10 Best Cookbooks 2026 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 'Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Gift Edition' offers a comprehensive collection with over 700 recipes tailored for two people. The cuisine type is diverse, ranging from simple everyday meals to more elaborate dishes, making it suitable for varied tastes. The skill level is approachable, catering to both beginners and more experienced cooks. This makes it versatile for couples who may have different cooking abilities or want to improve their skills together.

Dietary preferences are addressed to some extent, with options for vegetarians and those looking for healthier choices, though it might not cover all specialized diets extensively. Recipe variety is a strong point, ensuring readers won't run out of new dishes to try. Ingredient accessibility is considered, with most recipes using common ingredients that can be found in local supermarkets, although some might require a bit of searching for specific items.

Visual appeal is satisfactory, with clear and engaging food photography that can inspire users to try the recipes. The author's expertise shines through, as America's Test Kitchen is well-regarded for its meticulous recipe testing and reliability. However, the weight and dimensions of the book might make it cumbersome for some users to handle, and the hardcover format may not be as convenient for quick kitchen reference. This cookbook is a solid choice for couples who enjoy cooking and want a reliable resource with a wide range of recipes.

'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.