Food Network Stars Who Can Actually Cook

Bobby Flay. Although you've seen him on Food Network since 1994, often as a judge on shows like "Worst Cooks in America" and "The Next Food Network Star," Bobby Flay keeps his cooking skills sharp by participating in competitions like "Iron Chef America" and "Beat Bobby Flay."

(Credit: flickr/ Chase McAlpine)

Geoffrey Zakarian. Geoffrey Zakarian started in the kitchen of Le Cirque in New York City about 30 years ago and has been cooking and opening up restaurants ever since. He also cooked his way to become an Iron Chef in 2011.

(Credit: flickr/Zagat Buzz)

Alex Guarnaschelli. Having grown up with cookbook-editor Maria Guarnaschelli for a mom, Alex Guarnaschelli was destined for a life in the kitchen. She spent several years in culinary school and restaurants throughout France. After years at the head of many famous kitchens, such as Daniel in New York City, Alex became the executive chef at Butter.

(Credit: flickr/Ryan Ozawa)

Anne Burrell. Sick of her full-time job at age 23, Anne Burrell started at the bottom of the culinary totem pole as a prep cook before attending the Culinary Institute of America. She has worked with culinary greats like Lidia Bastianich and Mario Batali.

(Credit: flicr/Zagat Buzz)

Jamie Oliver. Jamie Oliver spent his youth in his parent's pub in England, where he helped out in the kitchen. Jamie was working in a restaurant when he was spotted for his own TV show, and has been creating shows and cookbooks ever since. Oliver recently published Comfort Food, a cookbook featuring classic dishes like chicken Kiev and Shepherd's Pie.

(Credit: flickr/ Scandic Hotels)

Michael Symon. Michael Symon has four restaurants in the Cleveland area and won the title of Iron Chef. He has been honored with countless awards including the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Great Lakes. Symon is also a co-host on The Chew.

(Credit: flickr/Edsel Little)

Julie Ruggirello is the Recipe Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @TDMRecipeEditor.