The cookbooks worth the counter space of all time
Most of us don't cook from every cookbook we own. Some sit on the shelf looking gorgeous while we order takeout and pretend we'll ‘get to that lentil recipe eventually.’
But every so often, a cookbook earns its keep, the pages get sauce-stained, spine cracks, and it becomes a genuine kitchen MVP instead of expensive counter decor.
Whether you're building a cookbook club rotation, hunting for weeknight salvation, or just enjoy collecting beautiful books you'll flip through more than follow, here are 10 that home cooks keep coming back to.
Dishoom
This stunning collection has food and culture of Bombay through vivid photography, making it as enjoyable to browse as it is to cook from. The mango lassi and colaba colada are standout drink recipes worth trying first.
The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook
Known for its consistently well-received dishes, this book includes a green garlic and ginger chicken and rice soup nicknamed ‘swamp soup.’
From Crook to Cook
Snoop Dogg's cookbook has become a reliable go-to for casual entertaining and parties, offering approachable recipes with plenty of personality.
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The Forest Feast
Erin Gleeson pairs simple vegetarian recipes with watercolor illustrations and photography inspired by her cabin in the California woods. Most dishes call for a few ingredients, with the carrot-zucchini ribbon pasta and apple honey galette standing out as favorites.
Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (Of Sorts)
Centered on small plates inspired by Venetian dining traditions, this book is prized for its recipes and visual appeal. Arancini, asparagus risotto with prosciutto, and an especially good pizza dough recipe are among its highlights.
What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking
Caroline Chambers organises this practical cookbook by preparation time, making weeknight decisions simpler. Popular dishes include a spicy Italian sausage and kale pasta and a one-pan chicken burrito bowl.
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The Nightmare Before Dinner
Created by Zach Neil and tied to his Beetle House restaurants in New York and Los Angeles, this cookbook stands out for its theatrical, distinctive culinary style, appealing to those drawn to bold, unconventional cooking.
Deliciously Ella
Originally from a popular plant-based blog, this collection remains a favorite for its approachable recipes. The sweet potato and chickpea stew is often cited as a dependable, crowd-pleasing choice.
BBC Good Food Unprocessed Recipes
Nutritious, quick-to-prepare meals well-suited for busy weekdays. The Greek lamb meatballs and a creamy salmon and leek traybake are two dishes that keep home cooks coming back.
The Family Meal: Home Cooking with Ferran Adrià
Drawing from staff meal traditions at the renowned El Bulli restaurant, this cookbook uses affordable ingredients despite its high-end origins. Recipes can be scaled from as few as two servings up to 75, making it versatile for both weeknight dinners and large gatherings.