6 French Twists for Classic Barbecue Favorites—Wine Pairings Included!
Warmer weather and longer days can only mean one thing—barbecue season is officially upon us! From Memorial Day Weekend through Fourth of July and beyond, spring and summer barbecues are the ultimate way to get outdoors, gather with friends, and enjoy a hearty amount of food and wine—though who says your American barbecue favorites can’t boast a tasty French twist? For those curious to take their traditional dishes to the next level, check out the six French-inspired flairs that promise to elevate your sauces, salads, and side dishes here.
Barbecue Ribs
French Twist: Dijon Mustard & Honey Glaze
Barbecue ribs are one of the most popular spring and summer staples, and marinating them in a homemade sauce is the perfect way to make them your own. Rather than sticking with the standard ketchup and spice-based sauce, we recommend creating your own mustard and honey glaze crafted with none other than authentic mustard from Dijon, which offers a serious punch of flavor, yet remains balanced by the sweetness found in the honey component.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Gamay from Beaujolais
Bottles to Try:
Antoine Sunier Regnie 2023 ($31.99)
Anne Sophie Dubois Fleurie Les Cocottes 2023 ($35.99)
Panzanella Salad
French Twist: Made with Fresh Tomatoes and Crunchy Baguette Chunks
Panzanella salad may have Italian origins, though making it with pieces of crunchy baguette is one of the best ways to add a touch of French flair to outdoor barbecues. The salad not only tastes delicious, but also reutilizes slightly stale bread, making it a savory and sustainable option for barbecues all season long.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley
Bottles to Try:
Mary Taylor Luc Poullain Touraine 2024 ($19.99)
Domaine Yves Martin Chavignol Sancerre 2023 ($34.99)
Grilled Pork Chops
French Twist: Provençal Marinade with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Herbes de Provence
Similar to barbecue ribs, grilled pork chops are also a meat-forward staple for seasonal barbecues, and making your own marinade is a great way to add a French twist and up your flavor game all at once. We recommend bringing a Provence-inspired twist to your pork chops by making a homemade marinade from Provençal olive oil, garlic, and herbes de Provence, which is sure to appeal to a variety of meat eaters.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Bandol Rosé / Provence Rosé
Bottles to Try:
Peyrassol Les Templiers Rose 2023 ($27.99)
La Bastide Blanche Bandol Rose 2023 ($27.99)
Hot Dogs
French Twist: Prepared with Andouille Sausage & Brioche Buns
Few American dishes are as emblematic to barbecues as hot dogs, and adding a French twist here is perhaps the easiest of them all. Simply swap out your store-bought dogs for Andouille sausage, ditch the potato buns for buttery brioche—it may sound crazy up front, but we promise the flavor combination of these two will have you and your guests hooked.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Côtes du Rhône / Red Rhône Blends
Bottles to Try:
Anne Pichon Sauvage Syrah-Grenache 2021 ($18.97)
Eric Texier Brezeme Cotes Du Rhone 2022 ($38.99)
Mac & Cheese
French Twist: Made with Crème Fraîche and Gruyère
Outdoor barbecues can often be tricky for vegetarians, however, all’s well in the world when delicious sides are on the table—cue macaroni and cheese, a savory barbecue staple that promises to satisfy a variety of preferences. For a French take on this American classic, simply reach for some signature crème fraîche and Gruyère cheese to take this gooey favorite to the next level.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Chardonnay from Burgundy
Bottles to Try:
Famille Paquet Bourgogne Blanc 2023 ($31.99)
Patrick Piuze Chablis Terroir de Chablis 2023 ($38.99)
Classic Potato Salad
French Twist: Drenched in French Mayonnaise and Herbes de Provence
No barbecue is complete without a savory potato salad doused in copious amounts of mayo and fresh herbs, so why not reach for a signature French bottling from Maille and herbes de Provence for seasoning? Think of it like how the French love dipping fries in mayonnaise, just with an American barbecue twist.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Traditional Method Crémant (from Jura or Alsace)
Bottles to Try:
