7 Best-Selling US Cooking Books Millions Love

Discover best-selling US Cooking Books endorsed by experts Robin Mather (Chicago Tribune), Stella Parks (author of Bravetart), and James Beard Award winner Edouardo Jordan

Updated on June 24, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in US Cooking where tradition meets innovation in the kitchen. These seven best-selling cookbooks have won the hearts of millions, offering proven techniques and recipes that bring comfort, heritage, and creativity to your table. Whether you're looking to master classic dishes or explore new culinary frontiers, these books have been validated by both readers and culinary experts.

Robin Mather, a trusted voice at the Chicago Tribune, praises the updated Joy of Cooking for blending tradition with modern needs, calling it a "go-to resource" for cooks at all levels. Stella Parks, acclaimed author of Bravetart, highlights how Joy of Cooking serves as a rite of passage for home chefs. Meanwhile, James Beard Award-winning chef Edouardo Jordan shares how this book shaped his culinary journey and continues to inspire new generations.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks for success in US Cooking, readers seeking content tailored to their unique skills and goals might consider creating a personalized US Cooking book that combines these validated approaches with your specific interests and learning objectives.

Best for foundational American cooking skills
Robin Mather, a culinary authority at the Chicago Tribune, highlights how this edition of Joy of Cooking honors Irma Rombauer’s enduring spirit while embracing modern needs. His praise, "This new edition of the Joy of Cooking is a masterwork... It will delight you and will become your go-to resource," reflects how the book remains a cornerstone for American home cooks. This aligns with the experience of Stella Parks, who calls it a rite of passage blending beginner accessibility with comprehensive depth, solidifying its place in many kitchens for generations to come.

Recommended by Robin Mather

Chicago Tribune

This new edition of the Joy of Cooking is a masterwork. It’s also an affectionate nod to the spirit of Joy’s mother, Irma Rombauer. Her legacy of encouraging and empowering cooks lives on in this respectful and exciting new edition. It will delight you and will become your go-to resource.

Joy of Cooking: Fully Revised and Updated book cover

by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, Ethan Becker, John Becker, Megan Scott··You?

Drawing from nearly a century of culinary tradition, the authors have painstakingly updated Joy of Cooking to balance classic American recipes with modern techniques and ingredients. You’ll explore over six hundred new dishes alongside retested staples like Southern Corn Bread and Chocolate Chip Cookies, while chapters on vegan and gluten-free cooking reflect today’s diverse diets. Detailed explanations of methods like sous vide and fermentation elevate your skills beyond mere recipe following. This edition suits home cooks eager to deepen their understanding of American cooking’s evolving landscape, whether you cherish tradition or crave innovation.

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Best for easy, reliable weeknight meals
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and the host of the Emmy Award-winning Barefoot Contessa on Food Network, celebrated for her approachable and comforting cooking style. Living in East Hampton, New York, she drew on her decades of culinary experience and her passion for simple, satisfying meals to write this cookbook. Her goal was to help you create dinners that are both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, reflecting her belief that sharing meals builds community and care among friends and family.
2022·256 pages·Cooking, US Cooking, Food, Cookbooks, Meal Planning

Ina Garten, celebrated for her approachable cooking style and Emmy-winning Food Network show, crafted this book amid the pandemic to simplify your dinner routine. You'll learn how to prepare reliable, comforting meals like Overnight Mac & Cheese or Tuscan White Bean Soup, many designed for prep-ahead ease or quick assembly. The book offers practical strategies for turning leftovers into new dishes and assembling no-cook boards, making it ideal if you want stress-free, crowd-pleasing meals without fuss. If you enjoy home cooking that feels effortless and satisfying, this cookbook aligns well with your needs, especially for family dinners or casual entertaining.

New York Times Bestseller
Five Emmy Awards for Food Network Show
James Beard Award Winner
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Best for custom recipe plans
This AI-created book on comfort cooking is tailored to your culinary background and personal tastes. You share which classic American dishes you want to explore and your cooking experience, and the book focuses on delivering the reliable recipes and techniques that suit you best. It makes sense to have a custom guide here because comfort food is rich with regional flavors and personal touches — a one-size-fits-all approach misses the nuances that matter to you. This book is created to match your goals and interests, giving you a focused, engaging learning experience.
2025·50-300 pages·US Cooking, American Classics, Comfort Food, Recipe Techniques, Hearty Meals

This tailored book explores classic US comfort food, focusing on proven techniques and recipes that resonate with your interests and background. It covers a range of hearty American meals, revealing the traditions and flavors that make comfort cooking so beloved. By concentrating on your specific goals and culinary preferences, this personalized guide examines familiar dishes with fresh insight, helping you grasp the essence of home-style cooking and its enduring appeal. The book reveals how variations in ingredients and methods can shape the taste and texture of iconic meals, offering a custom experience that matches your palate and skill level. It celebrates the joy of crafting satisfying, soulful dishes that bring warmth and nostalgia to the table.

