Chef Mel
A journey from New York to Paris and back
Meet Mel
Chef Melodie "Mel" Asseraf fell in love with baking at a young age. After graduating from Northeastern University and earning her pastry diploma from the French Culinary Institute, she set out on a journey that would take her from New York City to the heart of Paris.
In Paris, Mel trained under some of the greatest pastry masters of our time — Pierre Hermé, François Payard, and Laurent Duchêne. Their teachings in classical French technique became the foundation of everything she creates.
Today, with over 15 years of expertise, Mel is a two-time Food Network Chopped Champion, published cookbook author, and the founder and CEO of Bake It with Mel — sharing her passion for pastry with a community of hundreds of thousands.
From Classroom to Champion
Northeastern University & French Culinary Institute
Earned a college degree and pastry diploma with a focus on bread-making and classical technique.
Training Under the Masters
Studied with Pierre Hermé, François Payard, and Laurent Duchêne — three of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world.
Opens Les Sucreries de Melodie
Launched her own bakery in Paris's 16th arrondissement, introducing the rainbow cake to France for the first time.
Salon du Chocolat
Created the first-ever edible cupcake dress for the Salon du Chocolat fashion show in both Paris and London.
French Television
Appeared on Top Chef France, M6, TF1, and 100% Mag, with hundreds of press features across French media.
Corporate Events
Hired by Sephora, Benefit, The Body Shop, and British Airways to create branded pastry experiences for their clients.
2X Chopped Champion
Returned to the U.S. and won Food Network's Chopped — not once, but twice.
Founds Bake It with Mel
Launched the first-ever chef-curated baking kits shipped nationwide, inspired by Instagram's trending recipes.
Debut Cookbook Published
Released Sweet Treats from Brownies to Brioche — 100 recipes, 10 ingredients, pure French technique.
Chef, Author, Educator
Private pastry chef for celebrities, bakery consultant, content creator, and baking educator with 500K+ followers across platforms.
Opening a bakery in Paris at twenty-six taught me that the most beautiful things are built with patience, precision, and a little bit of butter.
Chef Mel
As Featured In
The Next Chapter
Chef Mel's vision extends far beyond the kitchen. By 2030, she aims to launch her own television show and build Bake It with Mel into a multi-million-dollar brand — making French pastry accessible to home bakers everywhere.
Work with Mel