5 Cookbooks I Can't Live Without

🥖 My Top 5 Favorite Cookbooks for Everyday Inspiration in the Kitchen

One of my least favorite questions these days is "what's for dinner?" After a long day with two small children and a house that never quite feels put together, coming up with something my whole family will eat is no easy task. So I have a giant collection of cookbooks, hoping that at least one recipe will be there to help me in a pinch. And after going through tons of cookbooks, I have developed a strong top five that have approachable recipes that don't require Top Chef level skills or Gordon Ramsay's pantry.

So if you too are struggling with the same five or ten dinners on repeat and need some inspiration, these are for you. Because dinner shouldn't be something you dread, it should be a moment to slow down and reconnect. Even if the kids are running around the table and ate only two bites!

1. Blue Apron: 165 Essential Recipes

When I had my first child, trying to balance a full time job and keep the house going felt like an impossible task. So to try to lessen the load I signed us up for Blue Apron and it was a blast! It was so nice to just point and click to select what we'd have to dinner at least a few nights a week with the ingredients delivered right to us. It showed me some great recipes that I still use today and have since made adjustments too based on seasonal ingredients and what I have on hand. But it truly gave me a great foundation to start from. So when it had been several weeks of getting Blue Apron delivered we took a break but I bought the cookbook to keep things going. And the recipes in here are beyond fantastic. My copy of this book is eternally stained and smudged because I pull this out probably once a week. No crazy ingredients, no techniques you haven't heard of, just classic, well balanced, delicious meals.

2. The Best Simple Recipes by America’s Test Kitchen

If I could only keep one reference book in my kitchen, it might be this. Every recipe is meticulously tested (seriously—they’re nerdy about it in the best way), so you know it’s going to turn out right. This one is perfect for classic comfort food, but with tips that make you a better cook along the way. It’s like cooking with a very detail-oriented friend who always knows the trick to getting it just right. And the best part, it's all timed out so each meal only takes 30 minutes or less. So if you're in a pinch trying to get dinner together, this is a fantastic book to grab.

3. Everyday with Babs

Barbara "Babs" Costello brings warmth and wit to every recipe, and this cookbook reads like a cozy conversation with your favorite aunt. It’s full of family-friendly meals, clever hosting tips, and nostalgic dishes that are easy to make but feel celebratory. I love all of the sheet pan meals and how she puts together full weeks of meal with grocery lists. This makes that trip to the grocery store just that much easier. No stress, no searching around and desperately looking for inspiration from a zucchini, it's all done for you with the help of Babs.

4. Mary Berry’s Complete Cookbook

Mary Berry is the queen of calm confidence in the kitchen, and this book is a testament to that. From savory pies to classic British bakes, everything is clear, reliable, and delicious. It’s one of those cookbooks that teaches you foundational skills without feeling stuffy. And when I’m craving something a little more refined, I know Mary be there to help. If you haven't watched her shows you really should! She's amazing, calm, hilarious, and completely authentic.

5. Le Sud by Rebekah Peppler

I saw this cookbook on my last trip to Nice, France and fell in love with it based on the cover alone. Cuisine from the South of France is simple, seasonal, and delicious. Nothing feels stuffy or over done. It's fresh and inviting without being pretentious. And this cookbook puts together some classic French recipes that make for a great date night at home or special meal when you have family coming.

Why These Books Matter

Each of these cookbooks brings something unique to my kitchen. Some are practical, some poetic. All are used regularly and with love. In a world that moves fast, these books help me slow down and enjoy the rituals of cooking—whether I’m making a quick Tuesday night pasta or an herby roast chicken that fills the whole house with warmth.

If you're curating your own cookbook shelf, I hope this list inspires you to find one (or five) that fit into your rhythm and style.