​How to Create a French-Inspired Thanksgiving Menu

1. Appetizers to Start

• Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
  This easy and decadent appetizer combines creamy brie with honey and crunchy nuts. Simply bake until melted, then serve with a baguette or crackers for a deliciously gooey start.
• Gougères (Cheese Puffs)
  Light and airy, gougères are made from choux pastry with Gruyère or Comté cheese. These savory puffs are perfect for passing around while guests mingle.

2. Hearty Main Courses

• Coq au Vin
  A classic French stew made with chicken, red wine, mushrooms, and onions. It’s a rustic, deeply flavorful dish that fits beautifully into a Thanksgiving spread.
• Poulet Sauce Moutarde (Chicken with Mustard Sauce)
  This creamy and tangy dish features chicken cooked in a mustard sauce that’s rich yet refined. Serve it with mashed potatoes or fresh bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
• Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy)
  A famous French stew of beef slow-cooked with red wine, carrots, onions, and mushrooms. It’s comfort food at its best, with deep, satisfying flavors.

3. Satisfying Side Dishes

• Pommes Anna
  Thinly sliced potatoes layered with butter and baked until golden, Pommes Anna is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and makes an impressive addition to the table.
• Creamy Polenta
  A smooth, comforting side dish often served in France, creamy polenta is especially good with saucy main dishes like Coq au Vin or Beef Bourguignon. For an extra French twist, try topping it with Gruyère cheese.
• French Onion Soup
  While traditionally a starter, French onion soup with its rich beef broth, caramelized onions, and cheesy crouton topping can also be served as a side. Its deep flavor profile adds warmth and comfort to any meal.

4. Freshly Baked Breads

• Sourdough Bread
  A crunchy crust and a soft, tangy interior make sourdough a fantastic bread for Thanksgiving. It’s ideal for dipping into sauces and spreads or just enjoying with a slather of butter.
• French Country Bread
  This rustic loaf has a thick crust and tender crumb, perfect for pairing with cheese or spreading with herb butter. It’s an essential addition to a French-inspired table.

5. Elegant Desserts

• Poached Pears in White Wine Sauce
  Simple and sophisticated, poached pears are gently cooked in white wine with spices like cinnamon and vanilla. The result is a light, fragrant dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of acidity.
• Chocolate and Pumpkin Spice Ganache
  A fusion of American and French flavors, this chocolate ganache infused with pumpkin spice is perfect for fall. Serve it as a dip for fruit or drizzle it over cake for a cozy twist.

6. Sips for the Table

• French Cider
  Light and slightly bubbly, French cider pairs beautifully with rich dishes and adds a crisp touch to the meal. Normandy cider, with its apple-forward flavor, complements savory and sweet dishes alike.
• Beaujolais Nouveau
  This fruity red wine is released in late November, making it a fitting choice for Thanksgiving. Its light body and bright flavors pair well with a wide array of dishes.

By adding these French recipes to your menu, you can create a Thanksgiving feast that’s memorable, comforting, and full of wonderful flavors. The combination of French culinary finesse with Thanksgiving traditions is sure to make your meal a standout.