The 20 Best Cookbooks of 2022 for the Pop Culture Obsessed

When it comes to cookbooks, there is quite a lot of content out there. Whether it’s a new take on your go-to classic or a new recipe from your favorite cookbook author, there will always be something to fit your needs. By now, it’s a fair assessment that you have probably seen it all. With releases from famous-chefs-turned-TV-personalities, internet stars, and former comedy writers, it’s safe to say that there is one common denominator connecting the lot: personality.

Authors like the adored Ina Garten and the gifted Molly Yeh did an outstanding job with their releases this year, as they not only kept things new and intriguing, but also lighthearted and accessible. Fortunately for those who love to spend time in the kitchen, 2022 also brought with it a new class of celebrity and pop culture-influenced cookbooks that deserve a spot on your shelves.

These cookbooks have set a uniquely high bar of excellence, and in honor of their creativity and the never-ending desire to entertain the masses, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite celebrity and pop culture cookbooks from the year. Featuring books that include big meals with Shaquille O’Neil to authentic Italian creations by The Pasta Queen herself, you’ll wish you would have known about these sooner.

All about taking back your dinner routine and cutting out all the stress in the process, Ina Garten’s newest cookbook, Go-To Dinners, is chock-full of fantastic recipes and excellent pro tips from a true legend in the game.

A fan favorite and absolute comedian on social media, Nadia Caterina Munno — aka The Pasta Queen — is no stranger to bringing the fun into the kitchen while also staying very close to her roots. Anyone interested in perfecting their favorite Italian dishes should look into picking up her newest book, The Pasta Queen: A Just Gorgeous Cookbook, as soon as possible. 

The Big Aristotle, Diesel, Superman, Shaq Daddy, The Real Deal — these are all nicknames given to the legendary Shaquille O’Neil by none other than himself. As a family man who loves to laugh and is very sure of who he is today, it only makes sense that his cookbook — Shaq’s Family Style — would be a celebration of his love of food, family, fun, and — of course — himself. Get ready for low-stress comfort food fit for the whole family.

Released as a collaboration between father and daughter, Sundays with Sophie provides a subtle peek into Bobby Flay’s secrets for making delicious, memorable meals for any night of the week. Included inside are heartfelt recipes created for the people most special in his life — including favorites from his daughter, Sophie. 

What more can be said about the show about nothing? With recipes like “Puffy Shirt Pastry Tarts” and “Kramer Wants a Papaya King Hot Dog,” Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook would make the perfect gift for yourself or that super-fan in the family — especially if they’ve been banned from their favorite soup stand.  

When Barnes and Noble is calling it “the best cookbook of fall 2022,” that is definitely making a statement. The Bronx culinary collective that is Ghetto Gastro makes it their mission to lift up the Bronx, using food as a way to make an impact in their community. Their cookbook — Ghetto Gastro Presents: Black Power Kitchen — is full of amazing recipes that reflect the joy and creativity that Black communities generate. 

With over 50 recipes inspired by the show, fans can experience meals from Luke’s Diner or Lorelai’s giant birthday pizza from the comfort of their own kitchen. Along with the recipes, cooking tips from Sookie, hosting tips from Michel, and etiquette tips from none other than Emily Gilmore herself can all be found inside the new cookbook. 

Atlanta-based restaurateur Pinky Cole has been making waves in the vegan industry for years. Similar to her establishments Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, her cookbook — Eat Plants, B*tch — takes readers on a journey through the wonderful world of a plant-based diet. Between Shaq changing the way he eats, and a forward featuring words from Chris Paul and Patti LaBelle, this is a rather persuasive cookbook.

This one is for the truly dedicated fans — the ones who have had to spend countless years trying to guess the ingredients of their favorite Disney food creations so they could replicate them at home. If you’ve already gotten your mitts on the Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook and The Unofficial Disney Parks Drink Recipe Book, then you’re in for a treat. The author and self-proclaimed unofficial Disney Parks expert Ashley Craft has now set her sights on EPCOT with her newest book, The Unofficial Disney Parks EPCOT Cookbook. Thanks to Ashley, this magical culinary trip around the world can finally be done from the comfort of your own kitchen. 

Entirely inspired by Disney and Pixar movies, the new Disney Enchanted Recipes Cookbook features 40 different recipes to explore from all of the best animated classics. Created by French chef and culinary author Thibaud Villanova, the cookbook is the perfect reason to get the whole family together in the kitchen. Each recipe calls for the use of everyday ingredients and offers very easy, step-by-step instructions, making the entire magical book very accessible for chefs of all skill levels. 

Fans of GBBO can finally get their sugar-coated fingers on 288 pages of pure baking ecstasy. The Great British Bake Off: Favorite Flavors is a culmination of recipes that will leave you inspired to create something tasty. Inside, you’ll find recipes like Paul Hollywood’s red velvet cake, fresh passion fruit trifle, sticky ginger treacle tart, and even a rich chocolate and speculoos cake.

More than just a celebration of Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, the Delicious Disney cookbook is jam-packed with absolute bangers, and is full of insider tips and tricks for creating some of Disney’s most memorable treats. Created by authors Pam Brandon and Marcy Carriker Smothers, the exclusive book doesn’t just feature Disney’s iconic foods; fans can also find insider info, old-school menus, and colorful photographs to boot, bringing Walt Disney’s legacy straight to the kitchen.   

This one is for the travelers. Fans of the beloved Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil can now experience the culinary adventure of the show for themselves, with recipes, exciting stories, and never-seen photos from Phil’s travels. With over 60 recipes in total and a story for every episode of the first four seasons, Somebody Feed Phil the Book makes an excellent companion travel guide for that adventurous at-home chef.    

Members of the “Finer Things Club” will rejoice when they get their hands on this one. The Seriously Good Chili Cookbook, written by Brian Baumgartner — better known as Kevin from the U.S. version of The Office — features over 177 of the best chili recipes in the world. And while that is a lot of chili, anyone who knows Kevin should know that he is likely to spill the pot, so be careful. 

Featuring recipes like Arya’s Pilfered Tartlets, Tyroshi’s Pear Brandy, and stuffed baked apples, the Feast of the Dragon Cookbook is one that will likely rule your kitchen for good. Created for fans of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, readers will find 60 recipes inspired by the world of Westeros, with everything from food and drinks to adventure.   

Through 75 full-color recipes, Tastes Like Schitt takes readers on a culinary trip through the quaint world of Elmdale County. Take a stroll to the kitchen and try a new recipe from Café Tropical or relax and enjoy one of Jocelyn’s down-to-earth meals. Other notable dishes from the unofficial cookbook include There’s a Dead Guy in Room 4-Cheese Macaroni, Farm Witches’ Peanut Butter Things, and Rosebud Motel Cinnamon Rolls.   

Filled with paranormal recipes fit for the baddest of inter-dimensional demons, there’s only one phone call to make in order to get your hands on this book. Ghostbusters: The Official Cookbook offers 50 recipes inspired by each movie, beginning with the 1984 classic and continuing on to the most recent, Afterlife. There is a recipe for every skill level inside, as well as a variety of snacks, desserts, and dishes that will save anyone from their spookiest appetite.  

Bring the Harvest Festival home to the family and don’t let Ron Swanson make you feel bad for eating vegetarian. Fans of the popular NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation won’t want to miss out on this culinary classic. Featuring recipes like Ron Swanson’s Meat Tornado Burrito, Donna’s Mimosas, and Leslie Knope’s Favorite JJ’s Diner Waffles, it’s no wonder why Ron always said “there has never been a sadness that can’t be cured by breakfast food.”