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 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' by Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a popular choice among home cooks. The author brings her extensive culinary expertise to the table, ensuring that the recipes are both reliable and delicious. The cookbook focuses on a variety of dinner recipes, making it suitable for those who frequently prepare evening meals at home.

The recipes cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks, providing clear instructions and tips to help users achieve great results. The book covers multiple cuisine types, primarily focusing on American and comfort food, with some international influences sprinkled throughout. This variety can keep meals interesting and cater to different tastes and preferences.

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its visual appeal. The high-quality photographs are not only beautiful but also serve as a helpful guide for presentation and plating. Additionally, the ingredient lists are generally accessible, with most items available at local grocery stores. Despite its size and weight, which might make it a bit cumbersome to handle in the kitchen, its hardcover format ensures durability. 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' is an excellent resource for home cooks looking to expand their dinner repertoire with reliable and visually appealing recipes.

'Ottolenghi Simple' by renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi is a beautifully illustrated cookbook that aims to simplify complex flavors for home cooks. The cuisine type primarily revolves around Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, offering vibrant and diverse flavors. The book is designed for varying skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks, with clear and concise instructions. However, some recipes might still seem a bit elaborate for those looking for truly minimalistic cooking.

'Ottolenghi Simple' does a commendable job of catering to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. This makes it versatile for households with diverse dietary needs. Recipe variety is another strength of the cookbook, with a wide range of dishes from appetizers to desserts, ensuring there's something for every meal and occasion. While the ingredient lists are generally accessible, some might require visits to specialty stores, especially for those outside urban areas.

Visually, the cookbook is stunning, with high-quality photographs that inspire and guide the cooking process. Yotam Ottolenghi's expertise as a celebrated chef is evident throughout the book, providing readers with reliable and delicious recipes. Nonetheless, the hardcover format makes the book somewhat bulky and heavy at 3.5 pounds, which could be a minor inconvenience for handling in the kitchen. 'Ottolenghi Simple' is a great addition to any kitchen, particularly for those who appreciate bold flavors and enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and techniques.