An Updated List of my Favorite Cookbooks

Cookbooks have always been one of my favorite kinds of books to collect. There is something so special about flipping through pages filled with beautiful photography, handwritten notes, splattered recipe pages, and meals that inspire you to slow down and create something nourishing. Even in a world where recipes are just a quick search away, I still find myself reaching for my favorite cookbooks again and again for inspiration, comfort, and the simple joy of cooking from the page.

Since I first shared a list of my favorite cookbooks back in 2017, a lot has changed — not just on my bookshelf, but in the way I cook and the kinds of meals I want to make. Over the years, I’ve discovered new favorites, let go of books that no longer fit the season of life I’m in, and found myself drawn to cookbooks that feel much more aligned with the way I want to live and eat now

An Updated List of my Favorite Cookbooks

I used to own quite a few diet-focused cookbooks and often gravitated toward books built around food rules, trends, or the promise of “healthy” eating in a very narrow sense. But over time, my tastes have shifted in a different direction. These days, I’m much more inspired by wholesome, comforting, and seasonal cooking — meals made with simple ingredients, produce from the garden when possible, and recipes that feel both nourishing and realistic for everyday life. The cookbooks I love most now reflect that shift, and many of them have become trusted favorites in my kitchen. So today I’m sharing an updated list of the cookbooks I return to most often — the ones that inspire me, teach me, and make me excited to cook.

Jamie at Home by Jamie Oliver

This book was first published in 2007. When I was young, I LOVED watching Jamie Oliver on Food Network, and the show that he filmed to go along with this cookbook is his best by far! He cooks from his garden, and even at a young age, I knew that I wanted to grow my own food and cook with it! I love how rustic and simple his recipes are, and I still love to go back and watch Jamie at Home episodes, especially in the dead of Winter when I am starting to dream and plan about my garden! I love Jamie’s approach to food and cooking, making it accessible to everyone. He’s written many more books since, but this one will forever be my favorite!

My favorite recipe: Crispy and Sticky Chicken Thighs with Squashed New Potatoes and Tomatoes

The Farm Table by Julius Roberts

I discovered Julius Roberts on Instagram and instantly loved his way of cooking! It is rustic and seasonal and he films from his small farm in England. So dreamy, and the dishes in this book are really tasty! It’s one of those gorgeous farm-to-table cookbooks and inspires me to use the vegetables I grow in new and delicious ways!

My favorite recipe: Zucchini Blossoms Filled with Herby Ricotta & Baked in Tomato Sauce

Plant to Plate by Gaz Oakley

Gaz is from Wales and during the pandemic, he moved back there to a small plot of land that he has transformed into a beautiful and bountiful garden full of vegetables and flowers. He and his partner are all about a natural approach to life and wellness, and I love to watch them on YouTube! Not only does he share a lot of his home cooking, but he also talks a lot about building your own apothecary, fermentation, and living more in tune with the natural world! The recipes in this book are all plant-based but are also so hearty and delicious! I can’t wait to cook through more of them, especially with the Summer gardening season on the horizon!

My favorite recipe: Courgette (Zucchini) Fritters

The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook by Meredith Hayden

I first watched Meredith on TikTok when she was working as a private chef in New York and the Hamptons! I was instantly drawn to her from our mutual love of a crisp Diet Coke, cooking from the garden, and Martha Stewart! Her food is fresh, and I love how she promotes making every day and occasion by sharing easy entertaining tips and tricks!

My favorite recipe: Heirloom Tomato Galette

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat

I watched the documentary Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat on Netflix and it blew my mind. I love Samin’s approach to cooking and teaching others how to cook through these 4 basic elements. The food in each episode looked incredible and I went out and purchased her cookbook right away. It has not disappointed and I love that everything is illustrated. It’s a work of art and her recipes are super approachable for any level of home cook!

My favorite recipe: Buttermilk Marinated Roast Chicken & Asparagus and Feta with Mint Panzanella

Dinner in French by Melissa Clark

I have loved France since I was young and when we were able to travel there in 2017, it was a dream come true! I am drawn to anything French and this was instantly intrigued by this cookbook! The ingredients are simple and fresh and the recipes straight forward! The imagery is also beautiful, it makes me want to visit again just so I can go visit outdoor markets to shop for fresh ingredients and serve dinner al fresco!

My favorite recipe: Asparagus, Goat Cheese, and Tarragon Tart

Love & Lemons Everyday by Jeanine Donofrio & Jack Mathews

I first came across Love & Lemons when I was browsing the internet, looking for asparagus recipes and came across their blog! It is full of delicious plant-forward recipes and their cookbooks are the perfect extension of their lengthy recipe index! I love their books as they come with so many useful tips and tricks to avoid waste, they have pages with a ton of different ways to make certain things, from salad dressings and scrambled eggs to date balls and homemade pickles!

My favorite recipe: Leek & Radish Green Tart

Cool Beans by Joe Yonan

My husband went through a phase when he was trying to master the art of cooking dry beans and making them taste delicious. When I was browsing at the thrift store and saw this book, I knew I had to get it! It is full of all different kinds of yummy recipes featuring every different kind of bean imaginable, complete with desserts!

My favorite recipe: Lentil, Zucchini, and Cherry Tomato Sloppy Joes

At the end of the day, the cookbooks I treasure most are the ones that make me want to get in the kitchen and actually cook — not perfectly, but joyfully. They’re the books that inspire simple meals, seasonal ingredients, and the kind of food that feels comforting and worth sharing. My collection may keep changing over time, but these are the cookbooks that have earned a lasting place on my shelves for now. I’d love to know if you have a favorite cookbook you always return to, or if there’s one you think I should add to my list next.