YouTube has become one of the best places for aspiring home chefs to build their cooking skills. With thousands of channels dedicated to food, there’s something for every skill level and interest.
“Whether you’re looking to master classic techniques, experiment with different cuisines, or simply make cooking at home more enjoyable, the right channel can make all the difference,” says Ryan McCorvie, host of Ryan McCorvie’s Cooking Show.
We asked Ryan to list some of his favorite YouTube channels for home cooks, from beginners to those looking to refine their expertise. Here’s what he suggests.
Binging with Babish
Andrew Rea, the creator behind Binging with Babish, has built a massive following—10.3 million YouTube followers and counting—by recreating dishes from movies and TV shows. His channel isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a valuable resource for home cooks looking to refine their techniques. Rea covers fundamental cooking skills, from making a perfect pan sauce to handling a knife with precision.
In addition to pop culture-inspired recipes, his “Basics with Babish” series focuses on kitchen essentials. He breaks down everything from how to make a proper béchamel to the steps for crafting homemade pasta. His approach combines technical accuracy with a laid-back, clear, approachable style, making advanced techniques feel accessible.
Rea’s production quality sets his channel apart. Each video is shot with clear, well-lit angles that showcase every detail of the cooking process. The visuals make it easy to follow along, whether you’re searing a steak or emulsifying a vinaigrette.
For aspiring home chefs, this channel provides a well-rounded foundation. The mix of creative recreations and instructional videos ensures there’s always something new to learn, regardless of experience level.
Joshua Weissman
Joshua Weissman is known for his meticulous approach to cooking. He doesn’t just present recipes—he explains the “why” behind every step. His content ranges from simple comfort food (like this crowd favorite, “Meals So Easy a College Student Could Make It”) to complex, restaurant-quality dishes, giving home cooks plenty of room to challenge themselves.
One of the highlights of Weissman’s channel is his series on homemade versions of popular fast food. He demonstrates how to recreate items like a McDonald’s Big Mac or a Popeyes chicken sandwich with fresh, quality ingredients. This encourages viewers to develop their skills past basic recipes and experiment with making food from scratch.
“I make entertaining, exciting, and inspirational videos about food and cooking,” Weissman explains simply.
He also emphasizes technique. Whether it’s baking the perfect baguette or properly resting a steak, Weissman provides clear instructions backed by practical reasoning. His deep dives into food science make his channel especially useful for anyone looking to refine their skills.
His engaging personality keeps the content entertaining, but the real value lies in his attention to detail. For home cooks serious about improving their craft, Weissman’s channel is an excellent resource.
Chef John (Food Wishes)
Chef John’s signature narration style makes his channel one of the most unique on YouTube. His clear, instructional approach paired with subtle humor creates a balance between education and entertainment.
His recipes cover a wide range of cuisines and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a simple pasta dish or an intricate French sauce, his step-by-step guidance makes every dish approachable. His emphasis on technique over strict measurements also allows for flexibility in the kitchen.
Food Wishes stands out for its reliability. Every recipe is tested thoroughly, and Chef John’s explanations help viewers understand not just how to cook something, but why certain techniques work. His decades of professional experience come through in every video — he’s been on YouTube since 2007 and has amassed over 1.1 billion views along the way.
For those who enjoy cooking with a bit of personality but still want solid instruction, Food Wishes is an excellent choice. The channel is an endless source of practical recipes that home cooks can trust to turn out well.
Best for Beginners
Tasty
Tasty, BuzzFeed’s food channel, is known for its quick, engaging recipe videos. These short-form tutorials are perfect for beginners who want to learn basic recipes without feeling overwhelmed.
Each video is visually driven, making it easy to follow along even without prior cooking knowledge. The step-by-step approach ensures that even complex dishes are broken down into manageable parts. From one-pan dinners to three-ingredient desserts, Tasty offers a variety of content for those new to the kitchen.
In addition to recipes, the channel provides tips on meal prep and kitchen organization. Their “Tasty 101” series introduces fundamental skills like how to dice an onion or cook a perfect scrambled egg. These videos help develop essential kitchen skills.
For anyone looking to start cooking at home with simple, easy-to-follow recipes, Tasty is a great entry point. The variety of content ensures there’s always something new to try, regardless of skill level.
Pro Home Cooks
Pro Home Cooks, hosted by Mike Greenfield, is designed for people who want to improve their home cooking past the basics. His videos cover everything from making sourdough bread to fermenting vegetables, providing a broad foundation for home chefs looking to expand their skills.
“Once you ‘conquer the kitchen,’ your food will taste as good as the best chef in town,” Greenfield confidently proclaims.
Greenfield’s approach is practical and hands-on. He emphasizes learning techniques rather than just following recipes, encouraging viewers to experiment and adapt dishes to their tastes. This makes his channel especially useful for those who want to become more independent in the kitchen.
His content also includes meal prep strategies, time-saving techniques, and creative ways to use leftovers. These tips help home cooks develop an efficient and flexible approach to cooking, which is essential for maintaining consistency in the kitchen.
For beginners who are ready to progress from step-by-step recipes and start developing their own cooking instincts, Pro Home Cooks is an excellent resource.
The Stay at Home Chef
Rachel Farnsworth’s The Stay at Home Chef is perfect for those looking for straightforward, family-friendly recipes. Her focus is on making home cooking approachable, offering dishes that require minimal effort but deliver great results.
Her content covers a mix of comfort foods, healthy meals, and special occasion dishes. The recipes are designed to be simple without sacrificing quality, making them accessible for those who may feel intimidated by more complex techniques.
One of the strengths of her channel is the clarity of her instructions. Farnsworth explains each step in detail, ensuring that even novice cooks can follow along with ease. Her clear, supportive instructions make cooking feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable experience.
For anyone looking to develop essential skills in the kitchen while making delicious, crowd-pleasing meals, The Stay at Home Chef is a great starting point.
Where to Start Next
With so many great YouTube channels available, aspiring home chefs have endless opportunities to learn and improve. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine advanced techniques, these channels provide reliable instruction, useful tips, and engaging content. Exploring a mix of instructional styles and cuisines can help develop a well-rounded skill set, making home cooking more enjoyable and rewarding. By following these top cooking channels, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and confidence in the kitchen.