The last year has brought a wave of exciting new cookbooks that feel perfectly tuned to how people actually cook at home right now. These are books driven by personality, comfort, creativity, and approachability—less about rigid rules and more about inspiration. From viral sensations to celebrity-backed releases, today’s most popular cookbooks invite home chefs to experiment, entertain, and enjoy the process without pressure, making them ideal companions for anyone growing their confidence in the kitchen.
Good Lookin’ Cookin’ by Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George (2024)
One of the most talked-about cookbook releases of 2024, Good Lookin’ Cookin’ blends Southern comfort food with Dolly Parton’s unmistakable charm. Co-written with her sister Rachel, the book is filled with hearty, nostalgic recipes that feel made for sharing—think casseroles, skillet dishes, and celebratory desserts.
What makes this cookbook so popular isn’t culinary ambition, but warmth. Stories, photos, and family traditions are woven throughout, making it as enjoyable to read as it is to cook from. For budding home chefs, it’s a reminder that food doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful or memorable.
Half Baked Harvest: Quick & Cozy by Tieghan Gerard (2024)
Tieghan Gerard continues her reign as a home-cooking favorite with Quick & Cozy, a cookbook that leans fully into comforting, visually stunning meals designed for busy lives. Packed with crowd-pleasing pastas, one-pan dinners, and indulgent desserts, this release reflects exactly why Half Baked Harvest remains so influential.
The recipes are aspirational yet achievable, often combining familiar ingredients in elevated but unfussy ways. For newer home chefs, this book offers instant inspiration for weeknight dinners that feel special, without requiring professional-level execution.
Cooking for People Who Love Food by José Andrés (2024)
José Andrés’ latest cookbook focuses less on technique and more on joy, generosity, and flavor. Designed around the idea of cooking for others, the book celebrates shared meals with recipes that range from Spanish-inspired classics to casual, family-style dishes.
This is a highly approachable entry point to Andrés’ world—less restaurant complexity, more home-friendly abundance. Budding home chefs will appreciate the relaxed tone and emphasis on cooking as an act of connection rather than perfection.
The Complete Baking Air Fryer Cookbook by America’s Test Kitchen (2024)
Air fryers remain wildly popular, and this 2024 release taps directly into that enthusiasm. Focused entirely on baking in the air fryer, this cookbook quickly gained traction among home cooks looking to expand what the appliance can do beyond fries and wings.
From cookies and quick breads to small-batch cakes, the book offers modern convenience paired with familiar comfort. For newer home chefs, it’s appealing precisely because it feels current, practical, and designed around how people are already cooking at home.
Sally’s Baking 101: Foolproof Recipes from Easy to Advanced by Sally McKenney (2025)
A standout 2025 bestseller, Sally’s Baking 101 brings the trusted voice of baking blogger Sally McKenney to kitchens everywhere. The cookbook compiles 101 sweet and savory recipes that range from classic cookies and cakes to breads and brunch fare, all developed and tested with precision for reliable results.
Beyond indulgent desserts, the book blends fan favorites with new creations, giving budding home chefs the chance to explore everything from chewy chocolate chip cookies to savory breads and seasonal pies. Its approachable tone and clear structure have made it a go-to resource for home bakers of all experience levels, quickly landing on bestseller lists and inspiring cooks to try something new.
Let’s Eat by Dan Pelosi (GrossyPelosi) (2024)
Dan Pelosi’s debut cookbook has become a cultural moment, fueled by his vibrant online presence and unapologetically joyful approach to food. Let’s Eat is bold, colorful, and celebratory, filled with comfort-forward recipes designed for gatherings, holidays, and indulgent everyday meals.
The book prioritizes fun over formality, making it particularly welcoming for home cooks still finding their footing. Its popularity lies in personality as much as food—every recipe feels like an invitation, not an assignment.
Simply Jamie: Fast & Simple Food by Jamie Oliver (2025)
Released in early 2025, Jamie Oliver’s latest cookbook reinforces his enduring popularity with home cooks worldwide. Simply Jamie focuses on accessible, feel-good meals that rely on familiar ingredients and minimal fuss.
While Jamie Oliver has decades of cookbooks behind him, this release feels timely and relevant, aligning with current preferences for speed, flexibility, and comfort. For budding home chefs, it offers reassurance that good food doesn’t require complexity—just enthusiasm and a willingness to try.
Why These Cookbooks Stand Out
What unites these new releases isn’t technical mastery, but relevance. They reflect how people cook today: casually, socially, and with an eye toward enjoyment rather than perfection. For the budding home chef, these popular cookbooks provide inspiration without intimidation—proof that cooking can be expressive, forgiving, and deeply personal. Choosing any of these titles is less about learning rules and more about falling in love with the act of cooking itself.