Yellowstone Chef Gator Releases Official Dutton Ranch Cookbook: From Set Meals to Home Kitchens
Fans of Yellowstone are in for a treat as Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau brings the flavors of the Dutton Ranch to kitchens across America with his new cookbook. The personal chef for the show's cast and crew, who occasionally appears on screen as the Dutton family's chef, has compiled his favorite recipes in "Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook," published by Simon & Schuster.
Gator's journey with Yellowstone began with a midnight call to rescue a troubled production kitchen. What started as an emergency culinary intervention evolved into both a lasting behind-the-scenes role and an on-screen character. His cookbook captures more than just recipes—it embodies the "Gator Vibe," a welcoming atmosphere of good food, music, coffee, and storytelling that has become an essential part of the Yellowstone experience.
Key Takeaways
Chef Gator transitioned from behind-the-scenes emergency hire to becoming an integral part of the Yellowstone experience both on and off camera.
The cookbook features accessible home-style recipes that create meaningful connections through food memories, including Kevin Costner's favorite chicken and dumplings.
Transforming instinctual cooking skills into precise written recipes presented the biggest challenge in creating this authentic collection of Dutton Ranch cuisine.
Guest Spotlight
Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau's Culinary Contribution
Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau serves as both the real-life chef for the cast and crew of Yellowstone and occasionally appears on-screen as the Dutton family's personal chef. His journey with the show began unexpectedly with a midnight phone call requesting his culinary expertise. Without even knowing it was for Yellowstone, he was simply told "a cowboy in charge was very hungry and perhaps a little agitated" - later revealed to be Taylor Sheridan.
Despite having no acting experience, Gilbeau was invited to play himself on the show. "I told him right away I'm not an actor," Gilbeau explains. The response was simply to "go do Gator stuff," which he's been successfully doing ever since. His contribution extends beyond feeding the cast, as he creates what he calls a "Gator Vibe" on set with good music, coffee, and storytelling.
In March 2025, Gilbeau released "Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook" through Simon & Schuster. The cookbook features recipes from the show and his personal collection, including favorites like:
Lee's garlic butter steak bites
Potato corn chowder
Fry bread
Chicken and dumplings (reportedly Kevin Costner's favorite)
Vegan Encounter Scene
One of Gilbeau's memorable appearances on Yellowstone involves a humorous interaction with John Dutton's vegan love interest. In the scene, she inquires whether anything available doesn't have "a heartbeat." Gator offers orange juice, only to be questioned about whether it's non-GMO.
When Gator admits confusion about the term, she explains: "It means the scientists didn't alter the DNA of the orange to make more money and ravage our bodies." His honest reply—"I just buy big bags from the grocery store"—captures the cultural clash between traditional ranch cooking and modern dietary preferences.
Gilbeau found writing the cookbook challenging, as he traditionally cooks by instinct rather than following precise measurements. "It was incredibly difficult to transfer stuff that I've been doing for years... that I just did by sense, by taste and touch," he explains. For him, the most rewarding aspect of cooking is seeing people enjoy his food and potentially connecting them to cherished memories of home cooking.
Cookbook Chronicles
Yellowstone Ranch Culinary Collection
Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau, who serves as both the real-life chef for the Yellowstone cast and crew and occasionally appears as the Dutton family's personal chef on the show, has released his highly anticipated cookbook. The collection features signature recipes from the hit series along with dishes inspired by his personal experiences. In one memorable scene from the show, Gator attempts to accommodate a vegan visitor to the ranch, comically offering orange juice as the only non-heartbeat option available.
Publishing Details
The cookbook is distributed by Simon & Schuster, bringing Gator's rustic culinary creations to home kitchens everywhere. Available now at all major book retailers, the collection offers fans a taste of the Yellowstone lifestyle. The publication features accessible recipes that Gator describes as simple, good food—including popular items like Lee's garlic butter steak bites.
Corporate Connections
The cookbook project falls under the broader Paramount Global umbrella, the parent company that oversees both the publishing house and the Yellowstone franchise. This corporate relationship helped bring Gator's culinary expertise from the remote Montana set to kitchens nationwide. The timing coincides with Yellowstone's broadcast television debut, as Season 1 begins airing on CBS.
