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10 Best Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

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 is a versatile cookbook that caters to those who enjoy baking in smaller quantities, perfect for couples or small households. The cuisine type focuses primarily on baked goods, ranging from simple, everyday bakes to more elaborate layer cakes, ensuring a broad appeal to a variety of tastes and occasions.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,192
Cuisine Type
Recipe Variety
Ingredient Accessibility

Most important from
295 reviews

Cuisine Type
This is the perfect cookbook for a couple, with delicious and easy recipes like the German Pancake.
Recipe Variety
Small batch baking solves the problem of waste, offering the perfect portion sizes for guilt-free treats.
Ingredient Accessibility
Most recipes use common ingredients, adding to the convenience and ease of everyday baking.
#2
9.4 score

The New Cooking School Cookbook: Fundamentals

The New Cooking School Cookbook: Fundamentals is designed as a thorough guide for home cooks looking to build a solid foundation in cooking. Published by America's Test Kitchen, a trusted name known for tested and reliable recipes, this book covers a broad range of basic cooking techniques and recipes, making it ideal for beginners or those wanting to improve their skills. The emphasis is on fundamental skills rather than specific global cuisines, which makes it great for anyone wanting to master versatile cooking techniques.

Rating
9.4
Visual Appeal
Skill Level
Author's Expertise

Most important from
1410 reviews

Visual Appeal
This cookbook is a treasure trove of information, packed with beautiful photos and detailed guidance that make learning to cook less intimidating and more enjoyable.
Skill Level
It serves as a comprehensive guide to mastering fundamental techniques, turning cooking from a stressful chore into a rewarding experience.
Author's Expertise
The quality of the book itself is impressive, reflecting the trusted expertise of America's Test Kitchen.
Recipe Variety
Achieving restaurant-quality meals at home feels attainable with the clear instructions and tested recipes offered.
#3
9.1 score

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' offers a comprehensive collection with over 700 recipes tailored for two people. The cuisine type is diverse, ranging from simple everyday meals to more elaborate dishes, making it suitable for varied tastes. The skill level is approachable, catering to both beginners and more experienced cooks. This makes it versatile for couples who may have different cooking abilities or want to improve their skills together.

Rating
9.1
Skill Level
Recipe Variety
Visual Appeal

Most important from
503 reviews

Skill Level
Amazing jump start to preparing meals for two with beautiful illustrations and easy-to-follow recipes.
Recipe Variety
Changed our lives for the better with easy directions, variety of meals, and helpful knife-cutting tricks.
Visual Appeal
Amazing jump start to preparing meals for two with beautiful illustrations and easy-to-follow recipes.

Top 10 Best Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score
Slide 1

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

Chosen by 1192 this week

The New Cooking School Cookbook: Fundamentals

Skill Level: beginners or those improving skills
Recipe Variety: wide variety of recipes
Ingredient Accessibility: common ingredients generally accessible
Visual Appeal: quality images and illustrations
Author's Expertise: trusted name with reliable recipes
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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

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 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
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America's Test Kitchen 25th Anniversary Cookbook: 500 Recipes That Changed the Way America Cooks

Cuisine Type: American
Skill Level: Beginner to experienced
Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
Recipe Variety: Impressive
Ingredient Accessibility: Common ingredients
Visual Appeal: High-quality photos
Author's Expertise: America's Test Kitchen

Ottolenghi Simple: A Cookbook

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Skill Level: Beginners to experienced
Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free
Recipe Variety: Appetizers to desserts
Ingredient Accessibility: Generally accessible, some specialty stores
Visual Appeal: High-quality photographs
Author's Expertise: Yotam Ottolenghi

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

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.

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