The culinary community—and the world at large—is mourning the sudden passing of chef Anne Burrell. The Food Network star made appearances on many shows over the years, showcasing her culinary prowess in the kitchen, including on Iron Chef America, Chopped, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Food Network Star, House of Knives, Chef Wanted, and perhaps most famously, Worst Cooks in America. Her signature white-blonde spiky hair matched her fiery personality and passion for her work.
Friends and colleagues are devastated by the unexpected loss. "Anne was a beloved wife, sister, daughter, stepmother, and friend—her smile lit up every room she entered," her family shared in a statement. "Anne’s light radiated far beyond those she knew, touching millions across the world. Though she is no longer with us, her warmth, spirit, and boundless love remain eternal.”
A Food Network spokesperson said, "Anne was a remarkable person and culinary talent—teaching, competing, and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring."
To honor Anne, and her zest for sharing her delicious meals and recipes with the world, we're looking back at some of the celebrity chef's most beloved recipes. Her legacy lives on through her food.
Anne Burrell's Excellent Meatballs
With more than 700 5-star reviews, Burrell's meatball recipe is hands down one of everyone's favorites. One of the secrets behind her flavorful meatballs is using three different types of ground meat to ensure big flavor. Anne's recipe uses a blend of pork, beef, and veal to entice diners, along with an array of spices like garlic, Italian parsley, red pepper, salt, and Parmigiano. Another Burrell technique that makes her meatballs so great is that she not only browned them in a pan, she then baked them in the oven to both caramelize the exterior and help them keep their shape.
Anne Burrell's Eggs Benedict With Poached Eggs
Anne Burrell's recipe for eggs benedict has over 20,000 views on YouTube, and for good reason. Many fans praise Burrell's recipe in particular because it's easy to make and her video instructions help non-professionals prevent disaster with the notoriously tricky hollandaise sauce. "I'm spoiled because of this recipe," one 5-star reviewer wrote. "It's my all time favorite Eggs Benedict that I've ever eaten."
Anne Burrell's Cheesy Potatoes Gratin
It's hard to go wrong when you pair carbs with cheese, but Burrell's take on potatoes gratin takes the dish to the next level. Her recipe on YouTube has over 330,000 views and plenty of 5-star ratings, so clearly it's a fan favorite. Her cooking videos are continuously praised by home chefs, with fans leaving comments along the lines of, "I have spent 30 odd years teaching food to special needs teens but just watched your vid on cheesy potatoes and have learned so much detail on explanation. You are so detailed and precise—well done." Chef Anne's recipe calls for both gruyere and parmigiano, and people sing its praises. "OMG, THESE WERE AMAZING !!!! I will definitely make these again," one review gushes.
Anne Burrell's Fish Tacos
Anne's recipe for fish tacos calls for a flaky white fish like halibut or cod, and tops that with a homemade cabbage slaw and avocado. The result is "simple and delicious!!" according to one reviewer. While it is indeed a simple dish, many home cooks praised the dish for exactly for that isimplicity. "My go-to fish taco recipe. Love the cabbage slaw, and I have used spicy guacamole as substitute for avocado slices," commented one person. "Best fish tacos I ever ate. Loved the pimento spice. The cabbage slaw was outstanding," wrote another.
Anne Burrell's Chicken Piccata
Last year, Burrell shared that this was the dish that won her husband's heart during an appearance on the Tamron Hall Show. Burrell's interpretation of the dish calls for all the classics—chicken breast, asparagus, capers, lemons, parsley, and plenty of butter. Perhaps one of the most important tips she shared is to put your chicken in your hot saute pan immediately after dreading it in flour to get that perfect browning on the outside.