Best New Books to Learn French Cooking at Home

Last Updated:

6/5/2023

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There is no better way to “travel” without leaving your house than through food. A well buttered croissant can transport you to a café on rue de Rivoli. Likewise, a fabulous plate of oysters can whisk you away to Brittany. Or if you prefer, an indecent amount of cheese and cured meats can take you straight to an apéro in pretty much every corner of the country.

The author Rebekah Peppler walking through the old town of Bonnieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. A table spread with ingredients around a raclette grill. — Top: Blue lobster at Septime / Clamato dining room by @septimeparis Above: Rebekah Peppler in Bonnieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur by @sliceofpai/ Raclette by @rebekahpeppler

To help you satisfy your French cravings, we’ve selected recent cookbooks to bring you straight to the land of flaky pastries, even if only through your tastebuds.

A large quiche on a cake stand being cut into and vegan croissants at the breakfast table. Both recipes from the Maman cookbook. — Quiche Katy / Vegan croissants by @the_balancedapron on @_mamannyc_

French Countryside Cooking: Inspirational Dishes from the Forests, Fields and Shores of France by Daniel Galmiche

Do you want to learn how to cook like a French person from a Michelin-starred chef? Daniel Galmiche’s new book uses humble and seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes that celebrate French traditions. From forests to seas, rivers and meadows – the chef explores every corner of the country through its specialties. Simple and delicious plates of food bring a little bit of France to your table.

À Table: Recipes for Cooking and Eating the French Way by Rebekah Peppler

The author Rebekah Peppler standing on a bridge in Paris carrying fruit, vegetables and flowers. Rebekah Peppler serving up a spead of fresh vegetables to friends. — Rebekah Peppler in Paris by @sliceofopai on @rebekahpeppler

Paris-based, American food writer and stylist, Rebekah Peppler shares 125 recipes exploring a new era of French cuisine. Included are classics like ratatouille and crême brûlée, but also new French favourites like lamb tagine and shakshuka. A guide not only to French food but also to the French lifestyle, from how you should set the table, to pantry essentials.

Maman: The Cookbook: All-Day Recipes to Warm Your Heart by Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte

A table suspended by ropes in Maman bakery with brunch laid out on it. Freshly baked pastries and coffee at Maman bakery. — Brunch by @heydavina / Freshly baked pastries by @jordanataylor on @_mamannyc_

New York meets Paris in this book written by the owners of the iconic café Maman in New York City. It might not be a classic French cookbook, but Elisa Marshall and Benjamin Sormonte know a thing or two about creating dishes that make people happy. From quiches and croissants, to hot chocolate and pancakes, Maman is a book that will make you feel warm inside.

Septime, La Cave, Clamato, D’une île by Bertrand Grébaut and Théophile Pourriat

A laid table with flowers in the dining room at Septime Paris. Rebekah Peppler and friend taking apéro at La Cave du Septime. — Septime dining room by @septimeparis / Apéro time at La Cave du Septime by @rebekahpeppler

This book, written by the founders of the famous Parisian restaurant Septime (and also La Cave, Clamato and the guesthouse D’une île), celebrates the evolution of French cooking over the last decade. The duo teaches you how to make rabbit fritters and aubergine confit. They also tell you the story of two friends that started from humble beginnings in the 11th arrondissement, and became an example of excellence in the food world.

WRITTEN BY

Alessia Armenise

Alessia is a writer and creative based in Paris. After a few years working in London, she moved back to Paris and now writes freelance for media and brands, specialising in eco-luxury, slow travel and sustainability. Her work has been featured in Stylist, Milk Magazine and Grazia France among others. She also runs a sustainability and slow living focused website called Pretty Slow and hosts a podcast called Pretty Good Business.