Are you looking to learn how to cook classic French dishes? If so, then having the right cookbook is essential. French cuisine is rich and diverse, and there are so many regional specialties to explore. From tantalizing sauces to exquisite desserts, a good French cookbook will give you the knowledge and confidence to create delicious meals for yourself and your friends. Here are some of the best French cookbooks for beginners, so you can start your culinary journey.
Best French Cookbooks For Beginners
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Julia s Kitchen Wisdom – A Cookbook
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Simple: The Easiest Cookbook in the World
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
French Macarons for Beginners: Foolproof Recipes
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Voilà!: The Effortless French Cookbook
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
The Everything Easy French Cookbook
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
French Cooking for Beginners: 75+ Classic Recipes
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
French Pastry 101: Learn the Art of Classic Baking
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set)
|
7. 2
|
1. Julia s Kitchen Wisdom – A Cookbook
Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom is an essential cookbook for anyone looking to make delicious meals. Not only does it provide delicious recipes, but it explains the science of cooking in an easy to understand way. From basic cooking techniques to more advanced methods, this cookbook has something for everyone. The recipes are healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to follow. It also includes helpful advice on pantry stocking, meal planning, and more. The book has beautiful photography that helps bring the dishes to life. Overall, Julia’s Kitchen Wisdom is an excellent cookbook that provides tasty recipes, practical advice, and helpful cooking tips. Highly recommended!
- Over 225 classic recipes from Julia Child
- Step-by-step instructions for every dish
- Beautifully photographed images to guide you
- Detailed notes on techniques and ingredients
- Full nutritional breakdown for each recipe
- Tips and tricks for home cooks of all skill levels
- Indexed by course and type of cuisine
2. Simple: The Easiest Cookbook in the World
The “Simple: The Easiest Cookbook in the World” is truly one of the best cookbooks I have ever used. The recipes are all really simple and easy to follow and require very few ingredients. Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes will help you create delicious meals in no time. I love the clear step-by-step instructions, so I can easily follow along and create amazing food every time. The colorful photos also help give me a better understanding of what the finished dish should look like. I highly recommend this cookbook for anyone looking for simple yet delicious recipes.
- Contains easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions
- Features simple, delicious recipes
- Includes a variety of dishes for all occasions – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
- Uses everyday ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores
- Provides helpful cooking tips and tricks
- Includes a photo with each recipe for easy reference
- Is suitable for both novice and experienced cooks
3. French Macarons for Beginners: Foolproof Recipes
I recently read French Macarons for Beginners: Foolproof Recipes by Justine Pattison and it is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn the basics of macaron-making. From the very beginning, the book helps establish a strong foundation for those just starting out. It covers the history of the macaron, ingredients, equipment, and tips for successful macaron-making. The step-by-step instructions are incredibly detailed and easy to follow. There are also many helpful troubleshooting tips throughout the book in case something doesnt go as planned. I really enjoyed the variety of recipes and was surprised by how different flavors can be created just by changing the amount and types of ingredients. French Macarons for Beginners is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning how to make macarons. Highly recommended!
list format
- Includes detailed, step-by-step instruction for homemade French macarons
- Recipes are designed specifically for beginning bakers
- Guides readers through mastering balancing ingredients and techniques
- Provides tips on how to create a variety of flavors, colors, and shapes
- Includes recipes for over 20 different macaron creations
4. Voilà!: The Effortless French Cookbook
Voilà!: The Effortless French Cookbook is a must-have for anyone interested in French cooking. The book contains over 100 delicious recipes, along with step-by-step instructions that make them easy to follow. The recipes range from traditional French dishes to modern takes on classic French cuisine, making it perfect for everyone from home chefs to professional restaurateurs. The book also includes tips on how to create a French-style dining experience, as well as advice on pairing French wines with the dishes. With its creative recipes and helpful advice, Voilà!: The Effortless French Cookbook is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore French cooking. Highly recommended!
- Over 70 easy-to-follow recipes, featuring classic French dishes
- Tips for shopping for ingredients and budget-friendly meal planning
- Clear step-by-step instructions for each recipe, along with helpful cooking tips
- Beautifully photographed dishes to inspire and wow family and friends
- Additional ideas for creative variations or substitutions for each recipe
5. The Everything Easy French Cookbook
I recently purchased The Everything Easy French Cookbook, and it has proved to be an invaluable resource in the kitchen. The book is full of delicious French recipes that are easy to make and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I love the variety of recipes that are included, which range from classic French dishes like Coq au Vin to more modern creations like Tarte Tatin. The book provides detailed instructions on how to prepare the ingredients, cook the dishes and present them. There are also tips on how to pair the dishes with wines, which has been really helpful. Overall, I highly recommend The Everything Easy French Cookbook for anyone looking for an introduction to French cooking.
