Best Southern U.S. Cooking, Food & Wine Books of 2025

Magnolia Table, Volume 3: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering is the latest cookbook by Joanna Gaines, the co-founder of Magnolia and New York Times bestselling author. This cookbook is filled with timeless and nostalgic recipes that have been reimagined for today's home cook. The book features a range of dishes, from Honey Butter Layered Biscuit Bites to Garlic Shrimp over Parmesan Risotto. What makes this cookbook stand out is Joanna's personal touch in each recipe, where she explains why she likes it and how she prefers to serve it. Overall, this is a must-have cookbook for anyone who loves Southern U.S. cooking and wants to make delicious meals for their family and friends.

The Pretty B*tchin' Kitchen cookbook by Miranda Lambert is a mouthwatering collection of recipes straight out of Texas. It includes easy-to-prepare dishes handed down from her mom and grandma, as well as those from her circle of cherished friends who helped raise her. The book is full of soul-filling meals meant to be shared with loved ones, whether on paper plates or fancy antique China. The author's sassy personality shines through in her charming stories, making this book a delight to read. Overall, Y'all Eat Yet? is a must-have for anyone looking to add some Southern flavor to their cooking.

Magnolia Table is a #1 New York Times Bestseller cookbook that showcases Joanna Gaines' passion for family, tradition, and great meals. With 125 classic recipes, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts, the book is a modern take on American classics and personal family favorites. Complemented by her love for her garden, these dishes incorporate homegrown, seasonal produce at the peak of its flavor. Magnolia Table is an invitation to share a seat at the table with Joanna Gaines and her family. Overall, the book is a must-have for anyone who loves simple, delicious, and heartwarming meals that celebrate family and friendship.

Truly Simple: 140 Healthy Recipes for Weekday Cooking by Kristin Cavallari is a must-have cookbook for busy families. With more than 140 easy-to-follow recipes, 126 of which are gluten-free, the book offers delicious and accessible recipes for super-easy, family-friendly weekday meals. In this personal book, Cavallari shares her philosophy on cooking for kids and spending more time around the table. From breakfasts to desserts, including Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Salad and Skillet Carrot Cake, the book provides simple and healthy meals that can be prepared quickly. Truly Simple is a great addition to any kitchen.

Magnolia Table, Volume 2: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering is a cookbook filled with 145 new recipes from Joanna Gaines, inspired by her family's love of food being shared. From breakfast to dinner, readers will find dishes to gather around, beautifully photographed and ready to be brought into their own homes. This book showcases recipes from Magnolia Table, Silos Baking Co, and Magnolia Press, including Mushroom-Gruyére Quiche, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken, and Lemon-Lavender Tart. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who loves to cook and entertain, and it is a great addition to any cookbook collection.

The Gullah Geechee Home Cooking cookbook by Emily Meggett is a must-have for anyone interested in the history and cuisine of the Gullah Geechee people. As the matriarch of Edisto Island, Meggett shares not only her delicious and seasonal recipes but also her family's history dating back to the 19th century. Her dishes are a testament to the syncretism of West African and American cultures that make the Gullah Geechee community unique. This cookbook is an excellent addition to any food lover's collection, providing a glimpse into a lesser-known African American cuisine.

Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food: Recipes & Stories from Mountain Kitchens is a delightful journey through the culinary traditions of Southern Appalachia. Authors Jim Casada and Tipper Pressley share their love for the region and its distinctive cuisine through scores of recipes and stories of celebrations, Sunday dinners, and ordinary suppers. This book is a masterwork that takes readers back to an era where food was simple yet mouth-watering. The authors provide useful tips and tricks for cooking with the range of meats, vegetables, fruits, and grains of the Appalachians. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and traditions of Southern Appalachian food.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks―Super Easy! is a #1 New York Times bestseller cookbook with 120 shortcut recipes for dinners, desserts, and more. Ree Drummond, a renowned American food blogger and TV personality, shares her favorite recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and require minimal prep time. The cookbook covers a wide range of dishes, including breakfasts, soups, Tex-Mex delights, pastas, grains, and desserts. The recipes call for step-saving shortcuts that will revolutionize the time you spend making meals for your family. Overall, this cookbook is perfect for those who want to cook delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family with over 100 Recipes is an amazing cookbook that celebrates the Gullah/Geechee culinary traditions of Kardea Brown’s family. The book features over 125 original mouthwatering recipes, accompanied by gorgeous four-color photos. Kardea shares her multi-generational “passed down” recipes and innovative takes on Gullah classics with home cooks everywhere. Filled with more than 100 mouth-watering recipes for starters, main courses, sides, desserts, and more, The Way Home brings a taste of the Lowcountry South home, offering flavors that are unique and delicious. This book is a must-have for anyone who loves soul food cooking or just wants to try something new.

The book "Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto" is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of barbecue. Written by Aaron Franklin, the owner of the highly popular Franklin Barbecue restaurant in Austin, Texas, and coauthor Jordan Mackay, the book provides a comprehensive guide to building and customizing your smoker, sourcing top-quality meat, and cooking mind-blowing barbecue. The authors share years of hard-won knowledge and secrets behind truly great barbecue. The book is a definitive resource for backyard pitmasters and is highly recommended for anyone looking to up their barbecue game.