10 traditional French breakfast recipes

Switch up your boring breakfast and enjoy it French style.

french breakfast

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but when you’re stuck in a routine, things can get a bit boring at times. If you fancy something different for a change, why not try a typical french breakfast? French cuisine is full of delicious breakfast food that we know you’ll love.

Cafe au Lait

Cafe au Lait

A popular choice for Parisians, cafe au lait is quite simply just coffee with hot milk added. This is different from white coffee, which is coffee with cold milk added. Admittedly, a breakfast that consists of just coffee may not fill you up very much so why not pair it with another choice from this list?

Chocolate Croissant

Pain au Chocolat

Sure, you’ve probably had one of these baked croissants before but why not treat yourself and brighten up a dull Monday morning with this chocolatey treat? Buttery pastry and sweet chocolate, what more could you want? Try this simple recipe from Sugar Salted.

Croque Madame

Croque Madame

If you're after a hearty meal to start off your day, what about this hearty sandwich? Translating as 'mister crunch,' it contains lots of delicious fillings like ham, melted cheese and is topped with a fried egg. Give it a go here.

French toast

French toast

We all enjoy a slice of two of buttery slices, but switch it up this week and give French toast a whirl. This eggy bread is super simple to do and the grandchildren will love it. We recommend Jamie Oliver's take. Top with whipped cream or yoghurt and fresh berries.

hot chocolate

French hot chocolate

Also known as chocolate chaud, if you've got a sweet tooth, you're going to love this luxurious beverage. All you have to do is melt together squares of high-quality chocolate in hot water then stir in milk for a delicious thick drink. Give it a try here.

brioche

Brioche

Just thinking of brioche makes our mouth water! Once you've made this classic French loaf, you can enjoy slightly sweet toast all week long, topping it with butter or fruity preserves. Alternatively, you can make yourself some impressive sandwiches too. You probably already have all the ingredients to make your own too.

Croissant

Croissants

For a lot of French people, coffee and a croissant are a regular breakfast and while we wouldn't advise this for health reasons, it certainly makes a yummy treat. While you can of course buy these easily enough from the shop, they're easier than you think to make.

french crepe

French crepes

Crepes aren't just for pancake day!Simple and sweet, these thin pancakes are versatile enough to completely make your own, whether you prefer sweet or savoury toppings. Give our recipe a go, you won't regret it!

Chouquette

Chouquette

Essentially profiterole shells, these tender and light pastry puffs are studded with coarse sugar crystals which helps to hold both their shape and crunch when baked. These baked goods make a delicious breakfast accompaniment with a good cup of coffee. They're simple to bake too.

french omlette

French omelette

Instead of milk, the main ingredients in a French omelette are eggs, butter and water. The French like to enjoy theirs plain, but the filling can be whatever you fancy that morning. It's quick, filling and full of protein. Here's how to do it the French way.

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