Best Cookbooks 2024: Our Top 10

The Best Cookbooks of 2024

‍As we savor the final bites of 2024, the year has served us a feast of remarkable cookbooks that inspire and delight. From groundbreaking explorations of global cuisines to inventive takes on classic techniques, this year’s lineup is a celebration of culinary artistry and innovation.

Our handpicked selection of the best cookbooks of 2024 captures the essence of a year defined by bold flavors, creative storytelling, and the joy of cooking. These books invite you to expand your kitchen repertoire and embark on a delicious journey of discovery and mastery.

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Good Eggs

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Ed Smith's Good Eggs is a delightful homage to the egg, presenting over 100 inventive recipes that showcase its remarkable versatility. From breakfast classics to dinner masterpieces, Ed's creations, such as Fried Eggs with a Crisp Cheese Skirt and Soft-Boiled Eggs with Crunchy Rice and Lemon and Black Pepper Nam Jim, offer a fresh perspective on this culinary staple.

The cookbook seamlessly blends traditional favorites like Çılbır, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Bhurji, and Tamagoyaki with innovative dishes, making it an essential resource for both novice and seasoned cooks. Ed's engaging writing and clear instructions ensure that each recipe is accessible, encouraging readers to experiment and appreciate the egg's adaptability.

Good Eggs stands out not only for its diverse recipes but also for its beautiful photography, which brings each dish to life. Whether you're preparing a quick weekday breakfast or hosting an elegant brunch, this cookbook provides inspiration to elevate your egg-cooking game to new heights.

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Salt Hank

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Henry Laporte’s Salt Hank: A Five Napkin Situation is a bold and unapologetically flavorful journey through decadent dishes infused with humor and creativity. Known for his vibrant social media presence, Hank translates his culinary charisma into recipes that celebrate indulgence and big, bold flavors. Organized into dynamic chapters of fried delights, hearty mains, indulgent sauces, and iconic sandwiches, the book features fan-favorites like the Lamb Burger and Vodka Parmesan alongside new creations like Duck Breast with Potato Chips and Pan Sauce.

A visual treat as much as a culinary one, the cookbook’s photography captures every mouthwatering detail, from crispy textures to dripping sauces. Hank even includes tips for perfecting food shots and videos, making this a resource for home cooks and aspiring food creators alike. His humor and passion shine through every recipe, creating an engaging and approachable guide to big-flavor cooking.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Salt Hank’s viral videos or just discovering his world, Salt Hank cookbook invites readers to embrace culinary creativity and joy. Packed with irresistible recipes and Hank’s unmistakable energy, this cookbook transforms any kitchen into a hub of flavorful fun and inspiration.

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Seasoning

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Cooking with the seasons takes center stage in Seasoning, a beautifully crafted cookbook that highlights the art of using ingredients at their freshest. With over 75 recipes, the book balances inspiration with practicality, offering techniques to reduce waste and store produce effectively. It’s a celebration of sustainability and flavor in equal measure.

Each chapter corresponds to a season, showcasing the best of what nature provides throughout the year. From tender spring greens to the comforting root vegetables of winter, the recipes encourage readers to embrace the unique qualities of seasonal produce. The clear instructions and engaging tone make it an accessible guide for cooks of all levels.

Stunning visuals complement the recipes, with photography and illustrations that bring the dishes to life. Seasoning goes beyond cooking, fostering a deeper connection to nature and the joy of anticipating seasonal flavors. It’s not just a cookbook—it’s a reflection of how mindful eating can enhance our meals and our relationship with the environment.

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Mangal II

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Manual II: Stories & Recipes offers an intimate glimpse into Mangal II, the acclaimed East London restaurant celebrated for its innovative Turkish cuisine. Authored by brothers Ferhat and Sertaç Dirik, the cookbook intertwines personal narratives with 60 thoughtfully crafted recipes, reflecting the establishment's evolution from a traditional kebab house to a modern culinary destination.

The Dirik brothers honor their heritage with classic dishes like Ezme and their father's renowned lamb kebabs, while introducing inventive creations such as Mackerel in Fried Vine Leaf and Grilled Aubergine with Mushroom Broth and Almonds. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through the use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and a zero-waste approach, mirroring the values that have defined Mangal II's legacy.

Enhanced by striking photography, Manual II serves as both a culinary guide and a tribute to the Dirik family's journey, capturing the essence of a restaurant that seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary flair. It's an inspiring addition for anyone passionate about Turkish cuisine and the stories that shape it.

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A Plant-Based Farmhouse

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Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley, A Plant-Based Farmhouse brings the charm of traditional farmhouse cooking to the world of vegan cuisine. With over 80 wholefood recipes, this cookbook transforms seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into comforting dishes like Sourdough Calzone with Kale and Spelt Dumplings in Nettle and Green Miso Broth.

Focused on sustainability and simplicity, the book captures the spirit of plant-based living without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. From hearty mains to indulgent treats, each recipe reflects the creativity and warmth of its rustic setting, making plant-based meals approachable for all cooks.

