10 Best Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

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.

The recipes cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and heart-healthy options, which is beneficial for those with specific dietary needs or health goals. Recipe variety is a strong point, as the book covers a broad spectrum of meals, from appetizers to desserts, ensuring there's something for everyone. Ingredients are generally accessible, with most being available at local grocery stores or easily substituted, which makes daily cooking practical.

The visual appeal is high, with beautiful and appetizing photos that inspire and guide the cooking process. Authored by America’s Test Kitchen, the book benefits from the expertise and detailed testing that the brand is known for, providing reliable and well-explained recipes. The book's size and weight might make it less portable, and its extensive number of recipes could be overwhelming for some users. While the Mediterranean focus is a strength, those looking for a more diverse range of global cuisines might find it limiting. This cookbook is perfect for anyone committed to the Mediterranean diet or looking to incorporate healthier, flavorful meals into their routine.

The 'America's Test Kitchen 25th Anniversary Cookbook' is a comprehensive collection of 500 recipes that have significantly influenced American cooking over the past quarter-century. The cuisine type is broadly American, covering a wide range of dishes from comfort food to modern culinary innovations, making it suitable for a diverse audience. The skill level required to use this cookbook varies, offering both simple, beginner-friendly recipes and more complex dishes for experienced cooks, which makes it versatile for different users.

Dietary preferences are addressed to some extent, with recipes catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, though the primary focus is on traditional American cooking which might limit options for more niche dietary needs. The recipe variety is impressive, providing a wealth of options across different meal types and occasions, ensuring that users can find recipes for everyday cooking as well as special events. Ingredient accessibility is generally good, with most recipes using common ingredients that can be found in standard grocery stores, although some specialized recipes may include harder-to-find items.

The visual appeal of the cookbook is enhanced by high-quality photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions, making it visually engaging and easy to follow. The author's expertise is evident throughout the book, with America's Test Kitchen known for its rigorous testing and reliable recipes, which assures users of the quality and success of the dishes. However, the book's large size and weight might make it cumbersome for some users to handle. Additionally, its focus on American cuisine could be limiting for those seeking more international or diverse culinary experiences.

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.

The recipes cater to a range of skill levels, from beginners to more experienced cooks, providing clear instructions and tips to help users achieve great results. The book covers multiple cuisine types, primarily focusing on American and comfort food, with some international influences sprinkled throughout. This variety can keep meals interesting and cater to different tastes and preferences.

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its visual appeal. The high-quality photographs are not only beautiful but also serve as a helpful guide for presentation and plating. Additionally, the ingredient lists are generally accessible, with most items available at local grocery stores. Despite its size and weight, which might make it a bit cumbersome to handle in the kitchen, its hardcover format ensures durability. 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' is an excellent resource for home cooks looking to expand their dinner repertoire with reliable and visually appealing recipes.