10 Best The Cookbooks 2025 in the United States

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to Mediterranean cuisine, offering 500 recipes that cater to a wide range of dietary preferences. The recipes are easy to follow, making this cookbook suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks. The variety of recipes ensures there's something for everyone, from appetizers to desserts, and the focus on healthy, vibrant dishes aligns well with Mediterranean dietary principles.

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its emphasis on ingredient accessibility, making it easier for users to find what they need at local grocery stores. The visual appeal is another highlight – the cookbook features beautiful, full-color photos that inspire and guide readers. Additionally, America's Test Kitchen's reputation lends credibility to the author's expertise, ensuring that the recipes are well-tested and reliable.

However, the book's weight and size might make it less convenient for some users to handle. Additionally, while the book covers a wide range of recipes, those looking for a deep dive into specific dietary needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan) might find the options somewhat limited. This cookbook is an excellent addition for anyone interested in exploring Mediterranean cuisine and incorporating healthy, flavorful dishes into their daily routine.

The 'Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook' offers a range of accessible and practical recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. Authored by Ina Garten, a well-known figure in the culinary world, this cookbook benefits from her extensive experience and trusted reputation. The cuisine type primarily leans towards American with a sophisticated twist, making it appealing for those looking to elevate everyday meals.

The recipes are generally suited for home cooks with basic to intermediate skill levels, ensuring that most readers won't find them overly challenging. However, some might find certain recipes slightly demanding if they are complete beginners. While the cookbook does not focus heavily on specific dietary preferences, it includes a decent variety of recipes that could be adapted for different diets with some modifications. When it comes to ingredient accessibility, most recipes use common ingredients that can be found in regular grocery stores, though a few dishes might call for more unique items, which could be harder to source for some.

Visually, the cookbook is highly appealing, with vibrant photographs that not only showcase the dishes beautifully but also inspire readers to try the recipes. The hardcover format and high-quality print add to its allure. One potential drawback is that the cookbook, being a hardcover and weighing 2.3 pounds, may not be as portable or easy to handle while cooking. In summary, this cookbook is an excellent addition for those who enjoy cooking and want reliable, delicious dinner recipes from a trusted culinary expert.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten is a beloved classic in the culinary world, particularly known for its accessible and approachable recipes. The cuisine type focuses mainly on American and European dishes, with an emphasis on comfort foods and entertaining. This makes it a great choice for anyone looking to prepare hearty meals that are sure to impress guests. The skill level required is generally beginner to intermediate, making it suitable for home cooks who are looking to expand their culinary repertoire without feeling overwhelmed. However, advanced chefs might find it lacks complex techniques or novel recipes.

The cookbook does not specifically cater to dietary preferences like vegan, gluten-free, or keto, so those with strict dietary needs might need to look elsewhere. The recipe variety is decent, covering a broad range of appetizers, main courses, and desserts, although the focus remains on traditional and familiar flavors. Ingredient accessibility is a strong point, as most ingredients can be found at regular grocery stores, making it practical for everyday cooking.

The visual appeal of the book is high; it features beautiful, full-color photographs that are both inspirational and instructional. Ina Garten's expertise shines throughout the book; her friendly, encouraging tone and clear instructions make cooking enjoyable and achievable. This cookbook is a great resource for those looking to elevate their home cooking and entertain with ease, although it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly specialized or health-conscious recipes.