10 Best The Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Mediterranean cuisine, offering 500 recipes that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. The recipes are easy to follow, making this cookbook suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. The variety of recipes ensures there's something for everyone, from appetizers to desserts, and the focus on healthy, vibrant dishes aligns well with Mediterranean dietary principles.

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its emphasis on ingredient accessibility, making it easier for users to find what they need at local grocery stores. The visual appeal is another highlight – the cookbook features beautiful, full-color photos that inspire and guide readers. Additionally, America's Test Kitchen's reputation lends credibility to the author's expertise, ensuring that the recipes are well-tested and reliable.

However, the book's weight and size might make it less convenient for some users to handle. Additionally, while the book covers a wide range of recipes, those looking for a deep dive into specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan) might find the options somewhat limited. This cookbook is an excellent addition for anyone interested in exploring Mediterranean cuisine and incorporating healthy, flavorful dishes into their daily routine.

The 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' offers a range of accessible and practical recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. Authored by Ina Garten, a well-known figure in the culinary world, this cookbook benefits from her extensive experience and trusted reputation. The cuisine type primarily leans towards American with a sophisticated twist, making it appealing for those looking to elevate everyday meals.

The recipes are generally suited for home cooks with basic to intermediate skill levels, ensuring that most readers won't find them overly challenging. However, some might find certain recipes slightly demanding if they are complete beginners. While the cookbook does not focus heavily on specific dietary preferences, it includes a decent variety of recipes that could be adapted for different diets with some modifications. When it comes to ingredient accessibility, most recipes use common ingredients that can be found in regular grocery stores, though a few dishes might call for more unique items, which could be harder to source for some.

Visually, the cookbook is highly appealing, with vibrant photographs that not only showcase the dishes beautifully but also inspire readers to try the recipes. The hardcover format and high-quality print add to its allure. One potential drawback is that the cookbook, being a hardcover and weighing 2.3 pounds, may not be as portable or easy to handle while cooking. In summary, this cookbook is an excellent addition for those who enjoy cooking and want reliable, delicious dinner recipes from a trusted culinary expert.

Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook is tailored for those who enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with a strong emphasis on vibrant, flavorful dishes. The recipes are designed to be accessible for cooks of all skill levels, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced home chefs.

The cookbook offers a wide range of recipes, ensuring variety in your meals, and many of the ingredients are relatively easy to find in well-stocked grocery stores, though some may require a trip to a specialty market. The visual appeal of the book is high, with beautiful photography that enhances the cooking experience and provides inspiration.

Authored by Yotam Ottolenghi, a renowned chef and restaurateur, the book benefits from his extensive expertise and passion for food. However, the cookbook is quite hefty at 3.5 pounds and may be cumbersome for some users to handle. Additionally, while the recipes are simplified compared to Ottolenghi's previous works, they may still seem complex for those who prefer very basic cooking. Despite these minor drawbacks, this cookbook stands out for its delicious and innovative recipes that can elevate everyday cooking.