Once upon a chef isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a go-to destination for anyone who wants to make great food without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who just doesn’t have the time to fuss, Jenn Segal’s collection of recipes and cooking tips has become a staple for home cooks everywhere. So if you’re tired of complicated steps, endless ingredients, or dishes that don’t quite turn out right, it might be time to check out what this site has to offer.

What makes Once Upon a Chef stand out is that it’s written with real life in mind. There’s no fancy jargon or intimidating techniques—just clear, easy-to-follow instructions that work every time. From weeknight dinners that come together in 30 minutes or less to show-stopping desserts that look like they came from a bakery, this site gives you the tools to feel confident in the kitchen.

And the best part? Jenn doesn’t just give you recipes—she shares the secrets that chefs use to make food taste better, cook faster, and look impressive. It’s like having your own personal cooking coach right on your screen. So whether you’re meal prepping for the week or trying to impress guests at a dinner party, Once Upon a Chef

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Table of Contents

• What Is Once Upon a Chef?
• Why Once Upon a Chef Works for Home Cooks
• Top Recipes to Try From Once Upon a Chef
• Chef Secrets to Level Up Your Cooking
• How to Get the Most Out of Once Upon a Chef
• FAQ

What Is Once Upon a Chef?

Once Upon a Chef is a popular food blog started by Jenn Segal, a New York Times bestselling cookbook author with a passion for making cooking approachable for everyone. Her background includes working in professional kitchens, but she’s all about helping everyday people feel at home with food. The blog features a wide range of recipes—from quick weeknight meals to elegant desserts—each crafted with simplicity and flavor in mind.

What makes the site unique is its clear, no-nonsense approach. Every recipe comes with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and often a video walkthrough to make sure you get it right the first time. The blog has grown into a go-to resource for home cooks who want reliable, tested recipes that actually work.

If you're curious about the person behind the recipes, here’s a quick snapshot of Jenn Segal:

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Why Once Upon a Chef Works for Home Cooks

Let’s face it—life gets busy. Between work, school, and everything else, who has time to cook elaborate meals? That’s where Once Upon a Chef shines. Jenn’s recipes are designed with real-life constraints in mind, so you’re not stuck with long ingredient lists or hours of prep work. Instead, you get meals that come together quickly and taste amazing.

One of the big selling points is that every recipe is tested thoroughly before it’s published. So you don’t have to worry about guessing how something should turn out—Jenn has already done the trial and error for you. And if you’re ever stuck, the blog includes helpful notes and tips to guide you through any tricky parts.

Plus, the blog covers a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a dessert that’s sure to impress, you’ll find something that fits your needs. It’s not just about convenience either—Jenn’s recipes are full of flavor, and they often include chef-approved techniques that elevate your cooking game without any fuss.

Top Recipes to Try From Once Upon a Chef

If you’re new to the site or just looking for a few great dishes to try, here are some fan favorites that keep showing up on dinner tables across the country:

1. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas – One pan, a handful of ingredients, and less than 30 minutes. Great for a quick dinner that’s packed with flavor.
2. One-Pan Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta – No need for separate pots and pans. Everything cooks together, and it’s rich, creamy, and totally satisfying.
3. Perfect Roast Chicken – A classic that’s easy to master. Jenn walks you through each step so you end up with juicy meat and crispy skin every time.
4. Copycat Cheesecake Factory Lasagna – A hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
5. Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies – Crispy edges, soft centers, and full of melty chocolate. These are the kind of cookies that make your kitchen smell amazing.

These recipes are just a small sample of what’s available. The blog has hundreds of dishes that range from simple to special-occasion worthy. And if you’re someone who likes to plan meals ahead of time, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to find dishes that fit your schedule and dietary needs.

Chef Secrets to Level Up Your Cooking

One of the best things about Once Upon a Chef is that Jenn doesn’t just give you the “what” and “how”—she also explains the “why.” She shares professional cooking tips that help you understand what’s happening as you cook, so you can make adjustments on the fly and build confidence in the kitchen.

Here are a few of the key tips she shares regularly:

• Taste as you go – Don’t wait until the end to check seasoning. Taste along the way and adjust salt, herbs, and spices as needed.
• Use room-temperature ingredients – Especially when baking, ingredients like eggs and butter blend better when they’re not cold straight from the fridge.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – Whether you’re searing chicken or roasting vegetables, giving your ingredients space helps them brown instead of steam.
• Prep everything before you start cooking – This is called “mise en place” in professional kitchens. It means you set up all your ingredients, tools, and measurements before you begin, so you don’t miss anything mid-recipe.
• Rest your meat – This allows the juices to redistribute, so your chicken or steak stays juicy and flavorful when you cut into it.

These are the kinds of tips that can make a real difference in how your food turns out. And the best part? They’re easy to apply once you know them, and they start to feel like second nature after a while.

How to Get the Most Out of Once Upon a Chef

Want to make the most of the Once Upon a Chef experience? Here are a few tips that’ll help you get organized, save time, and enjoy better meals:

• Bookmark your favorites – If you find a recipe you love, save it to your bookmarks or create a folder in your browser just for Once Upon a Chef dishes.
• Use the search bar – The blog has a ton of content, so it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for if you know how to use the search function.
• Subscribe to the newsletter – Jenn sends out regular updates with new recipes, cooking tips, and seasonal ideas, so you never miss out on the latest.
• Try the video recipes – Watching a recipe in action can help you understand steps that might be confusing when reading alone.
• Meal prep with the recipes – Many dishes can be made ahead of time or doubled for leftovers. This is a great way to stay organized and save time during the week.

If you're looking for more ways to improve your cooking, Learn more about Once Upon a Chef and see how you can start building your own kitchen confidence one recipe at a time.

FAQ

Are Once Upon a Chef recipes suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Every recipe is written with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips that make cooking easier, even if you’ve never held a whisk before. Jenn breaks down each step so it’s easy to follow and understand.

Do I need special equipment to cook Once Upon a Chef recipes?

Most of the recipes use basic kitchen tools you probably already own. There are occasional recipes that call for something like a stand mixer or food processor, but those are clearly noted, and Jenn often gives alternatives if you don’t have that equipment on hand.

Can I find vegetarian or gluten-free options on Once Upon a Chef?

Yes! The blog includes a variety of vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free recipes. You can filter by dietary preference using the search bar, or look for the tags on each recipe page. There are also notes within some recipes about how to make them suitable for different dietary needs.