20 Cooking Best Books to Read – The 2024 Edition

Are you a food enthusiast looking for the perfect book on cooking to add to your collection? Look no further! We’ve curated a list of the 20 best cooking books that will inspire, educate, and elevate your culinary skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef, these books are packed with mouthwatering recipes, expert techniques, and fascinating food history. From classic French cuisine to modern plant-based dishes, there’s something for every palate. Get ready to explore the world of cooking through these captivating books!

20 Best Books About Cooking

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

by Samin Nosrat

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat is a captivating cooking book that takes readers on a culinary journey, exploring the essential elements of great cooking. Nosrat, a renowned chef, shares her expertise on how salt, fat, acid, and heat are the key components that can transform any dish. Through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations, she demystifies the art of cooking, making it accessible to all levels of cooks. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this book about cooking will revolutionize the way you approach food. With practical tips and insightful wisdom, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat will empower you to become a more confident and intuitive cook, allowing you to create delicious and well-balanced meals with ease.

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science

by J. Kenji López-Alt

The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt is a comprehensive cooking book that combines the art and science of cooking to help readers understand the techniques and principles behind their favorite recipes. With a focus on debunking common cooking myths and providing evidence-based tips, this book is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills. López-Alt delves into the science behind various cooking methods, ingredients, and kitchen tools, offering readers a deeper understanding of the cooking process. Packed with over 300 recipes and beautiful illustrations, this book about cooking is a must-have for home cooks who are passionate about perfecting their dishes and mastering the science of good food.

The Flavor Bible

by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg

The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg is a renowned book about cooking that explores the art of flavor pairing. This comprehensive guide is a must-have for anyone passionate about culinary arts. The book provides an extensive list of ingredients and their flavor affinities, offering a roadmap for creating delicious and harmonious dishes. With insights from renowned chefs and experts in the culinary world, this cooking book is a valuable resource for both professional chefs and home cooks. Whether you’re looking to experiment with new flavors or enhance your cooking skills, The Flavor Bible is an indispensable companion in the kitchen, empowering you to unleash your creativity and elevate your dishes to new heights.

Plenty

by Yotam Ottolenghi

Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi is a captivating cooking book that celebrates the vibrant and diverse flavors of vegetarian cuisine. Ottolenghi, a renowned chef, presents a collection of innovative and mouth-watering recipes that showcase the endless possibilities of vegetables, grains, and legumes. With stunning photography and detailed instructions, the book invites readers to explore the art of creating delicious and nutritious meals without the need for meat.

Readers will be inspired to experiment with new ingredients and cooking techniques, as Ottolenghi’s passion for fresh, seasonal produce shines through in every page. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, Plenty offers a treasure trove of enticing dishes that will elevate your culinary repertoire and inspire a newfound appreciation for vegetarian cooking.

The Joy of Cooking

by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker

The Joy of Cooking is a timeless classic, a revered book about cooking that has been a staple in kitchens for generations. Written by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker, this comprehensive cooking book covers everything from basic techniques to elaborate recipes. It’s a go-to resource for both novice and experienced cooks, offering guidance on a wide range of culinary topics. With its warm and inviting tone, the book feels like a trusted friend in the kitchen, providing clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success in the cooking process. Whether you’re looking to master classic dishes or explore new flavors, The Joy of Cooking is a must-have for anyone passionate about creating delicious meals.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck

Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a classic cooking book that has stood the test of time. Written by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck, this culinary masterpiece is a comprehensive guide to the art of French cuisine. With its detailed instructions and step-by-step recipes, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to learn the art of cooking. This book about cooking covers a wide range of French dishes, from classic sauces to delicate pastries, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. With its engaging writing style and wealth of knowledge, Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and educate cooks around the world.

How to Cook Everything

by Mark Bittman

How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman is a comprehensive and indispensable cooking book for both beginners and seasoned chefs. This culinary bible covers a wide range of recipes, techniques, and tips for mastering the art of cooking. Bittman’s approachable writing style and clear instructions make this book about cooking a go-to resource for anyone looking to expand their culinary skills. From appetizers to desserts, and everything in between, this book on cooking has it all. Whether you’re looking to perfect a classic dish or experiment with new flavors, How to Cook Everything has something for everyone. With its wealth of information and delicious recipes, this cooking book is a must-have for anyone who loves to create and enjoy good food.

