Joanna Gaines’ Favorite Recipes and How to Make Them at Home

Joanna Gaines, the beloved star of Fixer Upper, has not only transformed homes across America but also inspired countless people with her down-to-earth style and love for family. Beyond her talent in home design, Joanna is also a passionate cook, sharing her favorite recipes through her cookbooks and Magnolia Table restaurant.

Her recipes embody the warmth and simplicity of Southern hospitality, making them perfect for family gatherings, casual get-togethers, or just a cozy meal at home. In this article, we’ll explore some of Joanna Gaines’ favorite recipes and guide you on how to recreate them in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are sure to bring a touch of Magnolia magic to your home.

1. The Philosophy Behind Joanna Gaines’ Cooking

Before diving into the recipes, it’s important to understand the philosophy behind Joanna’s cooking. Joanna’s approach to food is deeply rooted in family traditions, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of sharing meals with loved ones. Her recipes are often inspired by the comfort foods she grew up with in Texas, blended with fresh and modern twists. She believes that cooking should be accessible, enjoyable, and, above all, a way to bring people together.

2. Signature Dish: Chicken Pot Pie

One of Joanna’s all-time favorite dishes is her Chicken Pot Pie, a comforting classic that’s a hit with her family. This dish embodies the warmth and hominess that defines her cooking style.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1/2 cup diced potatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 refrigerated pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to eliminate the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
4. Add the shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and diced potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the filling into a pie dish and cover with the pie crust. Crimp the edges and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

This Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a Sunday dinner or a special family meal. It’s a dish that resonates with Joanna’s belief in creating meals that bring warmth and comfort to those around her.

3. Weekend Brunch Favorite: Buttermilk Biscuits

Joanna’s Buttermilk Biscuits are a staple at Magnolia Table, and for good reason. These fluffy, buttery biscuits are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold butter, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add the buttermilk, stirring just until combined.
5. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
6. Cut out biscuits using a biscuit cutter and place them on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

These biscuits are best served warm, with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They’re a versatile dish that can be paired with anything from scrambled eggs to fried chicken.

4. Sweet Treat: Chocolate Chip Cookies

No collection of Joanna Gaines’ favorite recipes would be complete without her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. These cookies are a perfect balance of crispy edges and chewy centers, making them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or just a treat for yourself. Joanna’s recipe is simple yet delivers a cookie that’s absolutely delicious.

5. Savory Snack: Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche

For those looking for a savory snack or a light meal, Joanna’s Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche is an excellent choice. This dish is easy to prepare and full of rich, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 minutes.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, then stir in the spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and half-and-half. Stir in the spinach mixture and crumbled goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly browned on top.

This quiche is versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The combination of spinach and goat cheese provides a delightful contrast of flavors that’s sure to impress.

6. Comforting Classic: Joanna’s Beef Stew

For a hearty and comforting meal, Joanna’s Beef Stew is a go-to recipe. This dish is packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and rich flavors that make it perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups red wine (optional)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef on all sides, then remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for a minute, then add the beef broth and red wine (if using).
4. Return the beef to the pot, along with the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
5. Add the carrots and potatoes, and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This stew is a meal in itself, perfect for cold evenings when you need something warm and satisfying.

Conclusion:

Joanna Gaines has a unique ability to make every aspect of life feel more special and meaningful, and her approach to cooking is no exception. By bringing her favorite recipes into your home, you’re not just preparing meals; you’re creating moments that can be shared with loved ones. Whether you’re baking her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies or serving up a comforting Chicken Pot Pie, these dishes are sure to become favorites in your own household.