Looking for the perfect gift for the food lover in your life—or maybe something special for your own bookshelf? This list celebrates some of the best cookbooks by Black authors and chefs, featuring soul food, Southern classics, and modern takes on African American cuisine!
Our Favorite Black Cookbooks
As food lovers and passionate home cooks, we’ve spent countless hours in the kitchen exploring new flavors, learning techniques, and diving into the stories behind some of my favorite dishes. A big part of this journey has been learning from the incredible work of Black chefs and authors who have shared their knowledge, recipes, and personal stories through cookbooks.
Over the years, we’ve built a collection of soul food and Southern cooking cookbooks by Black authors, and they’ve had a profound influence on our own cooking and the recipes we share on this blog.
Many of these cookbooks are filled with timeless recipes that we turn to time and time again. But they also do something more—they offer us a deeper connection to the roots of Black cuisine, celebrating the rich history and culture that has shaped the dishes we know and love today.
Whether you’re shopping for a gift or adding to your personal library, these titles celebrate the richness of Black culinary traditions and the joy of cooking.
Explore the full list and pick up your favorites to share the gift of soulful cooking this holiday season!
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Toni Tipton-Martin – Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking
This James Beard Award-winning cookbook showcases the rich history of African American cuisine with recipes that celebrate its depth and diversity. From traditional dishes to modern takes, it’s a must-have for food and history enthusiasts.
Kwame Onwuachi – Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir
Kwame Onwuachi’s memoir isn’t just about food—it’s about ambition, identity, and resilience. While not a traditional cookbook, it’s an inspiring tale of a young chef navigating the highs and lows of the culinary world, making it an incredible gift for dreamers and food lovers alike.
Alexander Smalls – Between Harlem and Heaven: Afro-Asian-American Cooking for Big Nights, Weeknights, and Every Day
This groundbreaking book blends the flavors of the African diaspora with Asian influences for an unforgettable culinary experience. Alexander Smalls’ recipes are as bold and inspiring as the stories behind them, making this a must-have for adventurous home cooks.
Marcus Samuelsson – The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook
Marcus Samuelsson celebrates the past, present, and future of Black cuisine in America through innovative recipes and heartfelt stories. This book is a tribute to the chefs and culinary traditions that have shaped American food as we know it today.
Kevin Bludso – Bludso’s BBQ Cookbook: A Family Affair in Smoke and Soul
Pitmaster Kevin Bludso takes readers on a flavorful journey through his family’s barbecue traditions. Filled with smoky recipes and heartfelt anecdotes, this book is perfect for anyone who loves good BBQ and the stories that make it special.
Jerrelle Guy – Black Girl Baking: Wholesome Recipes Inspired by a Soulful Upbringing
Jerrelle Guy’s collection of heartfelt recipes blends her love of baking with soulful nostalgia. Featuring wholesome, approachable treats, this book is ideal for anyone who finds joy in the process of baking and wants to connect with their roots.
Rodney Scott – Rodney Scott’s World of BBQ: Every Day Is a Good Day
James Beard Award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott shares his signature whole hog BBQ techniques alongside deeply personal stories. This cookbook is both a guide to mastering BBQ and an inspiring look at how food can bring people together.
National Museum of African American History and Culture – Sweet Home Café Cookbook: A Celebration of African American Cooking
This cookbook brings the flavors of the Sweet Home Café at the NMAAHC right to your kitchen. It’s a celebration of African American culinary traditions, with recipes that span centuries and tell the story of resilience, community, and culture.
Carla Hall – Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration
Carla Hall delivers soulful recipes with a modern twist, perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive celebrations. This book honors the roots of soul food while embracing fresh, vibrant flavors that will inspire cooks of all levels.
Michael W. Twitty – The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South
Part memoir, part history book, and part cookbook, Michael W. Twitty explores the roots of African American cooking and its connections to Southern cuisine. This book is an enlightening and heartfelt gift for anyone interested in the intersection of food and culture.
Emily Meggett – Gullah Geechee Home Cooking: Recipes from the Matriarch of Edisto Island
Emily Meggett, the beloved matriarch of Gullah Geechee cuisine, shares recipes passed down through generations. This book is a celebration of community, culture, and the comforting flavors of the Lowcountry, making it a treasure for anyone who loves soulful cooking.
Edna Lewis – The Taste of Country Cooking: 30th Anniversary Edition
This timeless classic by Edna Lewis captures the essence of Southern food and traditions. With recipes and stories inspired by her rural Virginia upbringing, this book is a beautiful tribute to a way of life and a must-have for Southern food enthusiasts.
Cheryl Day – Cheryl Day’s Treasury of Southern Baking
This stunning collection from Cheryl Day is a love letter to the art of Southern baking. From buttery biscuits to decadent cakes, each recipe is crafted with care and steeped in tradition, making it a must-have for any baker with a sweet tooth.
