50 Pretty Cookbooks for Chic Kitchen Styling

Food and design have always gone hand-in-hand.

The aesthetic appeal of a meal goes beyond simple visual pleasure. It’s also about the emotional connection we form with what we eat.

On its surface, shelving a “pretty cookbook” is a simple way to elevate the look of our kitchen. But on a deeper level, I believe that chefs who take the time to craft beautiful cookbooks have a deep understanding of the relationship between seeing, tasting, and feeling. Culinary artists, much like visual designers, curate a narrative through their creations. A beautifully presented dish can evoke emotions, spark memories, and elevate the overall dining experience.

The significance of a well-designed cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes. The curated arrangement of ingredients, the thoughtful composition of photographs, and the intimate essays all contribute to creating an experience that extends beyond the kitchen. It becomes a gateway to a multisensory journey, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the artistry of cooking and create the opportunity to share in those experiences with the ones we love.

Here are the top 50 most beautiful cookbooks for styling with and gathering around.

Pretty Cookbooks for Kitchen Styling

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1. “Half Baked Harvest Every Day”

Tieghan Gerard, also known as Half Baked Harvest on her socials, has a cult following for a reason. If you’re looking for a well-rounded selection of both whole-nourishing menu items and nostalgic comfort foods, this is the cookbook for you.

2. “Magnolia Table: Volume 3”

Authored by Joanna Gaines, this cookbook reflects the warmth and comfort of the Magnolia brand, we have all come to know and love. Featuring a collection of family-friendly recipes that celebrate southern flavors and home-cooked goodness, this is a must-have for your every day meals.

3. “The Lost Kitchen”

Erin French’s memoir-infused cookbook takes readers on a journey through her acclaimed restaurant in rural Maine, sharing recipes that highlight the beauty of local, foraged, and seasonal ingredients.

4. “Sunday Suppers”

If you’re looking for a cookbook for the host/hostess in your life, this is it. Karen Mordechai has expertly crafted a modern cookbook focused on fostering connection through food, offering diverse and globally inspired recipes for cooks of any experience level.

5. “Six Seasons”

If you’re like me and are constantly trying to invent new ways to convince yourself to eat your veggies, this pick is for you. Chef Joshua McFadden’s beautiful cookbook redefines seasonal cooking with an emphasis on the six distinct stages of each season, providing a fresh perspective on utilizing produce in its prime.

6. “Grains for Every Season”

Another hit by Joshua McFadden, this cookbook celebrates the versatility of grains in various cuisines, offering a diverse array of recipes that showcase the nutritional benefits and delicious possibilities of grains. And don’t worry – there are plenty of gluten-free recipes inside, if that’s your thing.

7. “Deeda Blair: Food, Flowers, Fantasy”

Fashion and lifestyle icon, Deeda Blair, peels back the curtain on how to entertain in a way that will wow your guests. This visually stunning cookbook will guide you in cultivating florals, menus, and décor for an event that feels elevated and effortlessly chic.

8. “Eat Drink Nap”

An elegant and eclectic cookbook by Soho House, providing a glimpse into the world of their renowned hospitality, featuring recipes, design tips, and lifestyle insights for a stylish and indulgent home. This also made the list on our post about the best neutral coffee table books. We love a twofer.

9. “Table for Two”

This fun and intimate cookbook by Bre Graham, offers simple and delicious recipes designed for two. This cookbook covers everything from the recipes you throw together when you don’t feel like cooking to the multiple-course meals you pour your heart into. This cookbook would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift.

10. “Strong, Sweet, and Bitter”

With this collection of cocktails by Cara Devine, you’ll learn to master both the art of crafting the perfect cocktail and being the ultimate host/hostess.

11. “Gullah Geechee Home Cooking”

A tribute to the rich culinary heritage of the Gullah Geechee people, this cookbook has the warm and cozy feel of a collection of recipes that could easily have been passed down from your very own grandmother.

