15 Must-Have Cookbooks Every Beginner Needs in Their Kitchen

You may have seen this massive yellow cookbook stowed away in your family's collection. With over 900 pages and hundreds of simple recipes from chili to poached eggs, Mark Bittman's 1998 cookbook is hard to miss on the shelf. How to Cook Everything has been the guide to basic home cooking for over twenty years — and for good reason. The cookbook is chock full of easy-to-follow recipes and an overview of basic techniques. This twentieth anniversary edition also includes helpful visual guides and updated ingredient lists to allow for more flexibility.

If you're starting out in the kitchen, this cookbook is a must — and over 1,400 five-star Amazon reviewers agree. "This would be an excellent book for graduates and other young people setting up their first kitchens," says one. "It is also a good choice for experienced cooks looking for a reference work to inspire their own creativity."

When you are a beginner cook, seeing a recipe that has over 10 ingredients can often result in a quick veto. That's where The Best 3-Ingredient Cookbook by bestselling cookbook author Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND, comes in. As the title suggests, this beginner cookbook gives you 100 easy recipes that don't require anything more than three ingredients that you already have in your pantry. Amidor's cookbook delivers freezer-friendly, one-pot, and 15-minute meals that are ideal for amateur cooks, not to mention busy parents. From Peanut Butter Pancakes to Easy Eggplant Parmesan, this cookbook is a crowd-pleaser.

In addition to recipes, you'll also find serving size suggestions, meal prepping guidance, and healthier alternatives. "This cookbook has brought me new confidence in the kitchen. I would definitely recommend," says one Amazon reviewer.

Remember, the simpler something is, the more likely you are to repeat it. With that in mind, if you're just getting into cooking, The Best Simple Recipes is a fabulous cookbook to kickstart your new hobby. From the minds of America's Test Kitchen, the cookbook showcases 200 recipes that take 30 minutes or less to whip up. As such, all of the meal ideas, including appetizers, soups, grill recipes, and Italian dishes, are great options for busy weeknights and relaxing weekend evenings.

"The way it's written is easy for beginners to understand without being overly wordy or 'dummied down' for those that are more of a proficient cook," says one Amazon reviewer who describes themselves as an amateur cook. "They use mostly ingredients I already have in the kitchen."

Joy of Cooking has been a kitchen staple since 1931. The iconic cookbook was self-published by Irma S. Rombauer. In 2019, the cookbook got a makeover with the addition of 600 new recipes, updated classics, and more streamlined ingredient lists. It was a labor of love not by a random editor but by Rombauer's great-grandson, John Becker, and his wife, Megan Scott. The goal? To inspire a new generation of joy in relation to cooking.

In total, Joy of Cooking features over 4,000 beloved recipes. Within its pages, you'll find a bevy of starter ideas, main course recipes, side dish options, decadent desserts, and traditional holiday fare. It even has vegan and vegetarian options, as well as guidelines for entertaining and meal planning. As such, it's basically a bible for hosting. And it's no wonder why it's earned over 7,000 five-star reviews.

If your favorite cuisine and carryout is Italian, it's high time you learn how to whip up delicious pizza, pasta, lasagne, poultry, and more with this best-selling cookbook. A best-seller since 1950, the thick Italian cookbook—which is considered the "Bible of authentic Italian home cooking"—is beloved for its easy-to-recreate recipes, of which there are 2,000. Best of all, if you're someone who is a visual learner, you'll be glad to know that the cult-favorite cookbook features 400 full-color photographs of the most popular recipes, too.

"These recipes, by the thousands, are no-fuss, each succinct and clear as a fine Pinot Grigio," says one Amazon reviewer. "If you know how to boil water and turn the range knobs, you're in."

If you have an Instant Pot sitting in your kitchen but haven't used it as much as you would like to, then consider purchasing this cookbook that delivers over 350 delicious Instant Pot-specific meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. No matter what type of Instant Pot you own, the Instant Pot Bible lists timings for all sizes and models. The cookbook is the most comprehensive one for this kitchen device, thanks to its range of recipes from hearty breakfasts to centerpiece stews. Many recipes also include slow-cooking options, so you can prepare other dishes at the same time. Also included: vegan, vegetarian, keto-friendly, and gluten-free recipes.

"This is one of the best Instant Pot cookbooks on the market. Recipes are terrific and the instructions are clear and precise, also giving variations when applicable," writes one fan on Amazon. "At first I was not sure if this would be the best book for a beginning Instant Pot user, but working with some of the recipes, they leave nothing to chance, no questions unanswered."

If you binge-watched Samin Nosrat's Netflix special Salt Fat Acid Heat, then the next step is to purchase her cookbook under the same name so you can relive her cooking adventures in your home. Salt Fat Acid Heat is the contemporary equivalent to How to Cook Everything and the Joy of Cooking thanks to its revolutionary voice and philosophy. Nosrat has taught people of all ages and experiences how to cook under the belief that if you can conquer four base elements (salt, fat, acid, and heat) then you are on your way to becoming a pro. The cookbook bridges the gap between home kitchens and professional spaces, providing illustrated walkthroughs and 100 essential recipes.

One of the many positive reviews on Amazon says, "This was an excellent, excellent book. I read it cover-to-cover over the course of about two weeks. Despite a lifetime of mediocre-to-occasionally-excellent cooking, this definitely upped my game by giving me these four simple touchstones to examine each dish and ingredient through."

