Picture a culinary dynamo who turned art history smarts into kitchen magic—meet Molly Baz! Born in 1988, this American chef, bestselling author, and digital content creator has revolutionized home cooking with her vibrant, approachable style. From her New York Times bestselling cookbook Cook This Book to her infectious YouTube series Hit the Kitch, Baz makes cooking feel like a party you’re invited to, blending expertise with a knack for fun.
With a mission to convince the world that cooking isn’t just easy but downright joyful, Baz has amassed over 700,000 Instagram followers and a loyal fanbase. Her playful recipes, like ‘Cae Sal’ (that’s Caesar salad in Baz-speak), and bold flavors have redefined modern food media, inspiring a new generation of home cooks to get loose in the kitchen.
The Making of Molly Baz
Born on May 9, 1988, in Rhinebeck, New York, Molly Baz grew up in a family of artists, with a photographer father who shaped her eye for aesthetics. She studied art history at Skidmore College, graduating in 2010, but discovered her culinary passion while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. Back at Skidmore, she hosted biweekly dinners with local ingredients, hinting at her future as a culinary connector. Skipping culinary school, Baz dove into the restaurant world, working as a line cook at places like New York’s Michelin-starred Picholine from 2008 to 2014, where she honed her skills in high-pressure kitchens.
Her career took a turn in 2015 when she joined Condé Nast’s Epicurious as a recipe tester, later moving to Bon Appétit as Senior Associate Food Editor by 2018. There, her relatable charm shone in YouTube videos like Making Perfect, earning praise for her detailed, approachable recipes. In 2020, she left Bon Appétit amid controversy, launching her own path as a culinary entrepreneur.
Molly Baz’s Unforgettable Recipes
Baz’s first cookbook, Cook This Book (2021), is a masterclass in making cooking accessible. Packed with bold flavors and QR codes linking to technique videos, it became a New York Times bestseller, lauded by NPR and Food52 as a top cookbook of the year. Dishes like Pastrami Roast Chicken and Chorizo Chickpea Carbonara showcase her knack for elevating everyday ingredients with flair.
Her 2023 follow-up, More Is More, doubles down on maximalist cooking, encouraging readers to embrace bold, colorful flavors. Recipes like Mollz Ballz (ricotta-stuffed meatballs with mint) reflect her playful yet precise style, influenced by her move to vibrant Los Angeles. Baz’s YouTube series Hit the Kitch and subscription service The Club keep fans hooked with weekly recipes and a peek into her butter-colored kitchen. Her natural wine label, Drink This Wine, launched with winemaker Andy Young, adds a sip of her personality to the table.
Baz’s style is all about fun, accessibility, and flavor-packed simplicity. She breaks down complex techniques, uses abbreviations like ‘smoo’ for smoothie, and champions salt as the kitchen’s MVP. Her visual flair, rooted in her art history background, makes every dish pop, whether it’s on Instagram or in her cookbooks’ vibrant pages.
Why Molly Baz Matters
Molly Baz has transformed culinary education by making it inclusive and entertaining. Her departure from Bon Appétit to build a personal brand—from cookbooks to a wine label—shows her entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring aspiring chefs to take control of their careers. Her focus on vibrant, doable recipes empowers home cooks, while her digital presence bridges traditional and modern food media, shaping its future.
Baz’s influence extends beyond recipes. Her 2024 Times Square billboard for lactation cookies sparked conversation about bold advertising, proving her knack for staying relevant. By blending culinary expertise with relatability, she’s become a beacon for a generation hungry for authentic, joyful cooking.
- Born: May 9, 1988, Rhinebeck, New York
- Key Works: Cook This Book (2021), More Is More (2023)
- Notable: New York Times bestselling author, over 700,000 Instagram followers
Snag Cook This Book or tune into Hit the Kitch to dive into Molly Baz’s flavor-packed, fun-filled world!