Mary’s Favorite Bastille Day Recipes

There are about 13 million people of French descent living in the U.S. today, and over a million of them speak French at home. If that wasn’t enough of a reason to celebrate Bastille Day, let me tell you more. Americans and French citizens tend to share similar values around freedom and liberty, so lots of Americans like to celebrate this holiday too.

What is Bastille Day?

Celebrated on July 14, Bastille Day is the anniversary of when the French people stormed the Bastille in 1789. It was one of the major events of the French Revolution.

Traditional Bastille Day Food in France: What do people eat on Bastille day?

On Bastille Day, people eat all different types of food. Just like the 4th of July, there’s really no tradition set in stone, although there are some common threads. Some of the “traditional” Bastille Day foods you might see people eating around France include (but are certainly not limited to!) crepes, croissants and other pastries, brioche, bread and cheese, quiche, and maybe some nice wine with dinner.

Food Fusion for Bastille Day: There are no wrong answers.

Eat whatever sounds good!As long as you’re eating well and treating Bastille Day like the feast day it is, you really can’t go wrong. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite foods to eat on Bastille Day for you, from classic French salads to grilling out in your backyard. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Bastille Day Salad and Side Recipes

For a classic French option, go with the Niçoise Salad. I’ve also included some of my best summer salad recipes—light, refreshing, and so tasty on a hot summer day. And don’t forget to have fun with your sides!