The 7 Most Inspiring Cooks We Found on TikTok in 2021

It’s fair to say that, for me, the saving grace of 2021 (and 2020) has been our ability to connect via social media. Many of us became glued to our screens as we sought out a sense of connection with others. And, over the past two years, no other app has dominated the social media scene the way that TikTok has.

And while TikTok does cover a lot of dance trends, the social media behemoth’s reach has also expanded into the culinary world. With millions of people having time to cook at home, many chefs and at-home cooks began sharing their favorite recipes so that others could replicate them. And while we have plenty of handy things that TikTok taught us this year — like making baked feta pasta — there were certain cooks that really gave us inspiration to spend more time in the kitchen, test out new recipes, and enjoy different flavor combinations. Although it was difficult to narrow it down, here are seven of the best cooks we found on TikTok this year.

Our interview this year with 19-year-old Eitan Bernath only deepened our love for the culinary phenom. His command of TikTok has helped him amass millions of views, which has led to the upcoming release of his first cookbook, Eitan Eats the World: New Comfort Classics to Cook Right Now. Now, with almost a decade in the spotlight, we’re sure Eitan will be one to watch for years to come.

Nadia Caterina Munno — better known as The Pasta Queen — has kept our eyes wide and mouths watering all year long. Her success on social media this year led to a collaboration with Ruffoni on a new luxury cookware line, as well as filling many satisfied pasta-loving bellies. With a following over more 2 million on TikTok, it’s for good reason that she has fans waiting with bated breath for her to post her latest pasta creation.

I’ve always had a sweet tooth, but 2021 has seen my love for dessert reach dazzling new heights. So, I was pleased to discover Baked by Melissa’s TikTok page and all of the delicious treats baked up on the regular. The baking extraordinaire has captured the hearts of thousands on the platform — including my own, with her nostalgia-inducing funfetti cinnamon rolls — with her easy-to-replicate recipes and engaging videos. 

With a knack for creating new twists on classic dishes, SaucedUpFoods has become the go-to-page for their over half a million followers on TikTok. From savory meals like shrimp and waffles to pumpkin mac and cheese, the “self-taught home cook” continues to find ways to pique our interest. But honestly, after their recipe for one of our childhood favorites, McDonald’s classic hash browns, it wasn’t hard to keep our attention.

With over 7 million followers on TikTok, Emily Mariko has cultivated the perfect lifestyle brand. Although the California local covers fashion, fitness, and travel on her account, it’s her food recipes that keep us tuned in. Her leftover salmon and rice dish captured the taste buds of millions as it became her most popular dish on the app.

Every morning, millions of workers go to drink a hot cup of coffee to get them going. During the pandemic, many people began working from home, so runs to Starbucks and Dunkin’ might not have made the most sense. As a result, homemade coffee became all the rage. TikTok star Marissa Gabriel — or, as she is most widely known on social, TheThriftWitch — has been proving that thousands are interested in fun, homemade coffee creations. Of particular note are her seasonal syrup specials. From pumpkin spice syrup to sugar cookie syrup, each flavor brings a little extra joy to your cup of morning Joe.

Johnny Moroney’s @datenightcooking page on TikTok has become a go-to-page for those looking for a way to spice up dinner for their at-home date nights. His recipes are tasty and easy-to-follow so that even the most novice cooks have a chance of winning praise for their culinary outputs. His recipe for a pizza fritta was the first dish to catch my eye, and it’s been a loving relationship ever since. 

Did you find any cooks on TikTok that inspired you to spend more time creating in the kitchen? Let us know in the comments section below.