The 32 best cookbooks to buy in 2024
GQ’s pick of the best cookbooks for cooking up a storm, whether you need some new vegan inspiration or are finally tackling sourdough
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If you're running short of weeknight dinner inspiration, are feeling a bit out of your depth ahead of a big dinner party, or just fancy taking some time to refine and improve your cooking skills, investing in one of the best cookbooks is definitely a sensible decision.
From the creations of celebrity chefs to the dishes beloved by some of the finest foodies and food writers, plus the recipes that London's top chefs used to turn their restaurants into some of the hottest in the city, we've tracked down the cookbooks that will turn you into the culinary star of your social circle.
Whether you fancy learning some new vegan dishes, taking a culinary trip around the world or finally tackling a sourdough starter, these are the best cookbooks of the year that we'd recommend equipping yourself (or your loved ones) with.
And if you're here looking for a gift…why not check out the best hampers as recommended by us, or the best gifts for foodies.
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What's the best cookbook?
If you're short on time but still after really good, delicious meals, this Jamie Oliver book has exactly what's needed. Using minimal ingredients and taking up minimal time, it'll save you from many weeknight takeaways.
A brilliant choice for children and adults to read together, this informative book takes you on a trip around the world. Covering all manner of dishes from different countries, it's complete with beautiful illustrations to boot.
A veritable bible for pasta lovers, there's practically no stone left unturned in this homage to one of the simplest, most versatile, and infinitely delicious ingredients that's enjoyed the world over.
GQ's best cookbooks at a glance…
- Best pasta cookbook: An A-Z Of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes, £16.26
- Best children's cookbook: Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere, £12.79
- Best vegan dessert cookbook: A New Way to Bake: Re-imagined Recipes for Plant-based Cakes, Bakes and Desserts, £24.99
- Best meat-free BBQ cookbook: The Green Barbecue, £14.85
- Best pie cookbook: 50 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie, £26.79
1/32The Giggling Squid Cookbook
Celebrating the iconic Giggling Squid restaurants in the best way possible, this cookbook is a one stop shop for great Thai food, perfect for entertaining friends with a selection of small plates and sharing dishes. From classics like pad thai and duck curry to more adventurous brunch options and even cocktail recipes, it’s all about dishes that inspire fun, whether by their flavours or their unique creativity. £20. At amazon.co.uk
2/32Pub Kitchen by Tom Kerridge
Look, we love a meal in the pub as much as the next guy, but there comes a time when you just want to be able to enjoy that simple pleasure without leaving your own house. Taking pub classics and adding a bit of twist to them, think of this as your elevated pub menu, all of which you can make easily yourself whether you just fancy a night in, or are having friends over for dinner. And we’re not just talking about any pub meal, we’re talking about those gastropub dishes, from steak and ale pies and prawn tagliatelle to njuda sausage rolls and tempura cod. £14. At amazon.co.uk
3/32Persiana Everyday by Sabrina Ghayour
Taking the vibe of the bestselling book Persiana, but making it all the more easy to cook and accessible, Persiana Everyday is the perfect entry point into delicious, flavourful food. With recipes that work for everything from everyday weeknight meals to more impressive dinner party-suitable feasts, we’d say this is a great investment for anyone looking to level up their cooking in 2024, or to really inspire their friends for the holiday season. Think feta parcels and tomato salads, spatchcocked chicken and lamb shawarma, but without the faff. £15. At amazon.co.uk
4/325 Ingredients: Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver
While many of us spent lockdowns learning to cook with the endless hours of time we were given (were we lucky enough to spend lockdowns at home) sadly it’s just not realistic for most of us to spend that many hours a week cooking these days. Here to make it easier to still cook good, delicious and healthy meals, without having to do a huge food shop, majorly stock up the food cupboards or spend the entire day in the kitchen, this Jamie Oliver ‘5 Ingredients’ book is a real saviour for weeknights. Featuring 125 meals, each recipe incorporates only five ingredients (shock), from prawn spaghetti and paprika chicken to smoky aubergines and even desserts. £14. At amazon.co.uk
5/32A New Way to Bake: Re-imagined Recipes for Plant-based Cakes, Bakes and Desserts
Plant-based recipes are all the rage, and this new offering is worthy of any collection. Uncovering a brief history of baking before diving into the main ingredients and their functionality, there's everything here from sumptuous apple pie to banana bread, lamingtons, and tiramisù. Perfect training material for Bake Off. £24.99. At amazon.co.uk
6/32Honey: Recipes From a Beekeeper's Kitchen
