Summer 2026 Cookbook Preview
Fall starts starts in August this year.
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Hello friends and welcome to your summer cookbook preview! Summer is traditionally a slower time of year for cookbook publishing, and while it’s true that this list isn’t as robust as spring’s or what we’ll see in fall, it’s more substantial than I expected. There are plenty of books to get excited about!
Two quick announcements:
First, next Thursday, June 4, at 5 PM ET, I’ll be doing a Substack Live with Frances Abrantes Baca. We’ll chat about our favorite summer cookbook covers and maybe ones we wish were a little more punchy.
Second, my first novel The Foreign Correspondent’s Wife is available for pre-order! A mystery set in 1949 Paris (with plenty of food in the mix), the book launches in October. It’s available on Bookshop, Amazon, and probably at your favorite independent bookshop. For a signed copy, pre-order from one of my favorite indies, The Mysterious Bookshop in New York City. Pre-orders really help a book’s success, and I’d so appreciate your support!
A few observations on the summer cookbooks:
Big books aren’t waiting for fall. I was especially struck by the fact that we have a few “big” books (ex: What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: Make It Fast1, Every Leaf, Every Stem; Protein-Packed Vegetarian) coming in August…titles that I might have expected to arrive in September during prime cookbook season.
Bottoms Up - So many cocktail books! Plus mocktails and coffee drinks.
Still Protein-ing - When I went to the giant food trade show Expo West this past spring, I expected that fiber would have overtaken protein as a selling point in new food products. I was wrong. Protein was still going strong, and that’s the case in cookbooks too.
Family-Friendly - There are seven explicitly kid or family-targeted titles on this list, more than on any previous one I’ve compiled.
Spotted - A Halloween book and Christmas book (gulp!). Time marches on.
The usual caveats and explanations:
This aspires to be as complete a list as possible of every cookbook released in the U.S. this spring. Despite my best intentions, I’m sure I missed some books. If I did, please let me know in the comments (or hit reply and email me), and I will both update this post and include the book in the next newsletter.
The descriptions that follow each book are promo copy.
All of these books are available for pre-order. Go for it, and make an author happy!
Thoughts? Books you’re excited about? Please share in the comments, and enjoy!
June 2
The Art of Frozen Desserts: Ice Cream, Sorbets, Cakes, Macarons, Popsicles, & More by Emmanuel Ryon (Tra Publishing): “60+ artisanal recipes for making and enjoying gourmet frozen desserts by Emmanuel Ryon, winner of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France title for ice cream and pastry.”
Broke Vegan: Over 100 Plant-Based Recipes That Don't Cost the Earth by Saskia Sidey (Hamlyn): “Easy, affordable vegan recipes everyone will enjoy.”
Caribbean Cocktails: Drinks and Bites from the Afro-Latino Diaspora by Nelson German and Andréa Lawson Gray (Ten Speed): “Sip and savor the bold flavors and vibrant culture of the Afro-Latino diaspora with over 40 drink recipes and 20 food recipes from Top Chef alum and acclaimed chef-restaurateur Nelson German, the culinary visionary behind Meski, Sobre Mesa, and alaMar Kitchen and Bar.”
Cooking the Borderlands: Spice and Smoke Between Mexico and the States by Claudette Zepeda (Clarkson Potter): “A culinary journey along the Mexican American border, telling the story of its intertwined cultures and communities with more than 100 vibrant, flavor-packed recipes from Top Chef star, Iron Chef Mexico finalist, and Tijuana-San Diego border kid Claudette Zepeda.”
Eat Like a Sardinian: Live to 100 by Francesco Mattana (Murdoch Books): “An exciting debut cookbook from a rising star in the world of Italian cooking!”
The Italian Table: 100 Classic Recipes Celebrating the Spirit of Italy by Theo Randall2 (Quadrille): “The Italian Table is acclaimed chef Theo Randall's celebration of the food of Italy.”
Peas, Beans and Lentils: Growing & Cooking by Gail Harland (Equinox Publishing): “Peas, Beans and Lentils covers topics such as growing, cooking with and eating pulses and the wider historical and cultural aspects of legumes.”