Gator joined the Yellowstone team after receiving a midnight call to rescue a troubled food situation on set. Initially unaware he was joining the now-famous series, he was simply told "a cowboy was in charge, very hungry, and perhaps a little agitated"—referring to show creator Taylor Sheridan. What began as emergency culinary assistance evolved into both a permanent position feeding the cast and crew and an on-screen role.
The chef's "Gator Vibe"—combining good music, coffee, quality food, and storytelling—has become integral to the Yellowstone experience. Despite having no acting background, Sheridan encouraged him to "do Gator stuff" on camera, which has worked well for several seasons.
Creating the cookbook presented a unique challenge, as Gator had never formally written down his recipes before:
"It's incredibly difficult to transfer stuff that I've been doing for years... that I just did by sense, by taste and touch. I knew the recipes in my head, kind of old school, and to actually put pen to paper and come up with measurements and portions—that was very difficult."
Popular recipes in the collection include:
Potato corn chowder
Fry bread
Chicken and dumplings (Kevin Costner's reported favorite)
Cooking Experience
Garlic Butter Steak Bites - A Fan Favorite
The garlic butter steak bites recipe has become quite popular among Yellowstone enthusiasts. Originally designed as an appetizer, many fans have adapted it into a delicious main course option. This versatile dish captures the essence of ranch cooking - simple, flavorful, and satisfying.
The recipe transforms ordinary steak into savory, bite-sized morsels enhanced with rich garlic butter. Even those with limited cooking experience can successfully prepare this dish, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The combination of quality beef with aromatic garlic creates a memorable flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.
Culinary Philosophy in the Kitchen
The approach to cooking emphasizes creating genuine connections through food. Rather than following strict measurements, cooking often happens by sense, taste, and touch - an intuitive process developed through years of experience. This old-school methodology prioritizes flavor and feeling over precise formulas.
Creating dishes that evoke core memories or transport diners to their grandmother's kitchen represents the heartbeat of this cooking style. The goal isn't merely to serve food but to help people enjoy eating again through authentic home cooking. Even in remote locations with challenging conditions, the power of a well-prepared meal brings comfort and connection.
Music, coffee, and good storytelling complement the dining experience, creating an inviting atmosphere beyond just the meal itself. This comprehensive approach has become an integral part of the Yellowstone production environment. For many visitors to the set, the kitchen serves as the essential first stop to truly understand the spirit of the ranch.
Bold flavors appear throughout various signature dishes, including:
Potato corn chowder
Fry bread
Chicken and dumplings (a particular favorite)
The philosophy remains consistent: cooking represents one of the most loving acts one person can do for another.
Behind-the-Scenes
The Midnight Recruitment for Yellowstone
Chef Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau's journey with Yellowstone began with an unexpected midnight phone call on a Friday. He wasn't told he would be joining the popular television series—only that "a cowboy in charge was very hungry and perhaps a little agitated." This cowboy turned out to be Taylor Sheridan, the show's creator.
The urgent call came at precisely midnight, with little information about what he was getting into. Gator immediately jumped into action, arriving at 1:00 AM and working straight through to prepare breakfast for the cast and crew. This quick response and his culinary skills created an immediate connection with the production team.
Despite having no acting experience, Gator was invited to appear on-screen. When he expressed concern about his lack of acting background, he was simply told to "go do Gator stuff"—which has worked out well for him ever since.
The Culinary Challenges of Remote Filming
Feeding the Yellowstone cast and crew presented unique difficulties due to the show's extreme filming conditions and remote locations. The production takes place in mountainous terrain with challenging weather and limited resources, requiring significant adaptability from the culinary team.
Gator created what he calls a "Gator Vibe" on set—a welcoming atmosphere with good music, coffee, excellent food, and engaging stories. This environment became so central to the Yellowstone experience that Gator's kitchen became the first stop for visitors to the set.
For the chef, the most rewarding aspect of his role is seeing people enjoy food again and potentially connecting them with core memories. "If I'm lucky, maybe I can bring them back to their grandmother's kitchen or their mama's kitchen," he explains. The combination of delicious home cooking against Montana's breathtaking mountain scenery creates a special dining experience for everyone involved.
Working with Taylor Sheridan and the Cast
Gator's relationship with the show's creator Taylor Sheridan began on that first night when he was called to "feed the cowboy." Their immediate connection led to Gator's expanded role both behind and in front of the camera.
