15 cookbooks to give as gifts this Christmas
A good cookbook is a gift that keeps on giving, offering fresh inspiration long after Christmas is over. Whether it is a collection of recipes from a favourite restaurant, a new take on familiar dishes or a guide to mastering a different cuisine, the right book can bring renewed pleasure to the kitchen.
This year’s selection ranges from the distinctive flavours of Ottolenghi and Dishoom to the comfort of Mary Berry and Si King, with plenty in between. There are books for enthusiastic bakers, adventurous cooks, lovers of international food and anyone who simply wants to make everyday meals more interesting.
We have picked out 15 cookbooks worth giving this Christmas, including practical guides for busy households, ideas for entertaining and collections to inspire a little more creativity at the stove. Whether you are buying for a keen cook or treating yourself, there is something here to savour.
Trinity: The Cookbook
By Adam Byatt | Published 15 October 2026
Adam Byatt opens the doors to his Michelin-starred Trinity restaurant in Clapham, sharing recipes and stories shaped by its kitchen. The book follows the rhythm of a day, from breakfast through to late-night dining.
Alongside restaurant dishes such as madeleines, smoked salmon and Tarte Tatin, a Trinity Repertoire offers more accessible recipes for everyday cooking, including sauces, soups, biscuits and cakes.
Dishoom
By Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar and Naved Nasir | Published 5 September 2019
The first cookbook from the much-loved Indian restaurant brings the flavours of Bombay home. Recipes include the famous bacon naan roll, black daal, okra fries, jackfruit biryani, chicken ruby and lamb raan.
Part cookbook, part journey through south Bombay, it combines recipes with stories, photography and the culture behind the food. There are also instructions for making masala chai and the restaurant’s much-loved drinks.
Rick Stein’s Cookery Course
By Rick Stein | Published 29 October 2026
Drawing on a lifetime in the kitchen, Rick Stein brings together 150 classic recipes alongside photographed, step-by-step techniques. The chapters cover everything from eggs and dairy to vegetables, fish, shellfish, meat, poultry, rice and grains.
Part recipe collection and part practical guide, the book revisits essential dishes and cooking skills, with personal anecdotes and tips to help home cooks build confidence and improve their technique.
The Curry Bible
By Nisha Katona | Published 25 June 2026
With 100 recipes, Nisha Katona makes a case for bringing curry into the weekly cooking routine. Familiar favourites include butter chicken, chicken tikka masala and beef madras, alongside Goan fish curry and tandoori lamb chops.
There is plenty beyond the main dishes, too, with recipes for onion bhajis, matar paneer, black daal and carrot halwa. A collection for anyone who enjoys the warmth and variety of Indian cooking.
The Ultimate Chinese Takeaway Bible
By Chin Taylor and Choo Taylor | Published 24 September 2026
More than 150 recipes bring the flavours of a Chinese takeaway into the home kitchen. Expect classics such as sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, crispy aromatic duck, egg fried rice, char siu and crispy chilli beef.
The collection also includes spring rolls, salt and pepper chips, vegetarian and vegan alternatives, and suggestions for ingredient swaps. Brand recommendations and practical guidance help recreate familiar takeaway flavours at home.
Greek Salad Cookbook
By Riyad Almuhammad | Published 2 November 2026
This collection of 70 recipes explores Greek salads beyond the familiar combination of tomato, cucumber, feta and olives. Traditional dishes sit alongside pasta salads, including tortellini variations, and more substantial bowls featuring chicken, lamb, seafood, beans and grains.
There are also vegetable, vegan and fruit-based salads, together with recipes for homemade dressings such as ladolemono, whipped feta and tzatziki. A useful addition for anyone who enjoys fresh, Mediterranean-inspired food.
Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners
By Kelly J. Joe | Published 5 November 2026
A practical introduction to Mediterranean-style cooking, this book brings together 100 approachable recipes using familiar ingredients, including vegetables, beans, lentils, whole grains, fish and olive oil. The collection covers breakfasts, lunches, soups, salads and one-pan dinners.
A flexible 28-day meal plan, shopping guidance and advice on using leftovers make it particularly useful for anyone wanting to introduce more variety into everyday meals without complicated recipes or specialist ingredients.