Tailored Content
Recipe Customization
3,000+ Books Created
Best for modern takes on classic comfort
Ina Garten is a New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning host of Barefoot Contessa on Food Network. Her extensive experience in cooking and entertaining shines through in this book, where she offers 85 soul-satisfying recipes that elevate traditional comfort food. With her approachable style and dependable instructions, Garten invites you into a world of cozy, crowd-pleasing dishes perfect for gathering with loved ones.

Ina Garten’s decades of television hosting and bestselling cookbook experience culminate in "Modern Comfort Food," where she revives classic American dishes with a fresh twist. You’ll find 85 recipes ranging from elevated grilled cheese sandwiches paired with her creamy tomato bisque to crispy hash browns made in a waffle iron, all designed to satisfy deep cravings and simplify home cooking. The book offers approachable meals that bring family and friends together, with chapters covering everything from cocktails to desserts like Boston Cream Pie. If you enjoy familiar flavors presented with care and clarity, this book will serve your kitchen well; those looking for avant-garde cuisine might find it less inspiring.

#1 New York Times Bestseller
James Beard Award Winner
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America's Test Kitchen produces public television's top-rated cooking shows and award-winning cookbooks, operating from a large 15,000-square-foot kitchen staffed by over 60 test cooks and editors in Boston's Seaport district. With over 2 million weekly viewers on PBS and additional audiences via OTT channels, their expertise culminates in this extensive cookbook, compiling every recipe and product rating from their most-watched show. This volume offers a unique chance to cook alongside seasoned professionals and access their trusted guidance.

What happens when a top-rated public television cooking show turns its extensive recipe archive into one massive volume? America's Test Kitchen, known for its rigorous testing and detailed explanations, brings you nearly 2,000 recipes spanning 24 seasons, including many that never aired on TV. You’ll find not just recipes, but also equipment reviews and chef insights that sharpen your cooking intuition and help you understand why certain techniques work. This book suits home cooks eager to deepen their skills, from beginners looking for trustworthy guidance to experienced cooks seeking new ideas and reliable kitchen tools.

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Best for authentic indigenous cuisine exploration
Chef Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota and founder of The Sioux Chef, brings over 30 years of culinary expertise rooted in indigenous food systems. His dedication to reviving Native American farming techniques, foraging, and elemental cooking shines through in this book, making it a unique resource for those interested in authentic indigenous cuisine. Sherman’s extensive study and experience, including creating a food truck specializing in pre-contact foods, equip him to guide you through dishes that are both vibrant and historically rich.
The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen book cover

by Sean Sherman, Beth Dooley··You?

2017·256 pages·US Cooking, American Cooking, Native American Cooking, Chef, Indigenous Ingredients

Unlike most US cooking books that lean heavily on familiar American staples, Sean Sherman challenges you to rethink indigenous ingredients with a fresh perspective rooted in history and culture. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience and deep research into Native American food systems, Sherman introduces you to flavors and techniques that honor pre-colonial traditions without the usual fry bread clichés. You'll explore recipes featuring wild game, foraged plants, and ancient grains, learning not just to cook but to appreciate the stories behind each dish, such as cedar braised bison or griddled wild rice cakes. This book suits you if you're eager to expand your culinary skills into authentic indigenous cuisine and understand its significance beyond the plate.

2018 James Beard Award Winner: Best American Cookbook
Named one of the Best Cookbooks of 2017 by NPR and Smithsonian Magazine
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Best for custom dinner plans
This AI-created book on dinner mastery is crafted based on your cooking experience and the specific US dinner dishes you want to learn. You share your background, skill level, and goals, and the book focuses on delivering fast, tasty meal plans that suit your tastes and schedule. Personalizing dinner recipes this way makes learning more relevant and helps you build practical skills quickly without unnecessary information overload.
2025·50-300 pages·US Cooking, Dinner Recipes, Quick Meals, Meal Planning, Cooking Techniques

This tailored book explores step-by-step plans designed to help you master quick and delicious US dinners within 30 days. It covers a variety of popular American dishes, guiding you through techniques and recipes that suit your experience level and culinary preferences. By focusing on your interests and cooking background, this book offers a personalized culinary journey that emphasizes practical meal preparation without overwhelming details. It reveals how to combine classic flavors with speedy methods, making dinner both satisfying and efficient. The tailored content matches your specific goals, helping you build confidence and skill in preparing flavorful meals that fit your lifestyle.

