10 Best Beginner Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

From Crook to Cook by Snoop Dogg offers a unique blend of soul food recipes with a celebrity twist, making it an intriguing option for beginner cooks. The cookbook stands out with its approachable recipe complexity, ensuring that novice chefs are not overwhelmed. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions that are clear and easy to follow, helping users navigate the cooking process without confusion. The ingredients used in the recipes are generally accessible, allowing beginners to find what they need without much hassle.

Snoop Dogg's expertise in the kitchen might not be traditional, but his passion for food shines through, adding a personal and engaging touch to the book. The cooking techniques introduced are straightforward, which is beneficial for those just starting their culinary journey. Visually, the cookbook is appealing, featuring bright, colorful photographs that guide and inspire readers.

Some may find the celebrity aspect to be a bit gimmicky, and those seeking intensive culinary knowledge may need to look elsewhere. However, for beginners who want an enjoyable and easy-to-follow introduction to cooking, this cookbook does a good job. Its hardcover format and reasonable size make it a durable kitchen companion.

The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs is designed for young cooks, specifically those in grades 4 to 8, and features over 100 recipes. The cookbook excels in providing step-by-step instructions, which are clear and easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners. The recipes vary in complexity, which can help young chefs gradually build their skills. Most ingredients used in the recipes are accessible and can be found in a standard grocery store, making it convenient for young cooks and their parents.

The cooking techniques introduced in the book are fundamental, offering a good learning experience for children who are just starting out in the kitchen. The visual appeal of the cookbook is noteworthy, with plenty of colorful images that make the recipes enticing and easier to understand. The book is authored by America's Test Kitchen, known for their expertise in creating reliable and tested recipes, ensuring the instructions are trustworthy.

However, the book's weight and size might be slightly cumbersome for younger kids to handle. Additionally, while the Lexile measure indicates it's appropriate for reading ages 8 and up, some younger kids may still require adult assistance. In summary, this cookbook is a strong choice for young chefs due to its accessible ingredients, clear instructions, and educational cooking techniques, though it could benefit from being more child-friendly in terms of physical handling and reading level for the youngest users.

The New Cooking School Cookbook: Fundamentals is a solid choice for beginner cooks who want to build a strong foundation in the kitchen. With 680 pages, it offers a wide variety of recipes that are designed to be approachable without overwhelming complexity. The step-by-step instructions are clear and detailed, making it easier for those new to cooking to follow along and gain confidence. The book is published by America’s Test Kitchen, known for thorough testing and reliable recipes, which adds to its credibility and usefulness for beginners. It also covers essential cooking techniques that help you understand why certain steps matter, which is great for learning beyond just following recipes.

Ingredient accessibility is generally good since the recipes focus on common items, although some dishes might call for specialty ingredients that could be less convenient for casual shoppers. While the book is thick and substantial, indicating a comprehensive resource, it might feel a bit dense for those looking for quick or very simple meals. The visual appeal includes helpful photos and illustrations, which assist in understanding the process and final results.

This cookbook suits anyone starting out who wants to learn proper cooking methods and expand their skills with reliable recipes, though it may be a bit much if you prefer very quick or minimalist cooking guides.