The Best Comfort Food Cookbooks

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier

Home on the Range

This book has recipes from one of the most trusted names in comfort cooking.

Best Overall

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Ree Drummond embarked on her cooking path when she landed a show on The Food Network a decade ago. Filmed at her home in Oklahoma, the program showcased some of the food she and her family enjoyed making at their ranch, and her ensuing cookbooks have done the same. In this no-frills book, you’ll find exactly the types of meals you think of when you hear the term “comfort food”: mac and cheese, roasted mesquite chicken, and a cinnamon roll the size of your face. We think the best thing about this particular book is the simplicity — this is a must-have for cooks of any skill level.

Pros:

• The story behind each recipe adds some of Ree’s charming personality to the book
• Plenty of options for Keto, low carb, and vegan diets

Cons:

• Many of the recipes require appliances such as a pressure cooker or crockpot, which some may not own

Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook

Straight from the Source

Indulge in some high-quality comfort cooking with this mouthwatering collection of recipes.

Best Variety

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This James Beard Award-winning chef has put together a new collection of some of her favorite recipes that are so comforting and tasty, we think it will feel like she’s giving you a warm hug. This book has meals for every occasion — if it’s breakfast you love, she’ll tell you how to make some hash browns in your waffle iron. If you’re more into red meat, try her smashed burger. And if sweets are your thing, she’s got you more than covered, with desserts ranging from cream pie to cookies.

Pros:

• Ina is a trusted name in the food world who’s renowned for continuously creating delicious recipes of all kinds
• Beautiful photos accompany easy-to-follow instructions
• Ina will often recommend actual brands she loves, so you know you’re using quality ingredients

Cons:

• Some recipes may include ingredients that are a bit difficult to find

Claire Saffitz’s Dessert Person

Cakes and Pies and Cookies, Oh My

Indulge in some seriously luxurious sweets with this book.

Best for Dessert Lovers

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For some people, dessert is the ultimate definition of comfort food, and Claire Saffitz is one of them. She’s put together some of the most drool-inducing recipes we’ve ever seen, and we want to try every single one. The thing we love most about this cookbook is that Saffitz does a wonderful job thoroughly explaining every step, so even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you won’t find the recipes overwhelming. Additionally, if you’re someone who enjoys some savory notes with their sweetness, this book has you covered with recipes like tomato tarts and focaccia bread.

Pros:

• Provides tons of helpful tips and tricks for alternative ingredients or baking tools if you’re missing something
• Each recipe is ranked by difficulty level and amount of time it should take

Cons:

• The font is light and small, which may make it difficult for some to read while baking

True Comfort: A Gluten-Free Cookbook

Low-Cal Comfort

Lighten up the classics with this modern, gluten-free spin on comfort food.

Best for the Health-Conscious

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Many of us may know Kristin Cavallari from her time on reality TV. But she’s also a mom who has a fantastic array of recipes that are suitable for those avoiding common allergens like gluten or refined sugar. In this book, she shares some of her favorite meals that she makes for her own family, which are not only homey but healthy as well. Options range from things like chicken chili to stuffed shells with cashew cheese to cauliflower biscuits. Though these meals may not be loaded with butter or sugar, Cavallari has made sure they’re still delicious and enjoyable.

Pros:

• Instructions are clear and easy to follow, and ingredients are very accessible
• Some recipes are also dairy-free

Cons:

• A few meals are not “traditional” comfort food and may not be for everyone

Melissa Clark’s Comfort In An Instant

Quick Comfort

Most of these recipes can be on your table in less than an hour.

Best for Fast Prep

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For those of us who might find cooking to be a daunting task, an InstantPot can change that. This little gadget can turn hours of work into quick meals, and Melissa Clark’s cookbook has 75 recipes that can be on your table in no time. The book also illustrates the wide range of foods you can prepare in your pressure cooker, with meals ranging from matzah ball soup to chicken parm. If you’re feeling especially ambitious, you can even try your hand at one of the desserts, as the round shape of the InstantPot is ideal for making cakes.

Pros:

• Instructions are detailed without being overwhelming
• Clark is a well-respected, award-winning chef who brings a lot of expertise to the crowded InstantPot field

Cons:

• Not every recipe has an accompanying photo to show what it’s meant to look like fully prepared

Frequently Asked Questions

Does comfort food have to be unhealthy?

We think not. Sure, some dishes are bound to be less healthy than others, and indulgence is something to be mindful of. But the cookbooks we’ve chosen prioritize using high-quality ingredients that are thoughtfully prepared. The best part about making food at home is that you control what’s in it — you can avoid using processed products in favor of healthier ones, swap out butters and oils, or add more veggies. Recipes are flexible, and part of the fun is putting your own spin on them. Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge from time to time — there’s a balance to these things. The heart wants what the heart wants, and sometimes our hearts just really, really want some fresh-baked cinnamon rolls.

Do I need to be an expert to make these recipes?

A good cookbook is as accessible as it is instructive, and we think these picks strike that balance perfectly. They’re well-written, informative, and intended for a general audience. Many modern cookbooks feature difficulty ratings for their recipes and suggestions for ingredient substitutions that put us home cooks on more of an even playing field. Plus, “big-time” chefs will often be the first to tell you — simple meals can be the most satisfying of all.