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.

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.