Julia Child’s 12 favorite foods revealed

Julia Child’s plate wasn’t just French food

Julia Child may be known for French cooking, but her taste buds traveled far and wide. From rustic stews to cheesy snacks, she loved food that brought joy. Her favorites weren’t always fancy. 

What mattered most was flavor, quality, and the heart behind the cooking. Her favorite foods tell a story of joy, curiosity, and comfort. They remind us to explore, enjoy, and never take cooking too seriously.

She made fine dining fun and fast food feel fine. And maybe that’s her biggest gift: helping all of us fall a little more in love with food.

1. Vichyssoise, cold soup, hot favorite

A bowl of cold soup might sound odd, but Julia adored Vichyssoise. This creamy blend of potatoes, leeks, and cream was one of her simplest pleasures.

She loved how elegant it felt without being fussy. Served chilled, it was smooth, refreshing, and surprisingly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

2. Boeuf Bourguignon, the dish that made her famous

If you have seen Julia cook, you’ve probably seen Boeuf Bourguignon. It’s rich, slow-cooked beef in red wine with mushrooms, onions, and herbs.

Often described as a “stew for grown-ups,” full of bold flavor and silky sauce. It’s comforting, classic, and still a go-to for anyone cooking French at home.

3. Coq au Vin, a chicken worth waiting for

Julia knew how to turn chicken into something special. Coq au Vin, braised in red wine with herbs and mushrooms, became one of her signature dishes.

She didn’t rush it, and that was the point. The longer it simmered, the deeper the flavors became. It’s rustic French cooking at its best.

4. Quiche Lorraine, brunch with a French accent

Flaky crust, silky eggs and cream, and smoky bacon, Julia Child loved the classic, no-cheese Quiche Lorraine that had everything she championed in a dish. It was warm, comforting, and filled with flavor, yet simple enough to make at home.

She always believed that food should be both practical and delicious, never fussy or wasteful. This classic French dish captured that philosophy perfectly. 

5. Beef Wellington, a showstopper she mastered

Beef Wellington is the kind of showstopper that turns dinner into an event. While not one of Julia Child’s signature dishes, it embodies the kind of elegant, intimidating recipe she excelled at making approachable.

What made Julia special was her ability to take intimidating recipes and make them feel possible. 

6. Bouillabaisse, a stew from the sea

Julia’s Bouillabaisse brought the South of France to life. This colorful fish stew is made with saffron, tomato, and seafood, making it bold and full of flavor.

She loved its roots in coastal cooking. Fresh, local seafood was the key, and she encouraged cooks to use what was available and seasonal.

7. Chocolate mousse, simple, silky, irresistible

Chocolate mousse was one of Julia’s favorite indulgences. With whipped cream, melted chocolate, and eggs, this dish turns into a light, luxurious dessert, one would enjoy on a chilly evening.

She had a sweet tooth but believed in balance. Her mousse wasn’t too sugary; it let the rich chocolate shine, making each spoonful a little reward.

8. Ratatouille, rustic and real

Julia appreciated humble ingredients, and Ratatouille was her love letter to vegetables. Eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes are slow-cooked into something soft and comforting.

It wasn’t fancy, and that’s why she loved it. This simple yet comforting dish lets the fresh produce shine beautifully, delivering flavors that remain vibrant and satisfying even the following day, if not better.

9. Goldfish crackers, a cheesy surprise

Goldfish Crackers were one of Julia Child’s delightfully unexpected favorites. She genuinely enjoyed their cheesy crunch and often served them at gatherings, alongside her more elaborate dishes.

It was her way of showing that good food doesn’t always have to be fancy or homemade to be worth savoring. She also believed that food should make people happy, whether it came from a gourmet kitchen or a snack bag.

10. ‘In n out’ burger fast food, Julia style

Julia loved a good In-N-Out Burger. It shocked some people, but she believed great food was not about status; it was about flavor and satisfaction.

She never turned her nose up at comfort food. A juicy burger, fresh fries, and a milkshake? She was all in and proud of it.

11. Mushroom risotto, a lesson in flavor

Julia didn’t invent risotto, but she loved its comforting richness, especially when it featured earthy, flavorful mushrooms. 

She dedicated an entire episode to teaching how to cook mushrooms properly, treating them with the care and attention they deserved. To her, the technique mattered just as much as the ingredient itself.

12. Tamales from a Santa Barbara favorite

Julia didn’t need a high-end restaurant to be impressed; she famously adored La Super-Rica Taqueria in Santa Barbara, praising its handmade tortillas and flavorful fillings.

She adored their fresh, handmade tortillas and rich, flavorful fillings. Every bite was a reminder that great food didn’t need to be fancy; it just needed to be made with heart.

How Julia chose her favorite foods

Julia wasn’t impressed by passing food trends. She carefully picked her favorites based on true taste, overall quality, and the genuine joy they consistently brought, never simply the name printed on a menu.

Whether it was French stew or a drive-thru burger, she valued food that was made with love. That’s what made her choices feel so relatable.

From France to fast food, it all mattered

She didn’t draw hard lines between “gourmet” and “everyday.” A simple taco from Santa Barbara’s La Super-Rica could delight her as much as a classic French showpiece.

Her food philosophy was inclusive. If it tasted good and was made with intention, it deserved a spot on the plate and on her list.

Think your taste buds are adventurous? Discover the weird food combos that sound crazy but taste absolutely amazing, you might find a new favorite.

What these favorites say about her

Julia’s list blends fancy and familiar. It shows her playful side, her deep knowledge of technique, and her love for homey, hearty meals.

She proved that great cooking isn’t about showing off. It’s about sharing good food and making people feel welcome at the table.

Busy night? Turn flatbreads into gourmet pizzas in minutes, quick, easy, and guaranteed to beat takeout every time.

If you could sit down with Julia Child, which one of her favorite foods would you hope she served first? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Get to know more about good food here: 

• The trick to make store-bought fried chicken better
• 16 spring desserts that taste expensive
• The best air fryer recipes for quick weeknight meals

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.