The BEST Episodes of America's Test Kitchen
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2021
Network: PBS
In "America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated," a team of expert chefs continue to provide viewers with practical recipes and recommendations that they can use to save money, time and effort in the kitchen. With its uniquely scientific flavor, the show uses blind tasting judges, flash animations and laboratory procedures to answer a variety of kitchen questions. Putting everything from pasta and pasta pots, cheese and cheese graters, as well as host Chris Kimball to the test, this series offers surprises that often defy price points and move beyond fancy packaging and brand expectations.
#1 - Paella Party
Season 6 - Episode 17 - Aired Apr 29, 2006
A Spanish classic: saffron rice loaded with seafood, meat, and vegetables. Recipes: Sangria; Paella Equipment Corner: Paella Pans Tasting Lab: Olive Oil
10.00 
#2 - Meat and Potatoes II
Season 6 - Episode 8 - Aired Feb 25, 2006
Braised brisket and smashed potatoes make for a delicious, cold-weather meal. Recipes: Onion-Braised Beef Brisket; Smashed Potatoes Equipment Center: Electric Knives
10.00 
#3 - Two Curry Traditions
Season 6 - Episode 15 - Aired Apr 15, 2006
Rich, exotically spicy Indian curry and lighter, herbaceous Thai curry. Recipes: Indian Curry; Thai Green Curry with Chicken, Broccoli, and Mushrooms Tasting Lab: Coconut Milk
10.00 
#4 - Two Chocolate Cakes
Season 3 - Episode 25 - Aired Jun 21, 2003
One old-fashioned, moist and homely, the other elegant, dense and ethereal.
10.00 
#5 - Easy Apple Desserts
Season 9 - Episode 6 - Aired Feb 7, 2009
With our no-frills approach to apple pie, you can convert this special-occasion dish to an everyday dessert. And our technique for making moist, rich applesauce cake produces a tender crumb with pronounced apple flavor. Recipes - Skillet Apple Pie - Ginger-Cardamom Applesauce Snack Cake - Applesauce Snack Cake with Oat-Nut Streusel - Applesauce Snack Cake Equipment Center - Drip Coffee Makers
10.00 
#6 - Flash in a Pan
Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired Feb 12, 2005
Dinner in less than 20 minutes is the holy grail of weeknight cooking. Many recipes make good on this promise, but most ultimately reflect the minimal effort exerted on the part of the cook. They are fine in a pinch but rarely worth making again. But it doesn't have to be this way. Recipes - Chicken Paillard - Pan-Seared Shrimp with Garlic Lemon Butter Equipment Corner - Cookware cleaning products Tasting Lab - Chicken cutlets
10.00 
#7 - Soups of the Day
Season 9 - Episode 8 - Aired Feb 21, 2009
Think it takes all day to make a flavorful soup? Think again. We set out to disprove this misconception with our intense, meaty-flavored beef and vegetable soup that’s on the table in under an hour. And if you’d like to take more time cooking, our classic Tuscan bean soup is a rustic stew worthy of the effort. Recipes - Beef and Vegetable Soup - Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew - Quick Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew - Vegetarian Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew - Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew with Sausage and Cabbage Tasting Lab - Beef Broth Science Desk - In Search of Glutamates - Brining Beans
10.00 
#8 - Resurrecting The Roast Beef Dinner
Season 9 - Episode 11 - Aired Mar 14, 2009
Join us as we uncover the secret to turning an inexpensive cut of beef into a tender roast worthy of Sunday dinner. Recipes - Horseradish Cream Sauce - Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables with Bacon and Thyme - Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables - Mashed Potatoes and Root Vegetables with Paprika and Parsley - Slow-Roasted Beef Equipment Center - Meat-Probe Thermometers Science Desk - Salting Meat
10.00 
#9 - Pork on the Grill
Season 9 - Episode 18 - Aired May 2, 2009
We found a sure-fire method to keep a grilled, stuffed pork loin moist without brining. And we paired the pork with a host of great sautéed spinach recipes. Recipes - Sautéed Spinach with Chickpeas and Sun-Dried Tomatoes - Sauteed Spinach with Almonds and Golden Raisins - Sauteed Spinach with Pecans and Feta - Sautéed Spinach with Leeks and Hazelnuts - Grilled Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Filling on a Charcoal Grill - Grilled Pork Loin with Apple-Cherry Filling with Caraway on a Gas Grill - Grilled Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Filling on a Gas Grill - Grilled Pork Loin with Apple-Cherry Filling with Caraway on a Charcoal Grill Tasting Lab - Artisanal Bacon
10.00 
#10 - Japanese-Inspired Favorites
Season 21 - Episode 7 - Aired Feb 13, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster fries up a batch of Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken Thighs), ingredient expert Jack Bishop discusses soba noodles, and gadget critic Lisa McManus recommends the best drainers and strainers. Finally, test cook Becky Hays makes Chilled Soba Noodles with Cucumber, Snow Peas, and Radishes.
