The BEST episodes of America's Test Kitchen season 16
Every episode of America's Test Kitchen season 16, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of America's Test Kitchen season 16!
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 - Dinner in Italy
Season 16 - Episode 14 - Aired 4/23/2016
Man on the street Doc Willoughby learns all about Sicilian-style pizza from the Barbati family of L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn. Then, host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Bridget Lancaster to learn how to make the ultimate Thick-Crust Sicilian-Style Pizza at home. Next, test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to Homemade Ricotta Cheese. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the best Pasta with Cauliflower, Bacon, and Bread Crumbs.
#2 - Revolutionizing Classic Fruit Desserts
Season 16 - Episode 26 - Aired 7/30/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to making the perfect Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews cold brew coffee makers in the Equipment Corner. Next, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best tea gadgets. Finally, test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Cherry Clafouti.
#3 - Grilled Chicken and Salad with a Kick
Season 16 - Episode 25 - Aired 7/23/2016
Test cook Becky Hays shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the perfect Peri Peri Grilled Chicken. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews the latest grill gadgets in the Equipment Corner. Next, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making the best Pita Bread Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumber.
#4 - Mexican Mole and Drunken Beans
Season 16 - Episode 24 - Aired 7/16/2016
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Julia Collin Davison to learn how to make the best Chicken Mole Poblano at home. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Mexican lagers. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster reveals the secrets to making the ultimate Drunken Beans.
#5 - Pork Kebabs and Steaks Hit the Grill
Season 16 - Episode 23 - Aired 7/9/2016
Test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the Ultimate Charcoal-Grilled Steaks at home. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews steak knives in the Equipment Corner. Then, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best jar spatulas and jar openers. Finally, test cook Bryan Roof reveals the secrets to making perfect Grilled Pork Kebabs with Hoisin and Five-Spice.
#6 - Country Ribs and Corn Muffins
Season 16 - Episode 22 - Aired 7/2/2016
Test cook Bryan Roof uncovers the secrets to making the ultimate Sweet and Tangy Grilled Country-Style Pork Ribs. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews laundry stain removers in the Equipment Corner. Next, host Christopher Kimball answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Finally, test cook Dan Souza shows Chris how to make the best Savory Corn Muffins at home.
#7 - Dinner in Cuba
Season 16 - Episode 21 - Aired 6/25/2016
Man on the street Doc Willoughby learns all about Cuban cuisine at La Carreta in Miami, Florida. Then, host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Dan Souza to learn how to make the best Cuban Braised Shredded Beef at home. Next, test cook Becky Hays uncovers the secrets to making Fried Sweet Plantains. Then, testing expert Adam Ried reviews grapefruit knives in the Equipment Corner. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the ultimate Mango, Orange, and Jícama Salad.
#8 - Braised to Perfection
Season 16 - Episode 20 - Aired 6/18/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Braised Halibut with Leeks and Mustard at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of smoked salmon. Then, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best warming trays. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster reveals the secrets to making perfect Slow-Cooked Whole Carrots.
#9 - Vegetarian Essentials
Season 16 - Episode 19 - Aired 5/28/2016
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Julia Collin Davison to learn how to make the ultimate Black Bean Burgers at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of vegetable broth. Then, test cook Becky Hays shows Chris how to make the freshest Super Greens Soup with Lemon-Tarragon Cream. Finally, test cook Dan Souza reveals the secrets to making Homemade Vegetable Broth.
#10 - Ultimate Chinese
Season 16 - Episode 18 - Aired 5/21/2016
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Mu Shu Pork at home. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews rice cookers in the Equipment Corner. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the best Crispy Orange Beef.
#11 - French Pork Chops and Bisque
Season 16 - Episode 17 - Aired 5/14/2016
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Bridget Lancaster to learn how to make the best French-Style Pork Chops with Apples and Calvados. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Brie. Then, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to making the ultimate Mushroom Bisque.
#12 - Italian with Ease
Season 16 - Episode 16 - Aired 5/7/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making Semolina Gnocchi at home. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of balsamic vinegar. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows Chris how to make the best Italian Sausage with Grapes and Balsamic Vinegar.
#13 - Serving Up Noodles and Rice
Season 16 - Episode 15 - Aired 4/30/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Japanese-Style Stir-Fried Noodles with Beef at home. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews knife sharpeners in the Equipment Corner. Next, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster reinvents a classic, Fried Brown Rice with Pork and Shrimp.