Retro Recipes: Vintage Dishes with a Modern Twist by Bobby Hicks (Countryman Press): “Nostalgia is in, and Bobby Hicks knows nostalgia. As the charming host of TikTok's Retro Recipes Kitchen, he regularly gives loving updates to classic American staples and ingredients like boxed cake mixes, canned soups, and more to suit today's tastes.”
School of Wok: Jeremy Pang’s Chinese Kitchen: Simple Techniques. Delicious Recipes (Hamlyn): “The must-have Chinese cooking bible from Jeremy Pang and the award-winning cooking school, School of Wok.”
The Vegan Asian Kitchen: 100+ Plant-Based Recipes Inspired by Malaysia, China, Thailand, and Beyond by WoonHeng Chia (Avery): “East Asian classics made vegan—from Dim Sum dumplings to Sichuan-style Dan Dan noodles—inspired by beloved creator WoonHeng’s life immersing herself in Asia’s bold, vibrant flavors.”
June 9
Chetna’s 5-Ingredient Indian: Delicious Recipes Made Easy by Chetna Makan (Hamlyn): “Cooking a delicious meal from scratch doesn't have to be complicated. With Chetna Makan's newest book, you can make flavorful Indian dishes with five simple ingredients.”
Japanese Comfort Cooking: An Opinionated Guide to Modern, Homey, Classic Japanese Recipes by Tadashi Ono and Harris Salat (Ten Speed): “Join the bestselling authors of Japanese Soul Cooking for a fun, passionate dive into modern Japanese comfort cooking, with over 100 achievable recipes.”
MEDesque: Everyday Recipes with Mediterranean Roots by Georgina Hayden (Bloomsbury): “In MEDesque, award-winning food writer Georgina Hayden finds the very best recipes from across the Mediterranean and adapts them to suit the home cook.”
Your Turn to Host: A Guide to Great Parties and Gatherings by Amber Mayfield Hewett (Artisan): “An inspiring and practical guide to throwing parties where guests feel seen, cared for, and connected.”
June 16
Chuck’s Flavor Train: Your Ticket to Smokin' Hot Barbecue by Chuck Matto (Weldon Owen): “All aboard Chuck’s Flavor Train as social media BBQ sensation Chuck Matto brings his bold, high-energy cooking style to the page.”
The Classic Cocktail Sessions: A Bartender's New-Fashioned Approach to the World's Most Beloved Recipes by Toby Maloney and Emma Janzen (Clarkson Potter): “A convivial master class in classic cocktails from the James Beard Award-winning authors of The Bartender’s Manifesto.”
Cooking From Scratch: A Careful Selection of Useful Recipes by Toya Boudy (Countryman): “Cooking from Scratch is chef and storyteller Toya Boudy's most personal--and most irresistible--cookbook yet. Written during a transformative chapter in her life, it's infused with the warmth, humor, and grit that have made her a morning-show favorite.”
Emily's Cooking: How to Make Food Your Kids Will Actually Eat: Over 100 Snacktivities, Lunchboxes and Food Hacks by Anouska Emily Mauree (Hamlyn): “Brilliant hacks and flavor-saving strategies from EmilysCooking, the internet's go-to for child-friendly food, that make every mealtime fun for the whole family.”
Executive Eats: The Cookbook for a Better Working Life by Adam Kingl and Jakub Radzikowski (Practical Inspiration Publishing3): “From sustained energy to improved focus and mood, each chapter in this extraordinary cookbook pairs the latest nutritional research with practical culinary applications, offering readers scientifically backed recipes designed to address the challenges they face in their day-to-day lives.”
Healthy Living High-Protein Cookbook: 85 Recipes and Meal Plans to Build Muscle, Balance Metabolism, and Thrive at Any Age by Toby Amidor (Cider Mill Press): “Feel stronger and support your health--one delicious meal at a time. The Healthy Living High-Protein Cookbook helps you meet your health goals with easy, satisfying meals powered by protein.”
Ice Cream Queen: Flavors from Black America's Past, Present, & Future by Lokelani Alabanza (W.W. Norton): “Back in the 1840s, a free Black woman ran a successful ice cream saloon in Nashville. Her name was Sarah Estell, and she became known as "the Ice Cream Queen." Now taking up her crown is Lokelani Alabanza, a trained pastry chef and avid collector of all things Black Americana.”