12. “Jubilee”

Toni Tipton-Martin’s cookbook showcases the contributions of African American cooks to American cuisine, offering a collection of historical recipes that celebrate the diversity and excellence of black culinary traditions.

13. “Cook Beautiful”

Athena Calderone is master at making the unobtainable feel somehow totally within reach. Combining exquisite photography with recipes that emphasize both taste and presentation, readers will be inspired to create culinary masterpieces that nourish the body and soul.

14. “Whole Food Cooking Every Day”

Amy Chaplin’s cookbook focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, providing a collection of plant-based recipes that celebrate the beauty and simplicity of whole foods.

15. “The Modern Cook’s Year”

A seasonal cookbook by Anna Jones, offering inventive and healthful vegetarian recipes organized by the changing seasons, encouraging a mindful approach to cooking and eating.

16. “The Kinfolk Table”

This lifestyle-focused cookbook by the creators of Kinfolk magazine, features collection of recipes from around the world that all foster one intention: to be shared with the ones you love most.

17. “Pasta”

Honestly, need I say more? This comprehensive pasta cookbook by Missy Robbins is a deep-dive into one of America’s most beloved meals, including step-by-step guides to hand-making 40 different pasta shapes. Yes, please!

18. “Gather: 100 Seasonal Recipes that Bring People Together”

Written by Chris Viaud, this visually stunning cookbook celebrates the ability of a beautiful meal to bring people together.

19. “More is More”

Molly Baz has officially given us all the permission to let loose and experiment in the kitchen with this collection of fun and delicious recipes. I love that Molly has included QR codes throughout the book that link to step-by-step audio tutorials for a hands-free cook-along experience and recipe videos for some of the trickier skills and recipes.

20. “The Encyclopedia of Cocktails”

This comprehensive guide to mixology by The Coastal Kitchen will be your secret weapon to taking your cocktail-making to the next level and leaving your guests in awe (and slightly buzzed).

21. “The New Orleans Kitchen”

This vibrant cookbook by Justin Devillier, captures the essence of iconic New Orleans cuisine with a mix of traditional and modern recipes.

22. “The Noom Kitchen”

A health-conscious cookbook offering nutritious recipes aligned with the principles of the Noom diet, promoting a balanced and mindful approach to eating.

23. “Flour Water Salt Yeast”

A bread-baking cookbook by Ken Forkish, readers are guided through the art and science of creating artisanal bread at home. From novice to experienced baker, there is truly something for everyone.

24. “The Cook’s Atelier”

A cookbook by the mother-daughter duo Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini, sharing recipes and stories from their cooking school in Burgundy, France. This would make a great gift for mothers and daughters especially.

25. “Bruno’s Cookbook”

Written by the author of the “Bruno, Chief of Police” series, this cookbook contains recipes inspired by the series and centered around the Périgord region’s rich cuisine.

26. “Eat With Us”

Philip Lago and Mystique Mattai share an assortment of mouth-watering recipes that celebrate global flavors and fostering a sense of community through shared meals.

27. “Maman: The Cookbook”

A cookbook inspired by the French bakery Maman, featuring recipes that blend traditional French techniques with a rustic twist.

28. “Eataly”

Available now for preorder, this culinary guide by Oscar Farinetti (in collaboration with Eataly), is sure to become a staple in kitchens all over the world. “Eataly” educates the reader on the ins-and-outs of present-day Italian cooking.

29. “The Chocolate Spoon”

Cooking with chocolate can be equal parts delicious and complex. This beautiful book by The Silver Spoon kitchen, breaks it all down with step-by-step guides and decadent chocolate recipes.

30. “NYT Cooking: No Recipe Recipes”

This collection of recipes from The New York Times, removes the training wheels, metaphorically speaking; emphasizing the freedom and creativity of cooking without rigid recipes.

31. “Malibu Farm Cookbook”

Helene Henderson’s cookbook features recipes inspired by her Malibu restaurant, emphasizing fresh, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.

