Food Wishes
50 recipes converted from their YouTube cooking videos.
No Water Chicken Soup! Can You Really Make Chicken Soup Without Water?
A hearty, broth‑rich chicken soup made without adding any water. By sautéing aromatics and layering vegetables, the soup creates its own flavorful liquid, while a whole chicken cooks gently to produce tender meat and a deep, comforting broth.
Thomas Jefferson Style Macaroni and Cheese
A classic, creamy baked macaroni and cheese inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s favorite recipe. A buttery roux, three‑cheese sauce, a crunchy panko topping, and a hot 400°F bake give you a golden crust and rich interior. Adjust the pasta‑to‑cheese ratio to suit your taste.
How to Turn One Egg into a Michelin-Star Dessert
A classic French dessert of airy poached meringue islands floating in a silky vanilla custard sauce, finished with an optional caramel sugar cage and fresh raspberries. Made with just one egg, milk, cream, vanilla and sugar, this elegant dish looks restaurant‑quality yet is doable at home.
Big Bubble Focaccia - No-Knead Focaccia Bread - Food Wishes
A high‑hydration, no‑knead focaccia that produces giant airy bubbles and a tender, ciabatta‑like crumb. The dough is wet, requires generous olive oil for handling, and goes through several stretch‑and‑fold rests before a final rise and bake at 425°F.
Italian Sausage Beans and Greens
A rustic one‑pan Italian comfort dish featuring browned mild Italian sausage, Great Northern beans simmered in chicken broth, and tender escarole, finished with fresh parsley, lemon zest, Parmesan, and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil.
The Easiest (and Smallest) Chicken Parm
A single‑serving, oven‑baked chicken parmesan that skips the frying step. Crispy croutons mimic the traditional breaded coating while keeping the dish quick, easy, and delicious. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal cleanup.
Chef John’s One-Pan Beef Stroganoff
A comforting one‑pan ground beef stroganoff loaded with mushrooms, onions, and egg noodles, finished with a splash of vodka and a dollop of sour cream. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Honey Glazed Ham
A show‑stopping honey‑brown‑sugar glaze on a half ham, baked low and slow, basted every 20 minutes, then finished with a quick torch for a caramelized, crackly crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings.
How to Make Chef John's Garlic Noodles
A quick, under‑promising‑but‑over‑delivering garlic noodle recipe that uses everyday spaghetti (or Chinese egg noodles) tossed with fragrant minced garlic. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.
American Goulash
A comforting one‑pot American Goulash (also known as Beefaroni) made with ground beef, tomatoes, marinara, elbow macaroni, and a splash of soy sauce, finished with fresh parsley and shredded cheddar. Perfect for a nostalgic family dinner.
Chicken Parm Casserole Recipe - Easy Chicken Parm Bake
A healthier, no-fry version of classic chicken parmesan. Tender chicken breasts baked in tomato sauce, layered with mozzarella, parmesan, fresh basil and crunchy garlic croutons for a crispy, cheesy top.
Ham and Potato Soup Recipe - Ham and Potato Chowder
A comforting, creamy ham and potato soup perfect for cold winter days. Made with leftover ham, sautéed vegetables, a buttery roux, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a splash of cream, this soup is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make ahead or freeze for later.
New Orleans Mac and Cheese
A creamy, baked mac and cheese inspired by New Orleans cuisine, featuring the classic Holy Trinity of onion, celery and bell pepper, smoked paprika, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses tossed with bucatini and baked until golden.
The Best Deli-Style Macaroni Salad You'll Ever Make
A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet macaroni salad packed with crisp vegetables. Chef John’s method of dressing the veggies first and cooking the pasta fully before cooling ensures perfect texture and flavor absorption. Ideal for summer barbecues and potlucks.
