Kelli’s Favorite Cookbooks
I bet you’ve wondered what some of Kelli’s Favorite Cookbooks are. Well, no stress or worries—I’ve shared them below! Using cookbooks is one of my favorite ways to meal plan!
These cookbooks contain easy recipes, desserts, simple ingredients, and fun and flavorful ideas. Every page holds the key to easy weeknight meals!

When did you last use a cookbook to plan your meals? While I’m a big fan of online recipes, I still love having cookbooks in the house!
What is the best way to mark recipes in cookbooks?
Removable tabs or sticky notes are the best way to mark recipes in cookbooks. These tabs allow you to identify your favorite recipes without causing permanent damage to the book’s pages.
It’s also helpful to color-code the tabs based on dish types, such as red for entrees, blue for desserts, and green for vegetarian options. This system keeps your cookbook organized and lets you quickly find what you’re looking for, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
You can jot down notes or adjustments on the sticky tabs for a more personalized touch, making the recipes your own.
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What are the most popular types of cookbooks?
Some of the most popular types of cookbooks include general all-purpose guides, which are perfect for home cooks who want a variety of recipes and techniques.
Specialty cookbooks, which focus on specific cuisines like Italian or Japanese, allow food enthusiasts to explore global flavors in their kitchens. Health-focused cookbooks have also gained traction, featuring recipes tailored to dietary lifestyles such as vegan, keto, or gluten-free.
Another favorite category is baking-focused cookbooks, offering everything from bread-making tutorials to dessert masterpieces.
Quick and easy cookbooks, often designed for busy lifestyles, provide solutions for creating delicious meals with minimal time and effort.
Meal Planning Tips Using Cookbooks
Planning your meals with the help of cookbooks can be a fun and stress-free way to organize your week. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most out of your cookbooks while setting up a sustainable meal plan:
Select Cookbooks That Match Your Lifestyle
Start by choosing cookbooks that align with your needs. If you’re short on time during weekdays, pick one that focuses on quick or one-pot meals. If you love variety, explore cookbooks with international cuisines or seasonal recipes.
Preview Your Week
Take a moment to review your upcoming week. How many dinners will you eat at home? Do you need meals that travel well for lunches? Knowing your schedule will help you pick the correct number and type of recipes.
Mark Recipes That Catch Your Eye
Flip through the cookbook and flag recipes that look interesting. Use sticky tabs or jot down page numbers in a notebook. If you’ve made the recipe before, note whether it was a hit or needed adjustments.
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Focus on Shared Ingredients
When selecting recipes, try to pick meals that share common ingredients. For example, if one recipe calls for cilantro, check if another dish uses it so you don’t waste fresh herbs or specialty items.
Plan Themes for Simplicity
Dedicate each day to a theme, like Meatless Monday or Taco Tuesday. This makes it easier to pick recipes while still keeping things exciting. Most cookbooks have sections organized by meals or ingredients, which can inspire your plan.
Double Up on Favorites
Once you’ve found recipes you love, double them! Cookbooks often include portion guidelines, so you can make larger batches for leftovers or freeze them for future meals. This is a time-saving hack, especially for busy weeks.
Check the Pantry Before You Commit
Before finalizing your plan, review the ingredient lists in your selected recipes and compare them with what you already have at home. This will avoid last-minute grocery runs and prevent overstocking.
Take Advantage of the Cookbooks’ Features
Many cookbooks include valuable extras like substitution suggestions, prep tips, or recommended pairings. These can be used to customize recipes to meet your dietary needs or speed up cooking.
Mix Familiar Recipes with New Ones
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying entirely new recipes every day. Pair tried-and-true family favorites with one or two new ones to manage the week. This lets you experiment without disrupting your routine.
Make Notes for the Future
After testing a recipe, jot down what worked and what didn’t in the margins of the cookbook or a notebook. Adjust cooking times, seasoning, or ingredient swaps for next time. Over time, your cookbook will become a personalized guide tailored to your taste.
