Add a dash of old-world glamour to your holiday party with these vintage French recipes for Christmas. Try classics like bûche de Noël (Yule logs) and heartwarming cassoulet. Joyeux Noël!
33 Vintage French Christmas Recipes Worth Trying Today
Updated on Sep. 16, 2024
Chocolate Yule Log
A yule log cake, also called a Buche de Noel, is a rolled sponge cake shaped and decorated to resemble a wooden log. This fanciful dessert is a holiday baking tradition that dates back to 19th century France. This particular chocolate Yule log has been a favorite vintage French Christmas recipe for Bernadette Colvin of Tomball, Texas. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Also, check out these Christmas cheesecake recipes, perfect for your upcoming festive get togethers.
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Cinnamon Roll Macarons
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These French macarons are a winter staple for me. Inspired by the classic cinnamon roll, they are a delicious treat for a cold or snowy day. These pair well with a mug of tea, and can be eaten as a dessert or just a snack. Other fillings would taste great with this—including custard, mousse, ganache or other buttercream.
—Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California. Get to know why macarons are so expensive.
—Elizabeth Ding, El Cerrito, California. Get to know why macarons are so expensive.
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich cookie: 60 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
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Green Beans Amandine
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s hard to improve on the taste Mother Nature gives to fresh green beans, but Mom has done just that for years using this green beans amandine recipe. I have always thought the crunchy almonds were a super addition. —Brenda DuFresne, Midland, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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French Onion Soup
Total Time
2 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy my signature French onion soup the way my granddaughter Becky does: I make onion soup for her in a crock bowl, complete with garlic croutons and gobs of melted Swiss cheese on top. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup soup with 2 pieces bread and 1 tablespoon cheese: 195 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 765mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
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French Lemon-Apricot Tart
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like the tang of citrus, you’ll love this lemon tart. The apricot preserves on top add a nice bit of sweetness. —Peggy Lunde, Costa Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 200 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Oysters Rockefeller
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic Oysters Rockefeller dish always delights our guests. It's deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 oyster: 79 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Duck with Brandy Bing Cherry Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Elegant, delicious and colorful, this French duck dish is perfect to serve for special occasions, like Christmas dinner. —Francine Lizotte, Langley, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 duck breast with 1/2 cup sauce: 494 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
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French Christmas Cookies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These moist treats will have everyone reaching for more. Folks tell me they enjoy these French Christmas cookies. In fact, the batches I make ahead for my family and store in the freezer until Christmas seem to mysteriously disappear each year—even though the chocolate topping I put on before serving hasn't been added yet! —Judy Wilder, Mankato, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 224 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Holiday Beef Bourguignon
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
When we married four decades ago, I found this bourguignon recipe in a French cookbook. My husband and I still serve it for very special occasions, like Christmas. —Lyn Robitaille, East Hartland, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without egg noodles): 407 calories, 25g fat (9g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Dove Dinner Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Fluffy dinner rolls shaped like doves are a sweet nod to the holidays. They dash away faster than Santa himself. —Frances Wirtz, West Allis, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 177 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Herbed Roast Beef
Total Time
2 hours 40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A savory herb rub flavors this juicy roast that makes an impression every time my mom serves it for dinner. The creamy horseradish sauce adds a little kick to the crispy-coated slices of beef. —Kerry Sullivan, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with about 2 tablespoons sauce: 424 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 435mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
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Palmier Cookies
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes just two ingredients to make these impressive but easy-to-do French pastries, which are often called palm leaves. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 83 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0mg cholesterol, 34mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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Chocolate Pear Hazelnut Tart
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a teenage foreign exchange student in the south of France, I was horribly homesick. Then my host family's Grandmother Miette arrived and asked if I'd like to help her bake this nutty tart from scratch. It turned my trip around and inspired my lifelong passion for baking. Weighing ingredients, roasting nuts, kneading dough—the art of baking transcends language. —Lexi McKeown, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 302 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 125mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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French Hot Chocolate
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my fondest memories of Paris was sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of their patisseries. French hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich, decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. It’s the perfect thing to indulge in during the Christmas season. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 226 calories, 16g fat (10g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 43mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Cornish Hens with Potatoes
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This special slow-cooked dinner is delicious. I serve it with green beans and French bread. —Deborah Randall, Abbeville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 995 calories, 67g fat (18g saturated fat), 369mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 66g protein.
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Cassoulet for Today
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Steamed Mussels with Peppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use the French bread to soak up the deliciously seasoned broth. If you like food zippy, add the jalapeno seeds. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
12 each: 293 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 931mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
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Steak and Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 steak with 1/3 cup sauce: 247 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
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Creamy Strawberry Crepes
Total Time
50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wrap summer-ripe strawberries and creamy filling into these delicate crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
2 crepes: 415 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Dijon Pork Chops with Cabbage and Fennel
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While living in Switzerland for a few years, my friends introduced me to an area renowned for their cabbage, pork and potato dishes. I decided to try a cabbage and fennel combination and believe they complement each other well. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 cups vegetables: 435 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1533mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 10g fiber), 36g protein.
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Braised Short Ribs
Total Time
2 hours
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe can be finished in a slow cooker which makes it very helpful during those very busy days.—Susan Kinsella, East Falmouth, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving.: 310 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Tuna Nicoise Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Like the French, I pack my classic Nicoise salad with veggies, potatoes, tuna and eggs. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. —Valerie Belley, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 327 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat, 1 starch.
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Warm Cabbage, Fennel and Pear Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This crunchy salad makes an elegant first course or side, but it's hearty enough to be an entree when paired with a crusty artisan bread. We love it served warm. —Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 391 calories, 26g fat (7g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 810mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein.
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Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not too hot but full of flavor, these shrimp are one of a kind. They're easy to make and take to parties, where they'll impress the other guests. —Bob Gebhardt, Wausau, WI.
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 490 calories, 45g fat (24g saturated fat), 265mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 21g protein.
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Beef Tenderloin with Sauteed Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the most elegant, tender beef. It’s made the classic French way—so easy! —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetables and about 1 tablespoon sauce: 526 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 44g protein.
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Slow-Cooker Ratatouille
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only does this classic recipe make a phenomenal side dish, you can also serve it with sliced French bread for a warm and easy appetizer. Try it in the summer with your garden-fresh vegetables. —Jolene Walters, North Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 116 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
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French Loaves
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love to help me make this delicious French bread. It’s quite easy, and they enjoy the fact that they can be eating fresh bread in about two hours! —Denise Boutin, Grand Isle, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 97 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Simple Herbed Scallops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Living in Kansas, fresh seafood can be hard to come by. Luckily, frozen scallops aren't. This dish offers coastal flavor to those of us in the Midwest. —Sarah Befort, Hays, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 260 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
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Lobster Tail
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter where you live, these succulent, buttery lobster tails are just a few minutes away. Here in Iowa, we use frozen lobster with delicious results, but if you're near the ocean, by all means use fresh! —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 lobster tail: 211 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 691mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
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Roast Rack of Lamb with Herb Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings (1-3/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
The sauce uses eight of my favorite herbs, but making it is a cinch. The aroma of the lamb while it roasts is amazing. —Mya Zeronis, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Learn how to cook a frenched rack of lamb.
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Three-Cheese Fondue
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 191 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
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Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pomegranate seeds intrigued me, so I sliced French bread, smeared it with cream cheese and added seeds, pistachios and chocolate. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 44 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 46mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
