10 Cooking Shows That Make You Want To Become A Professional Chef

Cooking shows make up a large portion of what I watch regularly. I am nowhere near a professional chef, but when I watch cooking shows, I feel like I could be. I've learned terms like julienne (a style of cutting ingredients), bain marie (a "water bath" for cooking things more evenly), and mise en place (preparing ingredients before cooking). I know all about flavor combinations. When I sit on my couch, I think to myself, "I could totally do that," even though I probably couldn't. I'm no professional, but it's nice to dream. Here are my favorite shows if you want to be inspired too!

1. The Great British Baking Show

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This is the best cooking show there is, no contest. With the accents and the British jargon, it really makes cooking seem easy. If you haven't seen it, go watch it on Netflix right now!

2. Chopped

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Although I have never had to cook in a high-pressure environment like the Chopped kitchen, I have no problem critiquing the contestants on their dishes. Watch a few episodes and feel like an expert!

3. Masterchef Junior

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This one makes you encouraged and discouraged all at once. On one hand, they're kids, so it can't be that difficult. On the other hand, THEY'RE KIDS and they've cooked things you could only dream of making.

4. Barefoot Contessa

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Everything seems so simple when Ina Garten says it. Can't get fresh spices from the farmers market? Store-bought will do. Can't raise your own chickens? Eggs from the store will work fine.

5. Worst Cooks in America

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Aside from all the cringing and wondering, "Are these people really THAT bad at cooking?" you do feel more accomplished when you watch this. At least you know that a spatula is not a knife, right?

6. Cutthroat Kitchen

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What's more fun than sabotage? Watching cooks give each other different punishments that force them to cook with a tiny kitchen or go dumpster diving for ingredients makes me want to join in on the fun!

7. Kids Baking Championship

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Nothing motivates you to get cooking like kid chefs who can do things better than you. The things these kids create will definitely blow you away!

8. Everyday Italian

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I always loved watching this show growing up. Giada has a way of explaining a recipe that makes you feel like you're learning the secrets of Italian cuisine.

9. Chopped Junior

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Like Chopped, but with kiddos! If they can turn four random ingredients into a complete entree, I can too, right?

10. Good Eats

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This show mixes science with cooking. For those of you who want to know WHY food cooks a certain way, Alton Brown will make you an expert in no time!