Ottolenghi SIMPLE TOO
By Yotam Ottolenghi and Verena Lochmuller | Published 3 September 2026
Yotam Ottolenghi returns with 135 new recipes designed to bring his distinctive approach to flavour into everyday cooking. The collection spans breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, with plenty of ideas for making simple ingredients more interesting.
Every recipe is designed around a practical shortcut: ready in under 30 minutes, cooked in one pot or prepared ahead. It is a welcome follow-up for anyone who enjoyed the original Ottolenghi SIMPLE.
Persiana One
By Sabrina Ghayour | Publication date not supplied
Sabrina Ghayour brings together more than 100 Middle Eastern-inspired recipes designed for one pot, one tray or one pan. The collection ranges from dips and salads to everyday meals, special dishes, sides and sweet treats.
With an emphasis on accessible ingredients, clever shortcuts and generous flavour, it offers plenty of inspiration for fuss-free cooking. The attractive foil finish and ribbon marker also make it a particularly giftable edition.
20 Minute Meals
By Jamie Oliver | Published 10 September 2026
Jamie Oliver’s collection of 120 recipes is designed for cooks who want good food without spending too long in the kitchen. Each dish takes 20 minutes or less and uses no more than 10 ingredients.
The recipes cover everything from chicken, pasta and fish to vegetarian meals, salads, soups, rice and noodles. A useful source of inspiration for busy households and anyone looking to make midweek cooking a little easier.
Proper Home Cooking
By Si King | Published 8 October 2026
In his first solo cookbook, Si King shares more than 100 recipes inspired by the food he cooks and eats at home. The emphasis is on straightforward, flavour-packed dishes for everyday meals, family gatherings and informal entertaining.
Frying pan pizza, funky bean stew, spicy peanut noodles and homemade doner kebabs sit alongside comforting puddings. With practical tips and triple-tested recipes, this is an appealing choice for cooks who enjoy unfussy, satisfying food.
Mary All in One
By Mary Berry | Published 8 October 2026
Mary Berry brings together 120 recipes designed to keep preparation and washing-up to a minimum. There are one-pot, one-pan, one-tray and one-bowl dishes, with plenty of family-friendly ideas for everyday meals.
From chicken tartiflette and tuna pasta bake to casseroles, pies, brownies and cheesecake, the collection moves easily between savoury cooking and baking. A reassuring choice for anyone who appreciates reliable recipes and practical kitchen advice.
Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious Batch Cookbook
By Poppy O’Toole | Published 10 September 2026
Poppy O’Toole offers 90 recipes designed specifically for batch cooking, with an emphasis on dishes that remain delicious after freezing and reheating. The collection includes everything from breakfast burritos and chicken noodle soup to curries, pies and stews.
There is practical advice on preparation, storage and scaling recipes, alongside ideas for freezer-friendly fakeaways and sweet treats. A useful gift for anyone who wants to make busy weeks easier without compromising on flavour.
So Good Express
By Emily English | Published 7 May 2026
Nutritionist Emily English brings together more than 80 quick recipes for balanced everyday eating. Covering breakfasts, lunches, midweek dinners, snacks and sweet treats, the collection includes crispy chilli egg smash, prawn quesadillas, salmon poke bowls and chicken koftas.
There are also more indulgent ideas, including Basque cheesecake and dark chocolate truffles. A colourful collection for anyone looking for fresh inspiration and a more varied approach to everyday meals.
Jane’s Patisserie Christmas
By Jane Dunn | Published 5 November 2026
Jane Dunn turns her attention to the festive season with a collection of Christmas bakes and sweet treats, from desserts for the big day to edible gifts. Recipes include cookies, cupcakes, bronuts, gingerbread truffles, macarons and Christmas pudding.
Alongside the recipes, there is practical advice on freezing, storage, gifting and troubleshooting. A lovely choice for keen bakers who enjoy making something special to share over Christmas.
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Looking for more festive inspiration?
For more ways to celebrate the festive season, explore our Christmas in Oxford guide, featuring seasonal events, festive markets, Christmas lights, gift ideas, food and drink, and plenty of inspiration for enjoying Christmas in the city and beyond.
