The best cookbooks of 2021
We've selected the best cookbooks of 2021, from Bake Off stars Nadiya Hussain and Kim-Joy, to cult chefs Jamie Oliver and Yotam Ottolenghi
With hundreds of cookbooks out each year, it's easy to get lost in the sea of foodie possibility. We've handpicked our favourites, from the wacky and delicious creations found in Celebrate with Kim-Joy, to the healthy easy meals of Family Comfort by Rebecca Wilson.
In our list of the best cookbooks of 2021, you can find an essential guide for the budding host, for someone with a sweet-tooth, and the vegan in your life – all of them will make a thoughtful gift this Christmas.
For more gift inspiration, explore our gift guides, with lists such as the best wine to gift and the best gifts for coffee lovers. Our taste tests show you the best food and drink buys from supermarkets and independent producers, such as the best host chocolate and the best limoncello. On our product reviews, you'll find expert and essential advice on kitchen gadgets like the best sandwich toasters and the best air fryers, handy for any big gift purchases this Christmas.
Together by Jamie Oliver
This is the new bible for weekend cooking. We all missed the simple joy of eating with loved ones during the pandemic, and to celebrate us being reunited, Jamie has put together this fun collection of 18 menus. There’s something for every occasion: a taco party, curry night, picnic and celebration roast, with handy get-ahead tips so you don’t spend all evening in the kitchen. (Penguin Michael Joseph)
Available from:
Waterstones (£26)
Tesco (£13)
WHSmith (£13)
The Sweet Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer
Food writer Rukmini is known for her best-selling Roasting Tin cookbooks, all designed for minimum fuss and maximum flavour. Her latest book follows suit with 75 sweet and savoury bakes designed to be made in one tin or tray, cutting down on washing-up. There are traybakes, brownies, cookies, crumbles, tarts and more, and some recipes have easy swaps to make them vegan, gluten-free or low-sugar. (Square Peg)
Available from:
Amazon (£12.99)
Waterstones (£18.99)
WHSmith (£12.99)
Tarkari by Rohit Ghai
Chef and restaurateur Rohit has worked at some of the UK’s best Indian restaurants, including Trishna and Bombay Bustle, but in Tarkari, his first book, he goes back to his roots and home-style cooking. Paying tribute to his mother, he shares his favourite vegetarian and vegan dishes to cook at home, from paneer makhani, dal and aloo gobi, to lesser-known regional specialties. This book is a must-have for any fan of Indian cooking. (Kyle books)
Available from:
Amazon (£16.99)
Waterstones (£25)
WHSmith (£20.50)
Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love by Yotam Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi teams up with Noor Murad to share some fridge-raid recipes with dinner-party-worthy results. Expect Ottolenghi’s classic big Middle Eastern flavours and vegetable-focused recipes, all given a cheffy twist, from burnt aubergine and tomato & tahini to black lime beef skewers with sumac onions. (Ebury)
Available from:
Amazon (£16.56)
Waterstones (£25)
Bookshop.org (£25)
Asian Green by Ching-He Huang
Taiwanese chef and food writer Ching-He Huang started adapting dishes to make them vegetarian and plant-based in 2017 after her husband went vegan to help combat asthma and eczema. She fell in love with the flavourful dishes, and shares a wide range, including shiitake tofu scramble for breakfast and spicy Singapore-style noodles for dinner. (Kyle books)
Available from:
Amazon (£10.91)
Waterstones (£20)
Bookshop.org (£20)
Family Comforts by Rebecca Wilson
If you know someone who’s in a rut with family meals, this is the book for them. From the mum behind What Mummy Makes, Rebecca’s second book is packed with nutritious and easy dishes that everyone will enjoy, from babies to adults. There are quick recipes (we love the creamy spinach & fish gratin), breakfasts, midweek meals and a slow cooker chapter, too. (DK)
Available from:
Amazon (£10)
Waterstones (£16.99)
WHSmiths (£9.49)
Fast Flavours by Nadiya Hussain
In Fast Flavours you’ll find all the recipes from Nadiya’s programme on BBC Two. Packed with speedy makes and clever shortcuts, it’ll help you get dinner in the table in no time. Chapters are divided into things you might fancy as you’re on your way home from work – herby, spicy, cheesy, fruity, sweet etc, taking the hassle out of deciding what to cook. There are fabulous bakes (Nadiya was the 2015 Bake Off queen, after all) and brilliant midweek meals, from tarragon chicken to Bombay veggie burgers. (Penguin Michael Joseph)
Available from:
Amazon (£11)
Waterstones (£22)
Bookshop.org (£22)
Celebrate with Kim-Joy
You’ll find a bake for every occasion in Kim-Joy’s new book, whether it’s a show stopping birthday cake, Valentine’s treat, spooky Halloween make (I love the brownie spiders), something festive or, if you’re feeling ambitious, wedding cakes. Kim-Joy’s creations are as cute and creative as ever, for all skill levels, and are guaranteed to make you smile. (Quadrille)
Available from:
Amazon (£14.47)
Waterstones (£20)
Bookshop.org (£20)
At Christmas We Feast by Annie Gray
Take a trip through time with food historian Annie Gray as she delves into the origins of Christmas feasts – from the popularity of mince pies to why roast potatoes were slow to catch on – and shares original and contemporary recipes for traditional favourites. (Profile Books)
Available from:
Amazon (£10.58)
Waterstones (£12.99)
Bookshop.org (£12.99)
More Foodie gift inspiration:
Best Italian cookbooks
Best budget cookbooks
The best chocolate hampers to give in 2021
15 of the best cheese gifts 2021
Best fondue sets to buy in 2021 for cheese and chocolate
30 best gifts for coffee lovers 2021
Best gifts for bakers
Best letterbox gifts
Best gifts for coffee lovers
Best gins to give as gifts
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