Beef Merlot (Beef Burgundy) Stew
A rich, slow‑cooked beef stew made with chuck roast, red Merlot, carrots, celery, and a buttery roux. Inspired by classic French beef bourguignon, this version uses a Merlot wine for a deep, glossy sauce and is served over creamy garlic mashed Yukon Gold potatoes.
Hamburger Buns - How to Make Homemade Burger Buns
Fluffy, buttery homemade hamburger buns that are perfectly sized, soft, and topped with sesame seeds. This recipe from Chef John of Food Wishes walks you through activating yeast, a gentle knead, two rises, and a quick bake for bakery‑quality buns.
Salisbury Steak - TV Dinner Style - Food Wishes
A nostalgic, TV‑dinner‑inspired Salisbury steak made with freshly ground 85/15 beef, seasoned with ketchup, Worcestershire, soy sauce and breadcrumbs, served with a deep, buttery mushroom gravy. Perfect for a comforting dinner that tastes like a restaurant‑quality meatloaf‑style steak.
Homemade Sour Cream! How to Make Creme Fraiche
A simple, no‑heat method for making rich, tangy crème fraîche at home using heavy whipping cream and live‑culture buttermilk. The result is a thick, nutty‑flavored cultured cream that can be used like sour cream but holds up to cooking.
Chili Verde Recipe - Easy Pork & Tomatillo Stew - How to Make Green Chili
A comforting Mexican pork stew simmered in a bright tomatillo‑based sauce with potatoes, onions, and a hint of heat. Chef John’s version from Food Wishes balances smoky pork, tangy tomatillos, and fresh cilantro, finished with sour cream and pickled red onions.
Quick & Easy Chicken Tikka Masala – Creamy Chicken Curry Recipe
A quick, home‑cooked version of the beloved British‑Indian classic. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a fragrant spice blend, browned in clarified butter, then simmered in a rich coconut‑milk tomato sauce. Served over fluffy rice and finished with fresh cilantro and lime, this dish delivers restaurant‑level flavor with minimal effort.
Tomato Bisque - Creamy Tomato Soup Recipe
A rich, silky tomato bisque made with canned San Marzano tomatoes, rice for natural thickening, and a splash of cream. Chef John’s Food Wishes version uses pantry staples and simple techniques for a comforting soup that feels restaurant‑quality without fresh tomatoes.
Easy Beef Wellington - Food Wishes
A step‑by‑step guide to Chef John’s easy individual Beef Wellington featuring a perfectly seared filet mignon, rich mushroom‑duxelles with truffle pâté, and a double‑layered puff‑pastry crust that stays crisp. Includes a crisp pastry base, egg‑wash, and tips for flawless results.
Bread & Butter Pickles - How to Make Great Depression-Style Sweet Pickles
Crisp, tangy bread‑and‑butter style pickles made with mini cucumbers, onions, peppers, and a bright turmeric‑infused brine. Inspired by Chef John of Food Wishes, these quick‑pickles are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a snack.
Garlic Shrimp Recipe - Quick & Easy Garlic Shrimp
A quick, flavorful shrimp dish featuring plenty of garlic, bright lemon, fresh parsley, and a secret umami boost from caper brine. Cooked fast in a hot skillet with butter for a glossy sauce, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer.
Minestrone Soup Recipe - Italian Vegetable and Pasta Soup
A hearty, classic Italian minestrone soup packed with pancetta, beans, Swiss chard, cabbage, garbanzo beans, and ditalini pasta. Chef John’s flexible recipe lets you add whatever vegetables you have on hand for a big, comforting bowl of soup.
Homemade Queso Dip with Chef John
A rich, creamy homemade queso dip made from scratch with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, seasoned with jalapeño, onion, and spices. This Tex‑Mex favorite is far superior to store‑bought versions and can be customized to your personal taste.
Cowboy Bacon
A sweet‑and‑spicy candied bacon inspired by the historic cowboy bacon of the American West. Thick‑cut bacon is half‑cooked, brushed with a brown‑sugar, BBQ‑vinegar glaze, layered with jalapeño and Fresno chili rings, and baked until caramelized and chewy. Perfect as a bold snack or party appetizer.
