30 Cookbooks for the Stay-At-Home Wife
As a Brit who has moved to the U.S. and embraced the role of homemaker, I’ve loved diving into the rich food history of this country.
From traditional American comfort foods to regional specialties, I’ve come to appreciate the incredible variety of dishes, influences, and preparation styles that make cooking here so rewarding.
The kitchen truly is the heart of our home, and mastering the art of cooking (even with the occasional mishap!) has become one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey as a stay-at-home wife.
Whether you’re preparing comforting meals, baking treats for family and friends, or learning traditional recipes, having a collection of cookbooks written by women who understand the importance of nourishing a home is invaluable.
These 30 cookbooks will inspire, guide, and build your confidence in the kitchen, with recipes that range from wholesome comfort food to delicious baked goods!
1. The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer
This essential classic has been a kitchen staple for generations. It’s packed with reliable, everyday recipes that teach the basics and more advanced techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, “The Joy of Cooking” is your go-to resource.
Notable Recipes:
• Classic Roast Chicken
• Southern Cornbread
2. Magnolia Table by Joanna Gaines
Joanna Gaines brings the warmth of Southern hospitality into her recipes with easy-to-make meals that will fill your home with love. Her book is full of comforting dishes, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Notable Recipes:
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Gaines Brothers’ Burger
3. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond is known for her hearty, comforting meals that are always family-friendly. Her recipes are simple enough for everyday cooking but delicious enough to make you feel like you’ve prepared a feast.
Notable Recipes:
• Cinnamon Rolls
• Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika
4. The Prairie Homestead Cookbook by Jill Winger
Jill Winger’s “The Prairie Homestead Cookbook” is perfect for anyone who dreams of cooking like a homesteader. With a focus on farm-fresh ingredients, Jill teaches readers how to prepare simple, nourishing meals that connect you with the land.
Notable Recipes:
• Cast Iron Skillet Chicken
• Wild Yeast Sourdough Bread
5. Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House by Cheryl Mendelson
More than just a cookbook, “Home Comforts” is a guide to keeping your household in order. The recipes in this book are practical and approachable, offering wholesome meals and valuable tips for creating a welcoming home environment.
Notable Recipes:
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes
• Apple Pie with a Lattice Crust
6. The First Mess Cookbook by Laura Wright
Laura Wright’s “The First Mess Cookbook” is a plant-based guide to vibrant, seasonal cooking. With a focus on whole, natural ingredients, it offers nourishing and flavorful meals that showcase the beauty of vegetables in every season.
Notable Recipes:
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Mustard and Capers
- Sweet Potato Noodles with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
7. The Taste of Country Cooking by Edna Lewis
Edna Lewis celebrates traditional Southern cooking with a collection of recipes that honor simple, farm-to-table meals. Her stories bring the dishes to life, making this book a beautiful tribute to Southern hospitality.
Notable Recipes:
• Fresh Peach Cobbler
• Smothered Pork Chops
8. Mennonite Community Cookbook by Mary Emma Showalter
This treasured collection of Mennonite recipes is filled with traditional, hearty dishes passed down through generations. The recipes are straightforward, perfect for anyone looking to make wholesome, satisfying meals.
Notable Recipes:
• Shoofly Pie
• Potato Doughnuts
9. The Essential Amish Cookbook: Everyday Recipes from Farm and Pantry by Lovina Either
Lovina Eicher shares the rich traditions of Amish cooking in this cookbook, offering simple, hearty meals with ingredients found in every Amish kitchen. The recipes are ideal for anyone who appreciates slow, thoughtful food preparation.
Notable Recipes:
• Amish Chicken and Noodles
• Sour Cream Apple Pie
10. Kristin Cavallari’s True Roots
For those who want to focus on healthier, clean eating, Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook is a fantastic resource. Her recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making them ideal for health-conscious families.
Notable Recipes:
• Bison Chili
• Almond Butter Cookies
11. The Amish Cook: Recollections and Recipes from an Old Order Amish Family by Elizabeth Coblentz and Kevin Williams
This book offers a blend of traditional Amish recipes and stories from an Old Order Amish family. The recipes are simple but rich in flavor, reflecting the slower pace of life in Amish communities.
Notable Recipes:
• Baked Sausage Casserole
• Blackberry Dumplings
12. The Prairie Table: Suppers, Potlucks, and Socials by Karlynn Johnston
Karlynn Johnston’s “The Prairie Table” brings together recipes perfect for family gatherings, church suppers, and potlucks. The dishes are designed to feed a crowd, offering a variety of wholesome, heartwarming meals.
Notable Recipes:
• Classic Prairie Pot Roast
• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
13. Instant Loss On a Budget Cookbook by Brittany Williams
For anyone who wants to prepare healthy meals quickly and affordably, Brittany Williams’ Instant Loss On a Budget Cookbook focuses on Instant Pot and budget-friendly recipes. These meals are perfect for busy homemakers who want to keep their families well-fed without overspending.
Notable Recipes:
- Cheeseburger Soup
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
14. Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book
This reliable cookbook has been a kitchen staple for decades. It’s a go-to for classic, everyday recipes that range from simple dinners to special occasion meals, making it a must-have for any stay-at-home wife.
Notable Recipes:
• Classic Meatloaf
• Lemon Meringue Pie
15. The Barefoot Contessa Cookbook by Ina Garten
Ina Garten’s elegant yet simple recipes make it easy to cook like a professional chef without the stress. Perfect for entertaining or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, her recipes are always a hit.