Marcus Samuelsson – The Red Rooster Cookbook: The Story of Food and Hustle in Harlem
Step into the iconic Red Rooster restaurant with Marcus Samuelsson’s vibrant cookbook. Packed with bold recipes and stories that capture the hustle and culture of Harlem, this book is as much about community as it is about food.
Michelle Braxton – Supper with Love: Vibrant, Delicious, and Comforting Plant-Based Recipes
Michelle Braxton brings warmth and creativity to plant-based cooking with vibrant, soul-satisfying recipes that don’t skimp on flavor. Perfect for the foodie in your life looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their kitchen without sacrificing comfort.
Michael Platt – Michael’s Desserts: Sweets for a Cause Baking Cookbook
Teen baker and social activist Michael Platt shares accessible dessert recipes that are both fun to make and meaningful. A portion of the proceeds supports causes fighting hunger, making this cookbook a sweet gift with a purpose.
Michael Platt – Recipes for Change: 12 Dishes Inspired by a Year in Black History
This unique cookbook celebrates Black history through food, with recipes inspired by pivotal moments and figures. Michael Platt’s passion for storytelling and activism shines in every dish, making this an inspiring gift for cooks and history buffs alike.
Hawa Hassan – In Bibi’s Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean
Hawa Hassan shares recipes and stories from African grandmothers, offering a heartfelt exploration of family and food. This book is perfect for those who want to connect with the wisdom and warmth of intergenerational cooking traditions.
Lazarus Lynch – Son of a Southern Chef: Cook with Soul: A Cookbook
Lazarus Lynch brings bold flavors and soulful energy to his cookbook, blending Southern comfort food with global influences. Packed with personality, this book is great for home cooks who love to cook with heart and flair.
Nicole A. Taylor – Watermelon and Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations
Celebrate Black joy with Nicole A. Taylor’s vibrant collection of recipes, perfect for Juneteenth or any festive occasion. This book is a love letter to community and culture, making it a wonderful addition to any food lover’s library.
Klancy Miller – Cooking Solo: The Fun of Cooking for Yourself
Cooking for one? Klancy Miller shows how to make it exciting and rewarding with recipes designed to celebrate solo dining. Perfect for anyone looking to embrace self-care through delicious, thoughtful meals.
Vallery Lomas – Life Is What You Bake It: Recipes, Stories, and Inspiration to Bake Your Way to the Top
Vallery Lomas brings warmth and passion to her baking book, sharing recipes that range from everyday favorites to showstopping desserts. With personal stories woven throughout, it’s a heartfelt guide for anyone who loves to bake.
Jenné Claiborne – Sweet Potato Soul: 100 Easy Vegan Recipes for the Southern Flavors of Smoke, Sugar, Spice, and Soul
Jenné Claiborne reimagines soul food with 100 vegan recipes that capture the essence of Southern comfort. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy the flavors of soul food in a healthier, plant-based way.
Jocelyn Delk Adams – Everyday Grand: Soulful Recipes for Celebrating Life’s Big and Small Moments
Jocelyn Delk Adams serves up soul food recipes with a focus on celebrating life’s moments. From family gatherings to casual dinners, this book inspires joy and connection through cooking.
Edna Lewis – In Pursuit of Flavor: The Beloved Classic Cookbook from the First Lady of Southern Cooking
Edna Lewis captures the essence of Southern flavors in this timeless classic. Her stories and recipes highlight seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques, making it a cherished guide to soulful cooking.
Robbie Montgomery – Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook: Soulful Southern Recipes, from My Family to Yours
Robbie Montgomery, of Sweetie Pie’s fame, shares her family’s favorite recipes in this cookbook filled with comforting Southern dishes. It’s like having a bit of Sweetie Pie’s in your own kitchen.
Rosie Mayes – I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites
Rosie Mayes delivers 100 mouthwatering recipes that bring Southern comfort food to life. With clear instructions and bold flavors, this book is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Jessica B. Harris – The Martha’s Vineyard Table
Jessica B. Harris explores the culinary traditions of Martha’s Vineyard with recipes that celebrate the island’s culture and history. It’s an elegant gift for anyone who loves coastal cooking and storytelling.
Buster Holmes – The Buster Holmes Restaurant Cookbook: New Orleans Homemade Good Food
Buster Holmes shares the flavors of New Orleans in this classic cookbook. From gumbo to red beans and rice, it’s a delicious dive into the heart of Creole cooking.
Gabriela Dewitt – The Picayune Creole Cookbook
A staple in Creole cuisine, this cookbook offers a treasure trove of traditional recipes that have been loved for generations. It’s a must-have for those who want to explore the heritage of New Orleans cooking.
Bryant Terry – Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora
More than a cookbook, Bryant Terry’s Black Food is a celebration of the African diaspora through recipes, art, and storytelling. It’s a powerful and inspiring addition to any food lover’s collection.
I have several of these already.. cookbooks have always been my passion. My father would tell people i never met a cookbook that didn’t need a new home and that I probably had more than our local library! But I especially loved cookbooks that told the stories behind the recipes
Same! My husband and I love to go to library book sales and find old, hidden gems 🙂