Our previous BookBub Bestsellers posts have explored a range of genres, from gritty mysteries and thrillers to lighthearted women’s fiction. We’ve focused on fiction up until now, but BookBub features many great nonfiction titles every day as well. So this month, we’re switching gears, and looking at eight of the bestselling books we’ve run in our Cooking category!
1) 365 Days of Slow-Cooking by Karen Bellessa Petersen
Slow cookers are one of the food industry’s hottest trends, so it’s no surprise that this book drew high marks from readers hoping to take advantage of this year’s must-have kitchen item. The title’s great value proposition (recipes for every day of the year!), as well as its incredible ease of use, probably helped set it apart.
2) The Cake Mix Doctor Returns! by Anne Byrn
This installment’s predecessor — The Cake Mix Doctor — has sold over a million copies since it was first released, so it makes sense that Byrn’s sequel killed it with our members. But it’s also easy to see why readers flock to the series: Extraordinary, accessible recipes that virtually any cake lover would want to try.
3) 101 Cozy Casseroles by Gooseberry Patch
The first line of this book’s product description puts it well: “Who doesn’t love a good casserole?” With over 100 recipes designed to help any amateur chef create one of America’s most classic dishes, it appeals to a broad audience and stands out as a practical kitchen staple.
4) The Mediterranean Diet by John Chatham
Not only does it cater to a trendy food phenomenon — the health-conscious mediterranean diet — but this cookbook also offers an easy set of recipes designed for both novices and experts alike. And the title’s all-encompassing nature (it includes a shopping guide and meal plans in addition to recipes) makes it an obvious choice for readers seeking an introduction to the craze.
5) Saveur: The New Comfort Food by Editors of Saveur Magazine
Like 101 Cozy Casseroles, this title’s delicious recipes reinforce the warming, nostalgic theme of the book’s title. Not to mention the cover, which jumps off the page with a colorful, mouth-watering image that offers a taste of what readers can expect inside.
6) The Quintessential Quinoa Cookbook by Wendy Polisi
Fast becoming a dietary staple among health-conscious eaters, quinoa has inspired numerous cookbooks over the past several years. But this one stands out for both its simplicity and range of recipes, which includes everything from easy children’s meals to delicious desserts. It also comes from a true expert in the subject — Booklist calls her “a real aficionado of the grain.”
7) One Pan, Two Plates by Carla Snyder
Like all of the cookbooks on this list, One Pan, Two Plates appears to be chock full of delicious recipes (starting with the one right on the cover). But what makes it unusual is its practical edge; all of its dishes can be made in less than an hour, and they’re specifically designed for couples in search of a good meal.
8) The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook by Cheryl Day and Griffith Day
This book comes with a built-in pedigree: the Back in the Day Bakery draws fans from across the nation to its homey Savannah locale (as the product description smartly reminds readers). The culinary tourist attraction’s cookbook delivers delectably over-the-top treats such as S’more Pie, Almond Crunchies, and Rustic Cheddar Pecan Rounds.
This list of top-performers features many titles with colorful, attention-grabbing covers and cookbooks filled with hearty, value-conscious meal ideas. Recipes that cater to current trends in the culinary world, like slow-cookers and quinoa, also consistently perform well, as do easy, practical guides. And above all, delicious, mouth-watering dishes persistently take the top spots on our cooking list, proving that great food is essential for any bestselling cookbook!