We know you're not supposed to judge books by their cover, but it's hard not to be instantly drawn in by the delicious gooey warmth of this particular entry. Celebrating one of nature's most delicious ingredients, this is a deep dive into the world of honey, supplemented with mind-blowing recipes to make the bees' hard work really shine. £21.35. At amazon.co.uk
7/3250 Pies, 50 States: An Immigrant's Love Letter to the United States Through Pie
With a title that accurately describes precisely what to expect (and a drool-worthy pipe-laden cover), this book is a fitting tribute to the plethora of pies found across the States, with delicious savoury and sweet dishes all present and accounted for. There's no mention of a 50-day pie challenge, but we'd be more than happy to create our own. £26.79. At amazon.co.uk
8/32Welcome to Our Table: A Celebration of What Children Eat Everywhere
A fun read for children and adults alike, this delightful tome takes readers on a culinary journey around the world, learning about a variety of food and dishes from baguettes to biryani, and everything in between. Engaging information, combined with colourful illustrations, makes this a winning choice for any budding young chef. £12.79. At amazon.co.uk
9/32Imad’s Syrian Kitchen:
Described as a bustling, vibrant tour of flavour-packed Syrian dishes, this beautifully presented cookbook takes readers on a culinary journey. Ninety sensational recipes celebrate the flavours of Syria, alongside the author's personal story and how he came to settle in London. £21.99. At amazon.co.uk
10/32The Flavour Thesaurus: More Flavours: Plant-led Pairings, Recipes and Ideas for Cooks
This hugely anticipated follow-up to The Flavour Thesaurus sees Niki Segnit apply her magical approach to explore 92 mostly plant-based flavours, along with recipes, and tasting notes to help bring each delicious ingredient to life. With entertaining stories and packed with useful information, it's as fun to read as it is useful. £18.40. At amazon.co.uk
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11/32Dishoom: From Bombay With Love
Ever dreamed of being able to whip up some Dishoom-worthy food whenever and wherever you want it? Us too. And thankfully, as you'll definitely have heard by now, Dishoom has a book that will give you the power to do just that. Finally divulging the secrets that make its food just that good, it's an essential guide to getting your Indian cooking up to scratch. Whether you fancy some jackfruit biryani, black daal or a bacon naan roll, Dishoom has you covered. £30.80. At amazon.co.uk
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12/32Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
Embracing creativity, rather than being a recipe book that prescribes very specific ideas, the latest Ottolenghi book takes on the ethos of the team's test kitchen, encouraging you to produce something great with what you have to hand. With a flexible approach to cooking that you rarely find in cookbooks, it'll freshen up your cooking and give you daily weeknight dishes some instant inspiration. £20.89. At amazon.co.uk
13/32Asian Green by Ching-He Huang
There's no reason why meat-free food can't taste just as good or look even more incredible than the standard chicken or beef dishes, and when you've got recipes as good as these ones from Ching-He Huang, you'll be able to prove it every time you have friends round for dinner. Inspired by dishes from across the Asian continent, Asian Green goes big on flavour while also incorporating nutrient-filled ingredients. Whether you fancy wok-friend orange-soy sticky sprouts or black bean seitan tacos, this is a whole new level of delicious veggie cooking. £14.58. At amazon.co.uk
14/32Soup Broth Bread by Rachel Allen
If there’s one cookbook that will be getting us through the winter months this year, it’s Rachel Allen’s Soup, Broth, Bread. Landing just in time for the colder weather, it’s full of delicious, warming recipes that will turn you into a soup expert in no time, whether you’re a beginner or already a seasoned pro. From carrot and harissa soup to chickpea and chorizo broth, plus a range of breads perfect for dipping, it’s an essential. £20.89. At amazon.co.uk
15/32An A-Z Of Pasta: Stories, Shapes, Sauces, Recipes by Rachel Roddy
Pasta may be one of the simplest dishes to whip up, but getting it right is a whole other can of worms. Telling the story of pasta while also providing 120 recipes for pasta dishes, sauces and various pasta shapes… once you’ve invested in Roddy’s book you’ll never look at a bowl of pasta the same again. £16.26. At waterstones.com and amazon.co.uk
16/32One Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones
If there's one thing we're prioritising in 2022, it's finding more sustainable approaches to our mealtimes. Anna Jones' One Pot, Pan, Planet is all about finding that balance with recipes that are both quick to make, packed with flavour and focused on planet-friendly ingredients. From baked dahl to Persian noodles and a crispy tofu and broccoli pad Thai, as well as sweeter recipes like chocolate and almond butter brownies, it's just as good for everyday meals as it is for catering your dinner parties. £16.25. At amazon.co.uk
17/32Thali by Maunika Gowardhan