Tailored Guide
Dinner Planning
3,000+ Books Created
Best for family-style American comfort food
Ad Hoc at Home stands out in American cooking for its approachable take on comfort food by Thomas Keller, a chef known for elevating haute cuisine. This book captures the spirit of Keller's casual restaurant Ad Hoc, offering over 200 recipes that bring beloved American classics into your kitchen with a friendly, family-style approach. Its detailed photographs and step-by-step guidance make it accessible whether you're new to cooking or refining your skills, solving the everyday challenge of making satisfying meals that feel both nostalgic and fresh.
Ad Hoc at Home (The Thomas Keller Library) book cover

by Thomas Keller·You?

2009·368 pages·US Cooking, American Cooking, Cookbooks, Comfort Food, Family Meals

What started as Thomas Keller's desire to bring his casual restaurant Ad Hoc's menu into home kitchens became a collection of over 200 family-style recipes that celebrate American comfort food. You learn not only how to prepare classics like flaky biscuits and chicken pot pies but also how to master kitchen fundamentals such as shaping hamburgers and trussing chickens through clear, illustrated lessons. This book suits both novices eager for approachable recipes and seasoned cooks looking for refined versions of familiar dishes. It balances playful simplicity with the expertise Keller honed at The French Laundry and Per Se.

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Best for regional New England cooking
Erin French is the owner and chef of The Lost Kitchen, a 40-seat restaurant in Freedom, Maine, recognized by TIME Magazine and Bloomberg for its unique dining experience. Her passion for Maine’s culinary heritage shines through in this collection of 100 recipes that capture the essence of her hometown’s flavors. French’s self-taught cooking style and focus on local, seasonal ingredients offer you an authentic taste of New England’s coastal bounty and farm-fresh produce, making this book a gateway to simple, honest American cooking.
2017·256 pages·US Cooking, New England Cooking, Seasonal Cooking, Cookbooks, Local Ingredients

When Erin French opened The Lost Kitchen in her small hometown of Freedom, Maine, she brought more than recipes—she shared a way of life deeply rooted in local ingredients and seasonal rhythms. This book presents 100 recipes that invite you to experience Maine's culinary landscape through dishes like Whole-Roasted Trout with Parsnip and Herb Hash and Ramp and Fiddlehead Fried Rice. You gain not just cooking techniques but a connection to place and tradition, ideal for those who appreciate simple yet thoughtfully crafted meals. If you yearn for dishes that feel like a warm invitation from a friend’s kitchen, this is a book you’ll return to repeatedly.

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Proven US Cooking Methods, Personalized

Get expert-backed US Cooking strategies customized to your taste and skill level.

Custom Recipe Plans
Effortless Meal Prep
Skill-Building Guides

Trusted by thousands of US Cooking enthusiasts worldwide

Comfort Cooking Code
30-Day Dinner Mastery
Regional Flavor Secrets
Indigenous Cuisine Blueprint

Conclusion

These seven best-selling US Cooking books reveal three clear themes: they emphasize time-tested recipes rooted in American tradition, they offer approachable yet refined techniques for cooks of all levels, and they provide a variety of regional and indigenous perspectives that deepen your culinary understanding. If you prefer proven methods, start with Joy of Cooking and The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook for foundational skills and comprehensive recipes.

For validated approaches that blend comfort and modern flair, Go-To Dinners, Modern Comfort Food, and Ad Hoc at Home offer dependable, crowd-pleasing meals. To explore authentic indigenous and regional cuisines, The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen and The Lost Kitchen invite you to expand your palate and appreciation for America's diverse food heritage.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized US Cooking book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many home cooks build confidence and joy in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with Joy of Cooking for its broad coverage and expert praise. It builds strong foundational skills and suits both beginners and experienced cooks, making it an excellent gateway into US cooking.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to US Cooking?

No, several books like Go-To Dinners and Ad Hoc at Home offer approachable, step-by-step recipes perfect for beginners while still providing depth for growth.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Both have value. Classics like Joy of Cooking provide timeless techniques, while newer books like The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook include updated methods and fresh recipes.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests. For broad skills, choose Joy of Cooking. For comfort food, try Modern Comfort Food. Each delivers proven approaches to enhance your cooking.

Which books focus more on practical application vs. theory?

Go-To Dinners and Ad Hoc at Home emphasize practical, ready-to-make meals, while Joy of Cooking blends detailed technique explanations with recipes for deeper understanding.

Can I get a US Cooking book tailored to my specific interests and skill level?

Yes! These expert books offer solid foundations, and you can complement them by creating a personalized US Cooking book tailored to your unique goals, skills, and preferred cooking styles for a more focused learning experience.

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