Top British Celebrity Chefs: Recipes & Cookbooks
Finding authentic, old-fashioned recipes has long been my passion. I love digging into traditional cookbooks and presenting them most easily, keeping the essence of the dishes while making them more accessible and suited to modern home cooks. Unsurprisingly, I also often find myself trying old and new recipes from Britain’s most beloved celebrity chefs. I love some of their creations—while not always traditionally British—that have undoubtedly shaped the way we cook at home today.
Since, from time to time, I revisit the recipes of some great chefs, I decided to write about the work that defines them the most. So let’s take a closer look at Mary Berry, James Martin, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, and Rick Stein, whose tried-and-true recipes have influenced my cooking and countless home cooks across the UK.
Top Readers Favourite Celebrity Chefs
1. Mary Berry: The Baking Legend
Mary Berry is a well-known author who loves experimenting with classic bakes. Whenever I need a quick baking recipe with a fail-proof guarantee, I often turn to her recipes. Her recipes are well-rooted in British tradition, though she’s not bound by the rules most restaurant chefs abide by. That’s probably why her flexible, non-fussy approach is loved throughout the British Isles. Mary’s recipes provide a perfect starting point for adding my twists—usually reducing sugar, using dairy alternatives, and adding healthier flours. Nevertheless, her timeless recipes are a staple in my kitchen, particularly when I’m in search of that comforting, home-baked touch.
Cooking and baking is both physical and mental therapy.
~ Mary Berry
Top Cookbook:
“Mary Berry’s Baking Bible”
A treasure trove of traditional bakes. For me, this book is truly like a bible, and 75% of my bakes start from here.
Popular Recipes:
- Victoria Sponge Cake: Although I usually love putting my twist on recipes, I follow this Victoria Sponge cake from A to Z to achieve the sweetness and texture guaranteed by Mary’s signature recipe. However, I do admit to swapping the classic filling with fillings from other pies.
- Bakewell Tart: The filling of Mary’s Bakewell tart with marzipan and jam is amazing!
- Scones: A British classic. I love her scones with fruit, as well as the cheese and mustard scones.
- Melting Moments: Melting Moments is one of the most popular recipes among the readers here at British Foodie.
2. James Martin: Comfort and Classics
I appreciate James Martin’s hearty approach to cooking. His recipes, while traditionally rich, provide ample opportunities for experimentation. Whether it’s adjusting the richness of a dish or swapping ingredients to create lighter, more modern versions, James’ classics are always a source of inspiration when I’m looking for comforting, yet adaptable, British meals.
Food is all about balance; it’s about taste, not presentation.
~ James Martin
Top Cookbook
“James Martin’s Great British Adventure”
James’ book has been an invaluable guide in exploring regional British dishes, which I love modernizing by incorporating contemporary flavours or lighter ingredients.
Popular Recipes:
- Beef Wellington: Known for its tender beef and flaky pastry, this dish is always a show-stopper. However, if you try this recipe you’ll understand how he exemplifies his love for rich, hearty flavours. Known for its tender beef and flaky pastry, it’s a luxurious classic for special occasions.
- Sticky Toffee Pudding: One of his most beloved desserts, it’s rich and traditional, brimming with the deep flavours of dates and toffee sauce.
- Fish Pie: Creamy and comforting, this dish uses a mix of fish varieties in a velvety white sauce, topped with mashed potatoes—quintessential British comfort food.
- Crumble: His pear and blackberry crumble is a fruity feast perfect to celebrate the end of summer.
3. Jamie Oliver: Family-Friendly and Fuss-Free
I have followed Jamie Oliver for over two decades and when it comes to holiday cooking or cooking for a crowd – I always go and look at his recipes. His approach to cooking has inspired me to cook quick and healthy dishes. His focus on fresh, simple ingredients aligns with my love for giving classic dishes a modern twist. Jamie’s meals are a fantastic source of inspiration for when I want to streamline a traditional recipe or incorporate alternative, healthier ingredients without sacrificing flavour.
Real food doesn’t “have” ingredients; Real food IS ingredients.
~ Jamie Oliver
Top Cookbook:
“5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food”
This book is my go-to when I’m pressed for time and want to recreate a recipe with fewer ingredients.