Veracruz All Natural: Fresh Mexican Recipes from Our American Home by Reyna and Maritza Vazquez with Nils Bernstein (Simon Element): “A new take on Mexican American cooking rooted in the fresh produce of coastal Veracruz, this is a deeply personal book from the immigrant sisters who founded the Veracruz All Natural restaurants in Austin, which enjoys a nationwide cult following of people who want to make their recipes.”
June 23
Drizzle: Olive-Oil-Infused Recipes from Across the Mediterranean by Sarah Fulton Vachon (Mitchell Beazley): “A glorious celebration of a golden liquid, Drizzle is a collection of 80 beautiful sun-soaked, olive-oil drenched recipes, from the UK's fastest growing premium olive oil brand, Citizens of Soil.”
Fitwaffle’s Easy 6: 100 Sweet and Savoury Dishes Using Just Six Ingredients by Eloise Head (Hamlyn): “Discover how simple cooking can be every day with over 100 easy, tasty recipes using only 6 ingredients.”
Pizza Love: 100+ Recipes Perfected for the Home Cook by Leo Spizzirri (Weldon Owen): “This one-of-a-kind cookbook is filled with authentic pizza recipes perfected for the home cook, from Maestro Pizzaiolo, Leo Spizzirri.”
Smoke, Rice, Water: Recipes and Stories from a Bengali Home by Kishwar Chowdhury (Hardie Grant4): “In Smoke Rice Water, Kishwar Chowdhury shares 100 recipes from the vibrant, interconnected and culinarily underrepresented region of Bengal.”
Solid Wiggles: Recipes and Techniques for Phenomenal Jelly Shots and Cakes by Jena Derman and Jack Schramm (Ten Speed): “Learn how to make over 45 mouthwatering boozy and alcohol-free jelly shots and cakes, from the cofounders of Solid Wiggles.”
June 30
Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook: Pacific Recipes Inspired by Motunui by Monique Fiso (Insight Editions): “Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2!”
Indian 101: Real Indian Recipes Made Simple by Karan Gokani (Bluebird): “Indian 101 introduces beginners and seasoned home cooks to Indian recipes in a simple and intuitive way, making real Indian home cooking enjoyable for everyone.”
July 7
Equal Parts Cocktails: The Simple Ratio for Spectacular Drinks by Fred Siggins (Ten Speed): “Ditch the measuring cup and easily mix up delicious drinks with this collection of 50 cocktail recipes made with equal part components.”
Recipes for Pickling and Preserving: 65 Traditional Recipes by Francesca Huntingdon (Hamlyn): “An indispensable collection of 65 easy-to-follow recipes that you can make from scratch - all packed full of natural ingredients and bursting with flavor.”
Recipes for Savory Bakes: 65 Mouthwatering Recipes by Francesca Huntingdon (Hamlyn): “Recipes for Savoury Bakes the perfect ode to the rich and hearty world of savoury baking, packed full of tasty and easy-to-follow recipes that will help everyone embrace the pleasures and rich rewards of home baking.”
Recipes for Soup: 65 Nourishing Recipes by Francesca Huntingdon (Hamlyn): “Recipes for Soup is the perfect book for soup fans everywhere, packed full of classic easy-to-follow recipes for every occasion, and a great way to convert soup sceptics to soup lovers.”
Recipes for Summer: 65 Seasonal Recipes by Francesca Huntingdon (Hamlyn): “Recipes for Summer is perfect for lazy summer days when the last thing you want to do is spend hours cooped up in the kitchen.”
The South African Cookbook: Authentic flavor-packed recipes from Cape Town to Durban by Nokx Majozi (Interlink): “Rising star Chef Nokx Majozi brings a taste of the myriad cultures and influences of South African cooking to your kitchen.”
July 14
The Gin Drinker’s Year: Drinking and Other Things to Do with Gin, Season by Season by Tara Richardson (Pyramid): “The gin drinker's day-to-day guide - featuring 30 gin-laced food recipes, 150 gin cocktail and gin-fusion recipes, snippets of gin-eral knowledge, plus games and crafts.”
