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Best Mary Berry Cookbooks You Need To Have

Norah Clark
Mary Berry baking

Norah Clark

Norah Clark, Editor of Boyd Hampers! Norah is a food writer with over a decade of experience in hospitality as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista; former chef at the Savoy Hotel, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons and Plaza Hotel.

The best Mary Berry cookbooks should be decided by whether you’d like to bake or cook. Decide on your dining style, easy and simple, easy to learn, or entertaining. Also, ensure there are plenty of vivid images to help you visualize the method and end result.

I love Mary Berry’s cookbooks because they are packed with delicious recipes that are easy to follow. I have used her cookbooks for years and have never been disappointed with the results. Her recipes always turn out perfectly, and her tips and tricks are invaluable. I would highly recommend her cookbooks to anyone looking for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes.

Mary Berry is a prolific cookbook writer, is the “Queen of British baking,” and was a co-judge with Paul Hollywood on the hit success, The Great British Bake Off.

The people who swear by her books say, “if you can read, then you can cook!”

It’s no surprise to learn the cookbooks she has written are loved all over the world! However, how do you choose the best one for you?

If you’re looking for entertaining ideas as well as to learn some basic culinary or baking techniques, searching for fun bakes, or simply want to discover how to make your meals more unique, there’s a Mary Berry cookbook to help you.

Although I’m going to present some of the best and most popular Mary Berry recipes, it is impossible to choose a bad one.

Her writing and recipes are adored by millions of people, and you’re sure to discover inspiration on each page of the cookbook you decide to purchase!

Bring your creative flair into the kitchen and start cooking! Don’t worry about sweaty bottoms in the near future, as she always said in the hit TV show!

Our Top Picks

My Personal Favorite: Mary Berry’s Baking Bible

Best Kitchen Basics Cookbook: Mary Berry Cookery Course

Best Savory Cookbook: Mary Berry Cooks To Perfection

Best Baking Cookbook: Fast Cakes: Easy Bakes in Minutes

Best All Round Cookbook:Entertainment by Mary Berry

 

Best Mary Berry Cookbooks for Kitchen Basics

Based on the books Mary Berry has written, I’m going to divide the seven best into sections according to the subject you’re interested in and give you options for baking and cooking in each.

This way, regardless of the style or theme you pick, you’ll be able to discover a recipe that is suited to you.

1. Mary Berry Cookery Course

We’re obsessed with this book. It’s perfect for those who are brand new to cooking and want to build an extremely solid base of cooking skills.

The book contains 12 classic recipes ranging from chargrilled salmon, potato and leek soup, and a classic victoria sponge to help you learn the basics. It also includes more than 100 safe recipes to get you baking and cooking like an expert.

The recipes are clearly written, and there are pictures of the process and the finished products for a lot of them, making it is easy to determine if you’re doing things correctly while you work.

This book is a mix of baking and cooking techniques. It’s perfect for the cook at home who is looking for a broad knowledge of the kitchen.

It’s also a wonderful gift for a university student in residence. Everyone can benefit from this book!

2. Mary Berry’s Baking Bible

This option is ideal for those who want to focus on baking while learning from a master.

The book comes with a helpful chart of conversions, which is ideal for bakers in the United States since they use different measurements from those in the U.K. (Mary Berry is from here).

It includes more than 250 traditional baking recipes. They are divided into different sections, such as Shortbreads and Bars, Baking for Children, Celebration Cakes, Cupcakes, and Other Small Bakes, Souffles and Meringues, as well as Tarts and Pastries, to name just a few.

Plenty of easy instructions for each recipe include color pictures that will guide you through the most basic to the most difficult bakes in the book.

It also informs about the various baking equipment you’ll require to succeed.

The section on tips is extremely useful. It will show you how to line baking pans to get the best results, as well as other fundamental techniques you’ll require to become a master baker.

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible is the perfect option for the basics of great baking. If you’re just beginning to learn about baking or have tried it many times, this is the “Baking Bible” you need.

3. Mary Berry Cooks to Perfection

This is Mary Berry’s most current publication and is wonderful!

