These Classic French Dishes Are the Definition of Comfort Food

This iconic French stew (“that” stew from Julie & Julia!) blends together the flavours of rich wine and hearty beef broth to form a succulent dish.

This easy, yet elegant, dish is perfect for entertaining! Pork loin is stuffed with spinach and bacon then cooked in wine to stay tender. Don’t tell your friends how easy it is and it’s sure to impress!

This version of the French classic features sliced bacon, savoy cabbage, fresh chives, cream, Parmesan and potatoes, making it a comfort food craving dream come true!

A French classic that’s coming back in vogue! Sounds and looks complex, with caramel placed on the bottom of a ramekin that flows down over the custard when it’s flipped out onto a plate. Magical! Yet this dessert couldn’t be simpler. Even young bakers should be able to help with many parts of this recipe.

Soufflé is the ultimate in elevated comfort food, and this light and fluffy soufflé does not disappoint. Scrumptious as a side to a main course or served as a light meal, this soufflé features cheese and fresh herbs for a savoury mix.

Soufflés have a reputation for being temperamental, but they’re actually very simple to make. Totally yummy and chocolatey for dessert, this next-level classic features a rich, salty, sweet and creamy caramel sauce.

Cassoulet is a slow-cooked French comfort-food classic that’s traditionally made with meat and white beans. This version — featuring beans, Bratwurst and bacon — is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

So decadent, this chocolate mousse is actually easier to make than you’d think! Both rich and light at the same time, this impressive mousse will become your “go-to” dessert for entertaining, or anytime.

Classic French crepes are a brilliant make-ahead dessert. What’s more, they’re a blank canvas for all sorts of different toppings – try the traditional lemon and sugar, Nutella and jam or something a little bit different like coconut whip, orange zest-infused yogurt, almond butter, fresh berries, chia jam or toasted coconut.

Puff pastry, caramel and apples are the key components of this classic French dessert. Bring a little je ne sais quoi to your table with this simpler-to-make-than-you’d-think treat! Store-bought puff pastry simplifies things even more.

Typically enjoyed for lunch at cafés all over France, croque monsieur is also delightful for dinner. The Barefoot Contessa combines baked Virginia ham with mild Gruyère and freshly grated Parmesan in her tasty and quick version. Serve with a fresh green salad and a glass of crisp white wine to bring a little bit of France to your dinner table.

Poulet Rôti is a French family classic — and it’s also one of the best meals to make on a weekend, because you can enjoy the succulent leftovers through the week. Use roast chicken to make tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches or even soup for the ultimate “cook once, eat twice” dinner.

Pots de crème is a surprisingly simple yet elegant dessert that’s very common in French households. Serve this little custardy dessert in demitasse (espresso) cups and top soft peaks of brandied whipped cream to bring this French childhood classic to the next level.

Succulent, tender and full of flavour, coq au vin is a classic French dish of braised chicken simmered in red wine.

Traditional French desserts can often sound far too complex for the home cook or baker, but clafoutis, a custard-like fruit cake, proves this is not the case. Easier than making pancakes and far more elegant, you can use any soft fresh or frozen fruit you have on hand.

Is the classic souffle too intimidating? Try this twice-baked version made with Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses and are served up with a homemade pepper coulis sauce. No more worries about the souffle collapsing before you serve it!

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly winter day than a bowl of French onion soup. In this version, Tyler Florence develops a mouth-watering depth of flavour that’s impossible to resist.