Best Cheese & Dairy Cooking Books of 2026

The book "That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life: Creative Gatherings and Self-Care with the Cheese By Numbers Method" is a comprehensive guide to creating beautiful and delicious cheese boards for any occasion. Marissa Mullen, the founder of That Cheese Plate, breaks down the cheese plate into its basic components and provides step-by-step instructions for creating stunning spreads. The book also explores the artistic and self-care aspects of cheese plate making. With fifty easy-to-make cheese and charcuterie plates, this book is a must-have for cheese lovers and anyone looking to indulge in some creativity and relaxation. Overall, this book is a fun and unique way to explore the world of cheese and charcuterie.

The Perfect Scoop, Revised and Updated: 200 Recipes for Ice Creams, Sorbets, Gelatos, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments [A Cookbook] is a must-have for ice cream lovers. David Lebovitz, a New York Times best-selling cookbook author, shares his 25 years of experience as a frozen-dessert maker in this comprehensive collection of homemade ice creams, sorbets, gelatos, granitas, and accompaniments. This revised and updated edition includes a dozen new recipes, a fresh design, and all-new photography. The book features classic and sophisticated flavors with a personal touch and proven techniques. Overall, this book is a delightful and useful resource for dessert aficionados, particularly those who love cold sweets.

That Cheese Plate Wants to Party is the ultimate guide for turning any gathering into a cheese-filled celebration. Marissa Mullen's book features forty new cheese boards for all kinds of parties, including thoughtful drink pairings, color themes, floral arrangement tips, tablescape ideas, playlists, and cheesy party games. The cookbook celebrates the way we connect with each other through communal meals, taking cheese boards from a dish to a lifestyle. This visually appealing and simplified cookbook is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn how to make beautiful boards and create a festive atmosphere.

The Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book is an excellent guide for making delicious ice cream at home. The book tells the story of two friends who built the company from scratch and provides over 90 authentic recipes for ice creams, sorbets, sundaes, and baked goods. The recipes are easy to follow, and even the most inexperienced ice cream maker can create a delicious batch. The book also features full-color illustrations that add a fun and quirky touch. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves ice cream and wants to create their own unique flavors.

The "Mediterranean Diet Cookbook for Beginners" is a must-have for anyone looking to start a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. This cookbook offers a variety of easy and delicious recipes, including a 30-day meal plan and weekly shopping list. It provides all the necessary tools to make the transition to the Mediterranean diet easier and more enjoyable. The book includes information on the health benefits of the diet, the pyramid of the Mediterranean diet, and what foods it consists of. With the right recipes and guidance, this cookbook is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their health and wellness.

The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher is a refreshing take on cheesemaking that emphasizes natural and intuitive techniques, ecological principles, and biological science. The book covers everything from sourcing good milk and making bacterial starter cultures to avoiding plastic equipment and chemical additives. It also provides specific recipes and handling advice for various types of cheese, fully illustrated with hand-drawn diagrams and triptych photos. What makes this book unique is its political stance against Big Dairy, promoting the use of ethical animal rennet and criticizing both standard industrial and artisanal cheesemaking practices. Overall, this is an informative and thought-provoking read for home and small-scale commercial cheesemakers alike.

The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook by Lisa Steele is a must-have for anyone who loves cooking with eggs. The book is filled with over 100 recipes that showcase eggs in unexpected ways, from breakfast staples like eggs Benedict to soups, salads, and even condiments. Steele also provides foundational techniques for cooking with eggs, making this cookbook a comprehensive guide for egg lovers. The book's unique twists cultivated from Steele's Scandinavian background, New England upbringing, and current home in Maine make it stand out from other egg-focused cookbooks. Overall, The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook is an innovative and plucky collection that is hard to beat.

Keeping a Family Cow: The Complete Guide for Home-Scale, Holistic Dairy Producers is an updated and revised edition of a book that has been inspiring small-scale dairy farmers for almost 40 years. The book provides an extensive guide to raising a family milk cow, covering everything from choosing the right breed to milking, calving, and breeding. It also includes information on the health benefits of untreated milk, hay quality, pasture management, and making butter, yogurt, and cheese. The book is a must-have for homesteaders and small farmers seeking to offer their cow's bounty to the local market or neighborhood.

The Home Creamery is an excellent guide for anyone interested in making their own dairy products at home. The book provides simple and easy-to-follow instructions that don't require complicated aging techniques. With a variety of recipes for cheeses, yogurts, and spreads, readers can add a range of flavors to their cooking. The author, Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, explains how to make everything from fresh buttermilk to creamy mozzarella. While this may not be the book for serious cheesemakers, it's perfect for home cooks who enjoy playing in the kitchen or want to impress their guests with homemade dairy creations.

Little Tarts is a recipe book that features one basic tart recipe and sixty variations from the celebrated European patisserie Petit Gateaux. The book equips bakers of all levels with the skills to create an infinite variety of tarts with just one core recipe. It covers everything from dough and fillings to toppings and decorations. The book is perfect for those who want to learn how to fill and decorate tarts to perfection. Overall, Little Tarts is an excellent guide for bakers who want to explore the world of homemade patisserie and experiment with different flavors and textures.