Wolfgang Puck's Chicken Pot Pie. Credit: Wolfgang Puck Catering

Eat Like an A-Lister: Wolfgang Puck’s Signature Oscar Night Recipes

10 Minutes read

26 Feb 2025

Journalist

There's no red carpet needed when you recreate the famed chef’s Oscar staples at home.

For more than 30 years, famed chef Wolfgang Puck—the culinary mind behind Spago—has been the mastermind behind the Governors Ball, the exclusive afterparty where Hollywood’s biggest stars celebrate their Oscar wins over an extravagant feast. While you may not have an invite to the party, you can still bring a taste of the Oscars home with three of Puck’s most beloved dishes, served year after year at the star-studded event.

These recipes—Smoked Salmon Pizza, Spicy Tuna Tartare, and Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles—have become staples on the menu, standing alongside lavish offerings like Miyazaki Wagyu and caviar-topped everything. Whether you’re watching for the big wins, the fashion, or just an excuse to throw a glamorous party, these dishes will make your Oscar night feel like Hollywood’s most exclusive dinner.

Wolfgang Puck's Smoked Salmon Pizza. Credit: Wolfgang Puck Catering

Wolfgang Puck Tuna Cones. Credit: Wolfgang Puck Catering

The Iconic Dishes

Smoked Salmon Pizza with Caviar

Puck’s most famous creation, this dish was originally crafted at Spago and quickly became a red carpet favorite. It features a crisp, golden crust layered with crème fraîche, thinly sliced smoked salmon, and a generous dollop of caviar. Paired with a glass of champagne, it’s the ultimate in Hollywood indulgence.

Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones

A bite-sized favorite at the Governors Ball, this dish combines delicate sushi-grade tuna with a kick of spice, all tucked inside a crisp sesame miso cone. It’s elegant, addictive, and exactly the kind of thing you’d expect to see passed around at an exclusive post-Oscars celebration.

Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles

Even Hollywood’s elite crave comfort food—especially after weeks of restrictive red carpet diets. Puck’s take on the classic chicken pot pie is anything but ordinary, enriched with creamy sauce, golden puff pastry, and an indulgent shaving of black truffles.

Make Your Own Governors Ball at Home

The Oscars may be Hollywood’s biggest night, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t get in on the fun. Set the scene with a festive tablescape, pop a bottle of bubbles, and serve up these award-worthy dishes while you watch the winners take the stage.

See below for how to make your Oscar night delicious with Wolfgang Puck’s iconic recipes.

Oscar Recipes by Wolfgang Puck

Discover More About The Chef

Intermediate

57MIN

Pizza with Smoked Salmon and Caviar by Chef Wolfgang Puck

Cook

Intermediate

42MIN

Spicy Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones by Chef Wolfgang Puck

Cook

Intermediate

2H 20MIN

Chicken Pot Pie by Chef Wolfgang Puck

Cook

The Chef

Born in Austria, Puck developed a passion for cooking under the guidance of his mother, a professional chef. He trained in some of France’s top kitchens, including Maxim’s in Paris and L’Oustau de Baumanière in Provence, before moving to the U.S. in the early 1970s. After gaining recognition as chef at Ma Maison in Los Angeles, he launched his first restaurant, Spago, in 1982. The innovative menu—including his now-legendary smoked salmon pizza—helped define California cuisine, earning Puck multiple James Beard Awards and international acclaim.

Over the years, his restaurant empire has expanded to include Chinois on Main, CUT, and numerous other concepts across the U.S. and beyond. His influence extends far beyond fine dining—Puck was among the first celebrity chefs to bring high-end cuisine to Las Vegas, helping transform it into a premier dining destination.

Beyond restaurants, Puck’s impact on the food world is immense. His catering company has been the official provider for the Oscars’ Governors Ball for more than 30 years, serving A-list guests dishes that range from luxurious Miyazaki beef to comforting chicken pot pie. His global brand includes cookbooks, TV appearances, and a product line spanning cookware and gourmet foods.

From pioneering fusion cuisine to setting the gold standard for celebrity chefs, Wolfgang Puck remains one of the most influential figures in modern gastronomy.

26 Feb 2025