The holidays are the perfect time to linger at the table, and French side dishes have a way of making every meal feel just a little more special. From buttery gratins to elegant vegetable preparations, these recipes bring warmth, balance, and quiet sophistication to the holiday spread. Thoughtfully chosen and crafted for sharing, each dish adds a touch of French magic to celebrations meant to be savored together.
Petits Pois À La Française – French Peas
Petits pois à la Française is a classic French preparation of peas, braised with onions and lettuce. Bring your spoon to the table; you will not regret it. The flavors are simple yet incredibly delicious. This pea side dish goes well with so many meats and, of course, poultry. Get The Recipe: Petits Pois A La Francaise – French Peas
Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette
A savory winter potato dish rich in bacon, onions, and melting cheese. Worth each bite and calorie. Neither is your typical potato gratin. France is abounding with potato recipes. I am sure we can have a recipe for each day of the year. After all, it is part of our national plate of Steak, Frites, and salad. Get The Recipe: Raclette Potatoes
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The Best Easy Cauliflower Polonaise
Cauliflower Polonaise is an excellent example of simple food that injects many flavors. Although it may have a Polish name, it’s of French origin. This boiled and baked cauliflower dish, mixed with breadcrumbs, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, and butter, comes together in no time yet completely bursts with flavor. Get The Recipe: The Best Easy Cauliflower Polonaise
Pan-Fried Green Beans
Pan-fried green beans with perfectly soft pieces of garlic is an easy and classic preparation for a green bean side dish. Green beans are the most widely used and versatile vegetable across cuisines. Get The Recipe: Pan Fried Green Beans
Potatoes Cooked in Milk
Potatoes cooked in milk are a French classic that transforms humble ingredients into a dish of comforting elegance. The combination of tender potatoes and rich, velvety milk captures the essence of French home cooking, bringing warmth and simplicity to the table with every bite. Get The Recipe: Potatoes Cooked in Milk
Butter Rice – 3 Ingredients Only!
Who knew rice could taste this good with just three ingredients? Say hello to Butter Rice — quick, cozy, and crave-worthy! This is the first dish I learned to cook as a child by watching my dad, who often made it at dinnertime, and so would my grandmother. With only three ingredients, this dish soon became my favorite growing up. To this day, I often make it as it is the perfect side dish to most of my dinners. Get The Recipe: Butter Rice – 3 Ingredients Only!
Spicy Potatoes
Spicy potatoes with paprika, tomato, and chicken stock echo the rustic charm of French country cooking. In this hearty variation, potatoes are gently braised in a fragrant blend of paprika, ripe tomatoes, and rich chicken stock, soaking up layers of smoky, tangy, and savory flavor. Get The Recipe: Spicy Potatoes
Garlic Mushrooms
It’s no secret—I love mushrooms! This garlic mushrooms recipe is one of my all-time favorites, a staple at our table that never fails to impress. Those tender mushrooms with garlicky and bright parsley are the ideal first-course meal Get The Recipe: Garlic Mushrooms
Carrot Salad
Carrot Salad. I grew up eating grated carrot salad at least twice a week. The French dress it very lightly with vegetable oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper with chopped parsley. A full meal from beginning to end. Grated raw carrot salad was somehow always part of the menu. Get The Recipe: Carrot Salad
Braised Endives
Braised endives are a simple yet elegant dish highlighting the delicate, slightly bitter flavor of endives softened through slow cooking. They are typically prepared by gently searing the endives in butter or oil and then simmering. The braising transforms their texture into something tender and almost creamy. This method mellows their natural bitterness while enhancing their subtle sweetness, making them a versatile side dish that pairs well with roasted meats, fish, or vegetarian mains. Get The Recipe: Braised Endives
Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ready in 10 minutes, this recipe is rich in flavor and taste, and the perfect side dish for all your meats, fish, and poultry. Keeping cooking simple is ideal for any night of the week. Easy recipes with bold flavors and less time in the kitchen are what I look forward to on busy nights and every night of the week. Get The Recipe: Asparagus With Balsamic Vinaigrette
Leek and Potato Gratin
This creamy, cheesy, leek-and-potato gratin is the ultimate comfort food. This delicious side dish complements any meal, if not all. With a crispy top and tender, melt-in-your-mouth creamy potatoes featuring a subtle hint of sweet leeks and garlic, your taste buds will be happy you made it. Get The Recipe: Leek and Potato Gratin
Roasted Beets with Horseradish Creme Fraiche
A refreshing, sweet salad of roasted beets with a spicy horseradish creme fraiche sauce makes for a great salad all year. This super-easy recipe is almost hands-free on your part, as the oven does most of the work. Once roasted to perfection, they are easy to peel, slice, and enjoy with the sauce. Get The Recipe: Roasted Beets with Horseradish Creme Fraiche
Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin
Cauliflower and goat cheese gratin. This easy-to-prepare side dish of bubbly, warm cheeses with cauliflower is one of my favorite colder-weather weaknesses. Cauliflower is my go-to vegetable. Get The Recipe: Cauliflower and Goat Cheese Gratin
Easy Mushroom Salad with Herbs
Easy Mushroom Salad with herbs. A cold mushroom salad that is very refreshing and welcomed any day. A simple salad with yogurt and lots of herbs give the mushrooms a savory new flavor dimension. Light and simple, you can make extra dressing and store it in the refrigerator for later use. Get The Recipe: Mushroom Salad
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard
Oven-roasted Brussels Sprouts are incredibly easy to make and are packed with great flavor. It takes five ingredients and 25 minutes, and you bite into the crispiest, most flavorful Brussels Sprouts you’ve ever tasted. Crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Mixed with mayonnaise and old-style grain mustard, you will beg for more. Get The Recipe: Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard
