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A Seat at the Table: A Three-Part Magnolia Table Cookbook Series Review
- Josie Hough
- Jan 10
- 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.
I’m kicking off a 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 2018 | Volume 1 of 3
The book that started it all.
This week, I’m diving into Joanna’s very first Magnolia Table cookbook and sharing the recipes from each section that my family loves most (and a few recipe links directly to Magnolia's website). These are the comforting classics, the crowd-pleasers, and the dishes that make you want to call everyone to the table.
Breakfast
The kind of breakfasts that make you want to slow down… or at least sit at the table a little longer.
Baked Egg Bread Pudding (pg. 29)
Cozy, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This one feels special without being fussy and is a great way to use up day-old bread.
Overnight French Toast (pg. 41)
A forever Christmas morning favorite. Prep it the night before, pop it in the oven in the morning, and suddenly you look like you really have your life together.
The Best-Ever Fluffy Pancakes (pg. 51)
The name doesn’t lie. These are weekend pancakes—the kind that disappear fast and bring everyone to the kitchen.
Lunch
Easy, satisfying, and perfect for those “what should we eat?” afternoons.
Curry Chicken Salad with Toasted Nuts (pg. 79)
A little unexpected and so good. Warm spices, great texture, and perfect on toasted bread or wrapped up for a quick lunch.
Gaines Brother Burgers with Drip Jam (pg. 81)
Not your average burger and that’s exactly why we love it. Sweet, savory, a little messy, and totally worth it.
1919 Pimento Cheese (pg. 89)
A classic for a reason. This one shows up for lunches, snacks, and every “Master's Weekend” moment.
Click here for recipe - 1919 Pimento Cheese
Soups & Salads
Comforting and fresh.
Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Strips (pg. 107)
Comfort with a fun twist. The grilled cheese strips are genius and make this extra cozy.
Peach Caprese (pg. 117)
A summer standout. Simple, fresh, and just fancy enough to feel special.
Click here for recipe - Peach Caprese
Jo’s Quick Table Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette (pg. 127)
This is a go-with-everything salad. The vinaigrette alone is worth making and keeping on hand.
Appetizers & Starters
The recipes that always show up when company does.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip with Garlic Toast (pg. 139)
Warm, creamy, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Every. Single. Time.
White Bean Hummus (pg. 153)
Smooth, simple, and perfect for snacking or serving with a spread.
Fresh Tomato Salsa (pg. 157)
Bright, fresh, and way better than your stand by, store-bought.
Click here for the recipe - Fresh Tomato Salsa
Side Dishes
The support staff.
Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Toasted Pecans & Balsamic Reduction (pg. 165)
Even the skeptics go back for seconds.
Dutch Oven Cabbage & Bacon (pg. 170)
Old-school comfort food in the best way. Simple and full of flavor.
Potato Gratin Mini Stacks (pg. 179)
These feel special without being complicated and they’re always a hit.
Dinner
The recipes that earn repeat status.
King Ranch Chicken Casserole (pg. 207)
Creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd.
Chicken Spaghetti (pg. 213)
A family classic that never disappoints and makes regular appearances around here.
Mom’s Bulgogi (pg. 240)
Big flavor, incredibly satisfying, and always requested again.
Dessert
It's complete with something sweet.
Strawberry Shortcake with Homemade Whipped Cream (pg. 285)
Simple, fresh, and timeless. The homemade whipped cream makes all the difference.
Aunt Opal’s Banana Pudding (pg. 287)
Pure comfort in a bowl. This one feels like a hug.
Mina’s Lemon Bars (pg. 309)
Bright, buttery, and just the right amount of tart. In my opinion, these are THE perfect for ending ANY meal.
Click here for the recipe - Mina's Lemon Bars
This book has earned its dog-eared pages in our house and that’s the highest compliment I can give a cookbook.
Next week, I’ll be back with Volume Two, sharing more favorites from our table to yours.
As noted by me,
Josie
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