While it has her baking secrets, the book is primarily focuses on savory dishes, so I put it in this category. If you’re searching for a cookbook that’s as gorgeous as it is practical it ought to be high on your wish list.

As with her Cooking Basics cookbook, this volume includes stunning photos of the entire cooking process so that you can follow the recipe effortlessly.

Each recipe is clearly laid out step-by-step in a straightforward follow format so that you don’t get lost or confused.

If you want to learn how to cook mouthwatering dishes like Asparagus with a Soft Poached Egg and Buttery Crumb, Salmon en Croute with Watercress Sauce, Pasta Carbonara, and Warm Chicken Salad with Avocado Salsa, this book should go into your shopping cart.

4. Cooking with Mary Berry

We are awestruck by this cookbook because the recipes are super easy and accessible and yet utterly delicious!

As with her other cookbooks, it’s stuffed with pictures, but it’s not as packed with step-by-step images as with her other cookbooks. It caters more for the experienced cook. 

It has dishes for every dish ranging from Persian Pilaf to Butternut Squash Soup and  from Mussel Grand Marmite to Steak Diane, so it caters to most cooks. 

Containing a few sweet recipes, it’s mostly focused on savory dishes.

It’s a well-rounded and comprehensive cookbook for those with cooking skills who want to find easy recipes that will delight family and friends.

5. Mary Berry Everyday: Make Every Meal Special

This cookbook was added to our list because it takes everyday dishes and makes them unique.

They are perfect for special occasions where impressing is the order of the day.

They’re also great when you need to indulge in delicious meals throughout the week.

There are wonderful sections of appetizers (food to share) along with first courses and light lunches. Recipes for cooking different kinds of poultry and meat seafood dishes, as well as vegetarian recipes.

Every recipe has a photo, and some recipes have step-by-step pictures if they’re more complex.

Her writing style is easy and clear to follow, as with her other cookbooks. So, whether you’re making something like Very Posh Fish Cakes or Thai Crab Poppadom Canapes, you’ll feel confident in taking these on and making them a success.

Best Mary Berry Cookbooks for Baking

If you were awed by Mary Berry from the Great British Bake Off and would like to pretend to be on the show, look through these gorgeous photos.

Each recipe will make you bake show-stoppers in no time without a "watery bottom!"

6. Fast Cakes: Easy Bakes in Minutes

I love this cookbook for baking because it’s great for busy individuals who don’t have a lot of time in the kitchen but need tasty baked treats.

Mary has incorporated her all-in-one method into the recipes to make them quickly.

This book includes more than 150 baking recipes from Honey & Almond Cake to Mary’s First-Rate Chocolate Cake.

If you’re baking for kids, some fun recipes include Happy Face Cookies, Traffic Lights, and Jammy Buns.

There are plenty of gorgeous images of the finished result, and her recipes are easy to follow and understand. This is the cookbook for you if you’re looking for fast, simple, and delicious baking.

7. Baking with Mary Berry

For bakers who wish to be more involved in baking and enjoy working in their kitchens and reworking their baking skills, Baking with Mary Berry is the ideal option.

I highly recommend this book to those with only a little baking experience, as it doesn't have the same information breakdown as The Baking Bible.

The book is still packed with photos and easy-to-follow recipes for more than 100 dishes ranging from The Ultimate Chocolate Roulade to Lemon Cupcakes.

Worthy Mentions: Best Mary Berry Themed Cookbooks

We decided to include some of our favorite cookbooks to the list too. Check out these extra cookbooks by Mary Berry’s brilliant mind. 

Entertainment by Mary Berry

The title of this book implies it’s perfect for those looking for tasty recipes to prepare for a large group.

There are more than 160 recipes, stunning photography, timeless recipes and plenty of ideas for your next dinner party.

The book also includes tips about increasing or decreasing the amount of food you serve, based on the numbers you are cooking for.

Suppose you’re hosting an intimate lunch gathering with your loved ones or a larger gathering for the time of the holiday season, this cookbook will give you plenty of options and directions for creating the perfect dinner.


Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection

Nothing screams Christmas and the season of giving as much as baking. Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection cookbook doesn’t disappoint.

This book includes the Christmas countdown (so you’re aware of what to make and when), recipes, shopping lists, and beautiful photographs.

Mary offers suggestions on preparing ahead and putting it in the freezer. When it comes to the day of the event, hosting and serving will be easy. It’s an essential for people who love entertaining during the holiday season.

Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts

The final cookbook is filled with easy and comforting recipes that cover anything you can think of, from Whole Roasted Squash with Garlic and Chilli Butter to a warming Spicy Sausage and Red Pepper Hot Pot or slow roast French Lamb with Ratatouille.

Whatever you’re looking for, this stunningly shot and well-written recipe book has all the answers.

Each recipe comes with a picture of the finished result. You’ll know exactly what you want to achieve when you cook in Mary Berry’s classic style.

How To Choose The Best Mary Berry Cookbook For You

With a culinary genius such as Mary Berry, you’re going to receive great advice and delicious recipes from any of her cookbooks. However, we’re all unique, and there’s an ideal option for you.

Let’s look at the most important factors to consider when selecting the perfect Mary Berry guide to cooking or baking.

Do You Want To Bake Or Cook?

Although Mary Berry may be best known as the Queen of Baking, she is also an outstanding home cook.

There are a lot of great cookbooks that span in price from “Baking Bible” to a “Cookery Course to Entertaining” to classics, and everything in between.

To choose the most suitable Mary Berry cookbook for you, you must decide whether you’d like to bake or cook.

Then you can limit your choices based on whether you’re a novice cook or baker or you’re a pro in the kitchen looking to up your game.

Figure Out What Your Need Is

After deciding whether you’d like to cook or bake, limit your options according to a theme.

Do you want to concentrate on entertainment? Do you wish to learn the basic concepts? Are you interested in learning new recipes for comfort food? Perhaps you’re looking for special holiday recipes that have your guests coming back for seconds at your next holiday celebration, dinner, or other event.

If you don’t have much time in the kitchen, your goal could be to find recipes that are simple to prepare yet will pack a punch.

You won't be disappointed in any one of them. The choice will be based on what you want to accomplish using the recipes.

Look For A Cookbook With Lots Of Photos

Everyone learns in different ways, but I’ve always found it extremely beneficial when there are lots of pictures of a new recipe that I’m trying to learn, particularly in the middle stages.

The ability to visualize the different steps and, at a minimum, the final product will let you know whether you’re on the right path.

Luckily, the cookbooks of Mary Berry are stunningly photographed, and many of her cooking or basic baking recipes come with step-by-step instructions to assist you in making her recipes for food.

If you’re new to cooking, search for cookbooks with more pictures.

Reviews of The Cookbook

It never hurts to read what others are talking about. This is particularly helpful when you are trying to determine how precise the directions are in the recipe.

Make sure you look up reviews to ensure the recipes are written in a manner that is understandable to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Mary Berry book?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as everyone has different preferences. However, some of Mary Berry’s most popular books include ‘Baking with Mary Berry’, ‘Mary Berry’s Baking Bible’, and ‘Mary Berry Cooks.’

What is considered the best cookbook of all time?

Again, there is no definitive answer to this question. However, some of the most popular cookbooks of all time include ‘The Joy of Cooking’, ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’, and ‘The Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook’.

What is Mary Berry’s latest cookbook called?

Mary Berry’s latest cookbook is ‘Mary Berry’s Baking Bible’.

What is Mary Berry’s best selling cookbook?

Mary Berry’s best-selling cookbook is ‘Baking with Mary Berry’.

What is Mary Berry’s most famous recipe?

Mary Berry’s most famous recipe is her Victoria Sponge Cake, and you will find this recipe in all of her baking cookbooks.

How many cookery books has Mary Berry published?

Mary Berry has published over 70 cookery books.

Does Mary Berry have a vegetarian cookbook?

Yes, Mary Berry has a vegetarian cookbook called ‘Mary Berry’s Vegetarian Cooking’.

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