Here Are Our 20 Favorite Cookbooks From 2019

We read, we cooked, we conquered.

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1. For bakers who want to branch out: Midwest Made by Shauna Sever

Running Press

Why buy: Whether or not you're from the Midwest, you'll find something to love in this collection of all the nostalgic treats the region has to offer — from Kringles to kolacky to Buckeye bars.

Get it from Amazon for $21.99.

2. For dinner party-worthy food that won't stress you out: Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman

Clarkson Potter

Why buy: After the The Cookies and The Stew earned Dining In a permanent spot in your kitchen, how could you *not* pick this new one up?

Get it from Amazon for $19.50.

3. For gorgeously global recipes: A Place at the Table by Rick Kinsel and Gabrielle Langholz

Prestel

Why buy: This features recipes from more than 40 chefs born around the world — like Marcus Samuelsson's berbere-smoked salmon, Ann Kim's grilled Korean shortribs, or Charles Olalia's Filipino bibingka cake.

Get it from Amazon for $25.93.

4. For anyone who's been watching Food Network from the very beginning: Rachael Ray 50 by Rachael Ray

Ballantine

Why buy: With a mix of personal essays and new recipes — like Tuscan pot roast and chocolate-glazed eclairs — this cookbook also doubles as a mini-memoir.

Get it from Amazon for $19.59.

5. For anyone still eyeing a visit to Highclere Castle: The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook by Annie Gray

Weldon Owen

Why buy: Just because the show and movie have wrapped doesn't mean you can't eat and drink like a bonafide Crawley — all thanks to food historian Annie Gray.

Get it from Amazon for $28.40.

6. For families who want to stretch their palates: The Adventurous Eaters Club by Misha and Vicki Collins

HarperOne

Why buy: As any parent knows (myself included!): when it comes to food, kids can be picky. And while there's no magic cure to getting them to always try and love new stuff, books like this — with practical, parent-tested tips and recipes — can definitely help.

Get it from Amazon for $26.99.

7. For delicious inspiration (and encouragement!) from the internet's favorite Korean mom: Big Book of Korean Cooking by Maangchi

Houghton Mifflin

Why buy: Emily Kim — aka Maangchi — brings the same accessibility that built her a devoted YouTube following to her latest cookbook. Besides diving into Korean classics, she also includes helpful tips on how to shop for ingredients and reuse leftovers.

Get it from Amazon for $24.99.

8. For all things keto: Easy Keto Cookbook by Maya Krampf

Harmony

Why buy: Whether you're fully keto or thinking about trying it out in 2020, this book — from the blogger behind Wholesome Yum — is a great, super practical resource.

Get it from Amazon for $19.30.

9. For a legit fun exploration of Tex-Mex: AMA: A Modern Tex-Mex Kitchen by Josef Centeno and Betty Hallock

Chronicle

Why buy: LA-based chef Josef Centeno and co-author Betty Hallock celebrate (and shake up!) Tex Mex cuisine in unexpected and awesome ways — like chocolate tres leches cake, and even a vegan-friendly queso.

Get it from Amazon for $18.89.

10. For anyone who needs to update their dog-earred version from forever ago: Joy of Cooking: Revised Edition

Scribner

Why buy: First published in the 1930s, this has been on our list of all-time favorite cookbooks before. This year, a fully-updated edition hit shelves — complete with 600 new recipes.

Get it from Amazon for $20.91.

11. For Pinterest-approved ideas that aren't too complicated: Half Baked Harvest: Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard

Clarkson Potter

Why buy: Half Baked Harvest has been one of our go-to food blogs for years — and its latest cookbook is full of the preppable, pin-worthy ideas you'd expect.

Get if from Amazon for $17.99.

12. For no-frills Instant Pot inspiration: The Ultimate Instant Pot Cookbook by Simon Rush

Amazon

Why buy: Maybe you're gifting someone with an Instant Pot this year. (Or maybe you were gifted one yourself!) Either way, consider pairing it with a back-to-basics recipe collection like this one.

Get it from Amazon for $10.22.

13. For any host who knows that big-batch drinks are key to any successful party: Batch Cocktails by Maggie Hoffman

Ten Speed Press

Why buy: This book is really easy to navigate — it sorts drinks several different ways, including by flavor, by season, and by booze level. (There's even several alcohol-free options!)

Get if from Amazon for $14.81.

14. For equal parts education and culinary inspiration: Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking by Toni Tipton-Martin

Clarkson Potter

Why buy: Part deeply-researched history lesson and part modern-day how-to, this book celebrates African American cuisine — and the stories and people who built it.

Get it from Amazon for $24.61.

15. For anyone building out their collection of modern classics: Essential Ottolenghi by Yotam Ottolenghi

Ten Speed Press

Why buy: If you haven't already picked up Yotam Ottolenghi's much-loved cookbooks — Simple and Plenty More — grab them in this collector's set. They're two of our all-time favorites.

Get both from Amazon from $36.49.

16. For vibrant and colorful recipes you can enjoy year-round: Sababa: Fresh, Sunny Flavors From My Israeli Kitchen by Adeena Sussman

Avery

Why buy: Sababa means "everything is awesome" in Hebrew — and this book is the perfect at-home intro to all that Israeli cuisine has to offer.

Why buy: Get it from Amazon for $23.62.

17. For Milk Street devotees: The New Rules by Christopher Kimball

Voracious

Why buy: The book spells out 75 simple but smart solutions to make cooking a bit easier — like how to keep dressing from sliding off salads, or how to thicken sauces without adding cream.

Get it from Amazon for $24.39.

18. For an easy-to-follow guide to making Indian food at home: Indian-ish by Priya Krishna

Houghton Mifflin

Why buy: New York Times and Bon Appétit contributor Priya Krishna serves up her family's recipes — like roti pizza and cardamom bread pudding — along with super relatable stories about growing up.

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

19. For vegan ideas that won't break the bank: Plant-Based on a Budget by Toni Okamoto.

BenBella

Why buy: Whether you're vegan or just looking to add more meat- and dairy-free options into your routine, this super-practical (and budget-minded!) book is a great starter resource.

Get it from Amazon for $13.99.

20. For anyone who needs a new ~statement book~ for the coffeetable: Tartine: A Classic Revisited by Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson

Chronicle

Why buy: Looking for a super ambitious baking project? (See: Blackberry Tart with Rose Geranium Cream.) Or just want a new read full of incredibly gorgeous sweets? This book — from the famed San Francisco bakery — has you covered.

Get it from Amazon for $24.82.

What was your favorite cookbook this year? Share it in the comments! 🍽