The chef describes Kevin Costner as "a real simple man" who particularly enjoys his chicken and dumplings recipe—a dish that has become a favorite among many cast members. This straightforward approach to cooking hearty, satisfying meals aligns perfectly with the show's rugged aesthetic.
Gator's culinary contributions have become an integral part of the Yellowstone experience. His approach to food focuses on comforting, familiar recipes rather than complicated dishes, reflecting the authentic ranch lifestyle portrayed in the series. The connection between food and storytelling is evident both in Gator's cooking and in his contributions to the show's narrative.
The Yellowstone Kitchen Essence
Cajun Roots Impact
The culinary experience on Yellowstone draws deeply from authentic Cajun heritage. This cultural foundation shapes not just the food but the entire dining atmosphere. Chef Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau brings his Louisiana background to every dish served on set.
Many recipes in the official Yellowstone cookbook reflect traditional cooking methods that rely on instinct rather than precise measurements. Transforming these intuitive cooking practices into written recipes proved challenging for Gator. "It was incredibly difficult to transfer stuff that I've been doing for years... that I just did by sense, by taste and touch," he explains.
Creating Ambiance During Production
The kitchen serves as the first essential stop for anyone visiting the Yellowstone set. Gator considers his culinary space an integral part of the Yellowstone experience that helps everyone get "in the zone" for ranch life.
Music, coffee, and good storytelling accompany the food preparation, creating a welcoming environment even in remote Montana locations. This atmosphere has become particularly important given the extreme conditions and remote filming locations.
The goal extends beyond mere sustenance to creating meaningful food experiences. Gator aims to connect people with core memories through his cooking, making them feel as if they're "sitting in their grandmother's kitchen or their mama's kitchen."
Popular dishes include chicken and dumplings (Kevin Costner's favorite), potato corn chowder, and fry bread - all recipes featured in the official Dutton Ranch cookbook.
Recipe Development Challenges
Creating a cookbook requires translating culinary intuition into precise instructions that anyone can follow. This process presents unique challenges, especially for chefs who rely on experience rather than formal measurements.
Converting Intuitive Cooking to Written Recipes
The transformation from chef's instinct to documented recipe represents one of the most significant hurdles in cookbook creation. For professional chefs who cook by feel, taste, and memory, quantifying their culinary knowledge proves exceptionally difficult.
"It's incredibly difficult to transfer stuff that I've been doing for years by sense, by taste and touch," explains the Yellowstone set chef. "I knew the recipes in my head—old school, very much so."
The challenge involves:
Converting instinctual measurements into precise tablespoons, cups, and ounces
Documenting cooking times that were previously judged by appearance or feel
Standardizing techniques that came naturally without conscious thought
Many established chefs never relied on written instructions, keeping recipes "here" (pointing to their head) rather than on paper. This mental cookbook, while effective for professional cooking, creates obstacles when sharing these culinary creations with the public.
The process requires meticulous testing to ensure consistency and reproducibility. What works intuitively in a professional kitchen must be translated into clear steps that home cooks can follow without the chef's years of experience guiding them.
Highlighted Recipes
Potato Corn Chowder
This delicious recipe stands out as a fan favorite from the Yellowstone cookbook. The potato corn chowder represents comfort food at its finest, combining hearty potatoes with sweet corn in a rich, creamy base. Chef Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau developed this recipe during his time cooking for the cast and crew in Montana's remote filming locations.
The chowder balances rustic flavors with refined technique, making it perfect for both casual family meals and special occasions. Many cast members specifically request this dish during cold shooting days in the mountains.
Rip's Fry Bread
This signature dish pays homage to one of Yellowstone's most beloved characters. The fry bread features a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining a soft, pillowy inside - a balance that took Chef Gator multiple attempts to perfect for the cookbook.
The recipe incorporates traditional techniques with Gator's unique Cajun influence. According to the chef, this dish regularly disappears from the catering table within minutes when served on set.
Key features:
Quick preparation time
Simple ingredients
Versatile serving options (sweet or savory)
The Biscuits
Chef Gator's biscuit recipe has achieved legendary status among the Yellowstone cast and crew. These flaky, buttery creations have become a morning staple on set, often served alongside hearty breakfast options before long shooting days.