Enhanced by stunning photography and a user-friendly design, A Plant-Based Farmhouse is more than a collection of recipes—it’s a celebration of mindful cooking and the joy of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Perfect for vegans and anyone looking to explore the rich possibilities of plant-based eating.

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Persian Feasts: Recipes & Stories from a Family Table

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Leila Heller brings Persian culture to life in Persian Feasts: Recipes & Stories from a Family Table. This beautifully crafted cookbook invites readers into the heart of Persian cuisine, blending authentic recipes with personal narratives that celebrate the warmth of Iranian hospitality.

Organized around appetizers, stews, rice dishes, and desserts, the book also features six celebratory menus for traditional Persian festivals, such as Nowruz and Yalda. Standout recipes include a saffron-scented Herb Frittata, tender kebabs, and Cardamom and Rose Water Pudding, offering a true taste of Persian culinary artistry.

With over 110 stunning photographs, Persian Feasts is as visually captivating as it is informative. The authors enrich each recipe with reflections and cultural context, making this cookbook a heartfelt tribute to Persian traditions and an invaluable resource for anyone eager to explore its rich, aromatic flavors.

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Pizza Volume 01

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Gozney's Pizza Volume 01 is a comprehensive guide that elevates home pizza-making by combining professional insights with outdoor cooking techniques. Featuring over 75 recipes and contributions from renowned chefs like Daniele Uditi and Missy Robbins, the cookbook delves into crafting eight distinct dough styles, mastering toppings, sauces, and unique combinations to enhance the home pizza experience.

Beyond traditional pizza recipes, the book explores the versatility of outdoor cooking with 20 additional recipes for fire-cooked dishes, including seafood, meats, and tapas. Collaborations with chefs such as Lee Tiernan and Brad Leone highlight the potential of using a pizza oven for diverse culinary creations. The modern design and captivating photography provide both visual inspiration and practical guidance, making the cooking process engaging and accessible.

Pizza Volume 01 serves as a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned cooks, offering detailed instructions on dough-making techniques, fermentation, and ingredient selection. Its blend of professional expertise and approachable recipes makes it a must-have for anyone passionate about pizza and outdoor cooking.

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Tarts Anon cookbook

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Gareth Whitton and Catherine Way's Tarts Anon: Sweet and Savoury Tart Brilliance is a comprehensive guide that demystifies the art of tart-making. Featuring 50 diverse recipes, the cookbook spans from timeless classics like the Plain Old Lemon Tart to inventive creations such as the Tiramisu Tart, catering to both sweet and savory preferences.

Each recipe is presented with clear, straightforward instructions, making even intricate techniques accessible to bakers of all skill levels. The authors share practical tips, including the innovative use of dulce de leche as a protective layer for the crust, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Beyond individual recipes, the book emphasizes the versatility of tarts, showcasing them as elegant desserts, comforting main courses, or versatile snacks. With its blend of classic and innovative recipes, alongside practical guidance, Tarts Anon is an essential addition to any cookbook collection, inspiring confidence in bakers to explore the world of tarts.

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The Elements of Baking

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Katarina Cermelj’s The Elements of Baking redefines what’s possible in the world of allergen-friendly baking. Combining technical precision with heartwarming accessibility, this cookbook empowers bakers to create gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan treats without compromising on flavor or texture. Drawing on her expertise as both a baker and scientist, Katarina offers a comprehensive guide to the science of baking, enabling readers to adapt recipes confidently to suit dietary needs.

The recipes are transformative, showcasing everything from rich Dairy-Free Chocolate Tart to Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread that rivals traditional versions. Each recipe includes substitution notes for common allergens, making this cookbook invaluable for households navigating diverse dietary restrictions. The inclusion of troubleshooting tips and step-by-step visuals ensures even complex recipes are approachable, catering to both novice and seasoned bakers.

Visually stunning, The Elements of Baking pairs vibrant photography with clean layouts and clear instructions, creating an inviting experience. More than just a collection of recipes, it’s a celebration of inclusivity, proving that delicious baking can bring everyone to the table. Whether you're adapting for allergies or exploring new techniques, this book is an essential addition to any kitchen.

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The Levantine Vegetarian

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Salma Hage's The Levantine Vegetarian: Recipes from the Middle East is a vibrant celebration of plant-based dishes from the Levant region, encompassing Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey. With over 140 easy-to-make recipes, Salma blends traditional flavors with innovative twists, offering dishes like Pea and Za'atar Falafel, Freekeh Tabbouleh, Halloumi Spring Rolls, and Black Lime and Herb Tofu.

The cookbook is thoughtfully organized into categories such as Snacks and Small Plates, Salads and Sandwiches, Soups and Stews, Rice and Grains, Vegetables and Breads, Desserts, Drinks, and Spice Blends, making it accessible for both seasoned cooks and culinary novices. Each recipe is accompanied by stunning photography by Haarala Hamilton, capturing the vibrancy and communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining.

Phaidon's well-established icons guide readers to recipes that are vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free, quick to prepare, and use five ingredients or fewer, ensuring inclusivity and ease of use. Salma's deep-rooted knowledge and passion for Middle Eastern cuisine shine through, making The Levantine Vegetarian a heartfelt homage to the region's rich culinary heritage.