10 Best Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

'Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' offers a variety of recipes focused on classic comfort dishes with a modern twist, making it ideal for home cooks who enjoy familiar flavors with a bit of refinement. The cuisine leans towards approachable American and European-style comfort food, crafted by Ina Garten, a well-known food personality with a strong reputation for simple yet delicious meals. The skill level is generally accessible, suitable for beginners to intermediate cooks, as Garten’s recipes typically emphasize clear instructions without overly complex techniques.

The cookbook provides a good range of recipes, focusing more on hearty, satisfying meals rather than specialized dietary preferences like vegan or gluten-free. Ingredient lists mostly include pantry staples and common fresh items, so most recipes should be convenient to prepare without hunting down rare products. The book’s visual appeal is enhanced by its clean layout and quality photography, which helps readers visualize the dishes and encourages confidence in trying out the recipes.

Spanning 256 pages, this cookbook is a solid choice for those looking to expand their weeknight dinner options or impress guests with comforting, elegant meals. It may not suit cooks seeking strictly health-focused or highly experimental cuisine, but it excels at delivering dependable, tasty food made with easy-to-find ingredients. Fans of the Barefoot Contessa series or anyone wanting reliable comfort food recipes will likely find it a valuable addition to their kitchen library.

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 Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition, is a classic choice for home cooks looking for a reliable and comprehensive kitchen guide. It covers a wide variety of recipes spanning many popular American and international dishes, making it versatile for different tastes and occasions. The book is designed to suit cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced users, with clear instructions and helpful tips that make cooking approachable.

While it doesn't focus on a specific diet, it includes a range of recipes that can fit into various dietary preferences, though it may not be as specialized as cookbooks dedicated to vegan, keto, or gluten-free diets. Ingredient accessibility is a strong point here—most recipes use common, easy-to-find items, which is great for everyday cooking without needing hard-to-get ingredients. The book is quite large, with over 700 pages, and includes photos and illustrations that help guide the cooking process, though the visual style is practical rather than flashy.

Betty Crocker’s long-standing reputation as a trusted kitchen authority shines through, giving confidence to users following the recipes. Those looking for trendy or highly specialized cuisine might find it a bit traditional. This cookbook serves as a dependable, all-around cooking companion that supports learning and experimenting with classic and familiar dishes.