Notable Recipes:
• Lemon Chicken
• Outrageous Brownies
16. Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat
This cookbook is more than a collection of recipes—it’s a guide to understanding the four elements of good cooking. Samin Nosrat teaches you how to create balanced, flavorful meals by mastering salt, fat, acid, and heat.
Notable Recipes:
• Buttermilk-Marinated Roast Chicken
• Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt
17. Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison
Deborah Madison’s focus on vegetables makes this cookbook a treasure trove of fresh, healthy recipes. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to expand their vegetable repertoire and cook with seasonal produce.
Notable Recipes:
• Winter Squash Soup with Ginger
• Beet and Walnut Salad with Dill
18. The Silver Palate Cookbook by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins
Sophisticated yet approachable, “The Silver Palate Cookbook” brings gourmet meals to your home with ease. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want to elevate your everyday cooking.
Notable Recipes:
• Chicken Marbella
• Decadent Chocolate Mousse
19. The Amish Canning Cookbook by Georgia Varozza
This cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to preserve the harvest through canning. With detailed instructions, Georgia Varozza teaches the art of canning everything from jams to pickles.
Notable Recipes:
• Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
• Dill Pickles
20. The Homesteader’s Herbal Companion by Amy K. Fewer
Amy Fewell’s guide to using herbs in your cooking is perfect for homemakers who want to incorporate natural remedies into their kitchen. It offers herbal-based recipes and practical tips for living a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
Notable Recipes:
• Herb-Infused Honey
• Homemade Bread with Herbs
21. The Taste of Home Cookbook by Taste of Home
This massive collection of over 1,500 recipes comes straight from home cooks across the U.S. It’s full of comforting, reliable recipes that are sure to become family favorites.
Notable Recipes:
• Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
• Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake
22. The Amish Cooking Class Cookbook by Wanda E. Brunstetter
Wanda Brunstetter brings traditional Amish recipes to your kitchen, with easy-to-follow instructions and practical meal ideas for family dinners and special gatherings.
Notable Recipes:
• Chicken Pot Pie
• Amish Sugar Cookies
23. Simple Bites Kitchen by Aimée Wimbush-Bourque
This family-friendly cookbook focuses on seasonal ingredients and simple, approachable recipes that bring joy to the dinner table. It’s perfect for stay-at-home wives who want to serve healthy, delicious meals with minimal fuss.
Notable Recipes:
• Maple-Sweetened Banana Muffins
• Herbed Butter Roast Chicken
24. The Fannie Farmer Cookbook by Marion Cunningham
Originally published in 1896, this classic cookbook has been updated for modern kitchens while preserving its traditional roots. It’s a reliable resource for mastering the basics and more advanced cooking techniques.
Notable Recipes:
• Boston Baked Beans
• Vanilla Sponge Cake
25. The Cake Bible 35th Anniversary Edition by Rose Levy Beranbaum
For those who love baking, “The Cake Bible” is an absolute must-have. Rose Levy Beranbaum offers in-depth guidance on cake baking, from classic layer cakes to delicate pastries. Her precise instructions make even the most intricate cakes achievable.
Notable Recipes:
• Classic Chocolate Fudge Cake
• White Velvet Butter Cake
26. The Sprouted Kitchen: A Tastier Take on Whole Foods by Sara Forte
Sara Forte’s “The Sprouted Kitchen” is a beautiful guide to whole-foods-based cooking, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sara’s recipes strike a balance between healthy and delicious, perfect for families looking for nourishing meals.
Notable Recipes:
• Lemon-Poppy Seed Pancakes
• Cauliflower Caponata
27. My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl
Ruth Reichl’s “My Kitchen Year” is more than a cookbook—it’s a memoir told through the recipes that helped her heal after the end of “Gourmet” magazine. It’s filled with comforting, heartfelt dishes that will resonate with anyone who loves to cook for emotional nourishment.
Notable Recipes:
• Spaghetti Carbonara
• Buttermilk Pancakes
28. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman
Deb Perelman’s “The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook” brings a joyful approach to cooking. Her recipes are easy to follow, creative, and perfect for stay-at-home wives who want to make everyday meals feel special.
Notable Recipes:
• Salted Brown Butter Crispy Treats
• Flat Roasted Chicken
29. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime by Ree Drummond
Ree Drummond’s “Dinnertime” focuses on fast, family-friendly meals that are perfect for busy evenings. With comforting, flavorful recipes, this book helps you get dinner on the table with ease.
Notable Recipes:
• Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
• Perfect Pot Roast
30. Baking: From My Home to Yours by Dorie Greenspan
Dorie Greenspan’s “Baking: From My Home to Yours” is a treasure trove of baking recipes, from simple cookies to show-stopping cakes. Dorie’s warmth and enthusiasm for baking shine through every page, making this an essential for anyone who loves to bake.
Notable Recipes:
• World Peace Cookies
• Perfect Party Cake
And Bonus: The Dolly Parton Cookbook for fun and tasty Southern Dishes!
Dolly Parton’s promised to be a treasure trove of Southern comfort food and family recipes – and it didn’t disappoint!
Dolly is known for her love of cooking, and this book is filled with heartwarming meals that reflect her rich Southern heritage.
It’ will surely be’s a delightful addition to any stay-at-home wife’s collection!
The Takeaway
These 30 cookbooks offer a mix of classic, wholesome, and creative recipes that will not only build your confidence in the kitchen but also inspire you to explore new culinary techniques.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick family meal, preserving the season’s harvest, or baking a delicious dessert, this collection will help you create meals that nourish both body and soul.
Embrace the joy of homemaking with these valuable resources at your side!
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As always, I’d love to hear from you – drop us a comment below if you know any other must-have cookbooks you think Homemakers should have!
Last update on 2025-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
