The Best Recipes from Ina Garten’s Family Style

Updated October 2026 Barefoot Contessa Family Style is Ina’s third book, released in 2002 right around the same time her Food Network show premiered – talk about a good year! Narrowing down my favorite recipes from this one was no small task. This is the book with one of Ina’s most famous recipes, Flag Cake, plus comfort food classics like Mac & Cheese, Lasagna with Turkey Sausage, and Chicken Stew with Biscuits, and very Ina desserts like Chocolate Mousse and Raspberry Cheesecake. What I love most about Family Style is that it really captures Ina’s whole entertaining philosophy: generous, familiar food that makes people feel taken care of, but without turning the host into a complete wreck. The biggest lesson I took from this book? Make a timetable for any big meal. Start with the time you want to serve dinner, then work your way backward. It sounds simple, but it has been a godsend for Thanksgiving, dinner parties, and any meal where I’ve convinced myself I can casually make seven…