10.00 
#11 - Rustic Italian Fare
Season 21 - Episode 9 - Aired Feb 27, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster makes a hearty Acquacotta (Tuscan White Bean and Escarole Soup), ingredient expert Jack Bishop shares tips for buying extra-virgin olive oil, and test cook Keith Dresser makes easy Piadine (Italian Flatbreads).
10.00 
#12 - Mediterranean Comfort Food
Season 21 - Episode 11 - Aired Mar 13, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster shares the steps to making a hearty Pastitsio; ingredient expert Jack Bishop tells you what you need to know about feta cheese; and test cook Lan Lam makes Braised Eggplant with Paprika, Coriander, and Yogurt.
10.00 
#13 - Indian Feast
Season 21 - Episode 13 - Aired Mar 27, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison cooks Murgh Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken), ingredient expert Jack Bishop gives a primer on tomato products, and test cook Becky Hays makes Palak Dal (Spinach Dal with Cumin and Mustard Seeds).
10.00 
#14 - Salmon Steaks Done Right
Season 21 - Episode 15 - Aired Apr 10, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to perfect Pan-Seared Salmon Steaks, ingredient expert Jack Bishop gives a primer on salt, and equipment expert Adam Ried has a roundup of the best seafood tools. Finally, test cook Erin McMurrer makes a quick and satisfying Brussels Sprout Salad with Warm Mustard Vinaigrette.
10.00 
#15 - Burgers and Chips
Season 21 - Episode 16 - Aired Apr 17, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster makes classic Smashed Burgers, ingredient expert Jack Bishop breaks down different vegetable oils, and host Julia Collin Davison fries up Crunchy Kettle Potato Chips.
10.00 
#16 - Bake Sale Favorites
Season 21 - Episode 17 - Aired Apr 24, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster bakes celebration-worthy Yellow Sheet Cake with Chocolate Frosting, ingredient expert Jack Bishop gives a primer on the world of dark chocolate, and gadget critic Lisa McManus shares her favorite gear for baking cookies. Finally, test cook Erin McMurrer harnesses the power of science to make the best Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies.
10.00 
#17 - Back to Grilling Basics
Season 21 - Episode 18 - Aired May 1, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison cooks a simple but satisfying Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Grilled Pineapple–Red Onion Salsa, equipment expert Adam Ried shares grilling essentials, and test cook Dan Souza reveals the secrets to perfect Grilled Cauliflower.
10.00 
#18 - Butter-Basted Fish and Succotash
Season 21 - Episode 21 - Aired May 22, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster cooks the easiest Butter-Basted Fish Fillets with Garlic and Thyme, ingredient expert Jack Bishop talks frozen seafood, and gadget critic Lisa McManus reveals her top picks for spatulas. Finally, test cook Elle Simone Scott makes Succotash with Butter Beans, Corn, and Red Pepper.
10.00 
#19 - Cook It in Cast Iron
Season 21 - Episode 22 - Aired May 29, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster cooks a crispy Cast Iron Pan Pizza, equipment expert Adam Ried shares tips on caring for cast iron, and test cook Keith Dresser makes Cast Iron Baked Ziti with Charred Tomatoes.
10.00 
#20 - Summer Dinner for Two
Season 21 - Episode 23 - Aired Jun 5, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison makes Grilled Scallops with Fennel and Orange Salad, ingredient expert Jack Bishop explains the differences between types of peppercorns, and host Bridget Lancaster prepares date-worthy Freeform Summer Fruit Tartlets for Two.
10.00 
#21 - Farmer's Market Fare
Season 21 - Episode 24 - Aired Jun 12, 2021
Host Bridget Lancaster cooks a creamy Corn Risotto, ingredient expert Jack Bishop shares tips for buying and storing summer produce, and test cook Elle Simone Scott makes a refreshing Green Bean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta. Finally, test cook Dan Souza prepares a simple but satisfying recipe for Grilled Tomatoes.
10.00 
#22 - Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Season 21 - Episode 25 - Aired Jun 19, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison makes Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Gruyère and Chives, equipment expert Adam Ried shares how to care for wooden kitchen tools, and gadget critic Lisa McManus rounds up the best graters. Finally, host Bridget Lancaster prepares the Ultimate Cream of Tomato Soup.
10.00 
#23 - Elegant French Desserts
Season 21 - Episode 26 - Aired Jun 26, 2021
Host Julia Collin Davison prepares a showstopping Peach Tarte Tatin, equipment expert Adam Ried shares the perfect pan for every cake, and host Bridget Lancaster makes Financiers.
10.00 
#24 - Easy Summer Supper
Season 14 - Episode 21 - Aired May 24, 2014
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Grilled Lemon Chicken with Rosemary. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews skillets and saucepans in the Equipment Corner. And finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Beets with Lemon and Almonds.
9.72 
#25 - Easy Skillet Suppers
Season 8 - Episode 22 - Aired May 31, 2008
Easy Skillet Suppers Streamlined methods for Beef Stroganoff and Baked Ziti condense all the steps into one skillet—yes, even the noodles. Recipe: Skillet Baked Ziti, Skillet Beef Stroganoff Equipment: Can Openers Taste test: Supermarket Extra-Virgin Olive Oils
9.50