10 French Christmas Recipes To Try This Holiday Season

The French are renown for their love of food and Christmas is not an exception. This joyous time of year is the perfect excuse to indulge on decadent foods like foie gras and the traditional Bûche de Noël, not to mention loads of wine and champagne.

Of course, each family has their own way of celebrating Christmas but there are a few recipes and ingredients that seem to always find their way into the grand holiday feast.

If you would like to celebrate Christmas with a French touch then keep the following recipes in mind. Bon appetit!

Christmas Recipes for a French Christmas

Oysters

Chilled oysters are a Parisian favorite at Christmas time. This appetizer can be as simple as serving oysters on the half shell over ice with lemon wedges on the side.

Or you can get fancy with a classic French sauce like mignonette - made with red wine vinegar, chopped shallots and black pepper. Here is how to make it:

Also, don't miss these tips for shucking oysters like a pro.

Scallops and Caviar

A French Christmas most certainly calls for a bit of caviar. Impress your guests by serving Osetra caviar over a perfectly seared scallop.

Here is the must-try recipe.

Foie Gras Terrine

Kick off your French-style Christmas with a decadent foie gras terrine as an appetizer.

This recipe pairs it with a rhubarb compote and raspberries ginger chutney. 

Roasted Goose

While Americans favor turkey or ham on Christmas the French enjoy all sorts of birds, including goose.

For superb flavor try roasting goose with dried apricots, onions and herbs.

Click here for the recipe.

Roast Capon

A traditional French Christmas dinner may also include roasted capon.

This recipe pairs it with caramelized potatoes, cauliflower and artichokes.

Endive Roquefort Salad

When planning your holiday menu don't forget to include another French classic: a delicate salad of endive, walnuts and Roquefort.

The richness of the cheese is the perfect counterpart to the sharp flavor of the endive and crunch from the nuts.

Here is the recipe.

Green Beans with Almonds

This is popular side dish that typically makes an appearance at a French Christmas.

Try this easy recipe from YouTuber Byron Talbott:

Bûche de Noël

In France, it's not Christmas without a decadent yule log cake. This special recipe calls for chocolate, chestnuts, cream and a touch of brandy.

Get the recipe here.

French Cotillon

The French cotillon is the mother of all Christmas cakes. It is gorgeous, decadent and made with six different types of chocolate.

Here is the must-try recipe.

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