9 Best Must-Have Cookbooks by Black Authors

9 Best Must-Have Cookbooks by Black Authors

I want to wish you a Happy Black History Month! For me, though, and I know I’m not alone, Black History month is every month. I was Black yesterday. I’m Black today. I’ll be Black tomorrow. I will always be Black. Each and every day I love my Blackness and welcome every opportunity, February or not, to celebrate the varied facets of beauty and creativity other African-Americans offer this tapestry called life. What better way to start than with yummy, nutritious food that feeds more than the temporal body. Any one of these cookbooks would make a great gift- any time of the year! I absolutely LOVE cooking and collecting cookbooks, even if I don’t use them. 

Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking (On Amazon) (On

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What a great name! This cookbook celebrates the history of African-American cuisine. With striking photography, this contains recipes for all skill levels. I heard that KFC’s secret 11 herbs and spices are in this cookbook.

In Pursuit of Flavor: The Beloved Classic Cookbook from the Acclaimed Author of the Taste of Country Cooking (On Amazon)

I once made the most delicious greens from Miss Edna’s recipe. I mimicked everything that I had seen my Grandma Mary do to prep her collards. Then, I stopped short of adding any meat. Instead, I went the vegetarian route, adding aromatics. Let me tell you, those greens did not disappoint. And I don’t think this cookbook will either. Edna Lewis, the Dame of Southern cooking, delivers flavor in every dish.

From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dog’s Kitchen (On Amazon)

While this cookbook may not be the perfect fit for a serious cook, most of the readers seemed to have fun with it. So, if you’re looking for a cookbook with a fun twist, this might be ideal. It’s a #1 Bestseller in the Soul Food, Cooking, Wine category. Recipes range from Baked Mac and Cheese to Fried Bologna Sandwiches. Snoop also includes a suggested playlist to bump while you’re cooking. Great gift for foodies who love Snoop Dogg’s music. This one might even inspire some guys to get in the kitchen and whip up something tasty.

I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites (On Amazon)

This cookbook by Rosie Mayes has 100 soul food favorites. These recipes are straight from the cook’s heart and her story is so inspirational. Eager to share her passion for good food, she started her YouTube channel while working a full-time job. If you’re looking for soul food comfort, try this cookbook.

Cooking from the Spirit: Easy, Delicious, and Joyful Plant-Based Inspirations (On Amazon)

I dare not leave out Ms. Tabitha Brown. This cookbook is definitely the way to go if you’re looking for vegan recipes. Along with Tabisms and inspiration, she shares recipes like Strawberry Cheesecake Cups and Who Made the Potato Salad? 

Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health (On Amazon)

Cooking good food is not just for the ladies. Check out Gregory Gourdet’s cookbook. Free of gluten, dairy, soy, legumes, and grains, this cookbook features 200 healthy recipes. Plenty of great Paleo recipes. 

The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food (On Amazon)

Marcus Samuelsson delivers 150 delicious recipes. This cookbook celebrates Black cuisine with flavors that trace back to African and Caribbean origins. With history, recipes, and a celebration of Black influence, The Rise is more than a cookbook and has rave reviews.

Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook: Soulful Southern Recipes, from My Family to Yours (On Amazon) 

Miss Robbie knows how to put together a good meal. Her years of experience, as the oldest of nine children, a back-up singer on the road in segregated America back in the day, and a  popular restaurant owner, shows up in every recipe. This cookbook has recipes, history, heartwarming stories, and her famous mac and cheese recipes.

Healthy at Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses (On Amazon)

New York Mayor Eric Adams, on a mission to tackle chronic disease in the Black community, has created a cookbook that features 50 recipes from celebrities and health experts. I love the spirit of this book. I love what it accomplishes. If you’re not already eating healthy, this cookbook will definitely inspire you to swap out some of your meals for healthier ones.

If you're a foodie like me who loves to cook, check out these wonderful cookbooks by Black authors. They'll definitely round out your collection.  I'm sure you'll find a fresh, exciting way to make one of your favorite dishes and learn some new recipes.

Blessings and love,

Leya Allen