The best cookbooks to buy right now

If you loved our collection of recipes from Ottolenghi Comfort, you’re going to love our list of the absolute best cookbooks to buy right now. There are recipes for every palate, mouth-watering images and loads of great budget-friendly gift ideas under $50.

We tested (and tasted) dishes for each of these books — and then returned for seconds.

Regular readers of Tieghan Gerard’s Half Baked Harvest blog love the unfussy approach to classic comfort foods. As cool weather creeps up, you’ll find yourself whipping up stick-to-your-ribs corn cheddar chowder, spicy pretzel chicken fingers with hot honey and a chocolate olive oil cake worthy of serving after holiday dinners.

Treat yourself to a sophisticated take on easy, simple and clean eating that’s guaranteed to impress. From a rich salmon piccata to a kid-approved turkey meatball soup, author Natasha Kravchuk’s Ukrainian heritage peeks through each budget-friendly offering.

It’s one of the most recommended cookbooks on Amazon, garnering a jaw-dropping 3,500 ratings and counting.

The king of reinventing himself presents the world with loads more than just gin and juice (though we’re laid back enough to appreciate that, too). These recipes are Snoop’s personal hits, straight out of his kitchen and never before shared. 

The orange chicken is among the best we’ve ever tried, but there are high-brow takes on filet mignon, too.

Alkaline transition cookbooks are some of the most sought-after recipe guides on the Internet right now thanks to the rising popularity of alkaline eating videos on TikTok.

It’s a beginner-friendly paperback cookbook with everyday recipes from Dr. Sebi’s protocol and a 60-day meal plan to help transition away from acidic, processed foods into an alkaline lifestyle.

If we’re ranking the best cookbooks of 2024 based on user reviews, let Weissman’s compilation of totally delish meals be the one cookbook you add to your cart now. 

“From simple staples to gourmet to deep-fried, you are the master of your own kitchen,” he says in his oftentimes hilarious take on modern cooking. “And you’ll make it all, on your terms.”

We’ve tried dozens of recipes from chef Yotam Ottolenghi’s collection of cookbooks over the years, and we’ve yet to find one we haven’t called downright amazing. Ottolenghi Comfort offers creative dishes that are comfortable to both cook and eat. 

Varying skill levels are required in this book of over 100 recipes, but the vast majority are simple enough for novice-level cooks to recreate in tiny apartment kitchens. Try just about anything to look like a hero at your next dinner party.

Recipe magician Caroline Chambers self-reports that she “seldom feels like cooking” thanks to a busy life with three little boys. Her roundup of hearty, healthy and mostly clean recipes are all kid-approved for taste, texture and visual appeal.

Our own crew reported the crunchy honey harissa fish tacos to be “the best tacos ever,” and “surprisingly straightforward to make.”

Whether you watched the hit Netflix series on eating for longevity or just want one of the best cookbooks for healthy living in your arsenal, this assortment of culinary delights from around the world is a top-rated winner. Building on decades of research, longevity expert Dan Buettner has gathered 100 recipes inspired by the Blue Zones, home to the healthiest and happiest communities in the world.

We loved the Costa Rican hearts of palm ceviche and the clever use of eye-popping Okinawan sweet potatoes.

This oldie-but-goodie Indian recipe bible is a must-have cooking staple for anyone devoted to rich, deep flavours and soothing family comfort foods. Meera Sodha walks home chefs through intimidating Indian dishes with total ease and simplicity. 

Indian street food, side dishes, main events and desserts are all on the menu. We’re particularly fond of the pistachio kulfi recipe — it blew our guests away.

Adeena Sussman has done it again — this time with Shabbat table dishes and holiday-approved fare that celebrates traditional Jewish cooking from several far-flung communities. Nostalgic, warming main dishes like fig and pomegranate brisket take home chefs back to their grandmothers’ kitchens. 

Shabbat is a Jewish family’s standing weekly appointment to rewind, reconnect with each other and find meaningful tradition through celebratory food. You’ll find yourself making these dishes on repeat, and not just for Friday night dinners.

No-fuss home chefs call this collection of 600 stupid-simple air fryer recipes one of the “best cookbooks ever” and “such a fun gift.” Expect quick snacks and sides, drool-inducing main dishes like chicken and beef, vegetarian and vegan fare and surprisingly sophisticated desserts. And yes, you can totally make doughnuts in an air fryer.

The book relies on popular countertop air fryer models like the Ninja Air Fryer and basic ingredients available from typical supermarkets.

We looked at new releases, tried recipes from each book, read real user reviews and considered the ease and practicality of each book. Weighing other factors, like price, availability and access to recipe ingredients, also helped us narrow down the list of the best cookbooks for 2024.

Our most-loved books featured easily tweaked recipes for various dietary and taste concerns. We managed to feed finicky eaters, gluten-free guests, vegans and those with textural sensitivities with recipes from the cookbooks we included.

The list is ever-evolving as new cookbooks hit the market, so be sure to bookmark the page and come back.

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