10 Best Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

'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.

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.

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.