Cookbooks are an essential part of every kitchen. We love them! This is a subjective curation of a variety of our favorite and favored cookbooks.
They provide inspiration and guidance for cooks of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
With so many different types of cookbooks available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. I would buy them all!
In this article, we will explore the different types of cookbooks and what makes each one unique. For insight into the future of cookbooks check out our research here.
Classic Recipe Books
One type of cookbook is the classic recipe book. These cookbooks focus on traditional recipes that have stood the test of time. They often include family favorites, regional specialties, and classic dishes from around the world.
These cookbooks are perfect for those who want to master the basics of cooking and learn how to create delicious meals from scratch.
Some great examples of recipe-based cookbooks include:
Educational Cookbooks
For those looking to learn more about cooking techniques and the science behind food, educational cookbooks are a great option. These cookbooks provide a deeper understanding of cooking and can help you improve your skills in the kitchen.
Some great examples of educational cookbooks include:
Specialty Cookbooks
Another type of cookbook is the specialty cookbook. These cookbooks focus on a specific type of cuisine, ingredient, or cooking technique. They can range from vegan cookbooks to barbecue cookbooks to baking cookbooks.
These cookbooks are perfect for those who want to explore a specific area of cooking in-depth and learn new techniques and recipes that they may not have tried before.
Some great examples of specialty cookbooks include:
The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Over 100 Vegan Recipes to Glow from the Inside Out
Regional Cookbooks
Regional cookbooks are a great way to explore the different cuisines of a particular region. These cookbooks focus on the traditional dishes and ingredients of a specific area, providing a unique insight into the local food culture.
Here are some of the best regional cookbooks to check out:
The Southern Living Community Cookbook: Celebrating Food and Fellowship in the American South – This cookbook features over 1,000 recipes from the Southern Living community, showcasing the diverse cuisine of the American South. From classic dishes like fried chicken and biscuits to modern creations like avocado toast, this cookbook has something for everyone.
The New Orleans Cookbook
This classic cookbook by Richard Collin and Rima Collin features over 400 recipes from the heart of Creole cuisine.
From gumbo to jambalaya, this cookbook provides a comprehensive guide to the unique flavors of New Orleans.
The Taste of Country Cooking – This cookbook by Edna Lewis is a celebration of Southern cooking and the rural Virginia community where she grew up. With recipes for everything from fried catfish to blackberry cobbler, this cookbook is a must-read for anyone interested in Southern cuisine.
The Complete Middle Eastern Cookbook – This cookbook by Tess Mallos is a comprehensive guide to the flavors of the Middle East. With over 500 recipes from countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Iran, this cookbook is a great way to explore the diverse cuisine of the region.
Ethnic Cookbooks
Ethnic cookbooks are focused on the cuisine of a particular culture. These cookbooks are a great way to explore the flavors and techniques of different cultures and expand your culinary horizons.
Here are three popular ethnic cookbooks to consider:
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen
This cookbook features over 500 recipes from the Mediterranean region, including Italy, Spain, Greece, and North Africa. The recipes are organized by country and include both traditional dishes and modern variations. The book also includes tips on ingredients, cooking techniques, and menu planning. If you’re looking to explore the healthy and delicious flavors of the Mediterranean, this cookbook is a great place to start.
Check price: Amazon
The Essential Indian Instant Pot Cookbook by Archana Mundhe
If you love Indian food and want to learn how to make it at home, this cookbook is a must-have. It features over 75 recipes that are all designed to be made in an Instant Pot, making them quick and easy to prepare. The recipes cover a wide range of Indian dishes, including curries, biryanis, and desserts. The book also includes tips on using the Instant Pot and a guide to Indian spices and ingredients.
Check price: Amazon
The Complete Asian Cookbook by Charmaine Solomon
This classic cookbook has been a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs for over 30 years. It features over 800 recipes from across Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. The recipes are organized by country and include both traditional dishes and modern variations. The book also includes tips on ingredients, cooking techniques, and menu planning. If you’re looking to explore the diverse and delicious cuisine of Asia, this cookbook is a must-have.
Check price: Amazon
Healthy Eating Cookbooks
For those looking to eat healthier, there are many cookbooks available that focus on nutritious and wholesome recipes.
Here are some of the best healthy eating cookbooks recommended by dietitians:
The Whole30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom
The Whole30 is a popular program that involves eliminating certain foods from your diet for 30 days to help identify food sensitivities and improve overall health. This cookbook provides recipes that are compliant with the Whole30 program, including meals such as sweet potato hash, chicken piccata, and coconut-crusted salmon. The cookbook also includes meal plans, shopping lists, and tips for sticking to the program.
CHECK PRICE: Amazon
Oh She Glows Every Day
This cookbook by Angela Liddon offers over 100 plant-based recipes that are both healthy and delicious. The recipes are designed to be easy to prepare and use simple ingredients. Some of the recipes include creamy mushroom risotto, Thai crunch salad, and almond butter chocolate chip cookies. The cookbook also includes meal plans and tips for meal prep.
CHECK PRICE: Amazon
Whether you’re looking to follow a specific diet or just want to eat healthier, these cookbooks offer a wide range of delicious and nutritious recipes to choose from.
Baking Cookbooks
Baking is a science and an art, and baking cookbooks can help you master both. From classic recipes to innovative techniques, baking cookbooks offer a wealth of information for both novice and experienced bakers.
Here are a few baking cookbooks worth exploring:
The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker
The Joy of Cooking is a classic cookbook that has been in print since 1931. It covers everything from baking to grilling, and it includes recipes for everything from bread to cakes to pies. The baking section is particularly comprehensive, with recipes for everything from classic chocolate chip cookies to elegant French pastries.
Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
Dorie Greenspan is a James Beard Award-winning cookbook author, and Baking: From My Home to Yours is one of her most popular books. It includes over 300 recipes for cakes, cookies, pies, tarts, and more. The recipes are easy to follow, and the book includes helpful tips and tricks for achieving perfect results every time.
The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
If you’re interested in baking bread, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice is a must-read. This comprehensive book covers everything from basic bread recipes to advanced techniques like sourdough and artisanal breads. The book also includes helpful tips for troubleshooting common bread-baking problems.
Celebrity Chef Cookbooks
Celebrity chef cookbooks have become increasingly popular in recent years. These cookbooks are written by famous chefs and food personalities, and they offer readers the opportunity to learn from the best in the business. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, there’s a celebrity cookbook out there for you.
Some of the most popular celebrity chef cookbooks include:
Bobby Flay’s Throwdown!: More than 100 Recipes from Food Network’s Ultimate Cooking Challenge – This cookbook features some of the best recipes from the first seven seasons of Bobby Flay’s show Throwdown! It includes recipes for everything from burgers to desserts.
CHECK PRICE: Amazon
Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat – Written by model and social media personality Chrissy Teigen, this cookbook features recipes for everything from breakfast to dinner. It includes a mix of healthy and indulgent dishes, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves to cook and eat.
CHECK PRICE: Amazon
From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen – This cookbook by rapper Snoop Dogg features recipes for classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and fried chicken. It also includes some healthier options, like salads and smoothies.
CHECK PRICE: Amazon
These are just a few examples of the many celebrity chef cookbooks available today. Whether you’re a fan of a particular chef or you’re just looking for some new recipes to try, there’s sure to be a cookbook out there that’s perfect for you.