French people tend to keep breakfast very simple. A typical French breakfast usually consists of coffee or tea, bread and pastries, cheese, and yogurt or fruit.
The most popular breakfast foods in France include croissants, La soupe à l’oignon – (onion soup), raclette, french toast, Le Gratin Dauphinoise, ratatouille, scrambled eggs, pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant), baguettes, brioche and other French pastries.
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What Do French Eat for Breakfast?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for many people and it isn’t limited to just one country or one cuisine. In France, breakfast typically includes a light breakfast that includes fruit, yogurt, and cereal.
If you try to get a quiche for breakfast at the patisserie, you’ll get weird looks. These, along with other well-known egg dishes like oeufs cocottes, are often served during lunch and supper only.
The dish known as French toast (pain perdu) is made with an Austrian croissant, which isn’t even French. Instead, brioche, a buttered baguette, or even prepared toasts resembling Zwiebeck are the most popular breakfast options. And they’re all just causes of congestion.
Other than bread and pastries with butter and jam, there is typically just a bowl of coffee and orange juice. You were mistaken about all you believed you understood about French breakfast.
Aren’t these things just makes you curious? If you’re curious, don’t worry, I’ll be covering the list of French breakfast below, so read on!
Traditional French Breakfast
1. Croissant
The shape of the Austrian kipferl served as inspiration for the buttery, flaky croissant, a French viennoiserie pastry made with yeast-leavened laminated dough.
A croissant is a breakfast pastry that is loved all over the world. It usually contains cheese, ham or eggs, and bacon, making it a versatile meal choice for people of all tastes. If you’re in the mood for something different, try having pain au chocolat instead!
Perhaps it’s because croissants are more in demand in France than anyplace else, which means they’re more likely to be hotter, fresher, and, thus, a lot more delicious. So, if you’re in France, try this food, because this food is considered one of the most famous pastry in the world!
2. La soupe à l’oignon – Onion soup
Looking for a delicious and easy meal to start the day? Look no further than onion soup! This simple yet flavorful soup can be enjoyed hot or cold, paired with toast, croissants, or eggs – making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, its characteristic onion flavor is loved by many!
A traditional and delectable dish in French cuisine is onion soup. Because onions contain a lot of sugar, when that sugar caramelizes, it has the potential to make them very delectable.
Since ancient times, onions have been a common element in food, and it is believed that the origins of the recipe we use today are found in soups from the Roman Empire.
King Louis the XV of France is credited with creating the first French onion soup, according to one common tale, while Nicolas Appert is credited with coming up with the concept (calling it Soupe à l’Oignon à la Stanislas), according to another. It seems difficult to pinpoint the precise solution, but at least both options sound enjoyable and interesting!
3. The Raclette
Traditionally prepared from unpasteurized milk, raclette is a semi-hard cheese that is now also available in pasteurized varieties. It was developed in the Swiss Alpine region and is now primarily made in France’s Auvergne and Savoie districts.
If you’re a fan of french cuisine, you’ll love the Raclette. This melted cheese dish is usually served with potatoes and vegetables, but can also include pork chops or ham. It’s a great way to start your day – nutritious and delicious! The best part? You can enjoy this meal any time of the day!
Although the cheese is great on its own, it is typically eaten melted and on top of charcuterie and potatoes (salt-cured hams).
4. Le Gratin Dauphinoise
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast that will keep you going until lunchtime, look no further than le gratin dauphinoise. This classic French breakfast is made up of cheese, onions, and potatoes.
Popular in winter when there are fewer food options available, this meal can be a great alternative.
You can make it with poultry or beef – your choice! Served with eggs and toast, it’s a filling meal that will leave you feeling satisfied all morning long!
5. Ratatouille
Summer vegetables are combined in the traditional French cuisine ratatouille, which is typically made with eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and garlic cloves. However, the cooking technique varies between ratatouille recipes.
In this pretty traditional ratatouille dish, entire vegetables are simply cooked in extra virgin olive oil on the stovetop until they are tender and the flavors have melded together delightfully.
This makes it perfect for vegetarians or people who want to try something new for breakfast. A great way to start your day with a variety of flavors and nutrients is by preparing ratatouille.
