Cookbooks have been around for centuries, providing readers with recipes and cooking tips to help them create delicious meals in their own kitchens.
Over time, certain cookbooks have become iconic, beloved by home cooks and professional chefs alike.
In this article, we will explore these best-selling cookbooks of all time, based on sales figures and popularity.
From classic French cuisine to modern culinary techniques, these cookbooks offer a wide range of recipes and cooking styles. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone in these pages.
Let’s dive in and discover the top ten best-selling cookbooks of all time.
Criteria for Selection
When compiling a list of the best-selling cookbooks of all time, it’s important to consider a variety of factors. We took into account the number of copies sold, the influence the book had on the culinary world, and the lasting impact it had on the way we cook and eat.
We also considered the book’s longevity and relevance. Some cookbooks may have sold well initially, but have since fallen out of favor or become outdated. We wanted to include books that have stood the test of time and are still popular today.
Another important factor was the book’s accessibility. We wanted to include cookbooks that are approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, not just professional chefs. This means that the recipes should be easy to follow and use ingredients that are readily available.
Finally, we looked at the overall quality of the book. This includes factors such as the layout and design, the writing style, and the photography. A well-designed cookbook can inspire readers to try new recipes and techniques, while a poorly designed one can be off-putting.
The Joy of Cooking
The Joy of Cooking is one of the most iconic cookbooks of all time.
Written by Irma S. Rombauer, the book was first published in 1931 and has since sold over 18 million copies. It has been updated and revised numerous times, with the latest edition being released in 2019.
The Joy of Cooking is known for its comprehensive approach to cooking. It covers everything from basic cooking techniques to advanced recipes, and includes sections on baking, canning, and preserving. The book also includes a wide range of recipes, from classic American dishes to international cuisine.
One of the reasons for the book’s enduring popularity is its accessibility. The recipes are written in a clear and concise manner, making them easy to follow for both novice and experienced cooks. The book also includes helpful tips and tricks for cooking and baking, as well as information on ingredients and equipment.
The Joy of Cooking has had a major influence on American cuisine and cooking culture. It has been referenced in popular media, such as television shows and movies, and has been praised by numerous chefs and food writers. The book’s enduring popularity is a testament to its usefulness and relevance in the kitchen.
You can find a new copy online here and here. Or go for a pre-loved edition here.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking
Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a two-volume cookbook written by Julia Child, Simone Beck, and Louisette Bertholle.
The first volume was published in 1961, and the second volume was published in 1970. The cookbook is known for its detailed instructions and emphasis on French culinary techniques.
The cookbook has sold over two million copies worldwide and has been translated into many languages. It has been credited with introducing French cuisine to American home cooks and has been a source of inspiration for many chefs.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking has received many accolades, including the James Beard Foundation Book Award in 1964. It has also been featured in many publications, including The New York Times and Forbes.
The cookbook includes over 500 recipes, ranging from classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon to lesser-known regional specialties like quenelles de brochet. The recipes are organized by category, such as soups, meats, and desserts, and include detailed instructions and illustrations.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking is a must-have for anyone interested in French cuisine and culinary techniques. Its detailed instructions and emphasis on technique make it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced cooks.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
Betty Crocker’s Cookbook
Betty Crocker is a household name in the world of cooking and baking. The first hardcover cookbook, Betty Crocker’s Picture Cookbook, was published in 1950 and quickly became a national bestseller. Since then, more than 250 Betty Crocker cookbooks have been published, inspiring generations of home cooks.
The Betty Crocker Cookbook, 13th Edition: Everything You Need to Know to Cook from Scratch is a classic cookbook that has been updated and revised over the years. It includes more than 1,500 recipes, from classic comfort foods to modern twists on old favorites. The book also includes step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and beautiful photographs that make it easy to follow along.
Another popular Betty Crocker cookbook is Betty Crocker Best 100: Favorite Recipes from America’s Most Trusted Kitchens. This cookbook features 100 of the best recipes from Betty Crocker’s extensive collection, including everything from appetizers and entrees to desserts and co*cktails. The book also includes helpful tips and tricks for cooking and baking, making it a great resource for home cooks of all skill levels.
One of the reasons why Betty Crocker cookbooks have been so successful over the years is that they provide contemporary recipes without being too faddish. The recipes are approachable and easy to follow, making them perfect for busy home cooks who want to prepare delicious meals for their families. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, a Betty Crocker cookbook is a great resource to have on hand.
You can find a new copy online here and here. Or go for a pre-loved edition here.
The Silver Spoon
The Silver Spoon is an Italian cookbook that has become a classic in its own right. It was first published in Italy in 1950 as Il Cucchiaio d’Argento and has since been translated into several languages, including English.
The Silver Spoon has sold over one million copies worldwide and is considered one of the best-selling cookbooks of all time. The Silver Spoon contains over 2,000 recipes and is known for its simple, authentic Italian cuisine. The book covers everything from antipasti to desserts and includes recipes for pasta, risotto, pizza, and more. The recipes are easy to follow, with step-by-step instructions and beautiful photographs to guide the reader.
One of the unique features of The Silver Spoon is its focus on regional Italian cuisine. The book includes recipes from all over Italy, with each region’s specialties highlighted. This allows the reader to explore the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Italy. In addition to its recipes, The Silver Spoon also includes information on Italian ingredients, cooking techniques, and kitchen equipment.
The book is a comprehensive guide to Italian cooking and is a must-have for anyone interested in Italian cuisine.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
How to Cook Everything
The How to Cook Everything cookbook was written by Mark Bittman. It was first published in 1998 and has since become a staple in many kitchens.