#14 - French Bistro Favorites
Season 16 - Episode 1 - Aired 1/2/2016
Test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make a Simple Pot-Au-Feu at home. Next, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Then, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to the perfect Raspberry Charlotte.
#15 - Roast Chicken and Potatoes Revisited
Season 16 - Episode 13 - Aired 4/16/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Slow-Roasted Chicken Parts with Shallot-Garlic Pan Sauce. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews carbon-steel chef’s knives. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to the perfect Boiled Potatoes with Black Olive Tapenade.
#16 - Pork and Pears
Season 16 - Episode 12 - Aired 4/9/2016
Test cook Bridget Lancaster reveals the secrets to making the best Milk-Braised Pork Loin. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of apricot preserves. Next, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best apple corers. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the ultimate Roasted Pears with Dried Apricots and Pistachios.
#17 - A Roast for the Holidays
Season 16 - Episode 11 - Aired 4/2/2016
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Bridget Lancaster to learn how to make the ultimate Fennel-Coriander Top Sirloin Roast. Next, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews carving boards in the Equipment Corner. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to making the crispiest Duck Fat–Roasted Potatoes.
#18 - Sweet and Spicy Asian Specialties
Season 16 - Episode 10 - Aired 3/26/2016
Man on the street Doc Willoughby visits Joanne Chang at Myers + Chang to learn about shell-on shrimp. Then, test cook Becky Hays shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Crispy Salt and Pepper Shrimp at home. Next, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Sichuan peppercorns. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to making Vietnamese-Style Caramel Chicken with Broccoli.
#19 - Saucing Up Chicken and Roasting Mushrooms
Season 16 - Episode 9 - Aired 2/27/2016
Test cook Bryan Roof shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Quick Sauces for Sautéed Chicken. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews serrated paring knives in the Equipment Corner. Next, gadget guru Lisa McManus reviews her favorite kitchen gadgets. Then, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor and shares a quick tip about the best way to cook bacon. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Roasted Mushrooms with Parmesan and Pine Nuts.
#20 - Why Not Add Wine?
Season 16 - Episode 8 - Aired 2/20/2016
Test cook Bridget Lancaster reveals the secrets to making the best Coq au Riesling at home. Next, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best waiter’s corkscrews. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Tuscan-Style Beef Stew.
#21 - Chocolate-Caramel Layer Cake
Season 16 - Episode 7 - Aired 2/13/2016
Test cook Bridget Lancaster shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the perfect Chocolate-Caramel Layer Cake. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews ice cream scoops in the Equipment Corner. Finally, gadget guru Lisa McManus uncovers the best large ice cream makers and thermometers.
#22 - Pass the Pasta
Season 16 - Episode 6 - Aired 2/6/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the ultimate Sausage Meatballs and Spaghetti. Then, equipment expert Adam Ried reviews insulated shopping totes in the Equipment Corner. Next, Chris answers cooking questions in Letters to the Editor. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to making Tagliatelle with Prosciutto and Peas at home.
#23 - Spanish Chicken and Israeli Couscous
Season 16 - Episode 5 - Aired 1/30/2016
Test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the secrets to making the best Spanish Braised Chicken with Sherry and Saffron. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges host Christopher Kimball to a tasting of Israeli couscous. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster shows Chris how to make Simple Israeli Couscous at home.
#24 - A Hearty Fall Feast
Season 16 - Episode 4 - Aired 1/23/2016
Test cook Dan Souza shows host Christopher Kimball how to make the best Roasted Rack of Lamb at home. Next, test cook Julia Collin Davison reveals the test kitchen’s secret to Roasted Brined Turkey. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of Dijon mustard. Finally, test cook Bridget Lancaster uncovers the secrets to the ultimate Root Vegetable Gratin.
#25 - A Hearty Start to the Day
Season 16 - Episode 3 - Aired 1/16/2016
Host Christopher Kimball goes into the test kitchen with test cook Becky Hays to learn how to make the best Eggs Piperade. Next, test cook Dan Souza uncovers the secrets to making Chocolate Hazelnut Spread at home. Then, tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Chris to a tasting of maple syrup. Finally, test cook Julia Collin Davison shows Chris how to make the perfect 100 Percent Whole-Wheat Pancakes.