In honor of Bastille Day, we’ve pulled together a selection of French recipes (like gougères, steak au poivre, and of course, frites). Mix and match to create your own dinner party menu. Vive la France!

(P.S.–it’s also National French fry day, in case you need another reason to make fries.)

Kir Royales The classic French Champagne apéritif will get your meal off to a festive start. You can also try a kir vin blanc, made with white wine instead of Champagne.

Gougères Made with nutty Gruyère cheese, this is a perfect pre-dinner bite that pairs beautifully with Champagne.

Garlic Aïoli and Garden Vegetables This crudité spread highlights vegetables at their peak of freshness. The aïoli is also a great dip for pommes frites.

Chilled Potato and Leek Soup Otherwise known as vichysoisse, this chilled soup is rich and flavorful and makes an elegant starter.

Salade Frisée aux Lardons A Parisian bistro classic, this salad combines the creaminess of an egg yolk, the cured, salty flavor of thick-cut bacon and buttery croutons with peppery frisée.

Steak au Poivre This recipe makes a delicious pan sauce just right for sopped up with fries or buttered baguette slices.

Bouillabaise Here’s an easy version of the famed fish soup of Marseilles, crowned with fresh herbs, orange zest and crunchy crostini.

Pommes Frites Who can resist a pile of crispy, salty French fries? They require a bit of effort, but are not difficult to make at home–and totally worth it.

Ratatouille The flavor of a Provençal summer in a bowl. Ratatouille makes a delicious side to meat, chicken or fish, or can stand on its own as a vegetarian main.

Cherry Claufoutis A claufoutis is a dessert “pancake” dotted with fruit. Cherries are the classic choice but you can also use apricots, plums or pears.

Lemon Tart This tarte au citron is light, summery and a refreshing end to any Bastille Day menu.

See more French recipes and menus for a festive feast.