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

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.

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 cookbook "Comfort Food The Cowboy Way: Backyard Favorites, Country Classics, and Stories from a Ranch Cook" by Kent and Shannon Rollins offers over 125 recipes of hearty comfort food for the family, inspired by their life on the range. The book features stories and cowboy history intertwined with recipes, from classic Southern and Western favorites to Mexican-style dishes and backyard grilling. This cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy a great meal with even better company. Overall, the book is a delightful combination of mouth-watering recipes and entertaining storytelling that makes it stand out from other cookbooks.

A Taste of Cowboy: Ranch Recipes and Tales from the Trail is a delightful cookbook by Kent Rollins that takes readers on a journey through the American West with mouth-watering recipes and engaging storytelling. From labor-saving breakfasts to hands-off dinners, Kent uses pantry ingredients to create comfort food that satisfies. The book is a must-have for anyone who loves good, honest food and wants a glimpse of a vanishing way of life. With stunning photos of the American West and Kent’s lively tales and poetry, A Taste of Cowboy is a perfect addition to any cookbook collection.

Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico by Bricia Lopez is a colorful celebration of the culinary heart of Mexico. The book offers 140 authentic, yet accessible recipes from the landmark Guelaguetza restaurant in Los Angeles, founded by the Lopez family. The first true introduction to Oaxacan cuisine by a native family, each dish articulates their story, from Oaxaca to the streets of Los Angeles and beyond. The book is a great resource for those interested in Latin American cooking and food & wine books. The unique cultural significance of food in the indigenous languages of Oaxaca is an added bonus.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime is a must-have cookbook for families looking for quick and easy meal ideas. With over 125 recipes, including comfort classics, freezer-friendly food, and 16-minute meals, Ree Drummond makes it easy for busy families to enjoy delicious homemade meals without the fuss. The step-by-step photos and relatable humor make this cookbook a joy to read. The inclusion of quick desserts is the icing on the cake. This #1 New York Times bestseller is a winner of the 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards and a Los Angeles Times Best Cookbook of 2015, making it a reliable go-to cookbook for any night of the week.

The Grill Bible • Smoker Cookbook 2023 is a comprehensive guide to grilling and smoking meat like a pro. It offers 1200 days of juicy and delicious recipes, including the secrets to cooking the perfect brisket and using the right rubs and wood pellets. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pitmaster, this cookbook has something to offer. The author, ICEWIL, provides expert advice on maintaining and mastering the grill with style and showmanship. Overall, The Grill Bible • Smoker Cookbook 2023 is a must-have for anyone who wants to impress their guests with tender and juicy BBQ dishes.

The Blackstone Griddle Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of cooking on a Blackstone Griddle. It contains everything you need to know about grilling with a Blackstone Griddle, including helpful tips and tricks, maintenance, and cleaning. The book also features a wide variety of healthy and easy-to-make recipes, from breakfast to dinner and beyond, including vegetarian and vegan options. Whether you're a seasoned grilling enthusiast or a novice, this cookbook is sure to take your culinary skills to the next level and impress your family and friends. Overall, it's an excellent resource for anyone looking to elevate their grilling game.

The Big Texas Cookbook is a celebration of the diversity of Texas's culinary scene, featuring over 100 recipes, stunning photos, and insightful essays. From Czech settlers' kolaches to Vietnamese immigrants' Viet-Cajun crawfish, the cookbook showcases the varied tastes of the Lone Star State. Recipes are grouped by Texans' favorite meals and ingredients, paying homage to traditional and contemporary dishes alike. The book offers a vivid culinary portrait of Texas's past, present, and future. Texas Monthly's editors have done a fantastic job creating a cookbook that captures the essence of Texas's food culture. The atmospheric photos, illustrations, and essays make this book a must-have for any food lover.

The Best Mexican Recipes by America's Test Kitchen is a comprehensive cookbook that brings the authentic flavors of Mexico to your kitchen. It features foolproof recipes for appetizers, soups, stews, tacos, tamales, burritos, and much more. The book includes a primer on Mexican home cooking, key ingredients, and innovative techniques that save time. From familiar favorites like Beef Enchiladas and Chicken Tortilla Soup to authentic regional dishes like Chicken Mole Poblano and Fish Veracruz, this cookbook has got you covered. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you can cook with confidence. Overall, The Best Mexican Recipes is a must-have for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine and wants to cook it at home.