Fun fact of the day, the word Thali actually refers to the method by which meals are served in India where an array of dishes are all presented on one platter. It is therefore no surprise that this book is all about replicating that feeling in your own home. Going big on flavour, the recipes range from classics to lesser-known dishes, with highlights including a spinach and ginger chicken curry, picked squash with turmeric and dried mango powder and crispy fried lentil patties. £18.95. At amazon.co.uk
18/32Ammu by Asma Khan
Crafted in tribute to her mother and her Calcutta-style home-cooking, Ammu is the latest essential on our kitchen shelves. Ranging from quick meals that you can easily whip up at the end of the day, to more advanced staples, this is a guide to tackling some of our Indian cooking favourites at home. And with more than 100 recipes to test out, it's bound to keep you busy for many nights to come. £21.45. At amazon.co.uk
19/32The Whole Vegetable by Sophie Gordon
Placing vegetables at the centre of your cooking, The Whole Vegetable by Sophie Gordon brings new life to the vegetables you may have cast aside, with dishes that really capitalise on their unique flavours. The recipes are pinned around making use of, as you may have expected from the title, the whole vegetable, from how to cook with each part of it, to how to reduce waste, reinvent leftovers and choose vegetables seasonally. Whether it's pumpkin tacos that take your fancy or maple-roasted pears, there's also something for everyone. £22.59. At amazon.co.uk
20/32Taste: My Life Through food by Stanley Tucci
Stanley Tucci’s latest book may be more memoir than it is cookbook, but it’s an absolute must-read for any foodies out there. Tucci’s love and passion for food is as infectious as his personality, and following the success of his previous cookbooks, The Tucci Cookbook and The Tucci Table, his latest offering gives us a deeper insight into the stories behind his favourite recipes and just how significant food can be in defining our lives. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll definitely be inspired to cook up some exceptional Italian food. £11.18. At amazon.co.uk
21/32Med: A Cookbook by Claudia Roden
Cook yourself up the feeling of a Mediterranean holiday right from your kitchen with Claudia Roden’s Med: A Cookbook. Thirty years after Roden first released a Mediterranean cookbook, her latest aims to bring the best, mouthwatering recipes to your table, via easy-to-follow, everyday recipes that are intertwined with her stories from travelling the region. From pasta dishes and seafood to some incredible vegetarian offerings, it’s an easy yes from us. £25.75. At amazon.co.uk
22/32Flavour by Yotam Ottolenghi
At most dinner parties these days you can almost guarantee that at least one dish has been cooked using an Ottolenghi recipe, and we're here for it. In Yotan Ottolenghi’s book, coauthored with Ixta Belfrage, the focus is now on flavour. Through breaking down the three facts that create flavours, process, pairing and produce, you’ll find innovative vegetarian recipes that expand on simple cooking principles to create exceptional dishes. It’s all about fresh, good food that will take your vegetables to the next level. £15. At amazon.co.uk
23/32East by Meera Sodha
Finding recipes for good vegetarian or vegan food that actually tastes amazing can still be a difficult task these days, even with the rising popularity of meat-free food. Meera Sodha’s incredible new book, East, offers the perfect solution. Filled with delicious, impressive but still easy-to-make dishes inspired by Asian cuisine from a range of countries including Japan, India, China, Thailand and Vietnam, this is a collection of recipes that will truly change the way you eat. Make everything from noodle and curry dishes to salads and desserts. Some of the highlights include the roasted paneer aloo gobi and the caramelised onion and chilli ramen. Oh, and you won’t want to miss out on the salted miso brownies. £18.05. At amazon.co.uk
24/32Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson
Queen of the culinary world Nigella Lawson returned to our screens last year to keep us cooking and entertained in the final months of 2020. Her latest book, Cook, Eat, Repeat, is full of delicious recipes that she has intertwined with narrative essays reflecting on her passion for cooking and food, as well as the ways in which her recipes have influenced and been influenced by her life. We'd recommend trying the burnt onion and aubergine dip, chocolate peanut butter cake and her vegan dinner inspiration, perfect for January cooking. £21.45. At hive.co.uk
25/32Quick & Easy by Ella Mills
Known for her plant-based recipes, Ella Mills became an internet sensation with Deliciously Ella, the now major food brand that started out as a popular blog. With more than 100 new recipes, this book focuses on quick and easy meals that you can incorporate into your busy life. From harissa-spiced hummus (we're obsessed already) to spinach and chickpea curry and a red lentil dhal, you won't be short of inspiration for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Oh, and the cookies are also a definite win in our eyes. £20. At amazon.co.uk
26/32The Green Barbecue by Rukmini Iyer
If you're short of inspiration for any larger gatherings, The Green Barbecue by Rukmini Iyer is an absolute must-have cookbook. Featuring 75 completely meat-free recipes, you'll never be short of vegetarian and vegan barbecue inspiration again. From crispy barbecue tofu to chipotle mushroom and black bean burgers, this book is about to be your new best friend. £14.85. At amazon.co.uk and waterstones.com
