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10 Best Cookbooks Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,343
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Recipe Variety

Most important from
21019 reviews

Cuisine Type
Supporting liver health with this cookbook has been fantastic, especially with its healthy and flavorful fish dishes.
Skill Level
This cookbook has transformed my cooking skills, teaching me how to choose, mix, and prepare ingredients with confidence.
Recipe Variety
After a year of use and making over 125 recipes, all but one dish has ranged from good to great.
Ingredient Accessibility
Recipes might take more than 40 minutes to prepare, and while most ingredients are available at grocery stores, they might not be items you already have.
Author Expertise
The recipes are not just delicious but also come with helpful tips, like deveining shrimp and zesting lemons, and nutritional information for each dish.

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.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,343
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Recipe Variety

Most important from
21019 reviews

Cuisine Type
Supporting liver health with this cookbook has been fantastic, especially with its healthy and flavorful fish dishes.
Skill Level
This cookbook has transformed my cooking skills, teaching me how to choose, mix, and prepare ingredients with confidence.
Recipe Variety
After a year of use and making over 125 recipes, all but one dish has ranged from good to great.
Ingredient Accessibility
Recipes might take more than 40 minutes to prepare, and while most ingredients are available at grocery stores, they might not be items you already have.
Author Expertise
The recipes are not just delicious but also come with helpful tips, like deveining shrimp and zesting lemons, and nutritional information for each dish.
#2

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Rating
9.6
Skill Level
Recipe Variety
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
2027 reviews

Skill Level
Ina Garten's recipes are foolproof, making this an excellent first cookbook.
Recipe Variety
The book shines with its selection of durable recipes that were proven in Garten's store and catering business.
Ingredient Accessibility
The cookbook is very accessible, more so than other high-end cookbooks, making it suitable for everyday use.
Visual Appeal
Visually appealing photographs inspire and guide the reader.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is a well-regarded choice for those interested in American cuisine with a focus on simplicity and elegance. It is authored by Ina Garten, a highly respected and experienced cook, which lends substantial credibility to the content. The recipes cater to various skill levels, making it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.

The book offers a variety of recipes, ranging from appetizers to desserts, ensuring there's something for everyone. The ingredient list is generally comprised of accessible items, although some may be more easily found in specialty stores. Visually, the book is appealing, featuring high-quality photographs that can inspire and guide the reader.

As a used book in good condition, it provides a cost-effective option for those looking to add a classic cookbook to their collection. Its dimensions and weight make it sturdy yet manageable for kitchen use. It's a solid option for anyone looking to explore straightforward, flavorful recipes with a touch of sophistication.

Rating
9.6
Skill Level
Recipe Variety
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
2027 reviews

Skill Level
Ina Garten's recipes are foolproof, making this an excellent first cookbook.
Recipe Variety
The book shines with its selection of durable recipes that were proven in Garten's store and catering business.
Ingredient Accessibility
The cookbook is very accessible, more so than other high-end cookbooks, making it suitable for everyday use.
Visual Appeal
Visually appealing photographs inspire and guide the reader.
#3

Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook

Rating
9.4
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Dietary Preferences

Most important from
9242 reviews

Cuisine Type
This is Ottolenghi's best cookbook yet, especially for American home cooks.
Skill Level
The recipes are very doable even for an experienced home cook, and I think many of these I could do with my twelve-year-old cousin.
Dietary Preferences
The veggie dishes are fabulous and can be whipped up with what you already have on hand.
Recipe Variety
The 'SIMPLE' system helps you choose recipes based on your needs, whether it's quick prep, few ingredients, or make-ahead options.
Ingredient Accessibility
Ingredient lists are accurate, and instructions are easy to understand, making the cooking process smooth.
Visual Appeal
Most recipes are approachable, with detailed instructions and beautiful photos to guide you.

Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook is created by the renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi, which brings a wealth of expertise to the table. The cookbook focuses on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, known for its rich flavors and healthy ingredients. It is suitable for home cooks of all skill levels, providing clear instructions and well-organized recipes. This makes it a great choice for both beginners and more experienced cooks looking to explore new flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

The recipes cater to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free options, offering something for everyone. However, it may not be the best fit for those strictly following vegan or specific dietary regimes without modification. A wide range of dishes is covered, from appetizers to desserts, ensuring you have plenty of choices for different occasions. The ingredients, while mostly accessible, do sometimes include specialty items that might require a trip to a dedicated grocery store or online purchase.

