15 Barefoot Contessa Recipes for Effortless Entertaining

If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, you have likely heard of Barefoot Contessa. This popular brand, created by Ina Garten, offers a variety of recipes that are well-known for being both delicious and easy to prepare. These recipes not only impress your guests but also make your time in the kitchen enjoyable.

From appetizers to desserts, Barefoot Contessa provides a wide range of options for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or a casual family meal, you can rely on these recipes to bring great flavor and style to your table.

1) Perfect Roast Chicken

Making a perfect roast chicken is easier than you might think. Start with a fresh chicken and prep it by removing giblets. Then, rinse the chicken to clean it before you season.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rub butter over the outside and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the chicken.

Place sliced onions around the chicken in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1.5 hours or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.

Enjoy your juicy, flavorful chicken!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Onion slices

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove giblets and rinse the chicken.
3. Rub butter on the chicken and season with salt and pepper.
4. Tie the legs and tuck the wings.
5. Place onion slices around the chicken.
6. Roast for 1.5 hours until done.

2) Weeknight Bolognese

Weeknight Bolognese is a simple and tasty dish perfect for busy evenings. You can make it quickly without losing flavor. This hearty sauce uses lean ground sirloin and a mix of fresh ingredients.

You’ll start by cooking the ground sirloin in olive oil until it’s browned. Then, add minced garlic and dried oregano for a burst of flavor. A splash of red wine can enhance the taste even more.

Serve your Bolognese sauce over your favorite pasta. Don’t forget to top with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for the best results.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground sirloin
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red wine, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground sirloin and cook until browned.
3. Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and add red wine if desired.
5. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Serve over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.

3) Lemon Yogurt Cake

Lemon Yogurt Cake is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make. The cake is moist and packed with lemon flavor, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). You’ll need to grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, which helps with easy removal.

The batter combines ingredients like plain yogurt, sugar, eggs, and fresh lemon zest. After mixing, pour it into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes.

Your cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a lemon and sugar mixture over the top while the cake cools.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 ⅓ cups sugar, divided
• 3 extra-large eggs
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment.
3. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, and lemon zest.
5. Mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until combined.
6. Pour the batter into the pan.
7. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Heat remaining sugar and lemon juice until clear; drizzle over the cooled cake.

4) Chicken Piccata

Chicken Piccata is a delightful dish that is quick and simple to make. You will love the flavors of lemon and capers that bring brightness to the tender chicken. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of parchment paper. Pound them to about 1/4-inch thick.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge it in flour. This adds a nice crust when you cook it. You will sauté the chicken until golden brown.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Flour
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Capers

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Pound the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge in flour.
5. Sauté in olive oil until golden brown.
6. Add lemon juice and capers before serving.

5) Chocolate Chevron Cake

You’re going to love making this Chocolate Chevron Cake! It looks fancy but is quite simple to prepare. The cake has a delicious chocolate flavor and a beautiful chevron design.

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (about 163°C). You’ll need to butter and flour an 8-by-2-inch round cake pan. Remember to line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

The ingredients blend together quickly. You’ll add flour, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and butter. Mix until combined and pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for about 40 to 45 minutes.

Once it’s finished baking, let it cool for a bit before removing it from the pan.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the cake pan with butter, flour, and parchment.
3. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, eggs, and butter.
4. Pour the batter into the pan.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes.
6. Cool in the pan before removing.

6) Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that’s quick to make and delicious. You will love how the flavors of garlic, butter, and olive oil come together with shrimp. It’s perfect for a dinner party or a cozy night in.

For this recipe, you will need fresh shrimp, garlic, unsalted butter, olive oil, and some lemon juice. You can serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked linguine or bread for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp turn pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and serve over pasta or with bread.

7) Beef Bourguignon

Beef Bourguignon is a classic French dish that warms the heart. It combines tender beef with rich flavors of red wine and fresh vegetables. You will love how the meat melts in your mouth after slow cooking.

Start by searing the beef and bacon in a heavy pot. This adds a delicious depth to the dish. Then, toss in your carrots and onions for added flavor.

Let everything simmer together, allowing the ingredients to blend beautifully. You can finish the dish by thickening the sauce with flour and butter. It’s a comforting meal perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces bacon, diced
• 2 ½ pounds chuck beef, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 cups red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh herbs (like thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy, then remove.
3. Sear beef cubes in the remaining fat until browned.
4. Add carrots and onions, cooking for about 10 minutes until soft.
5. Pour in wine and beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then add herbs.
7. Cover and simmer on low for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender.
8. In a small bowl, mix flour with butter and stir into the stew to thicken.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Beef Bourguignon!

8) Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

This delicious tomato soup pairs perfectly with cozy grilled cheese croutons. It’s a great meal for a chilly day, combining comfort and flavor.

To make the soup, you start with fresh ingredients, including tomatoes and onions. Cooking them gently allows their flavors to shine. Adding homemade chicken stock enriches the taste.

