Buckle up for a culinary adventure! Alton Brown’s iconic recipes are a masterclass in flavor and technique. From mouthwatering comfort food to ingenious twists, here are the 20 best Alton Brown recipes that will elevate your cooking game!
1. Alton Brown Sloppy Joes
Elevate your Sloppy Joes game with this hearty, satisfying twist! Lean ground beef, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and garlic come together on toasted buns, all under a rich, tangy sauce. Made with tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and a touch of spice, this sauce is the perfect mix of sweet and smoky.
The combination of tender beef, crunchy veggies, and that flavorful sauce hits all the right notes. Top it with crispy onions for the ultimate comfort food experience!
2. Alton Brown Smoked Meatloaf
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This hearty meatloaf is packed with ground chuck, sirloin, and pork, plus a surprising crunch from crushed BBQ potato chips. Smoky heat from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is balanced by a tangy ketchup-based glaze.
The combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors will keep you coming back for more. Plus, the crushed potato chips add a satisfying texture to each bite. Let it rest before slicing, then serve with your favorite sides for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.
3. Alton Brown Curry Chicken Pot Pie
Cozy up with a dish that feels like a warm hug. This pot pie combines tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a hint of curry for a twist on classic comfort food. The flaky, buttery crust adds the perfect crunch.
It’s a delicious choice for a quiet night in or a special occasion.
4. Alton Brown Cube Steak Recipe
Cube steak just got a major upgrade! This recipe turns a tough cut into a comforting masterpiece. Coated in flour and seared to a golden brown, these steaks are slow-cooked in a rich, thyme-infused broth until they’re fall-apart tender.
Each bite has that perfect crispy outside and juicy inside, all smothered in a savory, slightly herby gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles and get ready for comfort food heaven! 🥔
5. Alton Brown Beef Stroganoff Recipe
This dish is the ultimate comfort food. It all starts with tender beef chuck roast, which is sautéed to perfection before simmering in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with mushrooms and onions. The beef becomes so tender it just melts in your mouth, while the sauce gets its zing from a mix of mustard, sour cream, and a splash of white wine.
Serve it over egg noodles and get ready for a burst of flavor that’ll make this a staple in your kitchen!
6. Alton Brown Fajitas
Get ready for a flavor fiesta with this skillet sensation! Juicy chicken and crisp veggies come together in perfect harmony, all wrapped in a homemade spice blend that’s packed with flavor. Smoky chili powder, tangy lime, and aromatic spices make every bite a delight.
Serve it up with warm tortillas, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh pico for the ultimate fiesta on your plate!
7. Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
Your new favorite peanut butter cookies are here—chewy, classic, and totally irresistible! Made with creamy peanut butter, a blend of brown and white sugars, and a touch of vanilla, this dough comes together in no time.
The fun part? Pressing those classic cross-hatch marks with a fork. Baked to a perfect golden hue, these cookies strike the ideal balance between sweet and savory. Plus, baking them on parchment-lined pans ensures they come out flawlessly every time.
8. Alton Brown Smoked Salmon Recipe
Take your brunch to the next level with this mouthwatering smoked salmon recipe! The process is simple but impressive: thick salmon fillets are cured with a dry rub made from kosher salt, sugars, and black peppercorns, then smoked to perfection over hardwood.
What you get is tender, buttery salmon with a sweet and savory crust and a rich, smoky flavor that’s just right. Slice it thin and serve it on bagels with cream cheese or let it shine on your charcuterie board—either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
9. Alton Brown Roasted Broccoli
Broccoli just got a whole new level of delicious! Roasted to perfection with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of black pepper, this dish is a game-changer. The real magic happens when you add crunchy panko breadcrumbs and a burst of cheesy goodness.
Serve it hot, and watch it vanish—seriously, even the pickiest eaters will be hooked!
10. Alton Brown Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Butternut squash has never been more irresistible! Roasted to perfection with butter, salt, and pepper, it’s then simmered with stock, honey, and a touch of ginger for added depth. The result is a creamy, smooth, and comforting soup with a warm hint of nutmeg.
Serve it with a swirl of extra cream and some crusty bread on the side for dipping – the perfect comforting meal.
11. Alton Brown Broccoli Casserole
This broccoli casserole is a game-changer for any family dinner. It’s where creamy meets crunchy, and everyone’s going to love it. The secret? A mix of sharp cheddar, blue cheese dressing, and a surprising twist—Ramen noodles for that perfect texture.
