Complementing Beef Bourguignon: 12 Delicious Starter Dishes

Beef bourguignon is a classic French stew loaded with tender beef mushrooms bacon, and bold red wine flavor. It’s a hearty, indulgent main course that deserves an equally delicious starter. Choosing the right appetizer sets the stage for the decadent meal to come.

When picking starters for beef bourguignon, opt for dishes that will complement or contrast the stew’s complex flavors. Avoid anything too heavy or filling that will overshadow the main event Below are 12 sensational starters that pair wonderfully with this French favorite.

Light and Fresh

Cleanse the palate before the richness of beef bourguignon with bright, crisp starters:

French Onion Soup

French onion soup makes an authentic pairing, with sweet caramelized onions in an umami broth. It’s light yet flavorful.

Bibb Lettuce Salad

A simple Bibb lettuce salad with a tangy vinaigrette and croutons provides brightness before the hearty stew.

Goat Cheese Tartlets

Tangy, creamy goat cheese and honey in a flaky pastry shell offer the perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Asparagus Salad

An asparagus salad with shaved Parmigiano is fresh and elegant, echoing the French cuisine theme.

Earthy and Warming

Cozy up to beef bourguignon with soul-warming, earthy starters:

Wild Mushroom Crostini

Toasted baguette slices topped with sautéed wild mushrooms mirror ingredients found in the stew.

Roasted Squash Soup

Creamy roasted butternut squash soup provides a rich, nutty flavor as a prelude to the beef.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

This classic, irresistible hot dip also utilizes creamy ingredients that foreshadow the bourguignon.

Bacon Wrapped Dates

The salty richness of bacon complements the red wine notes in the coming main dish.

French Classics

Traditional French starters offer familiar flavors before this regional specialty:

Coq au Vin Meatballs

Mini chicken and mushroom meatballs glazed in red wine echo the stew’s ingredients and flavors.

Escargots

Buttery, garlicky escargot baked in shells provide an authentic, indulgent French starter.

Chèvre in Puff Pastry

The iconic combination of chèvre and puff pastry makes a sophisticated impression.

Onion Tarte Tatin

This clever upside down French onion tart shows off more caramelized onion goodness.

French Bistro Salad

A lyonnaise salad with frisée greens, poached eggs, bacon, and vinaigrette is very on theme.

With the right appetizer preceding beef bourguignon, you have the recipe for a spectacular French feast. Your guests will be dazzled by the courses to come. Bon appétit!

Beef Bourguignon // Meal Starter // Pressure Canning // Jeni Gough

FAQ

What is Beef Bourguignon meal starter?

A staple French stew of fork-tender beef chunks with veggies, in a rich red-wine gravy. by Audrey January 17, 2021. January 17, 2021. K. Fork-tender beef in a rich red-wine gravy nestled with veggies makes the Beef Bourguignon one of the most acclaimed French recipes around the world.

What is best to serve with Beef Bourguignon?

What is beef bourguignon served with? Mashed potatoes is the classic side dish for beef bourguignon, although a chunk of crusty bread would be a welcome lighter alternative. Try other mashes like celeriac, carrot and swede or butterbean mash if you fancy a change.

Do you serve Beef Bourguignon in bowl or plate?

Set aside until ready to serve. Once the beef is ready, remove the herb bouquet. Assemble a plate or shallow bowl with the meat, carrots, and sautéed mushrooms and pearl onions.

What cuts of beef are best for bourguignon?

What Is the Best Meat to Use for Beef Bourguignon? Beef bourguignon typically features both pork—in the form of lardons, small strips of fatty, thick-cut bacon—and stewing beef, usually beef chuck diced into 2-inch cubes, though any lean cut (like brisket) is acceptable.

What to serve with beef bourguignon?

Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with beef bourguignon are sour cream and chive mashed potatoes, French bread rolls, ricotta gnocchi, and quick pickled pearl onions. You can also serve French bistro salad, popovers, buttered corn and green beans, lemon garlic zoodles, or whipped cauliflower. Ready? Let’s jump right in.

What is a good starter for beef bourguignon?

The earthy, savoury flavour of mushrooms lends itself so well to being a starter for beef bourguignon. These chestnut stuffed mushrooms have a herby, nutty filling, and a crisp garlicky breadcrumb topping. Of course though, you’ve got plenty of different options to explore.

What bread to serve with beef bourguignon?

Bread choices to serve as beef bourguignon sides abound. However, this classic beer bread stands out because it is forgiving (no rising with yeast) and enjoyed by all, because you get the flavor from the beer without the alcohol, which bakes out. Six ingredients needed are flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, butter and beer.

What wine goes with beef bourguignon?

Beef bourguignon is different from a “traditional” beef stew in that it uses a dry red wine as part of the liquid for the braising. Usually a red Burgundy is the optimum choice, such as a pinot noir, merlot, red Bordeaux, or Cabernet Sauvignon. Now that your beef bourguignon is simmering away, it is time to decide what you will serve alongside it.