10 Best The Cookbooks 2026 in the United States

'Modern Comfort Food' by Barefoot Contessa offers a collection of approachable recipes centered on classic, home-style dishes with a modern twist. The cuisine leans heavily towards comforting American fare, making it a great fit for those who enjoy hearty, familiar meals. Recipes are designed for cooks with basic to intermediate skills, meaning you don’t need to be an expert to follow along, but some familiarity with cooking techniques helps.

The book provides a decent variety of recipes, from simple weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing dishes for gatherings. Ingredients used tend to be common and easy to find in most grocery stores, which makes it accessible for home cooks without specialty ingredients. The visual presentation is typical of Barefoot Contessa's style — clean, inviting, and well-photographed, which can inspire confidence in trying the recipes.

Ina Garten, the author, is a trusted and experienced chef known for approachable yet elegant cooking, lending credibility and reliability to the recipes. While the cookbook emphasizes comfort food, it may not cater well to specific dietary restrictions like vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets, as the focus is on indulgent, classic dishes. With 256 pages, the book balances variety and depth without overwhelming readers with too many options. Its size and weight make it a sturdy kitchen companion. This cookbook suits home cooks seeking to elevate everyday meals with a touch of sophistication, wanting straightforward recipes without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition, is a well-rounded choice for home cooks of all skill levels who want a dependable and extensive recipe resource. It offers a wide variety of recipes covering many cuisines, which makes it suitable for families and individuals seeking to try classic and contemporary dishes alike. The book is designed to be approachable for beginners while still useful for more experienced cooks, with clear instructions and helpful tips throughout. Dietary preferences are addressed to some extent, including recipes for common needs, though it may not deeply focus on specialized diets like vegan or gluten-free. Ingredient accessibility is a strong point because the recipes rely mostly on everyday items you can find in typical US grocery stores, making it convenient for most users. Visually, the cookbook includes appealing photos that help guide cooking and inspire meal ideas. Betty Crocker's long-standing reputation and expertise lend credibility and trust to the cookbook's content.

The book is quite substantial with over 700 pages, which some might find overwhelming, and its size could be a bit bulky for small kitchen spaces. While it covers a broad spectrum, those looking for very niche or trendy recipes might need to look elsewhere. This edition serves as a solid, practical all-in-one cookbook ideal for home cooks wanting a reliable collection of recipes with clear guidance.

The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Gift Edition promises a comprehensive collection of over 700 recipes designed specifically for two people. This is a significant strength, as it caters well to couples or small households looking for meal variety without excessive leftovers. The cookbook covers a wide range of cuisines, making it versatile and suitable for various taste preferences.

The recipes are crafted by America's Test Kitchen, renowned for their rigorous testing and reliable results, ensuring a high level of expertise behind each dish. This makes it a valuable resource for both novice cooks and those with more experience in the kitchen. Dietary preferences are somewhat addressed, though the book may not be comprehensive for highly specialized diets like vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredient accessibility is another highlight, as the recipes typically use common ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores. The visual appeal is balanced, with clear, easy-to-follow instructions, although it may lack the vibrant photography found in other modern cookbooks. The book’s substantial size and hardcover format give it a premium feel, despite being somewhat heavy and bulky to handle. This cookbook is ideal for small households seeking a diverse array of reliable, well-tested recipes, though it may fall short for those with very specific dietary needs or those who prefer more visual stimulation.