Julia Child is an absolute icon who changed the way I look at food. I remember watching Julie and Julia and realizing just how much passion and authenticity she brought to the kitchen.
She went from studying at Cordon Bleu to teaching millions of Americans that French cooking is totally doable and absolutely delicious. These 9 recipes are my favorites for channeling that inner master chef energy.
1. Julia Child’s Coq au Vin
You might think this looks tricky to pull off. It is actually one of the simpler recipes in her collection!
You are basically just simmering chicken and veggies in a rich wine sauce until it is perfect. I love using the slow cooker for this because your house will smell like a dream all day long.
2. Julia Child’s Madeleines
No French-inspired meal is truly finished without a plate of these beauties. They are light little cookies with a pop of lemon zest and vanilla that makes them taste like they came straight from a fancy bakery.
You definitely want to grab a proper shell mold to get that authentic look. Trust me when I say the small investment is worth it.
3. Beef Bourguignon
This is the ultimate comfort food for a chilly night. We are talking about tender beef slowly simmering in a savory red wine gravy until it falls apart on your fork.
The traditional stovetop method takes a while. The effort pays off big time when you taste that rich flavor.
You are going to feel so proud of yourself after making this one.
4. Potato Leek Soup
This soup is rich and velvety and just feels classy. It uses chicken stock and a splash of cream to get that luxurious consistency.
I highly recommend using a food mill instead of a blender if you want to nail that perfect texture. It is a comforting bowl of goodness that hits the spot every time.
5. Quiche Lorraine
You can thank Julia Child for making this savory pie such a household name. It is packed with bacon and onions plus a creamy egg filling with three different cheeses.
I love that you can serve this for a fancy brunch or a simple dinner. Feel free to grab a store-bought crust to save time because that decadent filling steals the show anyway.
6. Julia Child’s Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
I made this for a dinner party recently and my friends could not stop talking about it. The chicken and mushrooms swim in a cream sauce that is honestly just magic.
You absolutely need a loaf of crusty French bread on the table to soak up every last drop. It is a total crowd-pleaser that makes you look like a pro.
7. French Crepes
Turn your kitchen into a cute little cafe this weekend with a stack of homemade crepes. It takes a little practice to get the swirl just right.
Once you get the hang of it you will be making them constantly. I love how versatile they are since you can stuff them with sweet fruit or savory cheese depending on your mood.
8. Dauphinoise Potatoes
You need to save this recipe immediately because it is the king of all side dishes. Imagine scalloped potatoes but significantly creamier and more luxurious.
You layer thin potato slices with butter and cheese and cream and finish it with fresh thyme. People will be fighting for seconds the moment this bubbly pan comes out of the oven.
9. Julia Child’s Roast Chicken
This is my go-to recipe when I really want to wow my dinner guests. It is a simple classic that always turns out juicy and flavorful.
You just have to follow the instructions for basting and rotating the bird to get that skin perfectly golden brown. Serve it up with some roasted veggies and a baguette for a meal that never fails.