With all of our extra time being spent at home, now is the perfect time to learn how to cook! Personally, as a young college student, I have no idea where to start in the kitchen and I assume I'm not the only one. Luckily, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite cooking shows for inspiration! Gordon Ramsay: eat your heart out.
1. "MasterChef Junior"
Speaking of Gordon Ramsay, his show "MasterChef Junior" is a total rollercoaster. The contestants on the show range from 8 to 13 years old, and they somehow create the most creative culinary masterpieces I've ever seen. I mean, come on, did you know how to cook anything at eight years old? At that age, the most sophisticated dish I could make was cereal. If I'm being honest, that's about as sophisticated my cooking gets these days too.
"MasterChef Junior" will definitely inspire you to get more crafty in the kitchen, because if kids can do it, shouldn't we give it a try? Check out all 7 seasons on Hulu now! You can also check it out on Fox.
2. "The Final Table"
"The Final Table" is one of the most extravagant cooking competitions I've ever encountered. The show boasts 24 of the greatest chefs from around the world, competing in teams of two for a seat at the "final table" with nine international culinary legends. In the end, though, only one chef will win. Each round is comprised of dishes from a specific country, and teams are eliminated if they can't meet the standards of the culinary delicacies.
If you're interested in broadening your horizons, this show will inspire you to cook with culture. It's available on Netflix now!
3. "Guy's Grocery Games"
The king of Flavortown himself hosts this fantastic cooking competition. This is a great show for cooking inspiration as it's set in an actual grocery store with contestants utilizing everyday grocery products. There are, however, many different challenges to spice up the competition that you wouldn't ordinarily encounter. With challenge that are called "Aisle Down," "Express Lane," and "Frozen Food Feud," "Guy's Grocery Games" are sure to entertain while also serving as a fun inspiration for dinner tonight.
Stream it with your Hulu subscription or watch it on Food Network!
4. "The Great British Baking Show"
Okay, so, I know that baking and cooking aren't technically the same, but I had to include this one on the list. "The Great British Baking Show" is my absolute favorite show for baking inspiration and for entertainment in general. You will notice, though, that British baked goods differ from traditional American treats. Tbh, the judges and hosts on this show are what make it so great, even with all the changes. (Prue Leith is adorable!)
If you are looking to bake something a little different for desert, stream this show on Netflix ASAP. Even if the British treats aren't your cup of tea, this show is marathon-worthy regardless!
5. "Top Chef"
First of all, chances are, you've probably heard of or seen "Top Chef." I would say that this is probably the most recognizable cooking competition on television and the one that started it all. As the gold standard of reality cooking competitions, this show is truly iconic. (I even loved watching it with my mom at the tender age of 10.) Though the culinary masterpieces displayed on this show are more high-end, they can still serve as inspiration for your next meal.
If you are looking for some top-notch, cut-throat competition, stream "Top Chef" on Hulu or watch it on Bravo.
6. "Kitchen Nightmares"
Gordon Ramsay is famous for his numerous reality cooking shows, but I must say that "Kitchen Nightmares" is my absolute favorite. The show follows Ramsay as he travels across the U.S. to help failing restaurants succeed. Usually, he tries multiple dishes from the featured restaurant and gives a horrible review. Then, he sits back and watches how the nightmarish restaurant operates during a typical dinner service. After this, he'll typically restructure the menu, train the cooks, update the decor and teach the owners how to manage their staff. This show isn't as food-centered as the other shows on this list, but it's super entertaining and just might give you the inspiration you need for the next time you cook.
You can watch it on Hulu now, though it originally aired on Fox.
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