The 15 best cookbook covers, with recipes that are just as good
Maybe you should judge a book by its cover. Check out 15 of the best cookbook covers, with delicious recipes inside their pages.
THE FOREWORD
We’ve all heard the saying, ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ – but in this case, maybe you should.
When it comes to the best-designed cookbooks, we’ve found that many of the most beautiful also happen to be some of the best. Whether you’re looking for a gift for the foodie in your life, or simply trying to spice up your cookbook collection, you’re sure to find a new favourite on this list.
Scroll on to explore books that are as practical as they are beautiful; from vegetarian-friendly options to dessert-centric picks, there’s something for everyone.
15 best cookbook covers
American Sfoglino by Evan Funke
From the chef behind LA’s acclaimed Felix Trattoria comes this master class on homemade pasta. Master 15 pasta shapes with step-by-step photography, then complete the meal with recipes tailored to each specific shape.
Black Food by Bryant Terry
From the James Beard Award-winning chef, educator, and author comes this heartfelt tribute to Black culinary ingenuity. Capturing the voices of the African Diaspora through food, the book interweaves essays and poetry with delightful recipes and stunning visuals.
Cook Beautiful by Athena Calderone
From the voice and curator behind the lifestyle media brand, EyeSwoon, comes this book, which melds the worlds of cooking and design. 100 recipes with step-by-step instructions cover everything from prep to presentation.
Dishoom by Kavi Thakrar, Shamil Thakrar and Naved Nasir
Behind this bright blue cover lie the secrets behind the famous Dishoom restaurants. Sharing at last the recipes behind their sought-after Bombay comfort food, the restaurants’ co-founders and Executive Chef offer up the Dishoom menu for you to make at home.
FUSÃO by Ixta Belfrage
From the co-author of Ottolenghi FLAVOUR comes this vibrant cookbook centred around Brazilian cooking – but with her signature creative twist. In addition to its gorgeous cover and mouth-watering recipes, the book also includes stunning photography and personal stories to craft a true culinary narrative.
Italo Punk by Vanja van der Leeden
From Sicily to Mina, this culinary manifesto features 145 unexpected recipes from Italy’s Neo-Trattorias which blend classic fare with modern twists. Think: panzanella with mango, sesame tiramisu, and cacio e pepe with a hint of mint.
Nights and Weekends by Alexis Deboschnek
Is time the ultimate constraint you face when cooking? Well, this cookbook might just be your answer. Super-achievable, delicious recipes are categorised by type of food and guaranteed to come together in under 40 minutes.
Pastry Temple by Christina Wood
First, master the art of brioche, puff pastry and croissants. Then, explore 30+ recipes that put a fresh spin on them. With step-by-step guidance and innovative flavours, this book demystifies pastry-making.
Saint Peter by Josh Niland
Not only does this book make for beautiful home decor, with its stunning foiled cover, but it also includes some of the best seafood recipes you’ll ever make. From the chef behind Sydney’s famous Saint Peter restaurant comes this book of over 140 recipes that have defined Saint Peter’s menus.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
A revolutionary approach to cooking, focusing on four key elements to level up your skills in the kitchen. By focusing on salt, fat, acid and heat, these 100 essential recipes (and several variations) will help you.
Sicily, My Sweet by Victoria Granof
A love letter to Sicily’s over-the-top desserts. From pastries to gelato, this book is full of gorgeous photography, impeccable food styling, and plenty of sweet recipes to explore.
SIMPLE by Yotam Ottolenghi
Iconic for a reason, SIMPLE is the ultimate guide to cooking easy but impactful recipes. With 130 dishes to explore and plenty of weeknight-friendly options, this will be your next go-to guide.
The Easy Baked Donut Cookbook by Sara Mellas
Didn’t think you needed a donut cookbook? Think again. 60 fun, sweet and savoury recipes will teach you how to master the art of the baked donut. From classic old-fashioned donuts to jalapeño cheddar cornbread donuts, there’s something for everyone.
The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook by Salma Hage
Drawing inspiration from ancient Phoenician ingredients, this cookbook shows us how to make the most of plant-based foods, with recipes that are just as nourishing as they are delicious. Trust us when we say you won’t even miss the meat.
The Wok by J. Kenji López-Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt’s first cookbook, The Food Lab, revolutionised home cooking with its science-based approach. But what is López-Alt’s true secret to delicious meals? The wok. Here, he explores more than 200 recipes which can all be made in the versatile pan, from restaurant-style noodles to tempura veggies and more.