Chef John's Favorite Recipe of All Time
Tender pierogi stuffed with buttery mashed potatoes and farmer's cheese, boiled briefly, then pan‑fried to a golden crisp, finished with sour cream and fresh chives. A comforting Polish classic made easy with a few pantry staples.
Viral Candied Salmon Dip
A sweet‑spicy, creamy party dip that mimics the popular candied salmon trend. Hot smoked salmon is tossed in a brown‑sugar‑maple syrup, then folded into a dill‑infused cream cheese mixture and finished under the broiler for a caramelized, candy‑like crust. Perfect for game‑day spreads or any gathering.
Torrone (Italian Nut & Nougat Confection) – Great Valentine’s Day Treat!
Terrone is an ancient Italian nougat candy made with honey, sugar, whipped egg whites, and roasted nuts. This detailed, step‑by‑step recipe from Chef John of Food Wishes walks you through the traditional slow‑stir method, resulting in a firm yet chewy, beautifully glossy treat perfect for celebrations or a sweet Valentine’s Day gift.
Garlic Steak Fries
Crispy crinkle‑cut fries topped with tender skirt steak, garlicky butter, and a silky cheddar‑pepperjack cheese sauce, finished with a quick onion‑pepper relish and fresh parsley. A hearty American‑style main course that combines the comfort of steak‑fries with bold garlic flavor.
Mulligatawny Soup - Chicken & Vegetable Curry Soup - Food Wishes
A hearty, aromatic Indian-inspired Mulligatawny soup packed with chicken, vegetables, apples, red lentils, and a fragrant spice blend. Finished with coconut cream, yogurt, cilantro, scallions, and a pinch of Aleppo pepper, this comforting bowl is perfect for cool evenings.
Chef John’s Million Dollar Dip
A rich, creamy dip packed with crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, toasted slivered almonds, and a hint of cayenne. Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering where you want to impress guests with a luxurious, crunchy appetizer.
Bombay Breakfast Potatoes - Crispy Spiced Home Fries - Food Wishes
A vibrant Indian‑inspired breakfast side featuring red potatoes boiled with a fragrant cumin‑coriander‑turmeric blend, chilled, then pan‑fried to a crisp golden crust and finished with green onions, chilies and fresh cilantro. Perfect on its own or paired with a poached egg.
Moroccan-Spiced Pork Loin Roast - Food Wishes - Holiday Roast
A fast, affordable, and impressive Moroccan‑spiced pork loin that looks like a holiday centerpiece. Butterflied, dry‑brined, coated with a honey‑sweetened spice paste, tied, roasted with vegetables, and finished with pan drippings and a mint‑garlic yogurt sauce.
Country Club Potatoes
A luxurious, two‑stage baked potato side dish with broth‑soaked potatoes, a creamy dairy finish, melted Irish cheddar, and a buttery panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for special occasions or holiday meals.
Simple Herb‑Butter Roasted Turkey (Magazine‑Cover Quality)
A completely technique‑free, beginner‑friendly method for roasting a whole turkey. By seasoning the cavity, butter‑basting with sage‑rosemary herb butter, and roasting at a steady 325°F, you’ll get a golden, juicy bird that looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. No brining, no basting, no foil—just pure flavor and beautiful skin.
Summer Sausage - Food Wishes
A quick‑and‑easy homemade summer sausage that mimics the classic gift‑basket flavor in just a few days. Using fresh ground beef, celery, smoked paprika, mustard seeds, and a touch of liquid smoke, this recipe delivers a garlicky, slightly smoky, salami‑like snack without the months‑long fermentation and smoking process.