The Professional Chef

by The Culinary Institute of America

The Professional Chef by The Culinary Institute of America is a comprehensive and authoritative book on cooking that covers all aspects of the culinary arts. This cooking book is a valuable resource for both professional chefs and home cooks looking to elevate their skills in the kitchen. With over 1,000 recipes and 800 illustrations, this book about cooking offers a deep dive into techniques, ingredients, and equipment, making it an essential reference for anyone passionate about the art of food. The Culinary Institute of America, a renowned institution for culinary education, brings its expertise and experience to this cooking book, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to enhance their culinary abilities.

The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook

by America’s Test Kitchen

The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook is a comprehensive and essential resource for anyone who loves to cook. This book on cooking is packed with over 1,200 recipes, all meticulously developed and tested by the experts at America’s Test Kitchen. From appetizers to desserts, this cooking book covers it all, providing step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and detailed explanations of the science behind each recipe. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find something to inspire and delight you in this book about cooking. With its beautiful photography and user-friendly layout, this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills and expand their recipe repertoire.

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

by Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten is a beloved book about cooking that brings the flavors of East Hampton straight to your kitchen. In this culinary masterpiece, Ina shares her passion for food and entertaining, offering up a delightful collection of recipes that are perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. From mouthwatering appetizers to decadent desserts, each recipe is accompanied by Ina’s personal anecdotes and helpful tips, making it feel like you’re cooking alongside a friend. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this cooking book is sure to inspire and elevate your culinary skills. With its beautiful photography and approachable recipes, The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and entertain.

The Oh She Glows Cookbook

by Angela Liddon

The Oh She Glows Cookbook by Angela Liddon is a popular cooking book that focuses on delicious and nutritious plant-based recipes. Liddon, a renowned food blogger, shares her passion for creating healthy and satisfying meals that are both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. The cookbook features a wide range of recipes, from energizing breakfasts and hearty mains to indulgent desserts and snacks, all designed to inspire home cooks to embrace a more plant-based lifestyle. With its vibrant photography and easy-to-follow instructions, this book about cooking is perfect for anyone looking to add more variety and creativity to their meals, while also prioritizing health and well-being.

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

by America’s Test Kitchen

The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen is a comprehensive and mouthwatering exploration of the diverse and healthy cuisines of the Mediterranean region. This book on cooking features over 500 authentic and delicious recipes that showcase the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that are at the heart of Mediterranean cooking. From Greek moussaka to Spanish paella, this cooking book covers a wide range of dishes, making it a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean. With clear instructions, helpful tips, and stunning photography, this book about cooking is a valuable resource for both experienced chefs and beginners looking to expand their culinary repertoire with flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean dishes.

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

by America’s Test Kitchen

The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen is a comprehensive and mouthwatering book about cooking that caters to vegetarians and veggie lovers alike. With over 700 tried-and-true recipes, this cooking book offers a diverse range of dishes, from hearty mains to delectable desserts, all focused on the vibrant flavors of vegetables, fruits, and grains.

What sets this book on cooking apart is its commitment to testing and perfecting each recipe, ensuring that home cooks can achieve delicious results every time. With useful tips, step-by-step instructions, and detailed illustrations, this cooking book is a reliable resource for anyone looking to expand their vegetarian culinary repertoire. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this book about cooking is sure to inspire and delight.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook

by Deb Perelman

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman is a delightful book about cooking that is filled with mouthwatering recipes and charming anecdotes. Deb’s writing style makes the book feel like a conversation with a good friend who happens to be an expert in the kitchen. The recipes are approachable and perfect for both novice and experienced cooks, with a focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious dishes. From cozy comfort foods to elegant dinner party fare, this cooking book has something for everyone. Deb’s passion for cooking and sharing her love of food shines through on every page, making this cookbook a must-have for anyone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen.