Packed with blanched broccoli and sautéed mushrooms, it’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, crispy crunch. Trust us, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!
12. Alton Brown Risotto
Risotto just got a serious upgrade! This creamy dish is made with Arborio rice, wild mushrooms, asparagus, and a touch of white wine, all slow-cooked in fragrant chicken stock. The result is a velvety texture with rich, earthy mushroom flavors and a bright burst of lemon zest.
Serve it fresh and don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for the perfect finish!
13. Alton Brown Paprika Chicken
This paprika chicken is packed with flavor and sure to hit the spot. Juicy chicken breast gets coated in smoky paprika, aromatic poultry seasoning, and a touch of salt and pepper. The result? Tender, juicy chicken with a rich, slightly spicy flavor that’s both comforting and irresistible.
Serve it up with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish that brings everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep!
14. Delicious Kale Caesar Salad with Asparagus
Hey there! This fresh twist on a classic is anything but basic. Imagine crisp bacon, creamy homemade dressing, and fresh spinach all coming together in a delicious dance. Silky eggs, earthy mushrooms, and a burst of red onion add layers of flavor you’ll love.
It’s rich, it’s tangy, and it’s packed with goodness. And let’s not forget that perfectly crispy bacon—because everything’s better with bacon. Toss it all up, grab a fork, and dig in. Pair it with some crusty bread for the perfect lunch or dinner!
15. Alton Brown Carrot Cake
This carrot cake is a perfect mix of texture and flavor, loaded with grated carrots, warm spices, and a creamy cream cheese frosting. The secret to its moistness? A clever baking technique where you lower the oven temperature partway through, ensuring a tender crumb every time.
Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweetness from the carrots and brown sugar, with a warm hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The tangy cream cheese frosting adds a rich, velvety contrast that will have everyone wanting seconds.
Perfect for your next gathering—this cake is sure to be a hit!
16. Alton Brown Twice Baked Potatoes
These twice-baked potatoes are the ultimate indulgence for any meal. Imagine Russet potatoes loaded with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy package.
Each bite is a perfect mix of velvety mashed potatoes and the crunch of golden-brown skins. Serve these as your new go-to side dish and watch them vanish!
17. Alton Brown Jambalaya Recipe with Chicken and Andouille Sausage
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this Jambalaya! This hearty dish brings together tender chicken, spicy Andouille sausage, and aromatic veggies in a rich, Cajun-spiced broth. The smoky sausage adds a satisfying snap, while the rice soaks up all that savory goodness.
Let it rest a few minutes before serving—trust us, it’s worth the wait!
18. Alton Brown Chicken Marsala Recipe
Elegance made easy! This Chicken Marsala recipe combines tender chicken, caramelized mushrooms, and a rich Marsala wine sauce. The chicken is pounded thin for even cooking, while the mushrooms add an earthy sweetness.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors. Serve it over pasta or mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like it’s from a restaurant.
19. Alton Brown Lobster Tail
Elevate your seafood game with this lobster tail recipe that feels like pure luxury. Succulent lobster, fragrant herbs, and a hint of butter come together for a dish that’s both elegant and easy to love.
The lobster is quickly steamed over herb-infused rocks, then roasted to perfection, ensuring tender, flavorful meat. A crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds a satisfying texture that complements the dish beautifully.
Each bite is a perfect mix of rich lobster, aromatic herbs, and a touch of lemon zest—it’s nothing short of indulgent. Serve it with a side of garlic butter for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s truly fit for royalty.
20. Alton Brown Tiramisu
Here’s a classic Italian dessert that’s as rich as it gets. This tiramisu is all about layers—espresso-soaked ladyfingers, a creamy mascarpone whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that elegant finish.
The whipped mascarpone cream is made with heavy whipping cream, mascarpone cheese, and a hint of vanilla, whipped to perfection for a light and airy texture. The ladyfingers get a quick dip in cold espresso (and a splash of coffee liqueur if you want to get fancy) before being layered in the dish.
What makes this tiramisu stand out is how well it balances flavors—bitter espresso, sweet mascarpone, and the subtle crunch from the ladyfingers. And let’s not forget that cocoa powder on top, adding a touch of luxury.
Let it chill overnight for the best results. Slice it thin and serve with fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast. Your guests will love it!