The Best Cookbooks of 2025

Rating: 5

The League of Kitchens Cookbook: 75 Recipes from Immigrant Home Cooks unfolds a mesmerizing collection of culinary adventures that transport readers into the kitchens of immigrant families. Lisa Kyung Gross has meticulously curated this masterpiece, weaving a tapestry of flavors spanning the globe from Mexico to Greece. With 75 genuine family recipes, each accompanied by profound cultural narratives and meticulously detailed instructions, the cookbook proves to be an educational feast for the senses. Every turn of the page is a gateway to another part of the world, offering readers not just a recipe, but a shared legacy and tradition. Gross captures the essence of each dish, providing home cooks with the confidence and tools to replicate these time-honored traditions. Should one choose to embark on this culinary journey, they will find their kitchens transformed into a vibrant melting pot of flavors, cultures, and heartfelt stories. One of the most compelling aspects of the book is how seamlessly it balances cultural authenticity with approachability, allowing even novice cooks to embrace these complex dishes without hesitation. The personal stories shared by the home cooks function as both an invitation and an educational tool, enriching the overall culinary experience and providing context that heightens appreciation for each dish. By the end of the book, readers gain not just knowledge of recipes, but a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse culinary landscapes represented. This cookbook stands as a beautiful testament to the power of food in connecting diverse cultures and preserving cherished memories.

— Ava Martinez

Rating: 5

Dolci!: American Baking with an Italian Accent is a charming crossover between two rich baking traditions, capturing the hearts and taste buds of baking enthusiasts with its creativity and charm. Renato Poliafito has crafted a delightful resource that introduces bakers to an intriguing fusion of Italian and American baking influences. The book is imbued with recipes that are not only innovative but also irresistibly inviting, drawing readers into the pages with the promise of delectable creations. Dishes like the Amaro Root Beer Float and Honey-Ricotta Black and Whites epitomize the book’s theme of harmonious flavor fusion, offering an adventurous twist on classic recipes. Poliafito’s clear instructions and vibrant photography work in tandem to guide even novice bakers through the process with ease and confidence. Each recipe is crafted with precision, showcasing Poliafito's expertise and passion for bridging cultural divides through culinary creativity. The delightful coalescence of flavors makes every dish in Dolci! a unique experience, encouraging bakers to step out of their comfort zones and explore the endless possibilities within their baking prowess. It's a book that doesn't merely teach you how to bake—it invites you into a world where innovation, tradition, and personal expression meet. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves more than willing to try these creative concoctions, knowing each one offers a chance to taste something familiar, yet refreshingly distinct. Dolci! is a celebratory testament to the joys of baking, bringing together diverse elements into a delightful culinary dialogue.

— James Smith

Rating: 4.9

The Contemporary African Kitchen: Home Cooking Recipes from the Leading Chefs of Africa is an illuminating compilation that celebrates the diverse culinary tapestry of Africa. Alexander Smalls has brought together 30 of the continent's leading chefs, creating a vibrant anthology that introduces readers to an uninhibited exploration of African gastronomic heritage. The cookbook exudes authenticity and respect, artfully presenting recipes such as Moroccan Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder and Ugandan Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup that engage cooks with the rich culinary traditions embedded within Africa’s vast and varied landscapes. Smalls’s inclusion of cultural insights elevates the cooking experience, bridging the gap between the dish on the plate and the narrative it represents. By infusing cultural knowledge alongside culinary technique, each recipe emerges as a holistic experience, granting readers an intimate look into the essence of African cooking. The book champions diversity and representation, showcasing each chef's unique approach while maintaining a cohesive celebration of African cuisine as a whole. As each recipe is brought to life, the dishes resonate with stories of history, culture, and innovation, illustrating Smalls's dedication to preserving and honoring African culinary legacy. Readers will find themselves deeply immersed in the learning journey, gaining an appreciation and respect for the brilliant chefs who grace its pages. This volume stands not just as a cookbook, but as a communiqué from the soul of Africa, inspiring avid cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike to savor and appreciate the rich flavors and stories awaiting within.

— David Miller

Rating: 4.9

The Witch’s Feast: A Kitchen Grimoire captivates the imagination by interweaving culinary arts with mystical practices, creating an enchanting narrative for those who seek nourishment in both body and spirit. Melissa Jayne Madara expertly crafts a tome that resonates with the rhythms of nature, inviting readers to partake in a holistic dining experience that is both mindful and magical. From solstice celebrations to zodiac-inspired menus, each chapter offers a unique perspective on the intersection of food and ritual. Recipes such as kale salad with black garlic and hazelnuts tantalize the tastebuds while encouraging cooks to delve into the symbolism and seasonal cycles that shape their culinary practices. Madara’s thoughtful approach elucidates the importance of connecting with ingredients, advocating for an intuitive relationship with food that transcends mere sustenance. The book is a bewitching guide that encourages readers to explore the historical and spiritual significance behind each dish, making every meal a celebration of personal and environmental harmony. In fusing elements of symbolism, folklore, and culinary exploration, Madara provides a fresh lens through which one can view the kitchen—not just as a space for cooking, but as a sanctuary for renewal and introspection. The Witch’s Feast not only demystifies the magical components of cooking but also welcomes readers to embrace their creativity, intuition, and connection to the natural world. For those who seek to embark on a transformative journey through the culinary arts, this kitchen grimoire promises to guide them through a profound exploration of flavor, ritual, and self-discovery.

— Sophia Brown

Rating: 4.7

My Regenerative Kitchen: Plant-Based Recipes and Sustainable Practices to Nourish Ourselves and the Planet embarks on an essential journey towards ecological harmony and conscious consumption. Created by Camilla Marcus, this cookbook is more than a collection of plant-based recipes—it is a manifesto for sustainable living and environmental stewardship. Marcus emphasizes the importance of sourcing regeneratively and upcycling ingredients, crafting dishes that are kind to the planet without sacrificing flavor or creativity. Recipes such as smashed sweet potatoes with brown butter miso and crème fraîche highlight the delightful interplay between taste and sustainability, displaying how deliciously fulfilling plant-based cooking can be. The narrative woven throughout the book inspires readers to consider the impacts of their dietary choices on the broader ecosystem, advocating for practices that nurture rather than deplete natural resources. Marcus’s dedication to regenerative culinary practices is evident in her innovative approach to recipes, encouraging readers to appreciate the full lifecycle of ingredients and to minimize waste through mindful cooking. The book serves as a practical guide to adopting a more conscious and sustainable culinary lifestyle, empowering readers to make informed choices that benefit both their health and the environment. My Regenerative Kitchen stands as a beacon for those who wish to reconnect with the planet through their cooking practices, offering nourishment that aligns with values of sustainability and ecological well-being. It’s a compelling call to action that invites readers to rethink their relationship with food and to embrace a future where culinary tradition and environmental ethics coexist harmoniously.

— Olivia Smith