The recipe is described as "very makeable" for home cooks, requiring basic ingredients but delivering professional results. The biscuits pair perfectly with both sweet toppings like honey or jam, and savory accompaniments such as country gravy.
These biscuits represent Gator's cooking philosophy - creating simple, delicious food that connects people to cherished memories around the table. Their popularity extends beyond the set, with many cast members requesting the recipe to make at home.
Food Connections That Matter
Making Memories Through Home Cooking
Food has always been more than just sustenance—it creates bonds between people and fosters meaningful connections. As a chef for both the cast and crew of Yellowstone and occasionally appearing on screen as the Dutton family's personal chef, I've witnessed firsthand how meals bring people together.
The power of cooking lies in its ability to transport people to special moments from their past. When someone tastes a dish that reminds them of their grandmother's kitchen or their mother's special recipe, it creates an instant emotional connection. These food memories become anchored in our hearts and minds.
Cooking for others is one of the most genuine expressions of care and affection. The act of preparing a meal, considering others' preferences, and serving it with love communicates something words often cannot. This sentiment rings especially true in remote filming locations where comfort food becomes even more meaningful.
The atmosphere surrounding a meal matters just as much as the food itself. Good music, fresh coffee, a hearty dish, and engaging conversation create the perfect environment for connection. These elements combine to establish a welcoming space where people can relax and be themselves.
Simple, well-prepared dishes often create the strongest connections. Whether it's chicken and dumplings, potato corn chowder, or garlic butter steak bites, these approachable recipes speak to people on a fundamental level. They don't need to be complicated to be meaningful.
The greatest reward for any cook comes from watching others enjoy their food. When diners clean their plates and express genuine appreciation, it validates all the effort that went into the meal. These moments of shared enjoyment strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.
![Table: Popular Comfort Foods]
Dish Appeal Chicken & Dumplings Reminds people of home cooking Garlic Butter Steak Bites Simple yet satisfying Potato Corn Chowder Hearty and comforting Fry Bread Cultural connection
Beautiful surroundings can enhance dining experiences significantly. Enjoying a home-cooked meal against the backdrop of Montana's mountains creates a special ambiance that elevates every bite.
Celebrity Food Preferences
Kevin Costner's Favorite Meal
Kevin Costner, known for his role as John Dutton in the hit series Yellowstone, has simple food preferences despite his star status. According to Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau, the personal chef for the Yellowstone cast and crew, Costner particularly enjoys the chicken and dumplings recipe featured in the official cookbook.
Gator, who not only cooks for the production but also occasionally appears on screen as the Dutton family chef, has developed a close working relationship with the cast over the years. The chicken and dumplings dish stands out as a favorite not just for Costner but for many on set.
The recipe appears in "Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook," published by Simon & Schuster, which features numerous dishes prepared during filming. The cookbook provides fans with an opportunity to experience the same home-style cooking that the actors enjoy between takes while filming in the beautiful Montana landscape.
Promotion
Cookbook Now Available
The "Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook" is now available for purchase at all major book retailers. This collection features authentic recipes from the hit series, including fan favorites like Lee's Garlic Butter Steak Bites and the popular Chicken and Dumplings that Kevin Costner particularly enjoys. The cookbook combines traditional ranch cuisine with Cajun influences, reflecting Chef Gabriel "Gator" Gilbeau's heritage and culinary style.
Creating this cookbook presented unique challenges for Chef Gilbeau, who had to translate his intuitive cooking style into precise measurements and instructions. His cooking philosophy emphasizes simple, flavorful dishes that evoke nostalgic memories and create comfortable dining experiences. The book showcases his talent for preparing delicious meals even in remote locations and extreme conditions.
Television Series Airing Schedule
Beginning Sunday, March 9, 2025, viewers can watch Season 1 of Yellowstone on CBS for the first time. This marks a significant milestone as the series transitions to broadcast television, making it accessible to a wider audience. The show features Chef Gilbeau not only as the real-life chef for the cast and crew but also in his recurring role as Gator, the personal chef for the Dutton family.
The series showcases authentic ranch life, including memorable culinary scenes that highlight the importance of food in bringing people together. Fans of the show will recognize dishes from pivotal moments, such as the humorous interaction between Gator and John Dutton's vegan love interest about food options at the ranch.
