14 Popular French Breakfast Foods

The French are known for elegant pastries and decadent desserts.

From flaky croissants to rich pain au chocolat, these French breakfast foods are sure to delight and inspire your morning menu.

Whether you’re planning for a Saturday breakfast with friends or looking for elegant brunch recipes for two, these French breakfast dishes will satisfy any occasion.

With both sweet and savory recipes to choose from, everyone will find something to suit their taste. 

These foods are not only delicious, but a joy to make. Even a culinary apprentice will succeed!

Make your morning a little fancier by trying one of these French breakfast foods today!

1. Croque Madame 

Everyone loves a ham sandwich! Who can resist sweet ham and creamy cheese between toasted bread?

This croque takes this classic to the next level by adding an egg on top! I haven’t seen a collaboration like this since the invention of brunch.

Take the flavor up a notch by adding artisanal mustard. The sharp tang is the perfect finishing touch to an already blissful sandwich.

2. French Breakfast Puffs

These puffs are like cinnamon sugar muffins, only better. Each mouthful is laced with a cinnamon-nutmeg crumble that your family will love.

For the sweet breakfasters, these puffs are the perfect Saturday morning treat.

The best part? Whip the batter up the night before for a decadent morning pastry that bakes in a breeze.

3. Pain Au Chocolat

I am always looking for ways to incorporate more chocolate into my day, and these pain au chocolat are the perfect way to kick off the morning.

Flaky croissants wrap around a smooth chocolate center. You’ll want these for lunch and dinner as well.

Do not be intimidated by their intricate appearance. They’re easy to make! 

4. French Radishes with Butter and Salt on Toast

The first savory item on the list is also the simplest to prepare. It’s made with toast, butter, sliced radishes, and salt.

This recipe incorporates vegetables into your morning meal. French radishes with butter and salt on toast just might be your new go-to breakfast after trying this!

5. French Toast

This classic is fully integrated into American cuisine. It’s easy to make and is fully customizable with endless topping combinations.

Everyone is sure to find a French toast flavor they love.

From maple syrup and powdered sugar to blueberries and whipped cream, how do you decorate your French toast?

6. French Toast Roll Up

Is there anything cinnamon sugar can’t make better? Take your toast a step further with this roll-up recipe.

Start with the traditional egg bath, but then level up with a generous dusting of cinnamon sugar. 

Bring napkins! These roll-ups are so dainty, they’re practically finger food. 

7. French Scrambled Eggs

You may think you know how to scramble eggs, but until you try this method, you can’t say for sure.

Rich ingredients such as butter and cream cook with the eggs to maintain flavor and moisture.

Then, they’re served with soft baguette slices and flavorful chives to complete this hearty dish.

Scrambled eggs are no longer a last-minute breakfast on the run. With this recipe, they become an artfully crafted master dish, ready to please any guest.

8. French Cruller Donuts

This is the pastry recipe you’ve been waiting for. Elegant croux dough is deep-fried and coated in a gentle powdered sugar glaze.

The light dough hollows on the inside, creating a pastry that is light and beautiful.

Never settle for a gas station donut again. Make this recipe at home for a true patisserie experience.

9. Cafe Au Lait 

Cafe au lait is French for coffee with milk, but not just any milk. It’s steamed milk that tops your coffee with frothy, foamy goodness.

It’s a French staple that is so elite compared to standard drip coffee. 

Give your morning caffeine a boost by swirling in some steamed milk. It will turn your morning commute into a Parisian stroll.

10. Beignets 

A French classic that put Cafe du Monde on the map, these fried buns topped with powdered sugar are a childhood favorite for people all over the world.

Balls of dough slowly swell into chubby beignets as they are fried to a crisp golden brown.

Be generous with powdered sugar! Or try dipping them in honey for even more added sweetness.

11. French Hot Chocolate 

Oh my goodness, does this look good? If you have only ever been exposed to packet hot cocoa, you’re missing out.

Thick and rich, this French hot chocolate puts mixes to shame.

More than just water and cocoa, this hot chocolate will melt away even the dreariest of winter days.

12. Croissants 

The first word I ever learned in French, these buttery and flaky pastries are the perfect addition to any plate.

Sweeten them with honey or stuff them with savory sandwich toppings. Either way is delicious!

This recipe focuses on ease and speed without sacrificing any quality. Delicious, homemade croissants are on your table quicker than you can make it to Trader Joe’s.

13. Buckwheat Crepes

This savory buckwheat crepe recipe is sure to satisfy your hunger.

Stuff these fine crepes with your favorite cheese and vegetables for a filling breakfast that is not only hearty but healthy, too!

With only four ingredients and a brief cook time, you could make these every day!

14. Chaussons aux Pommes

The apple pie’s French cousin, these apple turnovers are delicious for any time of day.

Crisp, tart apples are wrapped in a croissant-like pastry to create a turnover that is both sweet and buttery.

Impress your guests with these beautiful chaussons aux pommes.