8 Best American Jewish Cookbooks & Recipe Books

Are you tired of searching for the best American Jewish cookbooks? Look no further! Discover a handpicked selection of 8 top-rated cookbooks that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of American Jewish cuisine. From mouthwatering recipes to captivating stories, these cookbooks will take you on a flavorful journey. Enhance your cooking skills and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of American Jewish culture with these must-have recipe books. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with delicious dishes!

Top 8 American Jewish Cookbooks

Here is the list of American Jewish Cookbooks

  • Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France by Joan Nathan – Best Overall
  • The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List by Alana Newhouse – Editor’s Choice
  • The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook by Anne London – Best Classic
  • Jewish Home Cooking by Arthur Schwartz – Best for Traditional Recipes
  • The Settlement Cook Book by Lizzie Black Kander – Best Historical Cookbook
  • Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen by Leah Koenig – Best for Roman-Jewish Cuisine
  • The Jewish Cookbook by Mildred Grosberg Bellin – Best for Modern Jewish Meals
  • Kosher Style: Over 100 Jewish Recipes for the Modern Cook by Amy Rosen – Best for Contemporary Cooking

Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France by Joan Nathan

Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France by Joan Nathan

“Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France” by Joan Nathan is our Best Overall pick for American Jewish cookbooks. This fascinating cookbook takes you on a culinary adventure through France, exploring the rich history of Jewish cooking in the country. With over 200 recipes, Joan Nathan introduces you to both Sephardic and Ashkenazic dishes, showcasing the vast diversity and unexpected commonalities in French Jewish cuisine. The book is not only a treasure trove of delicious recipes but also a delightful read, filled with personal stories and interesting anecdotes. So, whether you’re a fan of French food or Jewish cuisine, this cookbook is a must-have for your collection.

The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List by Alana Newhouse

The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List by Alana Newhouse

“The 100 Most Jewish Foods: A Highly Debatable List” by Alana Newhouse is our Editor’s Choice for American Jewish cookbooks. This engaging book dives into the cultural and historical significance of 100 Jewish foods, with essays, recipes, stories, and context. It’s not just a cookbook but a collection of personal anecdotes and insights from various writers, making it a delightful read. The book sparks lively debates and discussions on what makes a food “Jewish,” and includes contributions from renowned chefs and food writers like Ruth Reichl, ร‰ric Ripert, and Yotam Ottolenghi. Perfect for food enthusiasts and those interested in Jewish culture, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.

The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook by Anne London

The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook by Anne London

“The Complete American-Jewish Cookbook” by Anne London is our Best Classic pick for American Jewish cookbooks. This timeless cookbook offers over 3,500 kitchen-tested, kosher recipes that cater to both everyday meals and special occasions like Passover and Chanukah. Initially published in 1952, it has become a staple in Jewish kitchens, providing step-by-step instructions, guidance, and tips for new and experienced chefs alike. With traditional kosher recipes for a wide variety of dishes, this cookbook is an essential addition to any collection, offering a comprehensive look at American Jewish cuisine throughout the years.

Jewish Home Cooking by Arthur Schwartz

Jewish Home Cooking by Arthur Schwartz

“Jewish Home Cooking” by Arthur Schwartz is our pick for Best for Traditional Recipes in American Jewish cookbooks This delightful cookbook brings to life the flavors of Yiddish cuisine, with over 90 recipes that capture the essence of Eastern European Jewish food. Schwartz’s engaging storytelling and well-researched background information make this book a joy to read and cook from. From classic dishes like gefilte fish and matzoh brei to lesser-known gems, this cookbook offers a nostalgic journey through Jewish culinary traditions. Perfect for those seeking to recreate the comforting tastes of their childhood or explore the rich history of Jewish home cooking.

The Settlement Cook Book by Lizzie Black Kander

The Settlement Cook Book by Lizzie Black Kander

“The Settlement Cook Book” by Lizzie Black Kander is our pick for Best Historical Cookbook in American Jewish cookbooks. Originally published in 1903, this classic cookbook features authentic American recipes, European cooking, and Jewish favorites. It was created as a way to help immigrant women assimilate into American life and learn the art of cooking and homemaking. The book has since become a treasured piece of American culinary history, offering a glimpse into the kitchens of the past and the evolution of Jewish cooking in America. With its timeless recipes and fascinating historical context, “The Settlement Cook Book” is a must-have for anyone interested in the history of American Jewish cuisine.

Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen by Leah Koenig

Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome's Jewish Kitchen by Leah Koenig

“Portico: Cooking and Feasting in Rome’s Jewish Kitchen” by Leah Koenig is our pick for Best for Roman-Jewish Cuisine in American Jewish cookbooks. This beautifully crafted cookbook takes you on a culinary journey through Rome’s Jewish community, showcasing over 100 deeply flavorful recipes and stunning photographs. Koenig expertly portrays the traditions of the Italkim, Sephardim, and Libyan Jews, offering a unique insight into the diverse influences on Roman-Jewish cuisine. From iconic dishes like fried artichokes to lesser-known delicacies, this cookbook is perfect for those looking to explore the rich history and flavors of Rome’s Jewish kitchen.

The Jewish Cookbook by Mildred Grosberg Bellin

The Jewish Cookbook by Mildred Grosberg Bellin

“The Jewish Cookbook” by Mildred Grosberg Bellin is our pick for Best for Modern Jewish Meals in American Jewish cookbooks. This classic cookbook, first published in 1941, offers a comprehensive collection of over 2,000 kosher recipes that adhere to Jewish dietary laws. Bellin’s cookbook has become a staple in Jewish kitchens, providing a wide variety of dishes, from traditional favorites to modern adaptations. With easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, this cookbook is perfect for those looking to explore the diverse flavors of Jewish cuisine while adhering to dietary guidelines.

Kosher Style: Over 100 Jewish Recipes for the Modern Cook by Amy Rosen

Kosher Style: Over 100 Jewish Recipes for the Modern Cook by Amy Rosen

“Kosher Style: Over 100 Jewish Recipes for the Modern Cook” by Amy Rosen is our pick for Best for Contemporary Cooking in American Jewish cookbooks. This delightful cookbook offers a fresh take on classic Jewish recipes, with a focus on modernizing traditional dishes while preserving their essence. Rosen’s engaging writing and well-curated selection of over 100 recipes make this book a must-have for those looking to explore contemporary Jewish cuisine. From updated versions of beloved classics to new and inventive dishes, “Kosher Style” is perfect for anyone seeking to bring a touch of modern flair to their Jewish cooking repertoire.

Final Say So!

In conclusion, our carefully curated list of the 8 Best American Jewish Cookbooks & Recipe Books offers a diverse selection of cookbooks that cater to various tastes and preferences. From classic recipes to modern adaptations, these cookbooks will help you explore the rich culinary traditions of American Jewish cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these must-have recipe books will inspire you to create mouthwatering dishes and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of American Jewish culture.

Renee Searcy

Hi! Iโ€™m Renee. From a young age, Iโ€™ve been enchanted by the flavors, aromas, and the art of cooking. My journey has taken me from my familyโ€™s kitchen to working with some of the most talented chefs and culinary experts in Atlanta, GA, and beyond.

Leave a Comment