10 Best Cookbooks 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook is a comprehensive guide featuring 500 vibrant, kitchen-tested recipes that emphasize living and eating well. Its focus on Mediterranean cuisine offers a delightful range of flavors, ideal for those who enjoy or are curious about this healthy and diverse diet. The cookbook spans from simple dishes to more complex creations, making it suitable for cooks of varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,287
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Dietary Preferences
Most important from
21972 reviews
#2
The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today (Betty Crocker Cooking)
The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition, is a classic choice for home cooks looking for a reliable and comprehensive kitchen guide. It covers a wide variety of recipes spanning many popular American and international dishes, making it versatile for different tastes and occasions. The book is designed to suit cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced users, with clear instructions and helpful tips that make cooking approachable.
Rating
9.4
Skill Level
Visual Appeal
Recipe Variety
Most important from
1420 reviews
#3
Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
The 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' by Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a popular choice among home cooks. The author brings her extensive culinary expertise to the table, ensuring that the recipes are both reliable and delicious. The cookbook focuses on a variety of dinner recipes, making it suitable for those who frequently prepare evening meals at home.
Rating
8.2
Cuisine Type
Skill Level
Dietary Preferences
Most important from
3866 reviews
Top 10 Best Cookbooks 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook: 500 Vibrant, Kitchen-Tested Recipes for Living and Eating Well Every Day (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean
Skill Level: beginners to experienced chefs
Dietary Preferences: vegetarian, gluten-free, heart-healthy
Recipe Variety: appetizers to desserts
Ingredient Accessibility: local grocery stores or easily substituted
Visual Appeal: beautiful and appetizing photos
Author's Expertise: America’s Test Kitchen
Chosen by 1287 this week
The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today (Betty Crocker Cooking)
The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook Today (Betty Crocker Cooking)
Cuisine Type: American and international
Skill Level: All skill levels
Dietary Preferences: Various, not specialized
Recipe Variety: Wide variety
Ingredient Accessibility: Common, easy to find
Visual Appeal: Photos, illustrations, practical style
Author's Expertise: Trusted kitchen authority
Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Cuisine Type: American, comfort food, international influences
Skill Level: Beginners to experienced cooks
Recipe Variety: Dinner recipes variety
Ingredient Accessibility: Available at local grocery stores
Visual Appeal: High-quality photos
Author's Expertise: Extensive culinary expertise
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Gift Edition: 700+ Recipes for Everything You'll Ever Want to Make
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook, 10th Anniversary Gift Edition: 700+ Recipes for Everything You'll Ever Want to Make
Cuisine Type: diverse
Skill Level: approachable
Dietary Preferences: vegetarians, healthier choices
Recipe Variety: strong
Ingredient Accessibility: common ingredients
Visual Appeal: satisfactory
Author's Expertise: America's Test Kitchen
Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes
Baking for Two: 200+ Small-Batch Recipes, from Lazy Bakes to Layer Cakes
Cuisine Type: baked goods
Skill Level: all levels
Recipe Variety: 200+
Ingredient Accessibility: common ingredients
Visual Appeal: high
Author's Expertise: America's Test Kitchen
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Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen
Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen
Cuisine Type: broad range
Skill Level: beginner to advanced
Dietary Preferences: variety
Recipe Variety: 100 recipes
Ingredient Accessibility: reasonable
Visual Appeal: high-quality photos
Author's Expertise: Martha Stewart
Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Cuisine Type: American and European comfort food
Skill Level: beginners to intermediate
Dietary Preferences: not vegan or gluten-free
Recipe Variety: hearty, satisfying meals
Ingredient Accessibility: pantry staples and common items
Visual Appeal: clean layout, quality photos
Author's Expertise: Ina Garten, food personality
5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food
5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food
Cuisine Type: variety of cuisines
Skill Level: suitable for all, beginners favored
Recipe Variety: wide range of flavors
Ingredient Accessibility: available in regular supermarkets
Visual Appeal: includes clear photos
Author's Expertise: highly respected
#10
Betty Crocker's Cooky Book
Betty Crocker's Cooky Book
Cuisine Type: traditional American cookie recipes
Skill Level: beginner to intermediate
Dietary Preferences: limited gluten-free or vegan coverage
Recipe Variety: wide range of cookie types
Ingredient Accessibility: common, easy to find ingredients
Visual Appeal: clear, appealing photos
Author's Expertise: Betty Crocker, trusted expert
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Buying Guide for the Best Cookbooks
Choosing the right cookbook can be a delightful journey, especially if you love to cook or are looking to improve your culinary skills. The right cookbook can inspire you, teach you new techniques, and help you create delicious meals. When selecting a cookbook, consider your cooking experience, dietary preferences, and the type of cuisine you enjoy. Here are some key aspects to consider when picking the perfect cookbook for you.Cuisine TypeCuisine type refers to the specific style of cooking that the cookbook focuses on, such as Italian, Mexican, or Asian. This is important because it aligns with your taste preferences and the kind of dishes you want to prepare. If you love pasta and pizza, an Italian cookbook would be ideal. If you enjoy spicy and flavorful dishes, a Mexican cookbook might be the right choice. Think about the types of food you enjoy eating and want to learn how to cook.
Skill LevelSkill level indicates the complexity of the recipes and the techniques required to prepare them. Cookbooks can range from beginner-friendly to advanced. If you are new to cooking, look for a cookbook with simple, easy-to-follow recipes and basic techniques. If you are more experienced, you might enjoy a cookbook that challenges you with more complex recipes and advanced techniques. Consider your current cooking skills and how much you want to challenge yourself.
Dietary PreferencesDietary preferences refer to specific dietary needs or restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or keto. This is important because it ensures that the recipes align with your dietary choices and health goals. If you follow a vegetarian diet, look for a cookbook that offers a variety of plant-based recipes. If you are on a keto diet, find a cookbook with low-carb, high-fat recipes. Choose a cookbook that supports your dietary lifestyle.
Recipe VarietyRecipe variety refers to the range of different dishes included in the cookbook. A good cookbook should offer a mix of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and side dishes. This is important because it provides you with a comprehensive guide to creating complete meals. If you like to experiment with different types of dishes, look for a cookbook with a wide variety of recipes. If you prefer to focus on a specific type of meal, such as desserts, choose a cookbook dedicated to that category.
Ingredient AccessibilityIngredient accessibility refers to how easy it is to find the ingredients listed in the recipes. This is important because it affects how practical and convenient it is to cook from the cookbook. If you live in an area with limited access to specialty ingredients, look for a cookbook that uses common, easily available ingredients. If you enjoy sourcing unique ingredients, you might prefer a cookbook that introduces you to new and exotic items. Consider the availability of ingredients in your local area.
Visual AppealVisual appeal refers to the quality and attractiveness of the photographs and illustrations in the cookbook. This is important because it can inspire and motivate you to try the recipes. A cookbook with beautiful, high-quality photos can make the cooking process more enjoyable and help you visualize the final dish. If you are a visual learner, look for a cookbook with plenty of photos and step-by-step illustrations. If you prefer text-based instructions, this might be less important.
Author's ExpertiseAuthor's expertise refers to the background and experience of the person who wrote the cookbook. This is important because it can give you confidence in the reliability and quality of the recipes. An author with professional culinary training or a well-known chef can provide valuable insights and tips. If you are looking to learn from an expert, choose a cookbook by a reputable author with a strong culinary background. If you prefer a more casual approach, look for cookbooks by home cooks or food bloggers.