27/32The Contented Vegan by Peggy Brusseau
Whether you’re trying to go vegan for the month, the year or just simply want to start reducing the amount of animal products and meat in your diet, The Contented Vegan is a caring companion that will help you along the way. Adopting a vegan lifestyle can be complicated, especially if you haven’t paid much attention to the amount of protein or the nutritional content of your diet before. Thankfully, not only does The Contented Vegan have plenty of mouth-watering recipes to get you started, but it also has a range of advice and information for new vegans from author Peggy Brusseau, who started her journey as a vegan 30 years ago. An essential vegan cookbook for the start of 2022. £21.79. At hive.co.uk
28/32Easy Vegan Bible by Katy Beskow
Making delicious vegan food can seem quite daunting and complicated at first, especially if you've only just started cooking with the grains, soy products, beans and all of the other products that make up the most common vegan sources of protein. This is when the Easy Vegan Bible comes into play, offering 200 new recipes that are just as easy to prepare as they are delicious. Whether you're a seasoned vegan looking for some new inspiration or have only just started eliminating meat and animal products, you'll have all of the recipes and information you need at your fingertips. To make your life easier, recipes are categorised together based on the length of time they take and the amount of ingredients they incorporate, with solutions for breakfast (think French toast recipes), lunch and dinner. £10.28. At amazon.co.uk
29/32Nadiya Bakes by Nadiya Hussain
Nadiya Hussain has cemented her place as one of the most trusted bakers in the country (alongside the likes of Mary Berry), ever since she won the sixth series of The Great British Bake Off back in 2015. If you're thinking of taking up baking in any form, this is the book for you. With both traditional recipes and experimental ones that involve more unique (and we assure you, delicious) flavours, this book has everything you need to take your baking to the next level. Some of our favourite recipes include the cranberry and chilli brioche wreath and her carrot tart. £19.19. At hive.co.uk
30/32The Happy Pear: Vegan Cooking For Everyone by David and Stephen Flynn
With 20 years of experience in plant-based cooking, bestselling chefs David and Stephen Flynn have become pretty damn good at making impressive and delicious vegan food. The twin brothers started The Happy Pear in 2004 with the goal of inspiring people to live a happier and healthier life while adopting a more plant-based diet. Now, with their new book of the same name, they’re ready to share their wisdom with the world. Whether you’re fully vegan or just trying to reduce the amount of animal products you eat, this is a great place to start. Designed with both complete beginners and seasoned experts in mind, The Happy Pear: Vegan Cooking For Everyone has everything you need to develop your own skills, whatever your level of experience. You’ll find ten chapters of recipes, step-by-step guides, tips for making variations, plus an insight into how you can change up your vegan cooking to make it even better. £18.05. At amazon.co.uk
31/32The Mexican Home Kitchen by Mely Martinez
Following the success of her blog “Mexico In My Kitchen”, Mely Martinez has finally released her highly anticipated The Mexican Home Kitchen, which is full of recipes from her home. Focused around the ideas of how food can bring together families, communities and traditions, Martinez brings to life authentic cooking from her hometown in Mexico intertwined with memories of her family. Learn how to cook everything from soups and tacos to enchiladas and nopales, all incorporating ingredients that are easy to find in grocery stores and suitable for cooking on a budget. Highlights to keep an eye out for are the Chiles Rellenos (stuffed and fried poblano peppers) and the Pastel de Tres Leches, a glorious Mexican cake. ied poblano peppers) and the Pastel de Tres Leches, a glorious Mexican cake. £17.69. At amazon.co.uk
32/32A Kind Of Love Story by Tom Sellers
In many ways, a book by Tom Sellers was inevitable. After all, this is the chef whose first ventures were called Foreword and Preface and whose literary-inspired Restaurant Story captured its guests' imaginations. What nobody foresaw, however, was how Sellers' first cookbook would upturn conventions. That said, given his predilection for originality, it should have been obvious.
A Kind Of Love Story is a romance, right down to its gothic, rose-embossed binding, tracing one man's passion from its childhood kernel to Michelin-starred maturity, which Sellers reached at 26. It contains no recipes in the traditional sense. Instead, Sellers lets the reader in on something much more intimate, interweaving diary-like vignettes with the science of his methods. With the touching tales behind his most memorable dishes adding warmth and authenticity, this is the work of a true storyteller for whom writing about food signals the start of a new and exciting chapter. £29.79. At amazon.co.uk
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