10 Best Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook is a comprehensive guide featuring 500 vibrant, kitchen-tested recipes that emphasize living and eating well. Its focus on Mediterranean cuisine offers a delightful range of flavors, ideal for those who enjoy or are curious about this healthy and diverse diet. The cookbook spans from simple dishes to more complex creations, making it suitable for cooks of varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.

The recipes cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and heart-healthy options, which is beneficial for those with specific dietary needs or health goals. Recipe variety is a strong point, as the book covers a broad spectrum of meals, from appetizers to desserts, ensuring there's something for everyone. Ingredients are generally accessible, with most being available at local grocery stores or easily substituted, which makes daily cooking practical.

The visual appeal is high, with beautiful and appetizing photos that inspire and guide the cooking process. Authored by America’s Test Kitchen, the book benefits from the expertise and detailed testing that the brand is known for, providing reliable and well-explained recipes. The book's size and weight might make it less portable, and its extensive number of recipes could be overwhelming for some users. While the Mediterranean focus is a strength, those looking for a more diverse range of global cuisines might find it limiting. This cookbook is perfect for anyone committed to the Mediterranean diet or looking to incorporate healthier, flavorful meals into their routine.

The 'America's Test Kitchen 25th Anniversary Cookbook' is a comprehensive collection of 500 recipes that have significantly influenced American cooking over the past quarter-century. The cuisine type is broadly American, covering a wide range of dishes from comfort food to modern culinary innovations, making it suitable for a diverse audience. The skill level required to use this cookbook varies, offering both simple, beginner-friendly recipes and more complex dishes for experienced cooks, which makes it versatile for different users.

Dietary preferences are addressed to some extent, with recipes catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, though the primary focus is on traditional American cooking which might limit options for more niche dietary needs. The recipe variety is impressive, providing a wealth of options across different meal types and occasions, ensuring that users can find recipes for everyday cooking as well as special events. Ingredient accessibility is generally good, with most recipes using common ingredients that can be found in standard grocery stores, although some specialized recipes may include harder-to-find items.

The visual appeal of the cookbook is enhanced by high-quality photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions, making it visually engaging and easy to follow. The author's expertise is evident throughout the book, with America's Test Kitchen known for its rigorous testing and reliable recipes, which assures users of the quality and success of the dishes. However, the book's large size and weight might make it cumbersome for some users to handle. Additionally, its focus on American cuisine could be limiting for those seeking more international or diverse culinary experiences.

'Martha: The Cookbook' by Martha Stewart is an extensive collection of 100 favorite recipes that combines practical cooking lessons with personal stories from the author's own kitchen. Martha Stewart's reputation as a culinary expert adds a significant level of credibility to this cookbook. The recipes cover a broad range of cuisine types, making it suitable for those who enjoy exploring different tastes and dishes.

Given Martha's expertise, the skill level required for these recipes can vary from beginner to advanced, providing a learning curve for new cooks while still challenging seasoned ones. The cookbook is likely to include a variety of dietary preferences, though it may not cater specifically to niche diets like vegan or gluten-free. Ingredient accessibility is expected to be reasonable, as Martha often emphasizes the use of fresh, common ingredients that should be available at most grocery stores.

The visual appeal of the cookbook is another strong point, with high-quality photographs that inspire and guide readers through the cooking process. The hardcover format and substantial page count make it a durable and comprehensive addition to any kitchen. On the downside, the weight and size of the book could make it less convenient to handle or store in smaller kitchens. Furthermore, while the recipes are varied, those looking for highly specialized or modern dietary trends might find the selection less accommodating. In summary, 'Martha: The Cookbook' is an excellent choice for home cooks who appreciate a blend of classic and inventive recipes, enjoy learning from a seasoned expert, and value visually appealing cookbooks.