Dedicate Time to Meal Prep
Set aside a couple of hours at the start of the week to prep ingredients for your chosen recipes. Measure out spices, chop veggies, or marinate meats ahead of time to reduce your daily workload.
Get the Household Involved
If you share meals with family or roommates, involve them in the planning! Flip through cookbooks together and have each person pick a dish they’d like to try. It makes mealtime more collaborative and enjoyable.
Group Recipes by Difficulty
Life gets busy, and not every night is suited for a labor-intensive meal. Based on your energy and time that day, choose a mix of easy, medium, and more complex recipes.
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Kelli's Favorite Cookbooks
This list of Kelli's Favorite Cookbooks gives you tons of tasty recipe options! They're all unique, and loaded with great flavors!
Make It Ahead: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten offers foolproof recipes designed to be prepared in advance, making entertaining and everyday meals stress-free. With her signature elegance and simplicity, Garten shares tips, techniques, and flavorful dishes that taste even better when made ahead. Perfect for hosts and home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality.
One Pot simplifies home cooking with 120+ easy, flavorful meals using just one skillet, slow cooker, stockpot, or more. This cookbook streamlines cleanup while delivering comforting, satisfying dishes perfect for busy cooks.
Paula Deen Cuts the Fat reinvents 250 of her classic recipes with a lighter twist. Keeping the Southern comfort while reducing calories, Paula shares healthier versions of fan favorites without sacrificing flavor.
Melissa's Southern Cookbook serves up tried-and-true family recipes filled with Southern charm. From comforting classics to beloved regional dishes, Melissa shares heartfelt, flavorful meals perfect for any table.
Taste of Home 5-Ingredient Cookbook delivers 400+ easy recipes that are big on flavor but short on groceries. With just five ingredients or less, home cooks can whip up delicious, fuss-free meals in no time.
A Real Southern Cook: In Her Savannah Kitchen brings authentic Southern flavors straight from Dora Charles’ kitchen. Packed with cherished family recipes and cooking wisdom, this cookbook celebrates true Southern hospitality and soulful, home-cooked meals.
Mexican Slow Cooker Cookbook offers easy, flavorful Mexican dishes that practically cook themselves. With minimal effort, enjoy authentic tacos, stews, and more—rich in tradition and bold in taste, all from your slow cooker.
The Complete America’s Test Kitchen TV Show Cookbook 2001-2016 features every recipe from the hit show, along with product ratings and behind-the-scenes insights. Perfect for home cooks seeking foolproof, tested recipes with expert guidance.
Sheet Pan Suppers offers 120 easy, hands-off recipes for delicious meals straight from the oven. With minimal prep and cleanup, this cookbook makes weeknight cooking simple, flavorful, and surprisingly effortless.
Farmhouse Rules serves up simple, seasonal meals inspired by country living. With hearty, family-friendly recipes, Nancy Fuller shares comforting dishes that celebrate fresh ingredients and warm hospitality.
Food52 Genius Recipes features 100 innovative recipes that elevate everyday cooking. Each dish offers a unique twist, helping you discover new techniques and ingredients that will transform your culinary routine.
Betty Crocker Cookbook offers 1,500 timeless recipes for today’s home cook. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this comprehensive guide covers every meal with clear instructions, helpful tips, and delicious results.
Cravings: Recipes for All the Food You Want to Eat by Chrissy Teigen is a collection of crave-worthy recipes that blend comfort and flavor. With a fun, accessible approach, Chrissy shares dishes that satisfy every craving, from indulgent treats to everyday meals.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime offers a collection of comforting classics, freezer-friendly meals, and quick 16-minute dishes. Ree Drummond provides simple, delicious solutions for busy families, making dinner time a breeze.
How to Cook Everything: 2,000 Simple Recipes for Great Food, 10th Anniversary Edition by Mark Bittman is a comprehensive guide with 2,000 approachable recipes. Perfect for cooks of all levels, it covers everything from basic techniques to creative meal ideas.
Do you have your eye on any of the cookbooks listed above?