The Best Baked Burgundy Dishes with Wine Pairings
Our Choice of Fine Burgundy Wine Paired With Some of the Best Baked Burgundy Dishes
Burgundy, or Bourgogne as it's known in French, is a region celebrated not only for its world-class wines but also for its rich culinary heritage. We have profiled many of the most popular ingredients and dishes in these blog articles, from vegetables in starters, meat in main courses, Burgundy cheese dishes and mouth-watering sweets. This article looks at how some of the most satisfying textures and flavors in Burgundy can be found in its traditional breads, tarts, and baked dishes.
We’ll introduce you to some of our favorite recipes for baked Burgundy dishes from our very own Ellie's cookbook – (available here!) – which we cook often at our home in Burgundy, Domaine de Cromey. Her popular cookbook is a life’s work detailing Ellie’s most beloved recipes that she has collected over decades of travelling the world learning about different cuisines. There are influences from Italy (thanks to her Italian heritage) but also from the USA and of course France.
So put the oven on and let those delicious baking smells drift by as we introduce the best baked Burgundy dishes, with our favorite wine pairings from our wine shop at BurgundyWine.com.
Best Burgundy Breads
There’s a good reason that the region of Burgundy is known as the stomach of France (with Paris as its head and Champagne her soul…) – it’s the breadbasket of France, and as such there are many different types of breads to get to know. Here are just a few:
Burgundy Country Loaf: ‘Boule’, which comes from the French word for "ball," is a traditional shape of French bread that resembles a squashed ball. This rustic loaf can be made with nearly any type of flour. Boules can be leavened using commercial yeast, chemical leavening agents, or even wild yeast sourdough. The name of this bread is also why a bread baker is called a "boulanger" in French, and a bakery is referred to as a "boulangerie”. You need just a few ingredients to make it too (flour, yeast, salt, butter and oil/water)!
Brioche French Toast with Roasted Forced Rhubarb: by covering this crop with something like an upside-down can or container, you can grow much more tender, delicate sticks of rhubarb with lovely pink stalks. It’s called ‘forcing’ rhubarb and we’ve been doing it for years. The flavors work really well with brioche toast (a type of French bread with a high egg and butter content and therefore a richer, more golden crumb), but you can also use challah loaf or panettone. Click here for a sample recipe for this dish.
Pain de Mie: Served in Burgundy but also throughout France, and known for its soft texture and even crumb, Pain de Mie is a classic white bread that is perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed with butter. Pair it with a glass of Chablis, a Chardonnay from the region, which brings out the subtle flavors of the bread without overpowering it.
Pain Complet: This whole grain bread, often made with rye or spelt, has a robust and nutty flavor. It pairs wonderfully with Burgundy’s earthy wines, such as a Pinot Noir (click here to see our Palate Advisor’s Earthy wine recommendations), which enhances the bread’s graininess while providing a harmonious taste experience.
Iconic Tarts from Burgundy
Pissaladiere (Onion and anchovy tart): If you visit a boulangerie anywhere in France, but especially in the south, you’re likely to see a tart like this, along with lots of other savoury pizza-type breads. Just make sure you use quality anchovies and nice small Niçoise olives to get the full effect. When it comes to wine pairing, we actually recommend a really good quality rose wine such as this Gabin and Felix Richoux Osez Le Rose. It’s suave, made using malolactic fermentation to add smoothness and richness and it goes really well with this pissaladière tart and a green salad – ideal for a summer picnic. Check out our recipe here!
Tarte au Cassis: Made from the region’s famous blackcurrants and particularly popular in Dijon, this tart features a buttery crust filled with sweet cassis jam. The dish’s fruity sweetness pairs well with a sweet dessert wine, like a Sauternes, or a sparkling wine like Crémant de Bourgogne, which contrasts the tartness and enhances the berry flavors.
Tarte Tatin: This upside-down caramelized apple tart is a sure crowd-pleaser and is one of the most loved of all baked French dishes. Originating from the Tatin sisters in the late 19th century in the Loire Valley but often served in Burgundy, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. A glass of Beaujolais, known for its fruity and sometimes spicy notes, is an ideal partner, as it complements the caramelized apples beautifully. Try our Richard Rottiers Beaujolais Cru Moulin a Vent (named after the windmill).
Other Baked Burgundy Dishes to Savor
Burgundian Cheese Puffs (Gougere): these extremely versatile nibbles are crispy on the outside and luxuriously soft in the middle. Ellie’s recipe (which you can find here with a handy video) makes 36 of these individual treats. She uses a very traditional cheese from the region - Comté – but you could also use Gruyere. And to drink? Well what could be better than a Kir cocktail? It’s made with blackcurrant liqueur known as crème de cassis, and is traditionally made with Aligoté wine. But trust us, you can also use a good Bourgogne Blanc such as our old favorite the Clos de la Carbonade from a producer like Domaine Borgeot – and hey presto, you have the perfect aperitif.
Smoked Trout Croissants: it’s hard to beat a warm, buttery croissant when it comes to baked goods.. but have you tried a savory one with smoked trout and horseradish inside? The best thing is that you can make these in advance and simply warm them up in the oven when you’re ready to dine. We always have them with a chilled glass of Chardonnay- something like a Saint-Romain from the Domaine Germain will go wonderfully well and makes a really elegant pairing. Discover the recipe here.
Stay With Us Amongst The Vines
Burgundy's rich culinary heritage is a real feast for the senses, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and traditions. Pairing baked Burgundy dishes with local wines enhances each bite enormously, and makes for a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you are savoring a slice of Tarte Tatin or the satisfying crunch of a trout croissant, a glass of Burgundy wine is sure to elevate your meal, inviting you to indulge in the culinary treasures of this extraordinary region.
And why not let us cook these baked Burgundy dishes for you as our guests, at our home in Burgundy - the Domaine de Cromey? You’ll live like Lords and Ladies of the Manor, and have the best silver service experience with every want attended to for the duration of your stay. Whether you're relaxing in the pool, enjoying the tasting room, reading in the library, or exploring the countryside on your bike, you won’t forget a trip here. Make memories to last a lifetime and secure your booking today.
