10 Best Cookbooks Books 2026 in the United States

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook offers a comprehensive collection of 500 recipes, making it a great resource for anyone interested in Mediterranean cuisine. This cookbook excels in providing a variety of recipes that cater to different skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks. The focus on Mediterranean cuisine means it features healthy, flavorful dishes that often align with dietary preferences such as low-carb, vegetarian, and heart-healthy options.

Ingredient accessibility is generally good, with many recipes using common items available in most grocery stores. Some specialized ingredients may be harder to find, depending on your location, but alternatives are often suggested. The book's visual appeal is enhanced by clear, enticing photos and an easy-to-read layout.

Authored by America's Test Kitchen, the expertise behind this cookbook is reliable, with thoroughly tested and well-explained recipes. One potential drawback is the book's physical size and weight, which might make it less portable. However, its extensive content and detailed instructions outweigh this minor inconvenience, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

The 'Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Gift Edition' is designed to cater to couples or small households with its vast collection of over 700 recipes, ensuring there's something for everyone. This book covers a wide range of cuisine types, making it suitable for varying tastes and occasions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, the recipes are tailored to be accessible, though some might require a bit more culinary skill.

Dietary preferences are generally well-considered, with options for various diets, but those with very specific restrictions might find the variety somewhat limited. A major strength of this cookbook is its focus on recipe variety, ensuring you won't get bored cooking the same things repeatedly. Ingredients are generally easy to find, though a few recipes might call for specialty items that could require a trip to a more well-stocked grocery store.

The visual appeal of the book is strong, with clear, enticing photographs that make the recipes look achievable and delicious. The expertise of America's Test Kitchen, a well-respected name in the culinary world, lends credibility and reliability to the recipes and cooking techniques presented. Despite its large size and weight making it somewhat cumbersome for everyday use in a small kitchen, this cookbook is ideal for couples or small households looking to expand their culinary repertoire with reliable, diverse, and well-tested recipes.

Betty Crocker's Cooky Book is a classic choice for anyone interested in baking cookies, suitable for both beginners and casual bakers. The book primarily focuses on cookie recipes from a variety of traditional American and some international influences, making it a good fit if you enjoy classic and approachable treats. It offers a moderate skill level, with recipes that are generally easy to follow and don’t require advanced baking experience. The ingredient list mostly includes common pantry staples, so you won’t have to hunt for hard-to-find items.

While the book does not emphasize specific dietary preferences like gluten-free or vegan options, it covers a broad enough variety of cookie types that almost everyone can find something enjoyable. The recipe variety is solid given the book’s size, featuring different cookie styles such as drop cookies, bars, and rolled cookies, which keeps things interesting without overwhelming you. Visually, the book is somewhat basic compared to newer cookbooks—it doesn’t have many glossy photos or step-by-step images, which might make it less appealing if you rely on visuals for guidance.

Betty Crocker’s long-standing reputation and expertise in baking add a trustworthy element to the recipes, providing confidence that the instructions will work as intended. At around 160 pages, the book is compact and user-friendly, making it a handy resource for anyone wanting to bake a variety of cookies without too much fuss.