The 9 Best Vegan Cookbooks of 2020

It’s no surprise Ella Mills Woodward has lots of Instagram followers. A pioneer for plant-based living, the British entrepreneur has made a global business from what started as a vegan food blog. Luckily for us, Mills Woodward somehow still finds time to create cookbooks when she isn’t overseeing her London deli, launching new products, or recording her podcast.

This latest cookbook from Mills Woodward (her first book was the best-selling debut cookbook ever in the UK!) comes complete with 100 recipes for warming stews, hearty salads, and decadent breakfasts, including Green Thai curry and buckwheat pancakes topped with ultra-rich—dairy-free, of course—hot chocolate sauce. Yum.

Not your mama’s classic cookbook, Thug Kitchen is an irreverent and entertaining approach to vegan cooking. We won’t spoil the surprise, but you can rest assured that this cookbook keeps it interesting. Read through recipe directions for some sass (translation: lots of swearing) and a good laugh, then stick around for the insanely delicious food. Thug Kitchen serves up a range of veggie-forward recipes, from whole wheat banana pancakes to lime cauliflower tacos and pumpkin chili. Pick up a copy for a good time and great eats. 

Food blogger Angela Liddon compiled some of her most sought-after recipes to create this comprehensive plant-forward cookbook. With more than 100 nutrient-rich recipes on offer, The Oh She Glows Cookbook is a go-to destination for vegan recipes so delicious even meat-eaters will love them.

In the mood for a Thai peanut noodle bowl? How about nacho dip? Marinated portobello mushrooms over a walnut, avocado, and pear salad? Recipes for each are included in this cookbook as Liddon gives classic dishes healthy makeovers and also serves up new ideas that are sure to be fast favorites. Also nice: this cookbook is great for gluten-free eaters, as well. More than 90 of the recipes in the book are free from gluten!

For everyday vegan recipes you won’t tire of, opt for Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking. Every recipe in the book requires 10 ingredients or less, one bowl or one pot, or takes 30 minutes or less to make. Busy home cooks will love these no-fuss meals that truly taste amazing. 

Want a taste of what’s in store? Readers will find plant-based (mostly gluten-free) recipes for tasty dishes like double chocolate waffles, smoky BBQ veggie burgers, and Thai quinoa “meatballs” in this innovative cookbook. Who said veggies weren’t versatile?

Fun fact: the creators of The Plantpower Way are endurance athletes, artists, motivational speakers, plant-based chefs—and husband and wife. Though the cookbook offers more than 120 hearty vegan recipes, it’s also loaded with helpful guidance on how to subscribe to a plant-based lifestyle as a family (the authors have four children themselves). Readers will find info on the best healing foods, learn how to read nutrition labels like a pro, and get access to a master plantpower shopping list for easier grocery hauls. Consider it your guide to living a fuller life that benefits the planet and boosts your physical and mental wellness at the same time. 

If you’ve ever balked at the prospect of eating vegan (even just for a few days), this cookbook is for you. Blogger-author Kristy Turner has come up with recipes for every possible excuse. Can’t give up cheese? Try her tempeh bacon mac and cheese with pecan parmesan. Obsessed with ice cream? She has a recipe for dairy-free oatmeal raisin ice cream sandwiches. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, no fear. Turner also includes plenty of recipes for ultra-healthy entrée salads, including a roasted root veggie and kale salad with cashew blue cheese.

Like the book states, whether you’re “a waffling vegan newbie, on-the-fence vegetarian, or veg-curious omnivore, this book will banish your doubts.” Bonus points for the gorgeous food photos and the impressive 125 easy-to-follow recipes included in the book. 

Consider this vegan comfort food cookbook your go-to guide for convincing meat-eaters that plant-based meals can taste amazing. We wouldn’t recommend this one if you’re looking to eat vegan for weight loss, but if you’re in search of satisfying classics free from animal products, look no further. You’ll find plant-based versions of everything from Philly cheesesteaks to fried chicken and ramen in this vegan cookbook. Sweet potato gnocchi, cinnamon rolls, hot buffalo “chicken” dip are also up for grabs. Because you can only eat so many veggie grain bowls. 

Baked lentil falafel? Cobb salad with portobello bacon? Blueberry oatmeal breakfast bars? Check. Check. Check. This colorful cookbook from culinary travel show host Dustin Harder is packed with plant-based recipes you’ll fall in love with stat. Each dish is made from easy-to-find ingredients and can be whipped up with just 30 minutes (or less) of active time in the kitchen. Harder’s quickie recipes for sweet and sour cauliflower and coconut-ginger rice with edamame may just help you finally kick that weeknight takeout habit. You’re welcome.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Forks Over Knives isn’t just a cookbook. It’s also a book, a documentary, and a movement. The 2011 doc famously highlighted the healing power of whole foods, following individuals who reversed the courses of their chronic diseases by subscribing to a plant-based diet. The Forks Over Knives approach is all about preventing disease and preserving health by ditching processed foods and animal products. That may sound difficult, but this cookbook provides more than 300 recipes, so you’ll never be at a loss for what to cook up.

Start your day with a breakfast quinoa bowl topped with sweet apple compote, then load up on savory eats like polenta pizza, grilled eggplant “steaks,” and stir-fried noodles and veggies for the rest of the day. Don’t fret: sweet treats (think: apricot fig squares and berry cobbler) are also allowed in a Forks Over Knives-inspired meal plan.