Top 8 French Breakfast Dishes
French breakfast dishes are some of the most delectable and flavorful meals around the world. From Pain au Chocolat to Complète Galette de Sarrasin, these classic French dishes have been a staple in households for centuries. Each dish offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more–I’m sure of it!
Whether you’re looking for a simple snack or an indulgent treat, my top 8 French breakfast dishes have something to offer. So, let’s get going and take a look at what France has on offer for breakfast!
1. Pain au Chocolat
I don’t know about you, but when I think of French breakfast, the first thing that comes to mind is Pain au Chocolat — those delicious buttery croissant-like pastries with a gooey chocolate center.
Did you know that these delightful treats actually originated in Austria? That’s right — they were brought to France by August Zang, an Austrian officer, and Ernest Schwarzer, an Austrian aristocrat, who founded a Viennese bakery in Paris, and Pain au Chocolat was soon adopted as a popular French breakfast item.
The key ingredients are butter, flour, yeast, egg, milk, sugar, and of course, chocolate! The method of making Pain au Chocolat is similar to croissants, although they have fewer layers and chocolate is added in during the shaping process.
In France, Pain au Chocolat is often eaten as an after-school snack by children. Frankly, who wouldn’t want to eat one of these delicious pastries any time of the day? Right?
2. Croissant and Coffee
There’s nothing quite like a French breakfast consisting of a steaming cup of coffee and a warm, flaky Croissant. As a coffee lover, I’m always interested in the history and origination of my favorite morning brew. Did you know that coffee was first brought to France in 1669 by Müteferrika Süleyman Ağa, and he described it as a “magical beverage”? I would certainly agree!
And while the French didn’t invent the Croissant, they certainly have perfected it over time. The Croissant can trace its roots back to Austria, but it wasn’t until the 19th century in Paris that the modern, crescent-shaped pastry was born. Made with a buttery dough that is carefully layered and rolled, it’s no wonder the Croissant has become a staple in French culture.
And as for the coffee, the French approach to brewing is simple yet delicious — a small, strong shot of espresso added to a cup of hot water or warm frothy milk. It’s the perfect complement to a freshly baked Croissant.
3. Bread with Butter, French Radishes, and Salt
When I think of a classic French breakfast, one of the first things that comes to mind is a warm, crusty baguette with a generous smear of butter. Add some French radishes and a sprinkle of salt, and you’ve got a simple yet incredibly satisfying breakfast.
This dish has been a staple in France for centuries, dating back to when bread was a necessary staple food for poor peasants. Today, French radishes are a beloved accompaniment, adding a peppery crunch that pairs perfectly with the rich butter and salt.
Making this dish is easy — simply slice the French radishes and sprinkle them with salt, then spread a liberal amount of butter on a slice of bread and top with the radishes. It’s a classic breakfast that’s full of history and flavor, and it never fails to make me nostalgic for my time in France.
4. Oeufs Cocotte
When I think of a delicious French breakfast, one dish that always springs to mind is Oeufs Cocotte. These delightful, baked eggs are a staple of any good breakfast menu in France and are just as popular with locals as they are with tourists.
Oeufs Cocotte is a dish with roots dating back to the early 1900s, and its name literally means “eggs in pots”. They’re made with a few simple ingredients — eggs, cream, butter, and seasoning — and then baked to perfection in individual ramekins sitting in a hot water bath. Once the white sets and the yolk is slightly runny, they’re ready to serve.
What’s great about Oeufs Cocotte is that you can add your own twist to it by adding different herbs, cheeses, pesto, cream, or even bits of bacon to it. It’s a small and easy dish to make, but oh so rich and flavorful!
5. French Crullers
If you’re looking for a classic breakfast treat, look no further than French Crullers. These delicious pastries have been a favorite in France for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. Made with just a few simple ingredients — flour, sugar, butter, and eggs — Crullers are the epitome of sweet, indulgent goodness.
The choux pastry dough is made on the stove and then piped into rings and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, airy texture that’s just begging to be paired with your morning coffee.
And if you’re looking for a fun fact to impress your friends, did you know that the French Cruller gets its name from the early 19th-century Dutch word “krullen” which means “to curl”? It’s a nod to the donut’s signature twisted shape and a testament to the pride French bakers take in their craft.
So next time you’re looking for a breakfast treat that’s both delicious and unique, give French Crullers a try!
6. Beignets
Oh, Beignets! Where do I even begin? These French pastries are a breakfast dream. Originating in France, these delicious treats were usually made to enjoy during Mardi Gras festivities and other religious celebrations. Today, Beignets are enjoyed all over the world, especially in the southern US, where they have become a staple in New Orleans.
The dough is made of flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and milk which is deep-fried to a golden brown. Once the Beignet is cooked, it is covered in powdered sugar and served hot.
One interesting fact about Beignets is that the dough can also be flavored with various ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, or even lemon zest to give it a unique twist. I highly recommend trying Beignets if you’re ever in France — you won’t regret it!
7. Chaussons aux Pommes
When I visited France for the first time, I was astounded by the vast array of scrumptious pastries available for breakfast. I was soon introduced to Chaussons aux Pommes, a delicious French pastry that quickly became my go-to breakfast treat on that particular visit.
Chaussons aux Pommes, which translates to “apple slippers,” consists of a flaky pastry dough filled with sweetened apple compote. The combination of crispy exterior and warm apple filling is simply irresistible.
Legend has it that the original version of these turnovers originated way back in 1630 in Saint-Calais. Apparently, the town was hit by an epidemic and the Chatelaine (the lady of the town) distributed flour and apples to the suffering, who then made Chaussons aux Pommes out of it. Even today, the event is celebrated annually as Fete du Chaussons aux Pommes.
8. Complète Galette de Sarrasin
I recently discovered a new French breakfast dish that has quickly become one of my favorites: Complète Galette de Sarrasin. This French galette is from buckwheat (sarrasin in French) flour, giving it a unique nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with savory ingredients.
Traditionally, the Complète Galette de Sarrasin is filled with ham, grated cheese, and a sunny-side-up egg. It’s then folded into a square shape being careful not to pierce the runny yolk and served hot.
Complète Galette de Sarrasin originated in the Brittany region of France, where buckwheat was a common crop. It was initially a favorite of the working class and was considered a peasant food. However, as time passed, it gained popularity among all classes and is now a staple breakfast dish all over France.
Next time you’re looking for something delicious and filling for breakfast, try the Complète Galette de Sarrasin — you won’t be disappointed!
Wrapping It Up
French breakfast dishes can be as varied, flavorful, and indulgent as you’d like. From classic staples like Croissants to more unique creations like Oeufs Cocotte or Complète Galette de Sarrasin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the morning!
Bon Appetit!