The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making

by Alana Chernila

The Homemade Pantry: 101 Foods You Can Stop Buying and Start Making by Alana Chernila is a fantastic cooking book that will inspire you to take control of what goes into your pantry. Chernila provides easy-to-follow recipes for staples like bread, yogurt, and pasta, as well as more adventurous options like homemade hot sauce and marshmallows. This book about cooking emphasizes the satisfaction of creating your own pantry staples, while also allowing you to avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this book on cooking will empower you to elevate your meals with homemade ingredients. With beautiful photography and personal anecdotes, The Homemade Pantry is a delightful and practical guide to creating a more wholesome and delicious pantry.

The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution

by Alice Waters

The Art of Simple Food: Notes, Lessons, and Recipes from a Delicious Revolution by Alice Waters is a delightful cooking book that focuses on the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients and the joy of cooking from scratch. Alice Waters, a renowned chef and advocate for sustainable agriculture, shares her wisdom and passion for cooking in this comprehensive guide. The book is filled with practical tips, fundamental techniques, and delicious recipes that celebrate the abundance of the seasons. With an emphasis on using local, organic produce and creating meals that are both nourishing and flavorful, The Art of Simple Food is a must-have for anyone who wants to embrace the pleasures of cooking and eating well. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this book is sure to inspire and empower you to create delicious meals with ease.

The Bread Baker’s Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread

by Peter Reinhart

The Bread Baker’s Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread by Peter Reinhart is a renowned cooking book that delves into the art of bread-making. This comprehensive guide takes readers on a journey through the world of bread, providing step-by-step instructions and detailed explanations of techniques. With an emphasis on mastering the craft, Reinhart shares his expertise and passion for baking, making this book a must-have for anyone interested in the art of bread-making. From basic bread recipes to more advanced and intricate loaves, this book offers a wide range of recipes and insights that will appeal to both novice and experienced bakers. Whether you’re a professional baker or a home cook looking to elevate your bread-making skills, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create extraordinary bread.

The Joy of Cooking

by Irma S. Rombauer

The Joy of Cooking is a classic book about cooking that has been a staple in kitchens for generations. Written by Irma S. Rombauer, this beloved cooking book provides a comprehensive guide to all things culinary, including recipes, techniques, and tips for both novice and experienced cooks. The book covers a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles, making it a versatile resource for anyone looking to expand their culinary skills. With its easy-to-follow instructions and helpful illustrations, The Joy of Cooking has become a go-to reference for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether you’re looking to master the basics or experiment with new and exciting recipes, this timeless book on cooking is sure to inspire and delight anyone with a passion for food.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking

by Julia Child

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child is a classic cookbook that has stood the test of time. This iconic book about cooking is a comprehensive guide to French cuisine, offering detailed recipes and techniques for creating delicious and authentic French dishes. Julia Child’s passion for cooking and her meticulous approach to recipe development shine through in this cooking book, making it an essential resource for anyone looking to master the art of French cooking. With its clear instructions and helpful tips, this book on cooking is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks who want to elevate their culinary skills and impress their guests with exquisite French meals.

On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen

by Harold McGee

On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen by Harold McGee is a groundbreaking book about cooking that delves into the fascinating world of food and its preparation. McGee combines the art of culinary with the science of cooking, offering a comprehensive understanding of the processes and principles behind the creation of delicious dishes.

This cooking book explores the chemical reactions, physical transformations, and cultural significance of various ingredients and cooking techniques. From the history of food to the modern advancements in culinary technology, McGee’s meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book on cooking a must-read for food enthusiasts, chefs, and anyone curious about the mysteries of the kitchen. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, On Food and Cooking is an essential resource for unlocking the secrets of food and flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these 20 best books about Cooking are sure to inspire and elevate your culinary skills. From classic recipes to modern techniques, these books cover a wide range of cuisines and cooking styles. With detailed instructions, beautiful photography, and mouth-watering recipes, these books are essential for anyone passionate about food and cooking. Pick up a copy of one of these books and get ready to take your cooking to the next level!

Which Cooking book is best?

The best book on Cooking can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:

  1. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat,
  2. The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt,
  3. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg.

Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.

What are the best books on Cooking?

The best books on Cooking include:

Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Cooking are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.

What are the best Cooking books of all time?