Some like to cook, and then some adore cooking, so much so that it becomes a huge part of their identities. Thanks to these passionate chefs (and a handful of dedicated cooks), many foodies would not know how to conduct basic kitchen tasks, whether incorporating classic French techniques in cooking or understanding the best ways to cook with wine. Throughout history, many chefs and cooks have influenced how humans prepare and eat food. Notably, these famous chefs (and cooks) are known as household names or contributors to modern marvels in the kitchen!
9 Ettore Boiardi
At first glance, many people may not recognize Ettore Boiardi, but this Italian-American chef created his line of pasta products, otherwise known as Chef Boyardee! Though he named canned pasta products using his household name, Chef Boiardi anglicized his last name to make it easier for American consumers to pronounce. Canned pasta may not be many people’s idea of fine dining, but thanks to Ettore, having a quick snack or meal is just a can opener away.
8 Ina Garten
Ina Garten is known for her deliciously simple recipes, from her pasta arrabbiata (which uses 20 cloves of garlic!) to her simplified version of beef bourguignon. This American cook became a household name after the success of her Food Network show Barefoot Contessa, showing passionate home cooks ways of making wholesome meals for the family. Following her show’s success, Ina published various cookbooks, earning her fame amongst the likes of Nigella Lawson and Martha Stewart. In 2021, Forbes recognized her as one of America’s top 50 successful women over 50.
7 Jamie Oliver
It’s hard to walk into a grocery store or kitchen supplies boutique without spotting a product or two by Jamie Oliver. This British chef appeared in countless television shows, from his stint in The Naked Chef in 1999 to his American series Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution during the early 2000s. To date, this world-renowned chef has not only published a vast list of best-selling cookbooks but also has a long line of cookware with the French cookware company Tefal and opened his restaurant—Jamie’s Italian—in a handful of countries like Qatar, Ireland, and Portugal.
6 Joël Robuchon
Many casual foodies and home cooks may not recognize the name of this famous French restauranteur and chef. However, culinary students, chefs, and cooks everywhere know of Joël Robuchon and the legacy he left behind. Chef Robuchon opened various restaurants in world-class cities, from Shanghai to Paris. Moreover, his upscale restaurants earned him 32 stars, the most stars any restauranteur ever owned. On top of his restaurants’ successes, Joël won several awards and published dozens of cookbooks in French (and English) throughout his life.
5 Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Bourdain remains an inspiration to wanderlusters and passionate foodies alike. This Food Network chef was known for starring in various television shows, including No Reservations, The Layover, and Parts Unknown. Anthony ventured into different parts of the world as a hungry tourist, learning about the culture while partaking in native delicacies and delights. This passionate foodie was also the author of several books, including A Cook’s Tour, No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach, and other best-selling titles.
4 Marie-Antoine Carême
Marie-Antoine Carême was not a host of a famous television show or didn’t judge any dramatic cooking competitions. Instead, this 19th-century chef molded the concept of French cuisine as it’s defined today. This impactful chef spent 40 years working in kitchens around France, using that time to catalog, define, and categorize various techniques and concoctions in the French kitchen. In his book, Le pâtissier royal, Carême included 482 pages of recipes detailing instructions on crafting traditional sweet and savory delights. On top of that, this influential chef is said to create the iconic chef hat and the classification of the four iconic mother sauces in French cuisine.
3 Wolfgang Puck
This Austrian-American chef is a household name in the western world, being the owner of several restaurants around the world while earning status as a celebrity chef. In addition, this ambitious chef spearheaded various projects, including dozens of fine dining restaurants worldwide and the creation of three companies—under his name! On top of that, this famous chef has appeared as a guest for many television shows and movies, from The Simpsons to America’s Top Chef series.
2 Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is a triple threat, being a chef, restauranteur, and eccentric television personality. Known for shouting and barking orders at contestants in Hell’s Kitchen (among other countless television shows he starred in), Chef Ramsay also owns an extensive list of restaurants in a number of international cities like London, New York City, and Las Vegas. Despite having a busy schedule, Gordon can be found reviewing viral recipes on TikTok.
1 Julia Child
Julia Child may not be a world-class chef, but much like Betty Crocker, she captured the hearts of many home cooks during the golden age of television. Made famous from her show, The French Chef, Julia Child remains one of the most iconic cooks in history! This passionate cooking teacher had a knack for cooking, showing American viewers classic French recipes and ways to prepare them easily at home. Aside from winning an exhaustive list of awards for her television shows, Julia also published many cookbooks, including her famous title Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
