7 Barefoot Contessa Recipes Every Home Cook Needs to Try
If you love comforting meals with gourmet flair, Barefoot Contessa recipes by Ina Garten never disappoint. Her dishes are known for being approachable yet elegant, using simple, fresh ingredients that pack incredible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up a cozy family meal, these 7 Barefoot Contessa recipes are tried-and-true favorites you’ll want to make again and again.
1. Barefoot Contessa Roast Chicken
Few things are more classic than a roast chicken, and Ina Garten’s version—fondly called “Engagement Chicken”—has a cult following. This comforting dish is infused with lemon, thyme, garlic, and butter, making it juicy and flavorful with crisp, golden skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 (5-6 pound) roasting chicken
- 1 large bunch of fresh thyme
- 2 lemons, halved
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper
- 1 onion, thickly sliced
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the chicken giblets. Pat dry.
- Stuff the cavity with thyme, lemons, and garlic.
- Brush the outside with melted butter and season generously.
- Place sliced onion in a roasting pan, then place chicken on top.
- Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes or until juices run clear.
- Let rest before carving.
Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a wholesome meal.
2. Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese
This isn’t your boxed mac and cheese—this is creamy, cheesy perfection with a crispy topping. Ina’s take features Gruyère and sharp cheddar for bold, rich flavor.
Key Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Milk
- Butter and flour (for roux)
- Sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese
- Fresh bread crumbs
- Tomato slices (optional, but classic Ina!)
The creamy base paired with gooey cheese and a baked, golden crust makes this a cozy favorite for kids and adults alike.
3. Barefoot Contessa Lemon Bars
For a bright and tangy dessert, Ina’s lemon bars are a standout. With a buttery shortbread crust and zesty filling, these bars are perfect for spring picnics, afternoon tea, or an after-dinner treat.
Crust:
- Unsalted butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Salt
Filling:
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour
They’re finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and are surprisingly easy to make. The contrast between sweet and tart is what makes these bars unforgettable.
4. Ina Garten’s Perfect Beef Stew
When you need a hearty, comforting meal, look no further than this slow-simmered beef stew. It’s filled with tender chunks of beef, carrots, and onions, all cooked in a rich red wine sauce.
Key Ingredients:
- Stew beef
- Carrots, onions, and potatoes
- Garlic and tomato paste
- Good red wine
- Beef broth
- Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme
Serve it with crusty bread or over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a true Barefoot Contessa winter essential.
5. Barefoot Contessa Shrimp Scampi
Fast, flavorful, and fancy—Ina’s shrimp scampi takes only 15 minutes to make but feels restaurant-worthy. This is one of the best Barefoot Contessa recipes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Garlic
- Lemon juice and zest
- Red pepper flakes
- White wine
- Butter and olive oil
- Fresh parsley
- Linguine or spaghetti
Toss everything together and serve with crusty bread or a side salad. It’s bright, buttery, and a little spicy—everything you want in a seafood dish.
6. Ina Garten’s Chicken Piccata
Bright with lemon, briny with capers, and rich from butter—chicken piccata is a classic for good reason. Ina’s version is simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Flour (for dredging)
- Olive oil and butter
- Lemon juice
- Chicken stock
- Capers
- Fresh parsley
It comes together quickly and pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta or steamed green beans. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a romantic date night at home.
7. Barefoot Contessa Chocolate Cake
No roundup of 7 Barefoot Contessa recipes would be complete without dessert, and this chocolate cake is legendary. Moist, rich, and topped with decadent chocolate buttercream, it’s a showstopper for birthdays and celebrations.
Cake Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Baking soda and baking powder
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- Good vanilla
- Hot coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor!)
Frosting:
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla
- Heavy cream
Ina’s trick is using really good-quality cocoa and vanilla extract—small details that elevate simple recipes.
Final Thoughts
These 7 Barefoot Contessa recipes prove why Ina Garten is a staple in so many kitchens. Her cooking style is warm, inviting, and never too complicated. From hearty main dishes to zesty lemon bars and rich chocolate cake, her recipes offer timeless appeal with a touch of elegance.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, adding these dishes to your rotation guarantees delicious results every time. So channel your inner Ina, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy cooking barefoot (or not) in your kitchen!