If you are new to a plant-based diet or are looking for more heart-healthy meals to add to your weekly rotation, the Today Show's resident foodie Samah Dada's cookbook provides 100 healthy vegetarian recipes that include innovative takes on beloved Indian dishes. Dada uses real, unprocessed ingredients in all of her recipes, so you can eat well without compromising your cravings. Many of her recipes are vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free while still being delicious. Sweet Potato Aloo Tikki, Chocolate Chip Tahini Cake with Chocolate Frosting, and Cauliflower Cacio e Pepe are just a few of the delicious meals you can make with this cookbook by your side.

"My picky eater teens even love them and ask for them. Knowing the recipes are healthy options but satisfying is key. This cookbook is a dream with so many uncomplicated recipes that we can make easily from our pantry," says one Amazon reviewer. You can also follow Dada on Instagram to stay up-to-date with her latest recipes.

The name of this cookbook by James Beard Award Finalist Yotam Ottolenghi says it all. Each of the 130 flavor-forward recipes require 10 ingredients or less and a single pan, and can be ready in 30 minutes or less. Ottolenghi's signature Middle Eastern recipes include Braised Eggs with Leeks and Cauliflower, Pomegranate, and Pistachio Salad, and Fig and Thyme Clafoutis. He focuses on using pantry staples and introduces meal-prep tips so you can have these delicious meals on the table faster.

"Normally when you see the name Ottolenghi, you’re thinking amazing... but complicated," says one five-star reviewer on Amazon. "His version here of SIMPLE cooking is an acronym: Short on time, 10 Ingredients or less, Make ahead, Pantry, Lazy, Easier than you think — and each is color-coded."

Perfect for the sweet tooth and bread lovers among us, Beginner's Baking Bible by Heather Perine showcases over 130 recipes and techniques for new bakers. Within its pages, you'll find a bevy of recipes for cookies, brownies and bars, pies, quiches, muffins, and more. Additionally, you'll learn all the fundamentals of baking while skimming its pages, as Perine highlights basic baking techniques, such as mixing, folding, creaming, and kneading.

"LOVE this book. I've probably made 20 recipes from it now and everything has turned out well," writes one happy Amazon reviewer.

Nowadays, many cookbooks feature at least a few vegetarian and vegan recipes. That said, if you strictly follow a plant-based diet, opting for a vegan-specific cookbook will serve you better. While quite a few exist, The Homemade Vegan Pantry has earned over 2,000 five-star reviews for its healthy, handcrafted foods that don't take loads of time to create. Whether you're looking to learn how to make vegan yogurt, cheese, dressings, breads, or desserts, The Homemade Vegan Pantry is here to help.

"This is the book you need to get started creating vegan staples," one Amazon reviewer reveals. "If I could choose only one book out of all of the books I purchased last year, this would be the book I would keep. Miyoko's recipes are simple, require mostly standard ingredients, and create some of the most fantastic vegan food I have eaten to date."

Ina Garten's foolproof recipes will help give you confidence in the kitchen even if you are just a beginner. She answers questions, explains techniques, and describes her own process in the margins of each recipe so you don't have to flip back and forth between sections. With each recipe that you make, whether it's Cauliflower Toasts with Prosciutto and Gruyère or Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs, you'll learn a new ingenious shortcut that will have you feeling like a pro in the kitchen. Both beginner and advanced cooks will appreciate this book, as it's written by a home cook for a home cook — almost as if Garten is right there with you.

One Amazon reviewer says, "She taught me how to cook, for heaven’s sake!" Enough said.

Jocelyn Ramirez, Chef and Founder of Todo Verde, transforms the traditional Mexican dishes she made alongside her abuela into plant-based meals every member of the family will enjoy. With just a few simple and affordable substitutions, you can reimagine Queso Fresco, Sopa de Tortilla con Crema, and Tacos de Yaca Carnitas into plant-based delights. All of the 60 recipes are made with nutritious ingredients that will convince even the most stubborn meat-eaters they can enjoy Mexican cuisine without the meat.

One happy customer on Amazon writes, "I love this cookbook! I recently went vegetarian and trying to go vegan. This has helped me eat all my favorite foods my mom makes (with meat). The recipes are pretty easy to follow. As a Latina who loved her tacos de asada this cookbook has made my transition a lot easier."

Comfort food, like (but definitely not limited to) chicken pot pie, smoky bacon, and deviled eggs is an important niche to learn, as these classics can make a rainy day warmer and a stressful week better. Former co-host of The Chew and Top Chef: All-Stars Carla Hall's 100 fantastic recipes will hug you with each bite of tried-and-true classics. Hall makes cooking less daunting by sharing tales of her own cooking journey, making this an enjoyable read and comforting cookbook with full-color photographs. To cook tasty comfort food, you have to prepare these dishes from the heart — and once you taste one of Hall's recipes you'll fall in love no problem.

"Her recipes did not disappoint...easy to find ingredients and clear instructions produced excellent results," says one self-described "culinary non-talent" Amazon reviewer. "Her personal stories accompanying the recipes made me feel like I was a lucky tag-along friend who got invited to stay for supper."

David Chang's New York Times bestselling cookbook Momofuku shows how his restaurants of the same name altered the modern culinary landscape. His award-winning restaurants in New York City, Toronto, and Sydney sparked a cultural phenomenon in the food industry. Chang retells his rise to stardom, while also dishing out his much-loved recipes that feature bold Asian flavors. If you are a foodie and wannabe pro chef, buy yourself this book so you can make Chang's pork buns in the comfort of your home (a.k.a. where there is no wait-time for a dinner reservation).

"The recipes range in difficulty but all are doable," says one Amazon reviewer. "As a whole, they can be done at home but require special equipment, like a sous vide, but Chang offers plenty of alternatives if you don't have said equipment."