Read about "Joanna Gaines' TV-Worthy Recipes: Taste the Magic of Fixer Upper" on Wist Ideas.
Joanna Gaines, the beloved co-host of HGTV's "Fixer Upper," is not just a design sensation; she's also a culinary whiz who loves sharing her favorite recipes with fans. From comfort food classics to innovative twists on Southern staples, Joanna's TV recipes have become a hit among food enthusiasts. Let's dive into some of her most popular dishes and learn how to recreate them in our own kitchens.
Joanna's love for cooking is evident in many episodes of "Fixer Upper." She often shares her signature dishes with clients during reveal parties or family gatherings. Some of her most iconic TV recipes include:
Joanna's take on this classic Southern dish is crispy, tender, and oh-so-satisfying. She uses a simple buttermilk marinade for the chicken and a basic waffle recipe for the batter. The secret to her success? A generous drizzle of spicy honey for a sweet and tangy kick.

To make Joanna's Chicken and Waffles, start by marinating chicken tenders in buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt. Dredge the tenders in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper, then fry until golden and crispy. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your favorite waffle batter and cook according to package instructions. Serve the chicken on top of the waffles, drizzle with spicy honey, and enjoy!
Joanna's creamy, dreamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. She uses a combination of cheddar and Gouda cheeses for a rich, indulgent flavor, and adds a touch of heat with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. The secret to her perfectly cooked pasta? Cooking it just shy of al dente, then tossing it in a creamy cheese sauce before baking until bubbly and golden.
To make Joanna's Mac and Cheese, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded cheeses, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, then pour into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

No "Fixer Upper" episode is complete without Joanna's Famous Banana Pudding. This classic Southern dessert is a creamy, dreamy delight that's perfect for any occasion. Joanna's secret? Layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and a homemade custard sauce that's cooked on the stovetop and poured over the top.
To make Joanna's Famous Banana Pudding, start by cooking a custard sauce made from milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together sliced bananas, sour cream, and vanilla extract. In a large serving dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana mixture, and custard sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used up. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until ready to serve.
Joanna's Slow Cooker Beef Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. She uses a combination of beef chuck and stew meat, along with a variety of vegetables, to create a rich, flavorful stew that's sure to please.
To make Joanna's Slow Cooker Beef Stew, season beef chuck and stew meat with salt, pepper, and flour, then sear in a hot skillet until browned. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker, then add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomato paste, beef broth, and red wine. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the beef is tender and the stew has thickened. Serve with crusty bread and enjoy!
No Southern dessert spread is complete without a slice of Pecan Pie. Joanna's version is a classic, with a gooey, sweet filling and a buttery, flaky crust. She uses a combination of corn syrup and sugar for a perfectly balanced flavor, and tops the pie with a generous helping of toasted pecans.
To make Joanna's Pecan Pie, start by preparing your favorite pie crust and pressing it into a greased pie dish. In a separate bowl, mix together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the filling into the pie crust, then top with toasted pecans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is set.
In addition to her TV appearances, Joanna Gaines has also shared her love for cooking in her best-selling cookbook, "Magnolia Table." The cookbook features a collection of family-favorite recipes, from breakfast and brunch dishes to hearty main courses and decadent desserts. Some of our favorite recipes from the cookbook include:
Joanna's Buttermilk Pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly golden. She uses a simple buttermilk-based batter and cooks the pancakes on a hot griddle until crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. The secret to her success? A generous drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter for good measure.
To make Joanna's Buttermilk Pancakes, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, mix together buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then let the batter rest for 10 minutes. Cook the pancakes on a hot griddle until golden and bubbly, then serve with maple syrup and butter.
Joanna's Chicken Fried Steak is a Texas classic that's crispy, tender, and oh-so-satisfying. She uses a simple flour and egg dredge for the steak, then fries it until golden and crispy. The secret to her success? A creamy, dreamy gravy made from pan drippings, milk, and flour.
To make Joanna's Chicken Fried Steak, season steaks with salt and pepper, then dredge in a mixture of flour, salt, and pepper. Dip the steaks in beaten eggs, then coat in flour again. Fry the steaks in hot oil until golden and crispy, then set aside to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. In the same skillet, whisk together milk, flour, and pan drippings until smooth. Serve the steaks with the creamy gravy and enjoy!
Joanna's Lemon Lavender Bundt Cake is a showstopper that's perfect for any occasion. She uses a simple lemon cake recipe, infused with fragrant lavender, and tops it with a tangy lemon glaze. The secret to her success? A generous sprinkle of edible lavender buds for a beautiful, fragrant finish.
To make Joanna's Lemon Lavender Bundt Cake, start by preparing your favorite lemon cake recipe and adding a teaspoon of culinary lavender. Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and sprinkle with edible lavender buds.
In addition to her delicious recipes, Joanna Gaines has also shared some of her favorite kitchen tips and tricks with fans. Some of our favorite tips from Joanna include:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Use a kitchen scale for precise measuring | Joanna swears by using a kitchen scale for accurate, consistent results in baking and cooking. |
| Don't overmix batter | Overmixing can lead to tough, dense baked goods. Joanna recommends mixing just until combined. |
| Use parchment paper for easy cleanup | Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Joanna uses it for everything from baking cookies to roasting vegetables. |
| Invest in quality cookware | Joanna believes that investing in quality cookware, like cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens, can make a big difference in the final result of your dishes. |
Joanna's love for cooking and sharing her favorite recipes with fans is evident in every dish she creates. From comfort food classics to innovative twists on Southern staples, Joanna's TV recipes and cookbook offerings are sure to inspire and delight food enthusiasts everywhere.