10 Best Vegetable Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables is a comprehensive cookbook that offers a wide variety of vegetable-centric recipes. The author, Joshua McFadden, brings his expertise as a chef to the table, sharing creative ways to prepare vegetables across different seasons. The book is structured to guide you through the best ways to use vegetables at their peak, making it easier to eat seasonally and healthily.

It includes a good mix of simple and more advanced cooking techniques, ensuring there is something for both novice and experienced cooks. The recipes are well-explained and accompanied by beautiful photographs that enhance the visual appeal of the book. However, some ingredients may be difficult to source depending on your location, which could be a drawback for those without access to specialty stores.

Additionally, while the focus is on vegetables, it is not strictly a vegetarian or vegan cookbook, which might not align perfectly with all dietary preferences. The hardcover format and high-quality pages make it a durable addition to your kitchen library, but its weight and size might make it a bit cumbersome for everyday use. It's a solid choice for anyone looking to expand their vegetable cooking repertoire with creative and seasonal recipes.

The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook by America's Test Kitchen offers a substantial collection of 500 recipes, making it a versatile choice for those looking to diversify their plant-based meals. The variety of recipes ensures that there's something for everyone, from beginners to more experienced cooks. The book’s strong emphasis on plant-based diets caters well to vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

The focus on accessible ingredients is a significant plus, as it allows home cooks to create delicious meals without needing hard-to-find items. The cookbook also showcases a range of cooking techniques, helping readers to expand their culinary skills in a practical and manageable way. Additionally, the visual appeal of the cookbook is noteworthy; it features clear, colorful photographs that make the recipes even more enticing and easier to follow. America's Test Kitchen brings a reputable level of expertise and trustworthiness to the book, ensuring the recipes have been rigorously tested for success.

The book's size and weight might make it less convenient for everyday use in smaller kitchens. While the depth of recipes is impressive, some users may find the sheer number of options overwhelming. For those dedicated to plant-based eating, this cookbook provides a comprehensive and visually appealing resource that can inspire and guide meal preparation effectively.

The 'Eleven Madison Park: The Plant-Based Chapter: A Cookbook' offers a sophisticated and well-curated collection of plant-based recipes. It stands out in terms of Recipe Variety, showcasing a wide array of dishes that cater to different meal courses and occasions. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their plant-based diet.

The cookbook excels in Dietary Focus, providing recipes that align with vegan and vegetarian dietary needs, which is ideal for individuals or families committed to plant-based eating. However, the Ingredient Accessibility may be a drawback for some, as some recipes might require specialty or hard-to-find items that aren't readily available in all grocery stores. Cooking Techniques featured in this cookbook are both traditional and innovative, appealing to both novice and experienced home cooks interested in elevating their culinary skills.

The Visual Appeal of the book is noteworthy, as it includes stunning photography and a beautiful layout, enhancing the user experience and making it an attractive coffee table book. Author Expertise is another strength, with insights and recipes coming from the renowned Eleven Madison Park restaurant, adding credibility and a gourmet touch to the cookbook. While the book is a considerable size and weight (11.2 x 2.9 x 12.5 inches, 2.31 pounds), making it less portable, its comprehensive content and high-quality presentation justify its physical dimensions. This plant-based cookbook is most suited for those who are enthusiasts of gourmet cooking and appreciate the artistry in food preparation, rather than someone seeking quick, everyday meal solutions.