The visual appeal of the cookbook is high, with beautiful photographs accompanying many of the recipes, which can be very inspiring and helpful for presentation ideas. The hardcover format and quality printing add to its durability and overall value. 'Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook' is an excellent addition to any kitchen, particularly for those interested in Mediterranean cuisine and looking to elevate their cooking with straightforward yet impressive recipes.

Rating
9.4
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Dietary Preferences

Most important from
9242 reviews

Cuisine Type
This is Ottolenghi's best cookbook yet, especially for American home cooks.
Skill Level
The recipes are very doable even for an experienced home cook, and I think many of these I could do with my twelve-year-old cousin.
Dietary Preferences
The veggie dishes are fabulous and can be whipped up with what you already have on hand.
Recipe Variety
The 'SIMPLE' system helps you choose recipes based on your needs, whether it's quick prep, few ingredients, or make-ahead options.
Ingredient Accessibility
Ingredient lists are accurate, and instructions are easy to understand, making the cooking process smooth.
Visual Appeal
Most recipes are approachable, with detailed instructions and beautiful photos to guide you.

Buying Guide for the Best Cookbooks Books

Choosing the right cookbook can be a delightful yet overwhelming task, given the vast array of options available. The key to finding the perfect cookbook lies in understanding your own cooking needs, preferences, and skill level. By focusing on a few key specifications, you can narrow down your choices and select a cookbook that will not only inspire you but also help you improve your culinary skills.
Cuisine TypeCuisine type refers to the specific style of cooking that the cookbook focuses on, such as Italian, Mexican, or Asian. This is important because it aligns with your taste preferences and the type of dishes you enjoy eating and preparing. If you love a particular cuisine, choosing a cookbook dedicated to that style will keep you motivated and excited to try new recipes. If you're looking to expand your culinary horizons, consider a cookbook that offers a variety of international recipes.
Skill LevelSkill level indicates the complexity of the recipes and the assumed proficiency of the reader. Cookbooks can range from beginner-friendly to advanced. For beginners, look for cookbooks that offer simple, easy-to-follow recipes with clear instructions and basic techniques. Intermediate cooks might prefer books that introduce more complex recipes and techniques, while advanced cooks may seek out cookbooks that challenge their skills with intricate dishes and advanced culinary methods. Assess your own cooking skills honestly to choose a cookbook that matches your level.
Dietary PreferencesDietary preferences cover specific dietary needs or restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb. This is crucial for ensuring that the recipes align with your health goals and dietary requirements. If you follow a specific diet, look for cookbooks that cater to those needs to avoid having to modify recipes extensively. For those without dietary restrictions, a general cookbook with a wide variety of recipes might be more suitable.
Recipe VarietyRecipe variety refers to the range of different types of dishes included in the cookbook, such as appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages. A cookbook with a broad variety of recipes can be more versatile and useful for planning entire meals. If you prefer focusing on a specific type of dish, such as baking or grilling, choose a cookbook that specializes in that area. Consider your cooking habits and the types of meals you enjoy preparing when evaluating the variety of recipes.
Ingredient AccessibilityIngredient accessibility pertains to how easy it is to find the ingredients listed in the recipes. This is important because it affects how practical and feasible it is to cook from the book. If you live in an area with limited access to specialty ingredients, look for cookbooks that use common, easily available ingredients. On the other hand, if you enjoy experimenting with exotic ingredients and have access to specialty stores, a cookbook with unique and diverse ingredients might be more appealing.
Visual AppealVisual appeal includes the quality and quantity of photographs and illustrations in the cookbook. This is important because it can enhance your cooking experience by providing visual guidance and inspiration. Cookbooks with high-quality images can help you understand what the finished dish should look like and make the cooking process more enjoyable. If you are a visual learner, prioritize cookbooks with plenty of photos and step-by-step illustrations.
Author ExpertiseAuthor expertise refers to the background and credentials of the cookbook's author. This is important because it can influence the reliability and quality of the recipes. Authors who are professional chefs, culinary instructors, or experienced home cooks often provide valuable insights and tips. Research the author's background to ensure they have the expertise and experience that align with your cooking goals. If you admire a particular chef or food writer, their cookbooks might be a great choice.

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