10 Popular Cookbooks for the Beginner
Where to start?
I know many people who, when starting on their cooking journey, reach out for something like Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking or The Escoffier out of the gate. Often, they end up frustrated, on the couch ordering Door Dash after spending a zillion dollars on copper pans and Cornish hens.
Learning to cook can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right resources, anyone can master the basics. To help you get started, here are ten highly recommended cookbooks for beginners. These books not only cover fundamental skills but also provide easy-to-follow recipes and plenty of encouragement. Let’s dive in!
1. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
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Samin Nosrat’s James Beard Award winning Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat isn’t just a cookbook; it’s a master class in understanding the core principles of cooking. It’s also a bingeable Netflix series. Nosrat explains how mastering these four elements can transform any dish into something extraordinary.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Focuses on techniques rather than just recipes, building your confidence in the kitchen.
Includes beautiful illustrations and simple, approachable language.
Helps you learn why things work, making it easier to improvise later.
2. The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer and Marion Rombauer Becker
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Treat this one like an encyclopedia (for the younger generation(s), encyclopedias are what the world used BEFORE google search). This classic has been a staple in kitchens for nearly a century. The Joy of Cooking offers a comprehensive guide to cooking basics and beyond, with detailed instructions for everything from boiling an egg to baking a cake.
What I love about this one is that it has been updated over time to consider changes in lifestyle, time management, evolving tastes, and technology. A perfect “first cookbook” for a beginner.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Covers a wide range of topics, so you’ll find instructions for almost anything you want to make.
Written in a conversational, reassuring tone that feels like having a mentor in the kitchen.
Offers tried-and-true recipes that have stood the test of time.
3. How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
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Mark Bittman’s How to Cook Everything is exactly what it sounds like: a one-stop guide for learning how to cook practically anything. From basic techniques to advanced meals, this book covers it all in a straightforward manner.
And don’t get me started on the pictures.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Clear, simple instructions for over 2,000 recipes.
Focuses on flexibility, with tips for substituting ingredients or adapting recipes.
Provides a solid foundation for cooking all types of cuisine.
4. The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji López-Alt
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I think I learned as much about science as food in this one. If you’re a beginner who loves a scientific approach to cooking, The Food Lab is amazeballs. J. Kenji López-Alt dives into the science behind cooking, helping you understand how and why recipes work.
What I love about Kenji’s style is that all this “scientific stuff” is delivered to you in plain English. It’s the perfect book for those “Ah! I didn’t know that is why that happens when I do that!” moments.
Oh, and if it helps, The Food Lab is a James Beard Award winner. So, there’s that as well.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Offers detailed explanations of cooking techniques, demystifying complex processes.
Features foolproof recipes that are thoroughly tested.
Includes tips on equipment and pantry essentials.
5. Half Baked Harvest Super Simple: More Than 125 Recipes for Instant, Overnight, Meal-Prepped, and Easy Comfort Foods: A Cookbook by Tieghan Gerard
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For those who want quick, no-fuss recipes that still taste amazing, Tieghan Gerard’s Super Simple is a great choice. This book emphasizes easy meals made with minimal ingredients.
This one is a good bang for the buck. It covers meal prep, instant pot and slow cooker stuff, and even hits some vegan and vegetarian dishes if you are new to exploring that.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Focuses on accessible recipes that don’t require advanced skills or fancy equipment.
Beautiful photography provides inspiration and shows what the dishes should look like. Who doesn’t like good food porn?
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping or anyone short on time.
6. Cooking Class: 57 Fun Recipes Kids Will Love to Make (and Eat!)
by Deanna F. Cook
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If you’re looking to get your kids involved on your cooking journey, this cookbook is tailored for absolute beginners and even includes kid-friendly instructions. Cooking Class provides step-by-step guidance, making it a great introduction to the kitchen.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Designed to be approachable for all ages, including young cooks.
Features visual guides and fun activities to make learning enjoyable.
Includes simple, easy-to-follow recipes for everyday meals.
7. Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day by Leanne Brown
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Given today’s prices, we’re all looking for ways to stretch our food dollar. Focused on budget-friendly cooking, Good and Cheap shows that great meals don’t have to be expensive. The book is full of accessible, delicious recipes.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Emphasizes affordable ingredients and practical cooking tips.
Perfect for those just starting out and working with limited resources.
Offers recipes that are both simple and satisfying.
8. Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics by Ina Garten
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Personally, I think Ina gets a bad rap. Maybe that is because I dream of a house in the Hamptons, a husband who heads off to Manhattan to work for the week while leaving me to throw parties with all my fabulous friends. But if you can’t find homemade pretentiousness, store bought is just fine.
Ina Garten’s Back to Basics is ideal for beginners who want to create elegant yet simple meals. This book focuses on foundational recipes with a gourmet twist and gets a new host thinking about presentation.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Straightforward recipes that are easy to follow.
Tips and tricks for adding flair to everyday dishes.
Includes helpful notes on hosting and presentation.
9. The New Basics Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins
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Not only does it contain 875 recipes (150 of which are desserts!), who doesn’t want a wine dictionary included? This one is perfect for a “first cookbook.”
A modern classic, The New Basics Cookbook offers a fresh approach to traditional cooking. It’s filled with practical tips and creative recipes that encourage experimentation.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Combines foundational techniques with inventive ideas.
Features a playful tone that makes learning fun.
Covers a variety of cuisines and cooking styles.
10. One Pan, Two Plates by Carla Snyder
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We’ve all heard (and some of us have said) “it’s too hard to cook for just one or two people.” As someone who cooks for an army even though it is just me and call it meal prep to justify the situation, I can say with authority: No, it is not.
If you’re cooking for yourself or a small household, One Pan, Two Plates is an excellent choice. This cookbook focuses on flavorful, portion-controlled meals made with minimal cleanup.
Why it’s great for beginners:
Emphasizes efficiency and simplicity in cooking.
Perfect for those who want to cook smaller, manageable meals.
Includes practical advice for streamlining meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Y’all, starting the cooking journey doesn’t have to be hard. These cookbooks are designed to help you build confidence, learn the basics, and create delicious meals. Whether you’re curious about the science of cooking, want to master fundamental techniques, or simply need quick and easy recipes, there’s a book here for you. Cheers!
Now to figure out what I’m going to cook for supper…
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