Food is vital in the holiday season, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. It’s the heart of many traditions, whether sharing a home-cooked meal or trying out a new recipe with loved ones. For the food lovers in your life, there’s no better gift than something that nurtures their passion for cooking and exploration in the kitchen. A well-chosen cookbook can spark their creativity and inspire countless delicious meals.
When discussing gifts that keep giving, a high-quality cookbook is one of the best examples. It offers endless possibilities for new flavors, techniques, and experiences beyond the holiday season. Whether it’s discovering a new cuisine, honing their skills, or simply enjoying the cooking process, these top cookbooks to gift have the potential to inspire and enrich their love of food for years to come.
12 Cookbooks to Gift This Holiday Season
We all have unique tastes when it comes to food, so we’ve put together a list of 30 cookbooks that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re shopping for hearty soul food, decadent bread and pastries, vegan and gluten-free dishes, or exciting lesser-known recipes from around the world, there’s a cookbook for every palate. Whether you’re shopping for a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a perfect fit for all skill levels.
1. Bobby Flay: Chapter One
Written by Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay, one of the biggest names in contemporary cooking, has always been generous with his tips and techniques on screen, but his cookbooks are just as much of a treasure. His latest release, Bobby Flay: Chapter One, features 100 of his most iconic recipes, including dishes like King Crab Gumbo with Crab Rice and Crispy Okra and rich Rioja Red Wine Sauce recipes that were pivotal in launching his career and making him a household name.
The book brings these signature dishes to your kitchen, and each recipe is adapted for home chefs. Along with stunning photography by Johnny Miller capturing each dish and Flay’s notes throughout, this cookbook is a feast for both food lovers and photography enthusiasts.
2. Mina Stone: Cooking for Artists
Written by Mina Stone
Mina Stone has carved out a unique niche at the crossroads of food and art, blending her culinary skills with the world of contemporary creativity. After a serendipitous meeting with the director of the Gavin Brown enterprise, she began cooking for artists in New York’s West Village, eventually running her Greek café, Mina’s, at MoMA PS1—a hub for experimental art.
In her debut cookbook, she shares 70 family-style recipes inspired by her Greek roots, accompanied by drawings and photos from artists she’s worked with over the years, like Swiss artist Urs Fischer and contemporary icon Elizabeth Peyton. Perfect for anyone with a love of modern art and food, this cookbook offers a glimpse into the creative community she’s been a part of, showcasing her culinary expertise and artistic connections.
3. The Four Horsemen
Written by Nick Curtola
The Four Horsemen, a Michelin-starred gem in New York City, is the brainchild of chef Nick Curtola and a team that includes James Beard Award-winning wine director Justin Chearno. What started as a DIY project in 2014 by four friends and an unknown chef has grown into a culinary powerhouse with a notoriously long waiting list and a slew of accolades, including the best wine program in the U.S.
Now, the team behind this beloved restaurant is sharing their journey with a cookbook that features 100 simple, yet unforgettable recipes. Filled with stories from those early, scrappy days and plenty of humor and inspiration, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a great underdog success story and is eager to recreate some of the most sought-after dishes of the last decade.
4. The Noma Guide to Fermentation
Written by René Redzepi and David Zilber
This New York Times Bestseller has earned its place as one of the top cookbooks and gifts of the year, and it’s easy to see why. Noma, a restaurant named the world’s best four times, is renowned for its groundbreaking approach to food, and now the chef and head of Noma’s fermentation lab are sharing their expertise with us. This book offers an accessible, behind-the-scenes look at the art of fermentation, featuring over 500 step-by-step images and illustrations. From kombucha and miso to vinegar, it’s packed with detailed guidance that lets home chefs recreate Noma’s legendary ferments in their kitchens. For anyone eager to master the art of fermentation from the experts themselves, this cookbook is the ultimate gift.
5. Cure
Written by Neal Bodenheimer
“Cure” is a flavorful tribute to New Orleans’ iconic cocktail culture, brought to you by the James Beard Award-winning team behind the beloved Cure bar. In this cookbook, authors Neal Bodenheimer and Emily Timberlake take readers through the city’s history, sharing recipes for 100 classic cocktails like the Sazerac and French 75. The book also features interviews with local jazz legends, delicious hors d’oeuvres recipes from famous New Orleans chefs and helpful tips for navigating Mardi Gras. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just love the spirit of the Crescent City, this book is a perfect gift to bring the magic of New Orleans into your home.
6. Bodega Bakes
Written by Paola Velez
James Beard nominee Paola Velez’s debut cookbook is a beautiful reflection of her Bronx upbringing and Dominican heritage. Inside, you’ll discover over 100 recipes for various sweets, from nostalgic American classics like sticky buns and ice pops to Caribbean-inspired treats such as guava turnovers and rum cake. Whether you’re just starting in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, there’s something for every skill level, ranging from easy, no-fuss desserts to more elaborate, show-stopping pastries. It’s the perfect book for anyone looking to bring some sweetness and cultural flavor into their baking.