- More than 250 simple French-inspired recipes
- Step-by-step instructions to make every dish with ease
- Quick and easy dishes that are ready in 30 minutes or less
- Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs
- Includes helpful tips for creating a classic French meal
6. French Cooking for Beginners: 75+ Classic Recipes
I recently purchased French Cooking for Beginners: 75+ Classic Recipes and I’m so glad I did! With this book, I was able to learn the basics of French cooking as well as a variety of delicious recipes. The book is laid out in an easy-to-understand format and includes detailed instructions for everything from sauces to soups and even desserts. I’m so impressed with the quality of the recipes included and the variety of options available. The illustrations and photographs make it easy to understand how to prepare each dish. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about French cooking. It’s a great resource for beginners and experienced cooks alike!
- 75+ classic French recipes
- Detailed instructions with step-by-step images
- Tips and tricks for making French dishes
- Shopping lists and menu ideas
- Nutritional information for each recipe
- Helpful glossary of French cooking terms
7. French Pastry 101: Learn the Art of Classic Baking
French Pastry 101: Learn the Art of Classic Baking is a fantastic cookbook for pastry lovers! I’ve been a pastry chef for many years, and I was so excited to get this book. The recipes are all simple and easy to follow, and I especially appreciate the pictures that accompany each one. The book starts off with a comprehensive overview of all the essential ingredients, tools, and techniques used in traditional French pastry-making. It then dives into beautiful recipes for macarons, croissants, tarts, éclairs, and more. I also found the chapters on mousses, ganaches, and glazes very helpful. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to learn the art of French pastry-making. Highly recommended!
- Learn the fundamentals of French pastry and classic baking techniques
- Gain access to step-by-step video tutorials and recipes
- Develop your skills as a baker with hands-on practice
- Master classic French pastries and other delicious desserts
- Discover the secrets to perfect presentation and flavor
- Learn how to create amazing showstopping desserts
- Receive personalized feedback from professional bakers
8. Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1
Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol. 1 is an essential cookbook for anyone interested in exploring the art of French cuisine. Written by Julia Child and Simone Beck in the early 1960s, this book provides detailed instructions on how to prepare a wide range of classic French dishes. With over five hundred pages of recipes and techniques, this book is a comprehensive guide to French cooking. Furthermore, the authors provide helpful tips and techniques that make the recipes easier to understand and execute. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to broaden their culinary horizons and explore the world of French cuisine.
- Written by the legendary culinary duo of Julia Child and Simone Beck
- Features over 500 classic French recipes
- Includes detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations
- Provides advice on French cuisine and cooking techniques
- Appropriate for both beginner and experienced cooks
- Features delicious recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Suitable for all occasions, from a casual dinner to a formal banquet
- Updated edition includes new recipes, information, illustrations, and more
9. Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide
I recently read ‘Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide’ and I’m so glad I did! It’s an excellent resource for anyone getting started with bread baking. The book is broken down into sections that explain the fundamentals of bread baking, from ingredients, to techniques, to troubleshooting problems. There are also plenty of recipes to get you started, with a focus on simple, delicious breads. Even if you’re an experienced bread baker, there is plenty in this book to learn. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to increase their bread baking skills.
- Provides a comprehensive overview of the basics of baking bread
- Includes step-by-step instructions for common recipes
- Features a detailed guide to the essential tools and ingredients for baking bread
- Explains important techniques such as kneading, shaping, and proofing
- Provides helpful tips and tricks for troubleshooting common issues
- Contains 50 recipes for various types of breads and pastries
- Includes illustrations and photographs to enhance the learning experience
- Features a glossary of terms used in baking
- Offers an accompanying app with instructional videos, recipes, and a timer to keep track of rising times
10. Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set)
Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set) is an excellent compilation of classic French recipes that span across both volumes. I’m a big fan of French cuisine and with this book I’m able to make authentic French dishes right in my own kitchen. The recipes are clear and detailed, and the book provides a good overview of the basics of French cooking. The book also provides helpful tips and tricks to help make the dishes as delicious as possible. The photography is stunning, and the book is filled with beautiful images of the dishes that you can create. Overall, I highly recommend Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set) for anyone looking to explore the world of French cuisine.
- 2-volume set providing a complete course in classic French cooking
- Includes over 524 authentic French recipes, illustrated with more than 100 drawings
- Exhaustively researched, written, and tested recipes by renowned chefs, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle
- Features thorough explanations of the techniques and ingredients necessary for successful French cooking
- Includes both classic and modern versions of dishes from Escoffier to nouvelle cuisine
- Instructions on preparing soups, meats, fish, sauces, desserts, and more
- Packed with helpful tips for mastering the techniques of French cooking
- Provides guidance for menu planning, wine selection, and entertaining with French cuisine
- Includes a comprehensive glossary of French culinary terms
- Features a foreword by the distinguished French chef, Julia Child
