Why Do French People Eat Cheese After Dinner? 🇫🇷🧀
(And no, it’s not dessert!)
If you’ve ever been invited to a French dinner, you may have noticed something unusual:
After the main dish is finished… here comes the cheese.
No, it’s not part of the starter.
No, it’s not melted on anything.
And no, it’s not dessert either.
So why do the French eat cheese after the main course? Let’s break down this delicious tradition.
🔹 The Cheese Course: “Le Plateau de Fromages”
In a typical French meal — especially a formal or family dinner — cheese has its own moment. It comes after the main course, but before dessert.
This moment is called “le plateau de fromages” (the cheese platter), and it’s considered an essential step in the French culinary ritual.
🔸 1. Because It’s a Course of Its Own 🍽️
French meals often follow a structured order:
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L’entrée (starter)
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Le plat principal (main course)
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Le fromage (cheese)
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Le dessert (dessert)
In this context, cheese is not part of the main dish, and definitely not mixed with dessert. It has its own identity as a transition between savory and sweet.
🔸 2. It’s a Matter of Tradition and Pride 🇫🇷
France is home to more than 1,000 varieties of cheese — and many French people are very proud of that.
Serving cheese after dinner allows it to be tasted, appreciated, and shared, without being hidden inside a recipe. It’s about:
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Simplicity: Just cheese, bread, and maybe some wine
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Quality: The cheeses are often artisanal or regional
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Cultural identity: Cheese reflects the terroir (local flavor and tradition)
To a French person, serving cheese properly is a sign of respect for food — and for guests.
🔸 3. Cheese Helps “Close” the Savory Part of the Meal
Eating cheese after the main dish marks the end of the savory part of the meal — and helps prepare your taste buds for something sweet.
Some even believe it aids digestion, though that’s debated. More than anything, it’s about balance and rhythm.
🔸 4. It’s a Social Moment
The cheese course is often shared family-style:
A platter is passed around, and everyone slices what they want.
It’s:
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Relaxed
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Conversational
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A chance to taste different flavors
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And often accompanied by the last glass of red wine
It’s less about “eating more,” and more about enjoying together.
🔹 What Kinds of Cheese Are Served?
A proper cheese platter usually includes a variety:
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Un fromage à pâte molle: like Brie or Camembert
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Un fromage à pâte dure: like Comté or Tomme
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Un fromage bleu: like Roquefort
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Un chèvre (goat cheese): fresh or aged
Each person slices a bit, adds some bread (never crackers!), and enjoys.
🔹 But Isn’t Cheese Too Heavy After a Meal?
It depends! A few small slices of cheese — especially with good bread — are actually quite satisfying without being overwhelming. Also, French portion sizes tend to be smaller overall than in other countries.
The French aren’t eating an entire cheese wheel — just tasting.
🗨️ Final Thoughts
So, why do French people eat cheese after dinner?
Because in France, cheese isn’t just food — it’s part of the meal structure, the cultural identity, and the pleasure of sharing good things at the table.
Next time you’re in France, don’t be surprised if someone asks:
“Tu veux un peu de fromage avant le dessert ?”
Say yes. Grab some bread. And enjoy the French way. 🧀🥖🍷
Curious about other French dining customs?
Check out our next post: Why do French people dip their bread in everything? 😋