Let’s take a moment to remember the food storage containers we bought for our meal prep ideas that haven’t been used yet…yeah. Now that that’s over, I have a teeny suggestion that’ll help us cook more this year — we should try to embrace actually opening some of our cookbooks to make recipes we love. Before you start throwing tomatoes in protest, just know that I’m on your side — I just feel we deserve more than our expensive takeout budgets. So, get ready to be inspired by 44 of the best cookbooks that’ll inspire you to cook more delicious recipes this year!
If Bobby Flay is cooking brunch at his home, I’d definitely petition to stop by! Since that might be a little creepy, the next best thing is having his Brunch at Bobby’s cookbook in the comfort of our own homes.
Best Cookbooks For Easy & Feel Good Recipes
All I Think About Is Food by Mamrie HartFinally, a vegetarian cookbook that’s as entertaining as it is delicious. YouTuber, comedian, and New York Times best-selling author Mamrie Hart brings her signature humor and flair to the kitchen with over 100 inventive recipes and playful cocktails — each one part of a fully themed dinner party. From a cheeky take on Southern Tapas to a DIY steakhouse night (hold the steak) and an all-aphrodisiac date-night spread, every chapter is packed with bold flavors and big laughs. Bonus: each party ends with a “morning-after fill,” clever leftover makeovers that keep the good times rolling.
Seriously, So Good: Simple Recipes for a Balanced Life by Carissa Stanton (Available April 16, 2024)
Carissa Stanton is the queen of creating simple recipes that make you want to move your body and over 500K people on Instagram agree! Since she’s known for sharing her fun recipes with her audience, Stanton is gearing up for the release of her cookbook Seriously, So Good on April 16!
Half Baked Harvest Every Day: Recipes for Balanced, Flexible, Feel-Good Meals by Tieghan Gerard
Tieghan Gerard’s meals hold a very special place in my heart so it makes since that Half Baked Harvest Every Day is one of the best cookbooks worth adding to your recipe lineup. I’ve found that her recipes are easy to follow and are inspired by her daily life which it feel that more special to make them.
Just Feed Me: Simply Delicious Recipes from My Heart to Your Plate by Jessie James Decker”
Jessie James Decker is giving us a taste of southern, Cajun, and Italian bites in Just Feed Me, and that’s a big reason why I love it. It literally combines all of my favorite foods in one cookbook which means I’ll be spending a lot of time cooking them.
Cravings: All Together: Recipes to Love by Chrissy Teigen Cravings accurately describes how I feel when looking through Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook because she just seems to know how to curate recipes that’ll make anyone’s mouth water.
Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines
Full transparency — I originally bought this cookbook at Home Goods because I thought it would make an awesome coffee table book. However, Joanna has slipped into my kitchen and basically taken over with her thorough description of seasoning pairings and more.
Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul by Lazarus Lynch
I’m sure you tired of seeing the best cookbooks that are southern-inspired, but I can’t help it. There’s something simple and comforting about them, and Lazarus Lynch breaks it down for us in Son of a Southern Chef.
Best Cookbooks About Healthy & Vegan Recipes
The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100 by Dan Buettner
I think there’s a reason why I’m so drawn to healthy bowls and it has everything to do with blue zone diet recipes! If you’re looking to start making them at home too, Dan Buettner’s The Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook is full of recipes that’ll make you feel good as soon as you take the first bite.
Black Rican Vegan: Fire Plant-Based Recipes from a Bronx Kitchen by Lyana Blount
Who says you can’t mix tradition with vegan flair? If anyone believes that, Lyana Blount is here to change your mind with Black Rican Vegan. There’s recipes like Moxtails and Birria tacos that’ll send your taste buds flying.
P.S. My S.O. is Dominican so I’m biased about any cookbook that contains Birria tacos!
The Green Goddess: Plant-Based Cookbook by Ruby Leaf
Eating healthier doesn’t have to be as hard as we make it, but I know it’s not always easy to make changes. However, The Green Goddess’ recipes makes it feel like an enjoyable journey.
Best Cookbooks For Mexican Recipes
Mi Cocina: Recipes and Rapture from My Kitchen in Mexico by Rick Martínez
This is another biased opinion, but Mi Cocina is one of the best cookbooks that’s filled with Mexican cuisine I’ve come across. I’m already a fan of savory meals, but being fortunate enough to taste Latin food makes me wish everyone can recreate yummy meals in their homes.
Trejo’s Tacos: Recipes and Stories from L.A. by Danny Trejo with Hugh Garvey
Danny Trejo has been a part of my cinematic viewing since I was kid so his recipes have made their way into my home via Trejo’s Tacos. I know people love Taco Tuesdays, but it’s nonnegotiable in my household. What better way to keep the tradition going than to make different tacos?
Best Cookbooks For Italian Recipes
The Pasta Queen: A Just Gorgeous Cookbook by Nadia Caterina Munno
I discovered Nadia Caterina Munno on TikTok and haven’t looked back. Her energy and genuine love for cooking inspired me to buy The Pasta Queen as soon as I discovered she had a cookbook. It’s perfect for anyone who just can’t get enough of pasta recipes. In the words of Munno, they’re “Just gorgeous!”
The Tucci Cookbook by Stanley Tucci
I don’t have many words to describe this cookbook because it’s Stanley Tucci and in Stanley I trust.
Best Cookbooks For Dessert Recipes
French Bakes Made Simple by Edd Kimber
Bring the magic of a French patisserie into your own kitchen with French Bakes Made Simple, the ultimate French baking guide from Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber. With clear, step-by-step instructions and approachable techniques, Edd demystifies the art of classic French baking — no fancy equipment required. Whether you’re craving a buttery, golden croissant or a light-as-air génoise sponge, this book will walk you through every fold, whisk, and bake.
Finch Bakery Disco Bakes and Party Cakes by Lauren & Rachel Finch
If you’ve been thinking about taking your baking skills to the next level, invest in Finch Bakery Disco Bakes and Party Cakes by Lauren & Rachel Finch!
Black Girl Baking: Wholesome Recipes Inspired by a Soulful Upbringing by Jerelle Guy
Don’t ring the alarm, but you know I had to include a soulful approach to baking. My late grandmother’s famous red velvet recipe all but begged me to feature something reminiscent of the recipes she shared with her granddaughters. Luckily, Black Girl Baking quieted the whisperings with it’s yummy, wholesome recipes!
The Book On Pie: Everything You Need to Know to Bake Perfect Pies by Erin Jeanne McDowell
The older I get, the more I find myself leaning towards pie. Apple, sweet potatoe, lemon meringue, etc. I can’t tell if it’s because I’m getting older or if it’s some new level of Southern auntie I’m unlocking. While that’s TBD, The Book On Pie still makes for an excellent reason to start perfecting your own pie for Easter.
More Of The Best Cookbooks To Consider
More Is More: Get Loose in the Kitchen by Molly Baz
This is the year to celebrate life and have fun in all areas. No more looking at cooking as this mundane thing that takes up too much of your time. More Is More is all about showing you that you deserve hearty meals.
The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart by Alex Guarnaschelli
Alex Guarnaschelli wants to share recipes with you that can be passed down to the generations that’ll come after. Inspired by her mother’s cooking, Guarnaschelli penned The Home Cook with the joy of cooking in mind.
Check out some of our other favorite book finds on our storefront!
Lead images via Amazon