America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated: Season 26
Season 26 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of America's Test Kitchen From Cook's Illustrated Season 25.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 26 Progress Shield
Make-Ahead Masterclass
Sep 20, 2025 · 24 min
Test Cook Erin McMurrer makes host Julia Collin Davison tender Glazed Boneless Beef Short Ribs. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share expert-reviewed tools and tip
Flavor-Packed Pastas
Sep 27, 2025
Test cook Keith Dresser makes host Julia Collin Davison Spaghetti All’Assassina, a hyperlocal dish from Bari, Italy. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia and host Bridget La
Corn Cakes and Chowder
Oct 4, 2025
Test cook Becky Hays makes host Julia Collin Davison Cachapas con Queso de Mano (Venezuelan Cheese-Filled Corn Cakes). Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews dish towels, and science e
Turkey Lasagna and Chocolate Sorbet
Oct 11, 2025
Test cook Vallery Lomas makes host Bridget Lancaster a savory Turkey Sausage Lasagna. Tasting expert Jack Bishop talks all about sugar. And test cook Antoinette Johnson makes a ref
Farmer’s Brunch
Oct 18, 2025
Test cook Keith Dresser prepares host Bridget Lancaster a hearty German Farmer’s Breakfast (Bauernfrühstück). Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews cookie sheets. And Bridget makes
Ice Cream Cake
Oct 25, 2025
Test cook Lan Lam shows Julia Collin Davison how to build a showstopping Ice Cream Cake. And science expert Dan Souza reveals the unexpected powers of melting ice.
Two Takes on Chicken and Rice
Nov 1, 2025
Test cook Erica Turner makes host Bridget Lancaster Chicken Yassa (Senegalese Braised Chicken with Caramelized Onion and Lemon). Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget and h
Pan-Seared Halibut and Ma’amoul
Nov 8, 2025
Test cook Ben Mims prepares Pan-Seared Halibut with Wilted Bitter Salad for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Bridget and host Julia Collin Davison to a
New Thanksgiving Favorites
Nov 15, 2025
Test cook Lan Lam makes host Bridget Lancaster a crowd-pleasing Stuffed Spatchcock Turkey. Equipment expert Adam Ried reveals our top pick for slicing knives. And test cook Erin Mc
Taiwanese Staples
Dec 6, 2025
Test cook Dan Souza makes Gua Bao (Taiwanese steamed buns with braised pork belly) for host Julia Collin Davison. Tasting expert Jack Bishop and host Bridget Lancaster review hoisi
The Ultimate Holiday Dinner Party
Dec 13, 2025
Test cook Antoinette Johnson makes host Julia Collin Davison Shrimp Cocktail. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share what expensive gadgets are worth the price. And
Zesty Salmon and Salad
Jan 3, 2026
Test cook Elle Simone Scott prepares Double-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme for host Julia Collin Davison. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share their take on n
Weeknight Chicken and Mashed Potatoes
Jan 10, 2026
Test cook Alex Heugel makes host Bridget Lancaster Cold-Start Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Cherry and Rosemary Pan Sauce. Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews paper towels. And te
Mediterranean Eggplant Dishes
Jan 17, 2026
Test cook Ben Mims makes host Julia Collin Davison Silky Roasted Eggplant with Tomato and Feta. Tasting expert Jack Bishop challenges Julia and a special guest to a head-to-head ta
Catalan Supper
Jan 24, 2026
Test cook Erin McMurrer makes Bridget Lancaster Zarzuela (Spanish Seafood Stew). Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus compare disposable and reusable plastic bags. And
Breakfast from Scratch
Jan 31, 2026
Test cook Alex Heugel makes host Julia Collin Davison Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches. Techniquely host Lan Lam Lan shares techniques to make picture-perfect pancakes. And test cook A
A Taste of Sichuan
Feb 7, 2026
Test cook Lan Lam makes Dry Chili Chicken (Làzi Jī 辣子雞) for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop breaks down different miso. And test cook Dan Souza prepares Suan La
A Tale of Two Pastas
Feb 14, 2026
Test cook Dan Souza makes Pici alla Boscaiola (Handmade Pasta with Mushrooms and Sausage) for host Julia Collin Davison. Tasting expert Jack Bishop talks all about stone-ground flo
Savory Mexican Classics
Apr 4, 2026 · 23 min
Test cook Keith Dresser makes Chiles en Nogada for host Bridget Lancaster. Science expert Dan Souza explains why oil shimmers. And test cook Elle Simone Scott prepares Tacos Gobern
Comforting Japanese Dinners
Apr 11, 2026 · 22 min
Test cook Dan Souza makes Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Chops) for host Bridget Lancaster. Tasting expert Jack Bishop reviews types of Japanese rice. Test cook Lan Lam prepares Kar
Maple Pork Chops and Squash Soup
Apr 18, 2026 · 23 min
Maple pork chops with sweet potato-bacon hash; reviewing enameled cast iron skillets; how to defrost food quickly; leek, fennel and squash soup with sausage.
Seafood Stew and Salmon Burgers
Apr 25, 2026 · 23 min
Test cook Vallery Lomas makes host Julia Collin Davison Crab and Shrimp Stew. Equipment expert Adam Ried reviews gyuto knives. And test cook Becky Hays prepares Fresh Salmon Burger
New England Clambake
May 2, 2026 · 23 min
Julia Collin Davison grills up a New England Clambake for host Bridget Lancaster. Techniquely host Lan Lam shares tips to up your grill game. And test cook Keith Dresser prepares G
Tandoori Salmon and Broiled Zucchini
May 9, 2026 · 23 min
Test cook Nik Sharma makes host Julia Collin Davison a flavorful Tandoori Salmon. Gear Heads hosts Hannah Crowley and Lisa McManus share their favorite kitchen gadgets under $15. T
Petite French Pastries
May 16, 2026 · 23 min
Host Bridget Lancaster bakes up delicious Macarons with Raspberry Buttercream for host Julia Collin Davison. And Julia returns the favor by making Gougères for Bridget.
Grilled Flank Steak and Chili Crisp Noodles
May 23, 2026 · 23 min
Test cook Joe Gitter fires up the grill and makes Bridget Lancaster a delicious Grilled Flank Steak. Science expert Dan Souza explains why cooking some meat to medium makes them mo