The cookbook contains over 2,000 recipes, covering a wide range of cuisines and cooking techniques. It is known for its simple and straightforward approach to cooking, making it a great resource for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
The book is divided into sections based on the type of dish, such as soups, salads, and desserts. Each section contains a variety of recipes, ranging from basic to more complex dishes. The recipes are accompanied by clear and concise instructions, making it easy to follow along. The book also includes helpful tips and techniques for cooking, as well as information on ingredients and equipment.
One of the unique features of How to Cook Everything is its emphasis on improvisation. Bittman encourages cooks to use the recipes as a starting point and to experiment with different ingredients and techniques. This approach allows for a lot of creativity in the kitchen and can help build confidence in the cook.
Overall, How to Cook Everything is a great resource for anyone looking to expand their cooking skills and repertoire. Its comprehensive nature and approachable style make it a best-seller and a must-have for any home cook.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook is the debut cookbook of Ina Garten, published in 1999.
The book features 89 recipes that are designed to be simple, elegant, and accessible for home cooks. The book’s success can be attributed to Garten’s straightforward approach to cooking and her emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook quickly became a best-seller and has since sold over 1 million copies. The book’s popularity has led to several sequels, including Barefoot Contessa Parties!, Barefoot Contessa Family Style, and Barefoot Contessa at Home.
The recipes in The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook range from classic comfort food dishes like mac and cheese and meatloaf to more sophisticated dishes like lobster pot pie and rack of lamb. Garten’s signature dishes, such as her roasted chicken and her chocolate cake, are also included in the book.
The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook’s success can be attributed to Garten’s ability to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for home cooks of all skill levels.
The book’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple, elegant dishes has resonated with readers and helped establish Ina Garten as one of the most popular cookbook authors of all time.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
The Moosewood Cookbook
The Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen is a vegetarian cookbook that has been inspiring generations to cook simple, healthy, and seasonal food since its publication in 1977. The cookbook has sold over 6 million copies worldwide and is considered a classic in the culinary world. It has been listed as one of the top ten best-selling cookbooks of all time by the New York Times.
Mollie Katzen hand-wrote, illustrated, and locally published the first edition of The Moosewood Cookbook in 1974. The cookbook features over 200 vegetarian recipes that are easy to follow and use fresh ingredients. The recipes are organized by meal type, including soups, salads, main dishes, and desserts.
The Moosewood Cookbook has been praised for its approachable recipes and its focus on using whole, natural ingredients. The cookbook has also been credited with helping to popularize vegetarianism in the United States. Many of the recipes have become classics, including the Gypsy Soup, the Black Bean Chili, and the Spinach-Feta Pie.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
The Taste of Country Cooking
The Taste of Country Cooking is an American classic cookbook written by Edna Lewis, first published in 1976.
The book is a celebration of the author’s hometown of Freetown, Virginia, a farming town founded by previously enslaved people after the Civil War. The cookbook is a time capsule of Southern cuisine and culture, featuring recipes that are rooted in tradition and passed down from generation to generation.
The Taste of Country Cooking is not just a cookbook, it’s a history book that tells the story of a community and its food. The book is divided into seasons, with each chapter featuring recipes that highlight the best ingredients available during that time of year. The recipes are simple and straightforward, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Some of the standout recipes in The Taste of Country Cooking include Fried Chicken, Ham Hocks and Lima Beans, and Peach Cobbler. The book also features a section on preserving, with recipes for pickles, jams, and preserves.
The Taste of Country Cooking has stood the test of time and remains a beloved cookbook among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
You can find a new copy online here and here.
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook is a classic cookbook that has been around for over a century.
It was first published in 1896 and has since sold millions of copies. The cookbook is named after its author, Fannie Farmer, who was a teacher at the Boston Cooking School. She is credited with standardizing measurements in recipes, which made it easier for home cooks to follow recipes accurately.
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook contains over 1,800 recipes, including traditional American dishes such as apple pie and fried chicken. The book also includes recipes for international dishes, such as French onion soup and Italian spaghetti. The recipes are easy to follow and use simple ingredients, making them accessible to home cooks of all levels.
The Fannie Farmer Cookbook has been updated several times since its initial publication, with new recipes and modernized instructions. It remains a popular cookbook today, with its timeless recipes and classic American dishes.
You can find a new copy online here and here. Or go for a pre-loved edition here.
The New York Times Cookbook
The New York Times Cookbook is a classic cookbook that has been around since the 1960s. It is a comprehensive collection of recipes that have been published in The New York Times over the years. The cookbook is a great resource for both novice and experienced cooks, as it covers a wide range of cuisines and cooking techniques.
The New York Times Cookbook has been updated several times over the years to include new recipes and modern cooking techniques. The latest edition was released in 2019 and includes over 1,000 recipes. The cookbook is organized by course, with chapters on appetizers, soups and stews, salads, vegetables, pasta and grains, poultry, meat, fish and shellfish, bread, and desserts.
The cookbook also includes helpful tips and techniques for cooking, as well as information on ingredients and equipment. The recipes are easy to follow and include both classic and modern dishes.
Some of the most popular recipes in The New York Times Cookbook include:
- Beef Bourguignon
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Crème Brûlée
- Roast Chicken
The New York Times Cookbook has been a bestseller for many years and continues to be a popular resource for home cooks. It is a great addition to any cookbook collection and a must-have for anyone who loves to cook.