It can be served warm or at room temperature – making it the perfect meal choice for anyone in the morning hours. The food is loved by French people because of its fully packed nutrition added with great variety of deliciousness that I think you will love it!
6. Moules Frites
Moules Frites is a popular French breakfast dish that consists of mussels and french fries.
This meal is perfect for those who want something hearty and filling, as well as something familiar from the land of love.
The mussels are steamed in white wine and garlic, then served with french fries on the side. It is also ideal for those who want to start their day with a taste of France!
7. Les Escargots de Bourgogne
If you’re looking for a traditional breakfast in France, look no further than escargots. These snails are commonly eaten as breakfast during the summer months in France. Not only is this meal tasty, but it’s also filling and can be paired with either toast or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
The most popular method for making escargots, which come from the French province of Burgundy, is called “escargots de Bourgogne.” Burgundy snails are another name for the snails used in this dish. This is the Helix pomatia snail species, sometimes known as the Roman snail or Apple snail.
Nearly as well-known as escargots themselves is this dish. Herbs, butter, and garlic are the major ingredients. What a fantastic combination of butter, herbs, and freshly baked crusty bread with snails.
While escargots are most commonly boiled in salt water with garlic and herbs, there are many variations of the dish available across the country. For example, some people prefer them grilled while others enjoy them cooked into frittatas (savory pancakes) or croissants. If you’re in France, you should try this food!
8. Cassoulet
What could be better than the cold winter months? Surely, nothing! And that’s why cassoulet is such a popular dish in colder climates. Made from slow-cooked pork and duck, it is perfect for breakfast – both filling and tasty.
Plus, if you are looking for something special to start your day, cassoulet should be at the top of your list! Not only does it taste great but also looks stunning on a plate (especially when served with some fresh croissant).
If you’re up for trying something new in the breakfast department, try out this French classic – you won’t regret it!
9. Les Cuisses De Grenouilles
Les cuisses de grenouilles (frog legs) are a classic French breakfast that is sure to fill you up. They can be cooked in many ways, but the most common way is to fry them in oil or butter.
Served with boiled eggs and toast, it makes for a hearty start to the day. Frog legs are also a popular dish for special occasions – such as French weddings and galas – where they symbolize fertility and new beginnings.
10. Boeuf Bourguignon
Boeuf Bourguignon is the perfect breakfast dish to start your day. It’s hearty and filling, leaving you feeling energized for the challenges ahead. Made with bacon, onions, and mushrooms – it isn’t a meal for the faint of heart!
This traditional French breakfast can be enjoyed at any time of day – morning, noon, or night! Serve it with a rich gravy on top for an extra dose of deliciousness.
11. Bouillabaisse
Bouillabaisse is a traditional French breakfast that consists of seafood. Other ingredients can include tomato, onion, garlic, and spices.
The dish is served over white rice and sometimes toast or croissants. It can be made with any type of fish but the most popular ingredient is bouillon (fish broth). French people like this breakfast because of how hearty and delicious the food is, so you should try this food too!
Popular French breakfast
12. Croque Madame
Looking for a breakfast that’ll kickstart your day? Check out the croque madame! This french toast dish is made by sandwiching ham and cheese toast with eggs. There are numerous variations to choose from, so you can be sure to find one that suits your taste buds.
The renowned croque monsieur sandwich is modified into the croque madame sandwich. The croque monsieur and the croque madame are virtually identical. Both have Gruyère cheese, béchamel, and ham, but the croque madame has a fried egg “hat” on top. This large sandwich receives a thick sauce from the runny egg yolk.
The cheese, ham, and egg offer substance and taste, while the toasted bread adds texture. It’s a hot sandwich that elevates every celebration. Serve croque madame for brunch or breakfast, or prepare them for dinner and serve them with a side salad.
Finally, if bread isn’t your thing and would rather have a sandwich instead, go for the spinach mushroom or bacon versions!
13. Pain Au Chocolat
One of the most popular French delicacies is called pain au chocolat, which translates to “bread with chocolate.” The mere mention of the term brings up images of a sumptuous French breakfast with hot pastries topped with melting chocolate and fresh coffee.
Like a French croissant that is loaded with chocolate yet is crisp, buttery, light, and simply irresistible great! While the dough for both French pastries is the same, the shape of the Pain au Chocolat is different from the croissant.
