As social creatures, people have always sought out ways to come together and share their interests, with some of the most popular options being things like potlucks, dinner parties, or even book clubs. While all are solid options, there’s a new option that seeks to combine all three: cookbook clubs.
Predicted to be one of the hottest trends of 2025, cookbook clubs have gained popularity among the culinary community in recent months as rising food costs have encouraged people to change the way they approach planning menus and food-based gatherings.
A cookbook club is a group of people who meet up at regularly scheduled intervals to exchange meals from a chosen cookbook. For each gathering, group members first select a cookbook together. Then, each member decides to cook one to two meals from said book for others to sample at the next cookbook club meeting. If everyone brings one dish, guests can experience multiple recipes without incurring the cost of making multiple dishes at once.
While there can be many pros to the idea of starting a cookbook club, one of the main factors would be getting to sample a variety of foods without breaking the bank. With everyone focused on one dish, it not only saves money, but reduces stress on the host since they are not solely responsible for all of the food.
On top of savings, cookbook clubs are the perfect way for people to decide how or what they can contribute without feeling too pressured. Considering some chefs may be better at specific techniques or have tools and equipment in their kitchen that others may not, these arrangements help to diversify the menu and also give peers a chance to discuss tips and tricks learned when executing their chosen recipes.
How do I keep cookbook club from feeling repetitive?
Aside from changing cookbooks each session, some people may find the concept of cookbook clubs to feel repetitive or boring after a while, but there are plenty of ways to combat this. For example, try incorporating themes into cookbook club events like appetizer night, where guests only choose recipes from the appetizer chapter of a specific cookbook. Or, instead of food, choose a cocktail recipe book one night and invite guests to recreate their favorite cocktails or mocktails.
After hosting a few regular cookbook club nights, try adding some more excitement with blind tastings, prizes for favorite dishes like getting to choose the next cookbook, or even assigning recipes at random. With so many unique new options these days, hosts may also consider choosing themed cookbooks as well.
How to choose the right cookbooks
One of the most important elements of a cookbook club is the cookbooks, but how do you choose the right one? To start, there is no such thing as the perfect cookbook but there are cookbooks that will be perfect for the event you're hosting.
If your group is full of beginner chefs, consider a book that focuses on the science and techniques behind cooking, like The Elements of Baking by Katarina Cermelj or Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat and Wendy MacNaughton.
If your group is filled with more advanced chefs, consider cuisine-based cookbooks from cultures you may have never attempted before. Try The Curry Guy Bible by Dan Toombs to attempt the classics from your favorite Indian restaurant or The Mediterranean Dish by Suzy Karadsheh for a club meeting with fresh, flavorful Mediterranean flare.
As more people dive deeper into their personal interests, novelty cookbooks have become more popular. If you and your friends have a favorite show, franchise, or even celebrity who cooks, consider cookbooks that cater to your interests.
For the science fiction lovers in your life, host a Star Wars-themed night using Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook. For avid anime fans, try Cook Anime by Diana Ault to recreate your beloved character's favorite dishes.
The cookbook you choose should try to suit your group's skill sets, goals, and interests. Consider also checking your local library for additional savings. Remember, you get to use a different cookbook each time, so there will always be the chance to switch it up or try new recipes. You're not married to the same book for every gathering (unless you want to be).
While money and time are always major factors when starting up extracurricular activities, Cookbook Clubs offer a chance to foster community while enjoying a variety of foods for less. If it gets you to dust off at least one of those old cookbooks on your shelf, it may be worth trying to start up a group with friends to see if this hobby is for you.