July 21
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Recipes From Sunnydale by Kim Laidlaw (Insight Editions): “Slay your next dinner party with recipes inspired by Buffy, Willow, Xander, and the rest of the Sunnydale crew!”
Epic Veg: Bold, Satisfying Meals That Hit the Spot by Jessica Prescott (Hardie Grant): “Following on from the bestselling Epic Salads, Epic Veg is an essential kitchen bible with over 80 delicious vegetable-centered dishes that are low cost, low effort, and big on flavor.”
The Halloween Movie Cookbook: 65 Hauntingly Delicious Recipes Inspired by Your Favorite Spooky Movies by Ryan Alvarez and Adam Merrin (Simon Element): “A fang-tastically fun cookbook with recipes inspired by classic Halloween films for every ghoul, goblin, and horror buff who believes October 31st is the most delicious night of the year.”
Hungry: Healthy and Satisfying Recipes to Eat on Repeat, Designed by a Nutritionist by Caroline Hanna (Hamlyn): “Over 90 recipes designed by a nutritionist, incorporating the foods you love to feel satisfied and sustained for longer.”
Spinasse: An American Love Letter to Piemonte Cuisine by Stuart Lane (Skyhorse): “Bring the flavors of Northern Italy into your kitchen with the Cascina Spinasse cookbook, which celebrates Piemonte’s rich culinary traditions through the vision of Seattle’s acclaimed and beloved Piemonte restaurant, Spinasse.”
July 28
Chillies: Recipes, Profiles & Inspiration by Sophie Dupuis-Gualier (Mitchell Beazley): “Spice up your life with chili peppers - the latest in the gorgeous sprayed edge cookery Bible series.”
Cuisine to Kill For: Recipes and True Crime Stories from the World's Most Haunted Places by Amy Bruni (Harper Celebrate): “From bestselling author, paranormal investigator, and Kindred Spirits co-host Amy Bruni, Cuisine to Kill For intertwines the macabre with the culinary to uncover some of history's most gruesome true crime stories and the ghosts they left behind.”
Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches: Over 100 Lunch Boxes and Snacks for Kids by Lily Payen (DK): “In Feeding Tiny Bellies: School Lunches, Lily Payen, mom of four and creator of Feeding Tiny Bellies, is here to take the guesswork out of packing lunches.”
August 4
The Complete High-Protein Cookbook: Hit Your Protein Goals, Boost Fiber, Love Every Bite (America’s Test Kitchen): “Nourish your body and fuel your day with deliciously satisfying high-protein recipes packed with fiber and essential nutrients.”
Great Bakes: Modern Classic Recipes from the Midwest by Martin Sorge (Agate Midway): “Martin Sorge, winner of The Great American Baking Show, guides readers through more than 100 recipes for sweet and savory bakes that celebrate the bounty of the Midwest, from modern classics to innovative show-stoppers.”
Harry Potter Official Sweets and Treats Cookbook: From Butterbeer-Inspired Candy to Golden Snitch Cupcakes, 60 Delicious Recipes Inspired by the Harry Potter Films by Veronica Hinke and Kim Laidlaw (Insight Editions): “Recreate the most magical sweets from the wizarding world with 60 candy and baked good recipes inspired by the Harry Potter films!”
The Little Book for Mocktail Lovers: Recipes, Crafts, Trivia and More - The Perfect Gift for Any Aspiring Mocksologist by Rufus Cavendish (Summersdale): “Discover everything you need to know to become the ultimate mocktail master with this beautifully presented pocket guide.”
More, Please! Feel-Good Meals for Busy Families and Their Picky Eaters by Rachel Mansfield (Simon Element): “Delicious, stress-free meals for busy families, with flexible solutions for any dietary need, from food entrepreneur Rachel Mansfield.”
You Do You: 100+ Endlessly Adaptable Recipes to Boost Your Culinary Confidence by Serena Wolf (BenBella Books): “When it comes to creating the perfect meal, the best cooks know when it’s time to go off the book. Culinary expert Serena Wolf returns with a celebration of individualism in the kitchen, designed to boost creativity and confidence, one recipe at a time.”
August 11
150 Traybake Recipes: Quick & Easy All-in-One Recipes for Busy Weeknights or Lazy Weekends by Jenny Tschiesche and Liz Franklin (Ryland Peters & Small): “Everyone loves a one-pan wonder, and the dishes in this book will save you time and washing up whilst providing delicious dishes for meat eaters and plant-based diners alike. The sheet pan is your new best friend!”
