14 Top French Savory Comfort Foods

Written by
Rebecca Franklin
Rebecca Franklin is a freelance lifestyle writer and recipe developer. Her expertise is in French cuisine, which she writes about and teaches.
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Rebecca Franklin
Updated 07/14/20
Ratatouille

The Spruce

 

Perhaps the weather has turned grim, you are overworked (and underpaid) or the kids just don't want to listen? There are many, many reasons why we crave comfort foods and occasionally, there does not need to be a reason you want to eat them, just because. 

French food is stacked with comfort foods, many are traditional dishes loved by everyone, and there are new ones coming along all the time. Here are just some of the many you could choose from but there will be something for everyone here for sure.

  • 01 of 14

    French Onion Soup

    French Onion Soup

    William Shaw / Getty Images

    French onion soup is the ultimate comfort food. Butter-soft, caramelized onions are cooked down into rich, seasoned beef stock. Top it off with fresh garlic croutons and melted, bubbly Gruyere cheese and you have a rich soup, indeed. 

  • 02 of 14

    Gratin Dauphinois

    Gratin dauphinois recipe

    The Spruce Eats/Diana Mocanu

    This gratin Dauphinois recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Potatoes are double-cooked in seasoned cream and then baked with Gruyere cheese until the gratin is butter-soft. 

  • 03 of 14

    Baked Apple Brie

    Brie Cheese and Apples

    kcline / Getty Images

    This easy baked apple Brie recipe features hot, melted cheese and baked apples in a delicious contrast of sweet, salty, and earthy flavors. The whole appetizer takes less than 15 minutes to put together.

  • 04 of 14

    Beef Burgundy

    Boeuf Bourginion

    Getty Images / Envision

    There are so many dishes out there for classic beef Burgundy recipe or boeuf Bourguignon. Here is the traditional version that you are likely to have encountered at some point in your life. 

    Continue to 5 of 14 below.
  • 05 of 14

    Cauliflower Gratin

    Cauliflower Gratin

    Laurence Mouton / Getty Images

    Creamy and comforting, this cauliflower gratin recipe features a classic Béchamel sauce punched up by just a little bit of fresh thyme. This gratin is a classic at Provencal tables.

  • 06 of 14

    Classic Aligot

    Classic french aligot recipe

    The Spruce Eats/Diana Mocanu

    The classic aligot recipe isn’t so much a side dish as it is a work of art. Humble potatoes and cheese are beaten together with crème fraiche until they form silky, smooth ribbons of pureed potato.

  • 07 of 14

    Winter Vegetable Ragout

    Ragout

    yulkapopkova/Getty Images

    Warm and inviting, this winter vegetable ragout recipe makes the perfect home-style dinner. Serve this simple vegetable stew with a bottle of wine, a loaf of country bread, and a crisp, green salad for a complete meal.

  • 08 of 14

    French Macaroni and Cheese

    French Macaroni Cheese

    Matthew O'Shea / Getty Images

    This French macaroni and cheese recipe tastes velvety smooth, rich, and just a touch sophisticated - nothing like those little blue boxes of dry, salty mix sold in markets and convenience stores.

    Continue to 9 of 14 below.
  • 09 of 14

    Traditional French Ratatouille

    Ratatouille

    The Spruce

     

    Undoubtedly one of the most famous comfort foods dishes which hails from Provence. The traditional French ratatouille recipe is packed with summer sunshine vegetables so it is no wonder this dish will bring cheer.  

  • 10 of 14

    Fondue Savoyarde

    Cheese fondue

    Caroline Martin / Getty Images

    Smooth and rich, this fondue Savoyarde recipe is the classic apres-ski dish on menus in the French Alps. Luxurious and velvety, this French Alpine fondue recipe is perfect for retro fondue parties or when you happen to be stuck inside on a snowy night.

  • 11 of 14

    Roasted Pepper Boursin Cheese

    Roasted Pepper Boursin Cheese Recipe

    Rita Maas / Getty Images

    Fresh cheese spread gets an updated flavor in this roasted pepper Boursin cheese recipe. The cheese is dressed up with smashed garlic, fresh herbs, and jarred roasted red peppers. 

  • 12 of 14

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup

    Instant Pot French Onion Soup
    Diana Rattray

    For a faster French onion soup, use a pressure cooker. The Instant Pot makes quick work of this slow-cooking soup of naturally sweet onions and rich beef stock. A topping of crusty bread and melty cheese make it extra delicious.

    Continue to 13 of 14 below.
  • 13 of 14

    Coquilles Saint-Jacques

    Coquilles St Jacques

    Carlina Teteris / Getty Images

    This Coquilles Saint-Jacques recipe is traditionally served on little scallop shells, but ovenproof ramekins are a great substitution. It features scallops and mushrooms, sautéed in butter with seasonings, a Gruyere and breadcrumb topping. 

  • 14 of 14

    Cheese Soufflé

    Souffle

    William Shaw / Getty Images

    This traditional cheese soufflé recipe is light, airy, and savory - everything a cheese soufflé should be! This easy recipe can be whipped up in 15 minutes for flawless results. Gruyere and Comte cheese can be used interchangeably in this bistro classic.