Popular Recipes:
- Chicken in Milk: This dish is a standout in Jamie’s repertoire resulting in a unique tender chicken infused with aromatic flavours. His step-by-step approach makes it easy to replicate successfully.
- Pasta Carbonara: Jamie’s replica of this Italian dish is very simple, emphasizing quality ingredients. While different from the authentic Italian Carbonara – Jamie has made this dish famous in the UK.
- Roast Veggie Salad: A celebration of seasonal produce, this salad serves as a versatile base for creativity. I love Jamie’s meat and veggie roasts. It’s incredible how versatile he is when it comes to cooking vegetarian wholesome meals. His philosophy encourages home cooks to use whatever vegetables are fresh and locally available! Thumbs up for Jamie.
4. Nigella Lawson: Indulgence and Comfort
Nigella Lawson’s way of cooking strikes me. The way she cooks makes me starve for the dish even if I’m not hungry. While I don’t often follow her recipes, she has been a constant inspiration when it comes to experimenting and enjoying myself cooking. Nigella reminds me that sometimes, a recipe should just be about enjoyment.
I think cooking should be about pleasure rather than ambition.
~ Nigella Lawson
Top Cookbook:
“How to Eat”
It’s an innovative book by Nigella that understands how home cooks face day-to-day difficulties finding the right recipes for their family’s dietary needs. The recipes in this book allow readers plenty of flexibility to modify dishes for specific diets, such as vegetarian or gluten-free, while maintaining delicious flavours.
Popular Recipes:
- Chocolate Guinness Cake: This cake is indulgent, rich, malty flavour paired with different types of chocolate.
- Slow-Cooked Lamb Shank: Nigella’s slow-cooked lamb shank is a comforting dish where you can customize the herbs and spices based on availability and preferences.
- Chilli Jam: This is a must-try condiment. Like sweet chilli sauce, once you try it you’ll find yourself pairing it with a wide array of dishes.
5. Rick Stein: The Master of Seafood
Rick Stein’s expertise in seafood dishes has opened up a world of flavours in my kitchen, especially when it comes to cooking fish. His recipes offer a perfect starting point to cook fish bringing out new enhancing its natural taste without overpowering it.
Nothing is better than fresh fish simply cooked.
~ Rick Stein
Top Cookbook:
“Rick Stein’s Seafood”
Rick’s definitive guide to seafood has been a go-to for understanding the fundamentals of cooking fish.
Popular Recipes:
Let’s have a look at Rick’s signature dishes:
- Sea Bass with Lemon and Capers: A fresh dish of pan-seared sea bass, infused with lemon and a touch of capers.
- Bouillabaisse: A traditional Provençal fish stew made with all kinds of fresh seafood and infused with herbs and spices.
- Fisherman’s Pie: A classic British dish combining tender fish in a creamy sauce, topped with a fluffy layer of mashed potatoes.
- Tikka Masala: Follow Rick Stein’s Chicken Tikka Masala and let me know if you like it!
Get Your Inspiration!
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board, where I have added some of the best celebrity chef recipes from many celebrity chefs, all in one spot. It’s the perfect place to discover tried-and-tested dishes, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Don’t forget to comment on the pins and share your own cooking experiences.
And if you’ve enjoyed the recipes I’ve highlighted here, you can continue supporting these talented chefs by buying their books and exploring even more of their culinary creations. Here are some of their top books to add to your collection:
- Mary Berry:
- “Mary Berry’s Baking Bible”
- “Mary Berry Cooks”
- “Mary Berry’s Complete Cookbook”
- James Martin:
- “James Martin’s Great British Adventure”
- “James Martin’s Islands to Highlands”
- “Home Comforts”
- Jamie Oliver:
- “5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food”
- “Jamie’s 15-Minute Meals”
- “Jamie at Home”
- Nigella Lawson:
- “How to Eat”
- “Nigella Express”
- “Nigella’s Feast”
- Rick Stein:
- “Rick Stein’s Seafood”
- “Rick Stein’s Long Weekends”
- “Rick Stein’s India”
Support their hard work with these amazing books!