When you move as often as we do, you tend to get rid of stuff often, and one of the first things we pair down are books: specifically, cookbooks. Because they’re typically big, bulky, and heavy. So that’s why I need to share our favorite cookbooks; the ones that go with us from new kitchen to new kitchen.
Because even though pretty much any recipe we could ever possibly need is online, there’s something comforting about opening up a cookbook and following the recipe written on the page.
These are a few of our all-time favorite cookbooks—the ones that travel with us from home to home, finding a place in cabinets, drawers, and shelves, depending on our kitchen/storage situation. They’re the ones that have vanilla stains and flour dust in between the pages, and permanent notes scribbled inside from the last time we made something.
Cookbooks You Need in your Life
We often, when my husband is in town, make it a challenge to make one new recipe from a cookbook below once a week. It keeps things fresh, and fun, and we get the kids in on it. We’ll have them find a picture of something that looks good to them, and then we make it!
The recipes in these cookbooks are tested, tried, and taste really freaking good…Here’s a smattering of our favorite cookbooks that’ll have you licking your lips with every page.
One Dozen Cookbooks You Need in Your Life
How To Boil Water by Food Network Kitchens
This one will always be one of my favorites. True to what the title says, if you need a basic cookbook with simple techniques, get this asap.
A Southern Gentleman’s Kitchen by Matt Moore
Oh, hello! The recipes in this cookbook are freaking delicious and hit that comfort level times ten.
Simply Simpatico by The Junior League of Albuquerque
If you’re a local New Mexican, chances are you have this in your kitchen, or your mom, aunt, or grandma has it in theirs. I usually only turn to the front part where the classic and traditional New Mexican food is, but i’ve heard the rest of the recipes are gems.
The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook: Recipes and Wisdom from an Obsessive Home Cook by Deb Perelman
Our favorite pizza crust recipe is in here, and my husband’s made a handful of other recipes. Anytime we want to try something new, we reach for Smitten Kitchen.
Good Eats (Volume 1, Volume 2, and Volume 3) by Alton Brown
Two words: Alton Brown. He’s a favorite in our house, and I can’t tell you how many recipes we’ve made from this collection over the years. If you are, or know a foodie, they’ll appreciate the scientific calculations that went into each recipe.
The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Light on Calories, Big on Flavor by Gina Homolka
I have so many favorites marked in this cookbook, and I love that the title of this cookbook is true: everything is BIG on flavor with so much less guilt since it’s light on the calories. She has several other cookbooks out, but I haven’t bought them since this one is still coming through for us.
Made in Italy and La Dolce Vita by David Rocco
If you want some true, simple, classic, and sensational Italian food, get your hands on these cookbooks. We’ve made so many recipes from both of these, and every time I’m shocked (although I shouldn’t be), at how simple, how easy, and how freaking DELICIOUS everything tastes. It takes us back to Italy in an instant.
Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering by Joanna Gaines
I feel like Joanna Gains is the Paula Dean of our generation, and this cookbook needs to be in everyone’s home. Everything is perfect, and you’ll wish everything inside contained zero calories (spoiler alert: they don’t).
Instant Loss: Cook Your Way to a Healthy Weight by Brittany Williams
This is a new-ish cookbook in our collection, but I’ve used it enough that I can add it to this list. The recipes are simple, tasty, and I love that they’re made with wholesome ingredients. She actually has a brand new cookbook out (Instant Loss: Eat Real, Loose Weight), but I haven’t tried anything from it yet.
Recently added
We’re still expanding our cookbook collection, and Cravings: Hungry for More by Chrissy Teigen made it into our stack of favorites.
What are YOUR favorite cookbooks?
Share your favorite cookbooks below; I’d love to hear which have stood the test of (meal) time in your house!
My favorites are: anything by Elie Krieger or Ina Garten. I also liked Skinny Taste by Gina Homolka, Relish by Daphne Oz, and Big Bowl of Love by Christina Ferrare. I will have to check out Alton Brown’s books!