Easy No Fail Prime Rib Method
Chef John from Food Wishes shows a fail‑safe, low‑and‑slow method for roasting a prime rib (standing rib roast) at a steady 300°F. The technique uses a dry‑brine, a butter‑herb rub, and a gentle roast to achieve a uniformly rosy‑pink interior and juicy, tender meat.
Food Wishes Recipes - Lamb Moussaka Burger Recipe - Lamb Burger Recipe
A Greek‑inspired lamb and eggplant burger that captures the flavors of classic moussaka in handheld form. Ground lamb is mixed with a seasoned eggplant‑onion purée, topped with a creamy Parmesan‑milk sauce, and finished with a bright tomato‑mint salad on a toasted soft roll.
How to Make Banana Bread
A moist, flavorful banana bread packed with chopped walnuts and dark chocolate chips. Chef John from Food Wishes shows how to make this easy, crowd‑pleasing loaf using simple pantry staples and a few optional add‑ins for extra richness.
How to Braise Beef Short Ribs - Food Wishes
A fool‑proof technique for perfectly tender, flavorful beef short ribs. The ribs are seasoned with salt, pepper, cayenne and Korean gochujang, marinated overnight, then browned, braised with apple cider and chicken broth, and finished with a reduced, rich sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Food Wishes Recipes - Beef and Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Stuffed Bell Peppers
A comforting American casserole of green bell pepper halves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, rice, Parmesan, and tomatoes, baked in a rich onion‑balsamic broth. The recipe uses halved peppers for a beautiful presentation and finishes with a golden, cheesy top.
The Best Beef Tri Tip - Roast Beef - Food Wishes
A simple, low‑temperature roasted beef tri‑tip seasoned with a flavorful dry rub of kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and rosemary. The meat is roasted at 225°F until medium‑rare, rested, sliced against the grain, and finished with a quick pan‑deglaze for extra juiciness.
Chicken Marsala Milanese - Crispy Cutlets with Mushroom Sauce - Food Wishes
A crispy, golden chicken cutlet coated with panko and Parmesan, served with a rich mushroom Marsala sauce. Chef John combines the classic Italian Chicken Milanese technique with the deep, sweet‑savory flavor of Chicken Marsala for a restaurant‑quality dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Awesome Blossom Onion Bites
Crispy, tender onion bites coated in a flavorful cornmeal‑flour batter and served with a tangy horseradish‑sour cream sauce. Inspired by the deep‑fried onion blossoms from the strip mall, this home‑cooked version is less messy, extra awesome, and perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Rusty Chicken Thighs - Fast and Easy Grilled Chicken Marinade Recipe
A quick and flavorful grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a bold, rusty‑colored glaze made with garlic, red chilies, maple syrup, soy sauce, mayonnaise and rice vinegar. The simple mortar‑and‑pestle marinade infuses the meat with sweet‑spicy heat, and a short room‑temperature marinate lets you fire up the grill in minutes. Perfect for a casual BBQ or weeknight dinner.
Bolognese Sauce - Marcella Hazan-Inspired Meat Sauce Recipe - Rigatoni Bolognese
A rich, slow‑simmered Bolognese sauce inspired by the legendary Marchesa Hazan, featuring ground grass‑fed beef, milk, white wine, and San Marzano tomatoes. Served over rigatoni and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, this Italian classic is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Food Wishes Recipes - Cured Lemons - Thomas Keller's Cured Preserved Lemons
A simple three‑day technique to transform ordinary lemons into sweet‑salty cured lemons. The method, inspired by Thomas Keller, uses equal parts kosher salt and sugar to draw out moisture, mellow bitterness, and intensify lemon flavor. Perfect for adding a bright, complex zing to salads, sauces, marinades, and cocktails.
Perfect Polenta - How to Make Soft Polenta
A creamy, buttery Italian polenta made with coarsely ground cornmeal, water, salt, butter, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This foolproof method eliminates lumps and delivers a silky side dish that pairs beautifully with saucy meats, mushroom ragu, or can be enjoyed on its own.