It’s easily portable and satisfies your sweet tooth while giving you the energy you need to start the day. Often served with coffee or tea, it’s a great way to start the day!
14. French Toast
French Toast is a breakfast favorite in France, and for good reason! Made by soaking bread in milk and then cooking it in a pan with butter or margarine, this dish is delicious and easy to make.
You can also add sugar, cinnamon, and raisins to make it even more delicious. Serve french toast as part of your breakfast lineup or enjoy it as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
15. French Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs can be found around the world, whether it is America or French, but the techniques of scrambling eggs are different, as American uses the convenient method while the French uses the more deliberate method to scramble the eggs.
French scrambled eggs are not cooked through until dry, in contrast to hard scrambled eggs. Instead, they are prepared slowly over low heat with frequent stirring to prevent any eggs from coming into contact with the pan for too long and drying out.
All that stirring results in a curd structure that is smaller in the finished product. The texture of these scrambled eggs is really creamy.
French people love their eggs – scrambled or boiled. They also enjoy toast and croissants with their eggs. If you’re in France, try out this food because its simplicity and the texture is just too good, to add on it is simply delicious!
16. French Cruller Donuts
If you’re a fan of croissant donuts, then you’ll love French cruller donuts. These delicious breakfast treats are usually served with warm chocolate or cream inside, and they are a popular choice among the french people.
They are often found at bakeries and cafes across France, making them an easy snack to get on your way!
Unlike typical croissants which are made from yeast dough that is deeply fried, french crullers are made from dough that is rolled in sugar and cinnamon. This gives them their characteristic sweet flavor and fluffy texture.
17. Cafe Au Laits
Cafe au laits are a great way to start the day or end it with something sweet. They can be made with any milk or cream, and usually contain no sugar.
These drinks make for a light breakfast option that is also perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat. French people often enjoy drinking cafe au laits as part of their breakfast routine – typical ingredients include milk, espresso, and steamed milk foam.
Whether you’re feeling fancy or just want something refreshing on hot summer days, cafe au laits are the perfect drink choice!
18. French Hot Chocolate
French hot chocolate is the perfect drink to start your day off right! Whether you’re a morning person or just in the mood for some chocolate, this delicious drink will hit the spot. Made from milk, chocolate, and cream, it is smooth and luxurious.
French people love their hot chocolates au lait variations so much that they have even developed their terms for them! So if you’re in France, you must try this beverage because it is so good! But, if you’re not in France, you can also search the recipe here.
19. Buckwheat Crepes
Buckwheat crepes are a delicious breakfast option that can be enjoyed any time of the day! Made with either wheat or buckwheat flour, these pancakes are light and fluffy and can be filled with anything from fruit to Nutella.
The terms “crêpes de blé noir” or “crêpes de sarrasin,” which both translate to “buckwheat,” are widely used to refer to buckwheat crepes in French.
They are the epitome of traditional Brittany cuisine, therefore having one of these buckwheat crepes at a “creperie” is a must-do if you happen to be in this lovely North-Western French area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the usual breakfast in France?
French breakfasts are delicious. It consists of slices of buttered bread with jam put on them, occasionally croissants or other pastries, and sometimes cereal. The typical beverages include milk, coffee, or orange juice.
2. What is a typical breakfast in Paris?
A croissant (a buttery roll of flaky pastry) or tartine (French bread sliced lengthwise, with butter and jam), café au lait (coffee with milk, also known as café crème), and sometimes some fruit or drink make up a traditional Parisian breakfast.
3. Do the French eat a lot for breakfast?
Le petit déjeuner, as the French say, is not a very substantial or significant meal in France and is typically more sweet than savory. In fact, many French people wait until midday to eat, skipping breakfast entirely. Discover what a typical French breakfast entails by reading on.
4. How do the French eat eggs?
In France, eggs are commonly eaten as breakfast, lunchtime meals, or as a snack. There are many variations of French breakfast that include poached eggs, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, omelets, quiches, frittatas, etc.
Conclusion
In this post, I discussed the different breakfast options that French people enjoy. From traditional breakfast foods to popular breakfast trends, I covered it all! If you’re curious about the typical breakfast of the French people, be sure to check out the website for more information. Thanks for reading!