7. JoyFull
Written by Radhi Devlukia-Shetty
“JoyFull” is a vibrant cookbook for vegan and vegetarian food lovers, offering over 125 plant-based recipes. It’s a comprehensive guide to wholesome, flavorful meals, organized into categories like breakfasts, grains, legumes, breads, salads, soups, sides, drinks, and desserts. But the book goes beyond just recipes; it also offers skin care, hair care, and meditation tips. Written by self-taught cook Radhi Devlukia-Shetty, it brings a warm, approachable tone that resonates with beginners and experienced home cooks.
8. Doma
Written by Spasia Pandora Dinkovski
“Doma” takes readers on a flavorful journey into the often-overlooked cuisine of North Macedonia, guided by Spasia Pandora Dinkovski, the founder of Mystic Burek, a London-based Balkan food supper club. Inspired by her Macedonian grandmother, Dinkovski shares traditional recipes that bring the rich flavors of the Balkans to life, with dishes like burek, a flaky pastry filled with savory meat, standing out as a delicious highlight.
The book offers a collection of mouthwatering recipes and weaves in stories of life in North Macedonia, giving readers a deeper connection to the culture behind the food. Perfect for fans of Balkan cuisine or anyone eager to explore a hidden gem in the culinary world, “Doma” is a celebration of family, tradition, and the flavors of the Balkans.
9. Koreaworld: A Cookbook
Written by Deuki Hong and Matt Rodbard
Chef Deuki Hong, known for his work at San Francisco’s Sunday Bird, teams up with journalist Matt Rodbard for “Koreaworld,” the highly anticipated follow-up to their New York Times bestselling cookbook Koreatown. While Koreatown focuses on Korean-American cuisine, Koreaworld takes a global approach, diving into Korean communities and their culinary traditions worldwide. From the vibrant food scenes in major cities like Seoul and Los Angeles to the seafood delights of Jeju Island, this book blends mouthwatering recipes with a travelogue-style exploration of Korean cuisine’s diverse flavors and stories. Whether you’re a food lover or an armchair traveler, Koreaworld celebrates food and culture, perfect for anyone eager to explore the rich, varied world of Korean flavors.
10. Praise Song for the Kitchen Ghosts
Written by Crystal Wilkinson
In her cookbook, former Kentucky poet laureate Silas House elevates the genre to literary art, blending delicious recipes with rich storytelling. The Southern Foodways Alliance explores the food traditions of five generations of Black women in Appalachia, weaving together family recipes like biscuits, fried chicken, and chicken and dumplings with powerful personal anecdotes. Through these pages, House not only shares the comforting flavors of Appalachia but also offers a deeper look at Black Appalachian culture, using food as a lens to explore history, identity, and community. This book is as much about storytelling as it is about cooking, making it a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the connection between food, family, and heritage.
11. Good Lookin’ Cookin’
Written by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George
Country music icon Dolly Parton teams up with her sister, Rachel Parton George, to bring you a cookbook that feels like a warm hug from the family. With over 80 homestyle recipes, Dolly’s Dixie Fixins is packed with classic Southern dishes like mac and cheese, barbecued ribs, country ham, and sweet strawberry shortcake just the kind of comfort food you’d expect from Dolly. But it’s more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a heartfelt guide to hosting and celebrating with loved ones, as the sisters share their favorite holiday traditions and tips for making any gathering extra special. This book is perfect for anyone looking to bring a little extra warmth and hospitality to their table, Dolly-style.
12. Mi Cocina
Written by Rick Martínez
Rick Martínez’s journey from the Bon Appétit test kitchen to becoming one of the most beloved food writers in the country culminates in this James Beard Award-winning book, which takes readers on a culinary adventure across Mexico’s 32 states. Drawing from his travels, Martínez brings regional specialties to life, like Oaxaca’s savory albondigas (meatballs) and the shrimp tamales of Sinaloa, while sharing personal essays that offer deeper insights into the culture and flavors he’s encountered. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to dive beyond the basics and experience Mexican cuisine in its full, authentic breadth.
Make this Holiday Season a Little Sweeter with These Cookbooks
This holiday season, the gift of a cookbook can spark creativity, inspire new culinary adventures, and bring a touch of joy to the kitchen for years to come. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned chef or someone just beginning their cooking journey, there’s a perfect cookbook for everyone. Each book offers something unique, from Bobby Flay’s signature recipes to Mina Stone’s beautiful blend of art and food and Rick Martínez’s exploration of authentic Mexican cuisine.
There are also incredible options for cocktail lovers, dessert enthusiasts, and those interested in exploring new global flavors. These cookbooks aren’t just about recipes—they’re about discovering new cultures, honing skills, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. So, whether you’re gifting it to someone else or picking up a copy for yourself, these cookbooks will surely make this holiday season a little bit sweeter and much more delicious.