Cheese Please: Over 90 Indulgently Cheesy Dishes--Melty, Crispy, Savory, and Sweet by Sue Quinn (Hardie Grant): “The ultimate book for everyone who believes that cheese makes everything better.”
Coffee Shop at Home: The Ultimate Guide to Making Your Favorite Coffee Drinks by Katerina Diaz (Clarkson Potter): “Say goodbye to your pricey coffee shop habit with the ultimate beginner's guide to making delicious, creative lattes, mochas, cold brews, and more at home—with 60 recipes for your favorite classic and seasonal drinks plus approachable info about the basics of brewing.”
Cooking con Omi: A Love Letter to Puerto Rican Home Cooking by Omi Hopper (Ten Speed)": “A love letter to Puerto Rican cooking through 100 recipes interwoven with stories, histories, and traditions that shine with joy and a celebratory spirit, from TikTok star and Next Level Chef runner-up Omi Hopper.”
Now We’re Cooking: All-Purpose, Laid-Back Recipes by Matthew Broussard (Simon Element): “In Now We’re Cooking, Matt Broussard—known to millions as @ACookNamedMatt proves that great food isn’t complicated.”
Perfect Pasta: More than 70 Recipes for Classic & Modern Dishes by Laura Santini (Ryland Peters & Small): “When it comes to eating fresh and delicious food – pasta is the ideal choice. This book includes over 70 recipes, from authentic Italian classics to vibrant and contemporary dishes.”
ScandiKitchen Christmas: Festive Recipes & Seasonal Traditions from Scandinavia by Brontë Aurell (Ryland Peters & Small): “Let Brontë Aurell of The ScandiKitchen Café show you how to celebrate your Christmas Scandi-style by sharing her delicious recipes and family traditions with you.”
Sheet Cakes! More Than 50 Exceptional Cakes to Make in One Pan by Zola Gregory (Workman): “Through 51 nostalgic, unique, and downright delicious recipes, Sheet Cakes! teaches how to use the humble sheet pan to its full potential--crafting not only no-fuss single-layer rectangles, but roll-up cakes, and layered cakes, too.”
Veg: Recipes That Make the Most of Roots, Bulbs, Shoots & Stems (Ryland Peters & Small): “More than 150 recipes for making the most of your home-grown or locally sourced vegetables – from warming comfort food to vibrant summer salads and tangy preserves. Curated for you by the expert food and drink editors at Ryland Peters & Small, and originally created by our highly-regarded cookery authors.”
What to Cook When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking: Make It Fast by Caroline Chambers (Union Square): “Following the breakout success of the New York Times bestselling What to Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking, Substack star Caroline Chambers returns with a new cookbook offering 100 more recipes for busy people who love good food—and these can be made even faster!”
August 18
Eat With Afia: A Celebration of Plant-Based Ghanaian Cooking by Afia Amoako (Avery): “A rich collection of plant-based Ghanaian recipes and some of West Africa’s singularly iconic dishes—from the beloved creator of Eat with Afia.”
Every Leaf, Every Stem: Craveable, Creative Vegetables All Year Round by Pierce Abernathy (Clarkson Potter): “Discover the joy of cooking the produce of each season with vibrant, creative, and approachable recipes from the acclaimed food content creator Pierce Abernathy.”
Kari: Reimagined Plant-Based Indian Recipes by Sheil Shukla (DK): “From the James Beard Award–nominated author of Plant-Based India, a cookbook that celebrates the quintessential Asian American food—curry—with 75 reimagined plant-based recipes.”
Plain Jane Sourdough: Simple Ingredients & Techniques for Stunning Artisanal Bread by Emily Harryman (Page Street): “A collection of timeless recipes for the home baker.”
Rebel Girls Family Favorites: 75+ Kid-Tested Recipes to Enjoy Together (Ten Speed): “75+ family-tested, crowd-pleasing recipes to enjoy together for fun, empowering, and stress-free family time—by the creators of Rebel Girls Cook and Rebel Girls Make Dessert.”
