Julia Child’s culinary legacy has been a staple in many homes for generations. Born and raised in America, she developed a profound appreciation for French cuisine after graduating from the renowned Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. Her groundbreaking cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, successfully introduced French cooking techniques to the American palate. The impact of her work is still evident today, with many of her recipes remaining a staple in kitchens across the country.
If you’re eager to infuse your cooking with French flair, continue reading for a curated list of 13 signature Julia Child recipes that showcase her mastery of the culinary arts.
Potato Leek Soup
This potato and leek soup may seem deceptively simple, but its rich flavors and velvety texture belie the fact that it’s actually incredibly easy to make. As an added bonus, it’s a fantastic option for vegans and vegetarians, as swapping out chicken broth for vegetable stock and substituting cream with a plant-based alternative yields a deliciously inclusive meal.
When it comes to achieving the perfect balance of creamy and buttery texture, however, there’s one crucial step: using a food mill instead of a blender or food processor. By doing so, you’ll avoid the common pitfall of over-processing, which can result in an unpleasantly glue-like consistency.
Julia Child’s Roast Chicken
Julia Child’s roast chicken recipe is the epitome of elegance and simplicity. The secret to achieving that coveted golden-brown skin lies in the gentle yet deliberate rotation of the chicken as it roasts to perfection in the oven. The key takeaway from Julia’s approach is that time is of the essence – every minute counts when you’re working with a tender bird, lest you risk compromising its crispy exterior and succulent interior.
In fact, this recipe is surprisingly accessible, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time and an hour of cooking to produce a dish that will leave your guests in awe.
Julia Child’s Cassoulet
While cassoulet may not be a common sighting in US kitchens, the traditional recipe’s complexity can be attributed to its time-consuming process of confit preparation. However, thanks to culinary icons like Julia Child, we can now enjoy a simplified version of this hearty dish. Julia’s take on cassoulet combines bone-in lamb shoulder, preserved goose, and sausage with a medley of flavors, all set against the backdrop of slow-cooked beans.
While it may be one of the more challenging recipes to tackle, the end result is well worth the effort – a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for cozying up on a chilly winter evening. To complete the French-inspired experience, serve with crusty baguettes and enjoy.
Beef Bourguignon
The timeless appeal of beef bourguignon lies in its tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked in a rich red wine gravy that’s simply divine. While it’s possible to cook this dish in a slow cooker, for an authentic Julia Child experience, take the time to simmer it on the stovetop all day – the perfect excuse to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine while you cook.
This recipe offers four alternative cooking methods for those who’d rather not spend the entire day at the stove, ensuring that this classic dish remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Julia Child’s Coq Au Vin
Don’t let the name ‘Coq au Vin’ intimidate you – it’s a surprisingly straightforward dish to prepare! This classic French recipe is essentially a flavorful union of chicken, red wine, mushrooms, bacon, and onions that can be ready in just 30 minutes. After a 1-hour cooking time, your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma, making it impossible not to crave the finished product. And if you prefer a hands-off approach, feel free to use your slow cooker for equally impressive results.
French Crepes
Crepes are a culinary chameleon, adaptable to any meal of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence at breakfast, a satisfying dinner, or a snack in between, crepes have got you covered. While mastering the art of crepe-making may require some practice and patience, the end result is well worth the effort.
The beauty of crepes lies in their versatility – fill them with fresh fruit and yogurt for a healthy breakfast, savory meats and cheese for a hearty dinner, or decadent chocolate and sweets for a dessert that’s sure to satisfy.
Potatoes Au Gratin
This potato gratin recipe is the ultimate indulgence for any potato lover. The combination of thinly sliced potatoes, cream, butter, cheese, and a hint of thyme creates a rich and luxurious flavor profile that’s hard to resist. With only a few ingredients, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, but it does require about an hour and 45 minutes of your time from start to finish, making it perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal.
Julia Child’s Madeleines
Indulge in the delight of these exquisite madeleines, renowned for their unparalleled flavor and tender texture. The magic lies not in the humble ingredients – eggs, sugar, flour, unsalted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt – but in the harmonious union of these components. With a mere 25 minutes of baking time, you’ll be transported to the charming world of French patisserie. The delicate shell shape only adds to their irresistible charm.
And if you happen to bake an abundance, fear not! These madeleines freeze beautifully, allowing you to savor them on another occasion.
Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine, a dish made famous by Julia Child, is a masterclass in versatility. The flaky pie crust, filled with a rich blend of Swiss, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, plus crispy bacon, is equally at home on breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus. While store-bought crusts can be convenient, I highly recommend baking your own for the best results.
Not only will you avoid the thin, overcooked texture that often accompanies pre-made crusts, but you’ll also add a touch of homemade charm to this already decadent dish. If you do opt for a store-bought crust, however, don’t worry – the flavorful filling is sure to steal the show. When making your own crust from scratch, be prepared to spend about 15 minutes on prep and an hour in the oven.
Remember to use pie weights when blind-baking the crust partially, ensuring it turns out perfectly golden.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.