades. The roasted duck has a crisp skin with succulent and flavourful meat and is adorned with the semi-sweet, tangy orange sauce, creating an unmatched balance of unique flavours.

Duck confit with Porcini mushrooms

Duck confit with wild porcini mushrooms is an easy dish that will leave your guests impressed! Duck leg quarters, slowly cooked in their own fat at a low temperature, emerge with tantalisingly crisp, golden-brown skin and unbelievably tender meat. Paired with delicately sautéed wild porcini mushrooms, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavours – a slightly gamey, savoury flavour with just a hint of sweetness.

Boeuf Bourguignon

If you want to make not only good French food but the epitome of French cuisine, this should be at the top of your list of Bastille Day recipes. Boeuf Bourguignon is one of the iconic French recipes popularised by Julia Child. It’s a labour of love but very much worth it. The classic French beef stew is slow-cooked in red wine, beef stock, baby onions, and mushrooms.

Once the meat is cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, the remaining liquid is thickened to a velvety, irresistibly rich sauce and is served with mashed potatoes.

Desserts

Finally, we’ve arrived at the pièce de résistance! No French meal would be complete without a sweet finale, so here are some delicious desserts for your Bastille Day menu.

Crème brûlée

We can’t talk about iconic Bastille Day recipes and not mention this elegant dessert. Crème brûlée is the perfect marriage of contrasts—a silky smooth, vanilla-infused custard hidden beneath a crisp, caramelised sugar crust. Anyone who has tried this dish will tell you that the smooth texture offset by the crackling sugar topping is half the fun of eating it.

Marrons Glace

These labour-intensive French confections are highly sought after, and for good reason. But don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you make them yourself. The Good Food Network has already done that for you.

Chestnuts are cooked in a sugar syrup until tender and then coated in a sugar glaze. This might sound like an abundance of sweetness, but you’d be pleasantly surprised. Instead, expect a combination of nutty, buttery, and caramel flavours. Check out our range of Marrons Glace and place your order now to ensure they arrive in time for Bastille Day.

Macarons

The beautifully coloured and dainty macarons elevate any dessert tray to classic Parisian elegance. If you want to make your macrons more of a patriotic Bastille Day recipe, opt for the colours of the French flag instead of the quintessential pastels.

Each macaron sandwiches a flavoured filling between two light, crisp almond meringue shells, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Macarons are incredibly versatile in their flavour range. You could stick to classic chocolate and vanilla, or try out newer flavours such as matcha or salted caramel.

Tarte Tatin

Ring in French National Day with this upside-down caramelised apple tart that somehow manages to be both rustic and refined. Don’t let its professional appearance intimidate you – tarte Tatin is surprisingly easy to make.

It’s a French take on an apple pie but ever so slightly more decadent. Who could say no to apples caramelised in sugar and butter, sitting atop a crisp layer of puff pastry?

Bon Appétit

As you celebrate Bastille Day, immerse yourself in the legacy of French cuisine that honours France’s national day and pays tribute to the country’s culinary heritage and revolutionary spirit.

Whether you’re whipping up classic French recipes like Coq au vin or adding your own twist to timeless favourites, you’re guaranteed a feast bursting with vibrant flavours. Ready to transform your table into a French culinary paradise? Dive into our full range of ingredients and start a French Revolution in your kitchen! Merci et bon appétit!