32. “The Escoffier”

A classic guide to the art of French cooking, many consider this timeless classic written by Auguste Escoffier, to be required reading for any culinarian.

33. “Joy of Cooking”

Considered to be the Bible of home cooking, this classic collection of classic recipes and culinary wisdom by Irma S. Rombauer, would make a perfect gift to a new home owner or novice chef.

34. “A Spoonful of Sun”

Chef Pauline Chardin’s cookbook celebrates the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, offering recipes that capture the essence of flavors that make every day feel like vacation.

35. “First Generation”

Frankie Gaw invites readers to share in an intimate collection of recipes inspired by his Taiwanese American background with flavor profiles that will make you weak in the knees.

36. “Mussels”

This seafood-focused cookbook by Chef and author Sergio Herman, explores the diverse ways to prepare and enjoy mussels with plenty of creative recipes and practical tips.

37. “Eat Your Greens!”

Some of us need more encouragement than others when it comes to eating our greens (myself included). Annette Dieng and Ingela Persson have created a simple guide to becoming more veggie-centric for even the most greens-averse.

38. “Ruffage”

Another vegetable-focused cookbook, Abra Berens brings us the essential guide veggies, providing creative and flavorful recipes that celebrate the versatility of seasonal produce.

39. “The Southerner’s Cookbook”

A Southern culinary journey by the editors of Garden & Gun, this wonderful cookbook offers a collection of iconic recipes and stories from the American South.

40. “Cooking at Home”

This cookbook exclusive to Williams-Sonoma, is filled with over 1,000 simple recipes, cooking guides, and informative tips to take your home cooking to the next level.

41. “From Cook to Crook”

This collection of recipes by Snoop Dogg will start off as simply a conversation starter and end up being one of your favorite cookbooks for stick-to-your ribs soul food staples and fun takes on classic plates.

42. “La Buvette”

A cookbook by Camille Fourmont and Kate Leahy, shows us how to bring the Parisian-style of entertaining in this guide to wine, food, and Parisian lifestyle.

43. “Essential”

Good home cooking starts with mastering the basics. Ollie Dabbous shows readers how to do just that in this collection of 100 basic recipes everyone should know.

44. “Core”

A cookbook by Clare Smyth, focusing on 60 staple meals served at the British fine-dining restaurant of the same name. Consider this your go-to inspiration for refined dining experiences.

45. “Bayrūt: The Cookbook”

A culinary journey through Lebanese cuisine by Hisham Assaad, featuring traditional and contemporary recipes that showcase the vibrant flavors of Beyrut.

46. “Dinner in French”

Awarded ‘Best Cookbook’ by multiple major publications, Melissa Clark brings the elegance of French cuisine to the home kitchen with a collection of accessible and delicious recipes.

47. “The Home Café”

This one is for all my coffee lovers. Asia Lui Chapa has gifted us with a curation of coffee-centric drink recipes that will make your morning coffee routine an experience.

48. “In My Kitchen”

Another great cookbook by Deborah Madison, sharing dreamy vegetarian recipes that will stop even those most voracious meat-eater in their tracks.

49. “Black Food”

A joyful celebration of African American culinary traditions by Bryant Terry, featuring recipes that honor the diversity and richness of black food culture. This is a work that is a feast to both the eyes and the soul.

50. “Aska”

A cookbook by Fredrik Berselius, providing a glimpse into the Nordic culinary world with innovative recipes inspired by the acclaimed restaurant Aska in Brooklyn.

These were 50 Pretty Cookbooks for Kitchen Styling

I hope that one of these “pretty cookbooks” finds its way both into your home and into your life. Whether it is is your first cookbook or your 100th, I hope you have discovered new favorites that you’re excited to display, use, and integrate into your daily life.

As all of the culinary artists on this list have shown us, the act of cooking and the act of savoring a meal are interconnected rituals, each influencing the other. A beautifully crafted cookbook can be the start of a journey that brings people together, deepens connections, and creates lasting memories.

I can’t wait to see what you create.

xo, tjp

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