Celebrity chef Ina Garten has long been a beacon of culinary inspiration for home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Known for her approachable yet sophisticated recipes, Garten has shared numerous insights into her personal taste preferences over the years. From indulgent desserts to simple comfort foods, this article explores 14 of Ina Garten’s favorite dishes and ingredients that she loves to prepare and enjoy. Whether it’s a decadent French apple tart or a humble hot dog from a beloved Parisian café, Garten’s choices reveal a deep appreciation for both gourmet and everyday flavors.

Exploring Ina Garten’s Culinary Favorites

In the world of celebrity chefs, Ina Garten stands out not only for her elegant recipes but also for her candid discussions about her own culinary preferences. One of her most cherished desserts is the French apple tart, which she describes as "simple and elegant." This dessert features a crisp crust and sweet apples, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Garten emphasizes the ease of preparation, especially when using a food processor for mixing the dough.

For those who prefer store-bought options, Garten approves of Trader Joe’s seasonal French apple tart, which can be warmed and enhanced with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. Another staple in her kitchen is San Marzano canned tomatoes. These prized Italian tomatoes are known for their superior flavor and texture, and Garten insists on using only the authentic DOP-certified variety to ensure quality.

Garten’s love for appetizers is evident in her recipe for tomato crostini with whipped feta. This dish combines the creamy richness of whipped feta with the freshness of tomatoes, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Interestingly, Garten distinguishes between crostini and bruschetta based on how the bread is prepared—crostini being toasted while bruschetta is traditionally grilled.

A surprising choice for Garten’s last meal would be a hot dog from Frenchie To Go, a now-closed Parisian café known for its American-style menu. Despite its closure, the memory of this simple yet satisfying meal remains dear to her heart. Similarly, Garten enjoys indulging in fast food during her book tours, particularly at In-N-Out Burger in California, where she once famously posted a picture with actress Jennifer Garner.

Among her preferred cheeses, Garten favors Lindt bittersweet chocolate for baking due to its balanced sweetness and versatility. Her love for cheeseburgers is exemplified by her fondness for those served at Bourbon Steak, though she has never specified which one of the two available options she prefers. For a healthier lunch option, Garten opts for an open-faced cauliflower toast sandwich, featuring roasted cauliflower, mascarpone, Gruyere, prosciutto, and spices.

When it comes to butter, Garten differentiates between Beurre de Baratte Demi-Sel for eating and Cabot Creamery unsalted butter for cooking. The former is a luxurious French butter with flaked sea salt, while the latter allows for better control over salt levels in recipes. Breakfast for Garten often consists of quick-cooking oats microwaved with water, milk, butter, and maple syrup—a simple yet comforting start to the day.

Her love for French desserts extends to profiteroles, light pastries filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with a rich chocolate sauce made from cream, chocolate, honey, and coffee. For her mocha chocolate icebox cake, Garten swears by Tate’s Bake Shop chocolate chip cookies, which provide the perfect crispy texture needed for this layered dessert. Finally, her pantry staples include Dijon and whole-grain mustard for vinaigrettes and Texmati rice for its unique fragrance and quality.

The Inspiration Behind Ina Garten’s Choices

Ina Garten’s culinary preferences reflect a balance between simplicity and sophistication. Her love for both gourmet and comfort foods underscores the idea that great meals don’t always require elaborate ingredients or techniques. Garten’s emphasis on quality and authenticity, whether it’s choosing DOP-certified San Marzano tomatoes or artisanal French butter, highlights the importance of sourcing the best possible ingredients. Ultimately, her choices inspire us to appreciate the joy of cooking and eating well, reminding us that even the simplest dishes can be extraordinary when made with care and passion.