Here it is, the best Mexican cookbooks that I’m loving right now. These are the ear-marked, salsa splattered, lovingly worn books I reach for over and over–the ones that have inspired and guided my own approach to Mexican cooking.
It’s no secret I’m obsessed with Mexican cuisine. And there’s nothing I love more than discovering a new favorite Mexican cookbook that introduces me to a new flavor combination, ingredient, or way of making a dish.
My Mexican cookbook collection is growing and evolving all the time but these are the ones I turn to again and again.
I consult this collection if I’m looking to shake up my dinners for the week ahead or when I’m working on developing a new recipe and I need a bit of guidance. They’re tried and true and have been tested (and retested).
Before we dive into the list, I have to tell you it was really hard to narrow it down to 10. But these are the ones I truly reference constantly. I’d love to know your favorite Mexican cookbooks. Leave a comment and let me know!
10 Best Mexican Cookbooks 2024
Oaxaca
Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral’s cookbook Oaxaca holds a special place in my kitchen. Just like the unforgettable dinners at Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, this book sparks endless inspiration for my own creations. Flipping through its pages, I’m whisked away, envisioning dishes like Pollo Enchipotlado (Chicken in a Creamy Chipotle Sauce) and Chileajo (Vegetables in Guajillo Sauce). It’s my go-to when culinary creativity strikes.
Most-loved recipe: Horchata de Oaxaca-it actually inspired my own version here: Super Creamy Authentic Horchata Recipe
Provecho
This is a vegan cookbook but it is not a cookbook just for vegans. Mexican food in many ways was the original vegan cuisine. Before colonization, their pantry was made up of mostly corn, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Cookbook author and blogger, Edgar Castrejón’s book is a celebration of this way of cooking with gorgeous photography and inventive flavor-pairings. It’s all divine and made for sharing with the people you love.
Most-loved recipe: Quesadillas de Brócoli y Tofu like a deconstructed quesadilla with the (vegan) cheese-filled tortilla used to scoop up the flavorful broccoli and tofu.
Authentic Mexican
Authentic Mexican 20th Anniversary Ed: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico
by Rick Bayless
$31.49
My mom gave me this cookbook in 2014 (I know, because she always writes a note with date on the inside cover) and it has been a constant companion ever since. As the name suggests, this book by Rick Bayless is an encyclopedia on regional cooking from the heart of Mexico. It is full of traditional recipes lovingly adapted with ingredients most of us can easily find here in the United States. If I ever find myself questioning a recipe, this is the reference I turn to.
Most-loved recipe: Sopes Tapatíos, crispy sopes with chorizo and lots of toppings.
Nopalito
I love this cookbook by Gonzalo Guzmán, chef of Nopalito restaurant in San Francisco, because it is the perfect mix of new recipes and authentic recipes. Like a killer recipe for mole poblano as well as one for adobo-rubbed trout in banana leaves. Also who can resist Crispy Red Quesadillas with Braised Pork and Pork Rinds.
Most-loved recipe: Cemita Poblano De Milanesa, breaded chicken sandwiches with sesame rolls
My Sweet Mexico
This is the best cookbook for all you bakers and sweet fiends out there. Winner of the James Beard Award in 2010 for best baking and pastry cookbook, Fany Gerson is the authority on Mexican desserts. From Mexican ice pops to ice cream, candies, breads, pastries this book takes a deep dive into the wonderful world of Mexican treats.
Most-loved recipes: It’s a tie for two (both of which I’ve shared version of), Lime Zest Tamales and Jamoncillo de Leche.
The Baja California Cookbook
I’m a sucker for this book because it rings very close to home. The cooking of Baja California, Mexico and Southern California, United States is so, so similar. This way of cooking gets overlooked for the more well known regions but it is one of the essential cuisines of Mexico. David Castro Hussong comes from a long line of culinary greats in the region and this beautiful book puts this local cuisine on full display.
Most-loved recipe: Churros with Pumpkin Ice Cream and Candied Pumpkin. I use the genius churros hack with my own churros recipe.
Pati’s Mexican Table
I own all of Pati Jinich’s three cookbooks but her first book is still my favorite. I think because it is the most imaginative and playful. Pati manages to create flavor combinations that are unexpected and just feel special. They’re not too complicated though making it a great cookbook for the home chef. Don’t skip the sweets chapter of this book either, the tres leches cake is to die for.
Most-loved recipe: Guajillo and Garlic Pasta. Make my spin on it.
Plant Powered Mexican
Excuse me while I toot my own horn but I cook constantly from my very own cookbook and I think it deserves a spot on your cookbook shelf. This is a Mexican vegetarian cookbook that incorporates Mexican ingredients with authentic everyday recipes and some of our non-traditional family recipes as well. As awesome for the beginner as it is for the experienced cook.
Most-loved recipe: Chilled Avocado Soup with Farmer’s Market Fairy Dust
Tu Casa Mi Casa
Enrique Olvera of Pujol (you know, the best restaurant in Mexico) fame has another book, Mexico From The Inside Out, but this one is my favorite because it is made for Mexican home cooking. These are classic recipes like Salsa Verde and Barbacoa but made by one of the world’s greatest chefs. Don’t you want to know how he makes his salsa verde? Yeah, so do I.
Most-loved recipe: Hamachi and Corn Aguachile. Try my version of aguachile with shrimp.
My Mexico City Kitchen
Mexican chef, Gabriela Cámara turns the art of Mexican cooking into true art. The Mexican dishes in this book are bright and inspiring but her voice is warm and inviting, making you feel like you’re right in her Mexican kitchen with her. The feel is fine dining but the recipes are totally doable.
Most-loved recipe: Pastel De Elote, a version of savory cornbread that I served here with rajas con crema.
Top 5 Most Popular Cookbook-Inspired Recipes
- Chicken Mole Verde
- Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole
- Chile Colorado
- Vegan Atole
- Cuban Ropa Vieja
Do You Agree These Are The Best Mexican Cookbooks?
What are some others that are on your best list? Leave me a comment below and let me know! Or snap a pic of your favorite Mexican cookbook and tag me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see. Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!
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