The grilled cheese croutons are a fun twist. You can make them with your favorite bread and cheese, then cut them into pieces to add on top.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken stock
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• Bread and cheese for croutons

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Cook orzo in boiling salted water for 7 minutes.
7. Make grilled cheese croutons using your choice of bread and cheese.
8. Serve the soup topped with croutons.

9) Parmesan Kale Chips

Parmesan kale chips are a tasty snack that’s easy to make. They are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for munching. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy this healthy treat.

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.

Next, take fresh kale leaves and remove the tough stems. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

In a bowl, toss the kale with olive oil, salt, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Spread the kale evenly on the sheet pans.

Bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Enjoy your delicious Parmesan kale chips as a healthy snack anytime!

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of fresh kale
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
3. Remove stems from the kale leaves and tear into pieces.
4. In a bowl, toss kale with olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese.
5. Spread the kale on the sheet pans.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, until crispy and golden.

10) Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs are a delicious twist on a classic appetizer. They are perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home. The creamy filling combines egg yolks, sour cream, and smoked salmon for rich flavors.

To make them, start by boiling the eggs. Once cooked and cooled, carefully remove the yolks.

Mix the yolks with cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and some seasoning for extra taste.

After mixing, spoon the mixture back into the egg whites. You can even top them with chives or salmon roe for a fancy touch.

Ingredients

• 8 extra-large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place eggs in a pot and cover with cold water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then turn off heat and cover.
3. Let them sit for 15 minutes.
4. Drain and cool in cold water.
5. Peel, slice in half, and remove yolks.
6. Mix yolks with sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasoning.
7. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
8. Top with chives or salmon roe as desired.

11) Rigatoni with Sausage & Fennel

Rigatoni with Sausage and Fennel is a comforting dish that combines the delicious flavors of Italian sausage with fennel. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

To make this dish, start by cooking the sausage in a skillet until it’s nicely browned. Then, add some crushed fennel seeds, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful base.

Next, you’ll mix in cooked rigatoni pasta and toss it all together to coat the noodles with the sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ lbs sweet Italian sausage
• 3 cups chopped fennel (about 1 large bulb)
• ½ cup chopped yellow onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 lb rigatoni pasta

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, fennel seeds, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to combine.

12) Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb

Herb-crusted rack of lamb is a delicious dish that showcases tender lamb with flavorful herbs. You’ll enjoy the blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic that makes this meal special.

Start by seasoning the lamb with salt and pepper. You’ll roast it at 450°F (232°C) for about 20-25 minutes for medium-rare. Make sure to let it rest before slicing.

This dish pairs well with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. It’s a great choice for gatherings or a nice dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 1 rack of lamb
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Season the rack of lamb with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, mix rosemary, thyme, garlic, and olive oil.
4. Rub the herb mixture over the lamb.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes for medium-rare.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

13) Corn and Avocado Salad

Corn and Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. This salad combines sweet corn, creamy avocados, and fresh vegetables for a tasty mix.

You will love how easy it is to prepare. The bright flavors come from the combination of lime juice and fresh herbs.

To make it, simply toss the ingredients together and enjoy. It works great as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, shucked
• 4 ripe Hass avocados, diced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 pints grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the corn in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes.
2. Allow the corn to cool, then remove the kernels from the cob.
3. In a bowl, mix the corn, avocados, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
5. Toss gently to combine and serve.

14) French Apple Tart

The French Apple Tart is a delightful dessert that combines a flaky pastry with sweet, tender apples. It’s an elegant addition to any meal.

For the pastry, you will need all-purpose flour, kosher salt, sugar, cold unsalted butter, and ice water. Mix these ingredients to create a smooth dough.

Next, roll out the pastry and fit it into a tart pan. Slice your apples and arrange them on top. You can sprinkle a bit of sugar for added sweetness.

Bake the tart in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, until it’s golden brown.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1½ sticks), diced
• 1/2 cup ice water
• Apples (approx. 4-5)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
2. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
3. Add ice water and mix until combined.
4. Roll out the dough and press it into a tart pan.
5. Slice the apples and arrange them on top of the pastry.
6. Sprinkle sugar over the apples.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

15) Homemade Ricotta Cheese

Making homemade ricotta cheese is fun and easy. You will enjoy the fresh taste and creamy texture. It’s perfect for many dishes, like pasta or desserts.

To start, gather your ingredients. You need whole milk, heavy cream, and salt.

Next, heat your milk and cream in a large pot. Stir gently until it boils, reaching 185°F (85°C).

Once it’s hot, remove it from the heat. Add in the salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the curds form.

Now, set up a sieve over a bowl and line it with cheesecloth. Pour the mixture into the sieve. Let it drain for about 15 to 20 minutes for the perfect consistency.

Enjoy your homemade ricotta in your favorite recipes!

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat milk and cream in a pot over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the mixture boils at 185°F (85°C).
3. Remove the pot from the heat and add salt.
4. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
5. Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl.
6. Drain for 15 to 20 minutes.