I’ve always loved Julia Child, but actually making her recipes is what turned me into a lifelong fan. These 9 dishes are the ones that taught me how to cook, and honestly?
They’ll make you feel like you just stepped out of a Parisian bistro. Let me walk you through my absolute favorites.
1. Chicken Breasts with Mushroom Cream Sauce
I made this for friends not long ago and the whole table went quiet except for a chorus of happy sighs. The combination of juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and that velvety cream sauce is pure magic.
I grabbed a loaf of crusty French bread and let me tell you, we practically licked our plates clean sopping up every last drop. It’s that good.
2. Beef Bourguignon
If you’re after pure, unapologetic decadence, beef bourguignon is it. Tender beef slowly simmered in a luscious red wine sauce until it’s so good you can barely stand it.
Sure, you could speed things up with an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, but going the full Julia route means giving it a long, lazy day on the stovetop. I promise every minute is worth it.
The smell alone will make you feel like a kitchen hero, and that first spoonful? Absolutely mind-blowing.
3. Potato Leek Soup
This potato leek soup is pure velvet in a bowl, and while it leans vegetarian, the classic version does include chicken stock and a splash of cream. To make it fully vegan, just swap in vegetable stock and skip the cream or reach for a plant-based alternative. For that silky, dreamy texture, I insist on a food mill; it gives you a smoother, more refined consistency than a blender ever could.
4. Coq au Vin
Don’t let coq au vin scare you off, this is genuinely one of Julia’s more forgiving recipes. At its heart, it’s just chicken and veggies gently braised in a rich wine sauce.
I actually love making it in the slow cooker because it frees up my day and honestly? The whole house fills with the most incredible aroma. You’ll feel so fancy pulling this off.
5. Dauphinoise Potatoes
Please pause and save this recipe immediately, because these dauphinoise potatoes are the ultimate sidekick. Think of them as scalloped potatoes leveled up into something impossibly creamy.
Slivers of potato layered with heavy cream, butter, cheese, and a whisper of thyme. Every single forkful is somehow even more luscious than the one before. I could honestly eat a whole pan by myself.
6. Roast Chicken
Pull this one out when you’ve got company and you’re aiming for total wow factor. Roast chicken might sound humble, but it’s the kind of classic that makes everyone swoon.
It’s truly not complicated; just stick to Julia’s method like glue. Baste it lovingly, turn the bird as it cooks, and you’ll be rewarded with that crisp, shatteringly golden skin that makes you feel like a true pro.
7. French Crepes
These French crepes turn a regular Saturday morning into a little Parisian café moment. They take a teensy bit of practice to get that whisper thin, lacy perfection, but after a few flips you’ll be a total pro.
The best part? You can stuff them with anything your heart desires: a smear of chocolate, a tumble of fresh fruit, or maybe a little melted cheese. I make them constantly now.
8. Madeleines
A Julia Child menu just isn’t finished without her French madeleines. These little sponge cookies are delicately scented with lemon zest and vanilla, making them the most charming finale to any meal.
One bite and you’re instantly transported to a cozy French bakery, thanks to that adorable shell shape. They’re light, sweet, and simply irresistible.
9. Quiche Lorraine
Quiche Lorraine is a total icon, and Julia’s version is why it became a brunch superstar. I load mine up with bacon, onion, eggs, heavy cream, a trio of cheeses, and a little hit of spices.
It’s the kind of meal that works beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy dinner. Here’s a little secret: grab a premade pie crust. That custardy, cheesy filling is so insanely rich and delicious, no one will ever guess you skipped making the dough from scratch.
