Before there was the Food Network, there was Julia Child. A legend in the culinary world, the American chef and author brought the elegance of French cooking to America. Her recipes are timeless, full of rich flavors and—most importantly—they’re easier to cook thank you think. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, you can’t go wrong with Julia Child’s classic French recipes, especially when it comes to impressing your guests. Here are seven of her most iconic dishes that’ll transport you straight to a Parisian café.
Julia Child’s culinary legacy
Now a cultural icon and household name, Julia Child was best known for introducing—and simplifying—French cuisine to the American public. Her career took off with the release of her cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 1961, which made complex French recipes approachable for home cooks. Soon after, she gained widespread fame as the host of The French Chef, one of the first TV cooking shows, where her warm, down-to-earth personality won over viewers.
Julia Child’s influence inspired generations of chefs and food lovers to take on more adventurous dishes in their kitchen. Her advice to aspiring home cooks? “Learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and, above all, have fun.”
French cooking tips to master Julia Child’s recipes
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French cooking may seem intimidating, but with a few simple techniques, you can recreate Julia Child’s recipes with ease. It all comes down to patience, especially when it comes to dishes that require slow cooking. So, take your time with each step (and maybe pour yourself a glass of wine).
For best results, use high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs, aged cheeses and real butter. Using the best ingredients ensures that the flavors are vibrant and that your final dish tastes authentic. And don’t be afraid of the butter—according to Julia, “with enough butter, anything is good.” Butter is often used in French cooking as the base for sauces, pastries and sautés, adding richness and depth.
7 classic Julia Child recipes
Julia once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” If you’re looking to add some je ne sais quoi to your dinner table, here are her top recipes to try.
Boeuf bourguignon
Arguably one of Julia’s most famous recipes, Boeuf Bourguignon is a rich beef stew braised in red wine with vegetables, herbs and just a touch of bacon. “It’s a perfectly delicious dish,” said Julia, using up various cuts of inexpensive beef. Plus, you can learn many useful techniques in French cooking, like how to brown meat and make a sauce. Serve it with French bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
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Coq au Vin
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Another French classic, Coq au Vin is a chicken dish simmered in red wine, mushrooms, onions, bacon and garlic. It’s “one of the most delicious chicken dishes you’ve ever put in your mouth,” said Julia. Her version is robust and flavorful, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for a dinner party. Serve it over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
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French onion soup
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Who can resist a bowl of French onion soup topped with a golden, gooey layer of melted cheese? Julia’s recipe is the real deal, with a lot of caramelized onions cooked slowly in broth and finished off with a thick slice of toasted baguette and Gruyère. It’s the perfect way to end a cold day and become a pro onion chopper.
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Quiche Lorraine
If you want to upgrade your breakfast, try Julia’s Quiche Lorraine. This savory French tart is filled with a mixture of eggs, cream and crispy bacon (or ham) inside a buttery crust. It’s versatile, easy to make ahead and works for really anytime you’re craving eggs.
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Ratatouille
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Vegetable lovers, this one’s for you. Julia’s ratatouille is a classic Provençal vegetable dish that combines eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and peppers, all simmered together with olive oil and herbs. It’s colorful, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
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Cheese soufflé
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While it may be one of the most difficult dishes to make on a Masterchef competition, everyone can agree a soufflé done right is an absolute showstopper. This airy, flavorful dish combines a velvety béchamel sauce base with whipped egg whites and a generous helping of cheese (typically Gruyère or Emmental Swiss). Julia’s recipe is a “special one,” meaning it’s non-collapsible and un-moldable.
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Chocolate mousse
No French-inspired meal is complete without dessert, and Julia’s chocolate mousse is an absolute must-try. It’s rich, decadent and surprisingly easy. Mousse means “foamy” in French, reflecting its iconic texture made whipping egg yolks, sugar and egg whites. Serve it with whipped cream, fresh berries or a caramel custard like Julia does for a truly indulgent treat.
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