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A Seat at the Table: A Three-Part Magnolia Table Cookbook Series Review
- Josie Hough
- Jan 17
- 4 min read
There are some people on TV who feel like old friends. Joanna Gaines is one of them.
When Fixer Upper hit our screens in 2013, I was instantly hooked. The houses, the shiplap (obviously), the way everything felt cozy but intentional. I’ll fully admit it, Joanna is goals.
Her design style.
Her business brain.
The entire Magnolia world… I love it all.
But where she really won me over? The kitchen.
The Magnolia Table cookbooks are my go-to, reach-for-first collection. These are the food-stained, page-creased, “what page was that again?” cookbooks that live on my counter and get used on repeat.
This is part two in my three-part blog series where I’ll be reviewing all three Magnolia Table cookbooks, one book per week, for three consecutive weeks. In each post, I’ll share my family’s favorite recipes, broken down by sections within each book; the ones that get requested again and again and have officially earned their spot in our regular rotation.
This isn’t a fancy, chef-level breakdown.
It’s real life.
Real meals.
The recipes that actually get made in a busy family kitchen.
If you love cooking for your people, or just enjoy flipping through a really good cookbook with a cup of coffee, I hope you’ll follow along.
Magnolia Table :
A Collection of Recipes for Gathering
Published 2020 | Volume 2 of 3
The story continues right back in the kitchen.
This week, I’m flipping through Magnolia Table, Volume 2 and sharing the recipes my family reaches for most; the ones that feel cozy but still a little special. These are the dishes that work just as well on a busy weeknight as they do when there’s time to slow down with no where to be. These are the kind of recipes that make cooking feel easy and gathering feel natural.
Scratch Made
The essentials that anchor so many meals. They are simple, timeless, and worth making from scratch.
Homemade Gnocchi (pg. 34)
Soft, simple, and made to be savored. WAY easier than you'd imagine!
Jo’s Marinara Sauce (pg. 36)
A classic sauce you’ll reach for again and again. This is made for dippin'!
Click here for the recipe - Jo's Marinara Sauce
Pesto (pg. 37)
Fresh, bright, and endlessly versatile.
Breads
Warm, homemade favorites that make any meal feel a little more special.
Garlic Knots (pg. 43)
Soft, buttery, and finished with just the right amount of garlic.
Pretzels with Cheese Dip (pg. 55–56)
Warm, chewy pretzels paired with a rich, cozy cheese dip.
Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping (pg. 65)
Tender muffins bursting with blueberries and a sweet, crumbly finish.
Click here for the recipe - Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Breakfast & Brunch
Comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes made for slow mornings and easy gatherings.
Bacon & Leek Quiche (pg. 83)
Savory, rich, and perfect for lingering mornings.
Huevos Rancheros (pg. 93)
Bold, comforting, and full of vibrant flavor.
Click here for recipe - Huevos Rancheros
Bacon Cheddar Cups (pg. 102)
Crispy, cheesy, and made for sharing.
Soups & Salads
Cozy bowls and fresh, flavorful salads that work year-round.
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup (pg. 113)
Creamy, comforting, with just a hint of warmth.
Click here for recipe - Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup
Classic Minestrone (pg. 119)
Hearty, timeless, and filled with simple goodness. Just add warm, crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Asian Salad (pg. 131)
Fresh, crisp, and full of bold flavor. Our favorite SUMMER salad.
Appetizers & Starters
Shareable bites that set the tone for the meal and keep everyone lingering at the table.
Arancini (pg. 143)
Crispy on the outside, rich and comforting within.
French Onion Dip (pg. 153)
Creamy, savory, and irresistibly classic.
Cheese Balls, Four Ways (pg. 154)
Fun, flavorful, and made for gathering.
Click here for recipe - Cheese Balls, Four Ways
Side Dishes
The classics round out the plate and often steal the spotlight.
Hasselback Potatoes (pg. 167)
Crispy edges, tender centers, and full of flavor.
Broccoli & Rice Casserole (pg. 173)
Comforting, creamy, and always a favorite.
Greek Pasta Salad (pg. 183)
Fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced.
Click here for recipe - Greek Pasta Salad
Dinner
Comfort-forward meals that feel special enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights.
Philly Cheesesteaks (pg. 201)
Savory, hearty, and packed with classic flavor.
Click here for recipe - Philly Cheesesteaks
Honey Garlic Chicken with Pineapple (pg. 233)
Sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. SO EASY!
Weeknight Salmon with Baby New Potatoes & Fresh Dill (pg. 235)
Light, fresh, and effortlessly satisfying.
Dessert
Sweet finishes that feel nostalgic, indulgent, and always worth it.
Lucy’s Peanut Butter Brownies (pg. 277)
Rich, fudgy, and irresistibly nostalgic.
Chocolate Soufflés (pg. 291)
Light, decadent, and truly special.
Magnolia Silo Cookies (pg. 315)
Soft, classic, and perfect every time. A staple at the Silos.
Click here for recipe - Magnolia Silo Cookies
This series wraps up next week with the final review of Volume 3, where I’ll share the last round of recipes that put a big dollop of whip cream on it. From everyday favorites to those “save this one” dishes, it’s the perfect ending to a cookbook I keep reaching for and I can’t wait to share it with you.
All of my favorites from the Magnolia Table series - as noted by me,
Josie
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