Small Batch Breads: 50 Recipes for Loaves, Buns, and Flatbreads Made with One Cup of Flour by Rebecca Eisenberg (Ten Speed): “Using just one cup of flour, create sweet and savory bagels, buns, rolls, and pastries with 50 approachable and accessible recipes from the creator of The Practical Kitchen.”
The Sourdough Deck: Flavor, Fun & Variety in 50 Recipe Cards by Elaine Boddy (Page Street): “Artisan sourdough—made easy and convenient.”
Tramontana: Northern Italian Recipes from Sea to Summit by Simon Bajada (Hardie Grant): “Tramontana is a culinary journey through Italy's northwestern frontier - from the sunlit coastlines of Liguria to the snow-capped peaks of Aosta. Following the ancient salt trading routes that wind inland from the Mediterranean, Simon Bajada uncovers a rich and surprising tapestry of regional food culture, where fresh, delicate coastal dishes give way to the buttery, hearty fare of the mountains.”
Use What We Have: 101 Easy Weeknight Meals by Alex MacLaren (Countryman): “With her playful spirit and lovingly chaotic home life, Alex MacLaren has captured the hearts of parents everywhere.”
August 25
Cooking Thai: Heritage and Modern Recipes from My Kitchen Notebooks by Pim Techamuanvivit and Andrea Nguyen (Ten Speed): “Through 100 stunning recipes, an award-winning chef shares her Thai culinary heritage, blending intriguing flavors, rich culture, and multi-hued stories.”
Everyday Eats: 100 Simple and Healthy Recipes for Real Life by Alex Snodgrass (William Morrow): “New York Times bestselling author and queen of easy, healthy meals Alex Snodgrass shares 100 delicious, low-stress meals. Short ingredient lists, a focus on pantry staples, and minimal pans to wash make these recipes a breeze!”
The Montessori Kitchen: Cooking Together to Nurture Your Child's Curiosity, Confidence, and Love of Food by Kristen Miglore and Junnifa Uzodike (Workman): “The kitchen is the perfect home Montessori learning environment, and now award-winning cookbook author Kristen Miglore teams up with bestselling Montessori author Junnifa Uzodike to create a perfect guide for parents and kids to play and learn together through cooking.”
Protein Meal Prep Plan: 30 Weekly Plans + 180 Recipes to Eat Better, Stress Less, and Save Money by Cassy Joy Garcia (Voracious): “Meet and exceed your protein and fiber goals while saving money (and stress!) with this ingenious cookbook devoted to high protein meal prep plans.”
Protein-Packed Vegetarian: Easy, Nourishing Recipes to Fuel Your Day by Grace Elkus (Clarkson Potter): “Achieve your daily protein goals without relying on meat through 100 nutritious, energizing, and delicious vegetarian recipes.”
Weeknight Winners, Family Dinners: Kid-Approved, Adult-Loved Recipes by Jack and Emmy Zhang (Simon Element): “From the beloved family behind the internet phenomenon Cooking for Levi, a practical collection of 30-minute meals designed for the whole family—with ten ways to get your kids excited about food while also developing connection and language.”
If you purchase a book through one of these links, I may receive a small commission.
This week’s NYT Bestsellers: Spain, My Way5 by José Andrés at #3 (Ecco) and Dig In! by Erin O'Brien at #8 (Simon Element), on the list for the second week.
Thanks for reading! I will leave you with one Last Bite. I recently discovered The Shallot, written by the anonymous Amelia Vidalia, a satirical send-up of the digital food media landscape. In addition to food journalists like me, it also (lovingly) skewers Trader Joe’s fans, restaurant-goers, wine drinkers, and yes, cookbook buyers. I appreciate the chuckles!
If you enjoyed this post please tap the ❤️ button, restack, or share with another cookbook fan.
The August release worked out well for Caro’s first book!
The head chef at London’s River Café for 15 years.
A hybrid publisher that specializes in business books.
Hardie Grant’s summer books originated in Australia.
I love this book!
I vowed to “take it easier” for summer before kicking into high gear with extra cookbook author interviews in fall, but this list is making it hard…
What a lineup! Thank you for mentioning my book, Great Bakes. People think of fall as baking season, but here in the Midwest, late summer produce begs to be baked.