Cheese

Stuffed mushroom caps, known as “Champignons Farcis,” are one of my all-time favorites when it comes to finger foods! With savory pork, creamy brie and fragrant herbes de Provence, this recipe offers an elegant French twist on this classic appetizer. This is an easy recipe that comes together swiftly to create delicious savory bites. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or a just a cozy night in.

A typical salad served in French bistros, the Salade Parisienne features salad greens topped with potatoes, cubed cheese, sliced mushrooms, ham slices and hard-boiled eggs – all bathed in a tangy French vinaigrette. This is a fresh yet satisfying salad that acts as a whole meal to itself, to enjoy as a lighter lunch or dinner.

This Red Kuri Squash Blue Cheese Gratin is a simple and utterly comforting dish, making do with “Potimarron” (red kuri squash): a star of French market stalls during the Fall and Winter months. This gratin features layers of tender and sweet squash, tangy blue cheese with crème fraiche, walnuts and pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. This is a great dish for vegetarians, or a festive side dish to serve alongside meat or fish during gatherings – especially perfect for a unique Thanksgiving side!

Here’s to true comfort food with a French Style Macaroni Gratin! This rustic dish features macaroni pasta smothered in a rich cheesy white sauce, blanketed with salty bacon bits, breadcrumbs, an extra helping of cheese, and then baked until bubbly underneath and crispy on top. This easy dish is on the table in about 45 minutes to please the whole family.

Brie en Croûte is a festive French appetizer that is simply perfect for entertaining. Made with store-bought puff pastry, it encases a warm and melty whole wheel of brie, that’s then topped with honey, cranberries, nuts and thyme. Serve it on a platter with fruits and crackers, and be sure to impress your guests!  

If you enjoy fresh and wholesome salads, this is a great one for your repertoire. This Classic French Lentil Salad is made using earthy, healthy Puy lentils, carrots, shallots and herbs drizzled with a quick zippy Dijon vinaigrette. It is affordable, simple to make and very satisfying. A great side dish for hosting, or as a make-ahead recipe for meals on-the-go.

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gruyère Gratin is an elegant yet cozy side dish to enjoy all throughout Winter. It features Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized, coated in a rich creamy sauce laden with Gruyère cheese and finally baked until crisp and bubbly. This is a flavorful veggie-focused recipe that can be prepared in advance. Perfect for the Holidays or any chilly day, really! 

Known as “Torsades au Fromage”, these Gruyère Cheese Twists are the perfect crowd pleasers to serve with the French apéro – the traditional pre-dinner drinks and snacks in France. Made of flaky puff pastry twisted with nutty Gruyère Cheese, they are quickly assembled and deliver big buttery and cheesy flavors. If you’re looking for a no-stress finger food recipe for your next get-together, this is the one!

With a buttery crust, cheese-filled custard and bits of smoky bacon, the Quiche Lorraine is classic French at its best. This recipe is a home cooks’ favorite, as it’s an all-in-one-meal that’s a welcome addition to any table – be it lunch, dinner or brunch. Extra points if you make the pie crust from scratch!

Behold this quintessential French-bistro classic – the Croque Monsieur. This iconic French sandwich is filled with Paris ham and French hard mountain cheese, grilled to perfection, then covered with a creamy Béchamel sauce and finished under the broiler. It’s cheesy, gooey, chewy with crisp edges… in essence, it’s irresistible.