If you’re anything like us, your cookbook wishlist is always growing. 2025 is shaping up to be a stellar year for exploring new cuisines, mastering baking techniques, and finding joy in cooking for those you love (or just yourself!). From vibrant regional dishes to inspired baking ideas, these ten cookbooks will take you on flavorful journeys right from your kitchen.

Here’s your guide to the 10 cookbooks you absolutely need in your life this year.

1. "Sweet Farm!" by Molly Yeh

Molly Yeh brings her signature charm and creativity to this dessert-focused cookbook, inspired by her life on a sugar beet farm. From cardamom buns to black sesame babka, her recipes celebrate her Midwestern, Jewish, and Chinese roots.

  • Themes: Desserts, cultural fusion, and baking with heart.
  • Why It Stands Out: Yeh’s whimsical spin on classics (hello, grape salad donuts!) makes this a must-have for anyone with a sweet tooth.

2. "Dinner" by Meera Sodha

The queen of vegetable-forward cooking is back! Meera Sodha’s latest book focuses on hearty, satisfying dinners with vibrant flavors. Recipes like miso eggplant and tofu curry make weeknight meals simple yet exciting.

  • Themes: Vegan and vegetarian dinners, practical cooking, and bold flavors.
  • Why It Stands Out: Sodha’s focus on approachable but wow-worthy meals makes this the perfect go-to for everyday cooking.

3. "Salt Sugar MSG" by Calvin Eng

Cantonese food superstar Calvin Eng debuts his cookbook filled with modern takes on beloved dishes. With recipes like fuyu-butter string beans and black bean tofu, Eng adds a cheffy flair to accessible home cooking.

  • Themes: Cantonese cuisine, creative twists, and flavor-packed meals.
  • Why It Stands Out: Eng’s approach inspires home cooks to elevate everyday favorites with simple but genius tweaks.

4. "Ghana to the World" by Eric Adjepong

Top Chef finalist Eric Adjepong takes readers on a culinary and cultural adventure through West Africa. Beautifully personal and deeply flavorful, it’s a rich celebration of heritage and modern cuisine.

  • Themes: West African flavors, storytelling, and cultural pride.
  • Why It Stands Out: Adjepong’s recipes connect you to the history and vibrancy of West African food like never before.

5. "The Fishwife Cookbook" by Becca Millstein and Vilda Gonzalez

Tinned fish fans, rejoice! This cookbook reinvents the pantry staple with recipes like anchovy martinis (yes, really) and sardine pesto pasta. It’s all about understanding and celebrating the versatility of tinned fish.

  • Themes: Creative pantry cooking, seafood-inspired meals, and playful entertaining.
  • Why It Stands Out: This book proves that tinned fish can be every bit as elegant as fresh-caught seafood.

6. "Coastal" by Scott Clark with Betsy Andrews

Take a California road trip without leaving your kitchen. "Coastal" offers recipes inspired by the Golden State’s Central Coast, featuring vibrant, seasonal dishes like charred cabbage with shrimp paste butter and mushroom cheddar melts.

  • Themes: California cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and sunny flavors.
  • Why It Stands Out: Clark’s genius takes simple ingredients and transforms them into unforgettable meals.

7. "KIN" by Marie Mitchell

Marie Mitchell’s love letter to Caribbean cooking is brimming with warmth, vibrant flavors, and personal stories. From Jamaican ackee patties to tamarind-glazed prawns, this book is pure tropical joy.

  • Themes: Caribbean heritage, bold spices, and joyful cooking.
  • Why It Stands Out: It’s packed with soul and stories that will instantly transport you to the islands.

8. "Third Culture Cooking" by Zaynab Issa

Zaynab Issa beautifully unites flavors from her Tanzanian, Indian, and American heritage in dishes like coconutty East African corn and za’atar maple popcorn. Perfect for cooks drawn to mashups and comfort.

  • Themes: Hybrid cuisine, personal stories, and creative twists.
  • Why It Stands Out: It’s a celebration of blending cultures through food, offering fresh inspiration for adventurous cooks.

9. "Tanoreen" by Rawia Bishara

This expanded edition of Rawia Bishara’s debut cookbook is a rich tapestry of Palestinian recipes, stories, and memories. Dishes like lamb kibbeh and cauliflower steaks capture Bishara’s heartfelt approach to cooking.

  • Themes: Middle Eastern tradition, community, and culinary legacy.
  • Why It Stands Out: The detailed guidance from this seasoned chef makes it accessible and inspiring for any home cook.

10. "Gursha" by Beejhy Barhany

Beejhy Barhany tells deeply layered stories of Ethiopian Jewish culture and cuisine. Recipes for spiced stews and buttery injera immerse readers in flavors and traditions from Harlem to East Africa.

  • Themes: Ethiopian Jewish heritage, layered recipes, and cultural resilience.
  • Why It Stands Out: It’s as much about storytelling as cooking, making every recipe rich with meaning.

From Caribbean spice blends to Ethiopian butter, these cookbooks will inspire you to try something new, connect with history, and savor every bite. Which one will you reach for first? Whatever you pick, your 2025 kitchen adventures are about to get a lot more exciting. Happy cooking!