Julia Child’s culinary legacy brought French cooking to American homes, inspiring countless cooks. I find her tried-and-true recipes absolutely timeless and delightful. Get ready to explore the magic with these 9 favorite Julia Child recipes!
1. Julia Child’s Coq au Vin
Julia Child’s coq au vin might appear daunting, but I promise it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This dish, literally “chicken with wine,” features tender chicken and assorted vegetables bathed in a rich wine sauce.
I highly recommend using a slow cooker; it maintains all the wonderful flavors without constant attention. As it gently simmers, your home will be filled with an absolutely amazing aroma.
2. Dauphinoise Potatoes
You absolutely must bookmark this recipe; these dauphinoise potatoes are the ultimate side dish. They’re like scalloped potatoes, yet infinitely creamier and more luxurious.
Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with rich cream, butter, flavorful cheese, and a hint of thyme. I find each savory bite truly captivating. When these emerge from the oven, bubbling and golden, they disappear from the table almost instantly, with everyone wanting more.
3. Quiche Lorraine
Julia Child made quiche Lorraine famous, and it is a classic for good reason. This savory dish features bacon, onion, eggs, rich cream, and three different cheeses, all seasoned perfectly.
It’s wonderful for breakfast, a lovely brunch, or even an easy dinner. I often use a store-bought pie crust, which makes prep simple, and the decadent filling always shines through.
4. Julia Child’s Madeleines
A Julia Child culinary journey feels incomplete without her iconic French Madeleines. These delicate, light cookies are infused with bright lemon zest and fragrant vanilla extract, creating a perfect sweet ending to any meal.
Their distinctive shell shape and exquisite taste transport me straight to a Parisian bakery. For truly authentic results, you’ll want to buy molds for these; it’s a small investment that is absolutely worthwhile. These silicone Madeleine molds are just $8.99 on Amazon.
5. Beef Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon is a truly decadent experience, featuring tender beef slow-simmered in a rich, flavorful red wine gravy. While you can use modern appliances like a slow cooker or Instant Pot, I suggest trying Julia Child’s traditional stovetop method for the full experience.
It takes time and patience, but the deep, savory results are absolutely worth the effort. This stew is incredibly satisfying, and I always feel a sense of accomplishment after preparing it.
6. Julia Child’s Roast Chicken
When I truly want to impress guests, Julia Child’s roast chicken is my go-to recipe. While it seems simple, this classic dish is utterly irresistible.
It isn’t overly difficult, but I ensure a perfect result by carefully following Julia’s instructions for basting and rotating the bird. This guarantees a beautiful golden skin. Serve it with a crusty baguette, roasted vegetables, and a fresh side salad for a guaranteed winning meal.
7. French Crepes
Imagine transforming your kitchen into a charming Parisian cafe this weekend with these delicate French crepes. Mastering crepes requires some patience, but once you find your rhythm, you’ll be making them constantly.
Their versatility is amazing; fill them with sweet options like chocolate or fruit, or savory ones with various cheeses. I adore how light and truly wonderful these thin pancakes are.
8. Julia Child’s Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
I recently made Julia Child’s chicken breasts with mushroom cream sauce for friends, and the reaction was incredible. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich cream creates an utterly irresistible sauce.
I served it with a crusty French bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop from our plates. Everyone at the dinner party asked for the recipe, and they were thrilled to learn it was a Julia Child classic!
9. Potato Leek Soup
This potato leek soup is wonderfully rich and offers a velvety smooth texture. It’s a fantastic vegetarian choice, though the original recipe includes chicken stock and some cream.
To make it vegan, I simply substitute vegetable stock and a plant-based cream. For the absolute best consistency, I find a food mill yields a superior result compared to a blender or food processor.