8 Best Northern Italian Cookbooks & Recipe Books

Looking to master the art of Northern Italian cooking?

Discover the ultimate collection of cookbooks and recipe books that will transport you to the flavors of Italy.

With a focus on simplicity and authenticity, these books will guide you through creating mouthwatering dishes that capture the essence of Northern Italian cuisine.

Get ready to elevate your culinary skills and indulge in the rich flavors of this beloved region.

Get started now with our handpicked selection of Northern Italian cookbooks.

Top 8 Northern Italian Cookbooks

Here is the list of Northern Italian Cookbooks

  • Northern Italian Cooking by Biba Caggiano – Best Overall
  • Biba’s Northern Italian Cooking by Biba Caggiano – Editor’s Choice
  • Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan – Best for Beginners
  • The Country Cooking of Italy by Colman Andrews – Best for Regional Recipes
  • La Cucina Italiana – Best for Authenticity
  • Liguria by Fred Plotkin – Best for Ligurian Cuisine
  • The Pesto Cookbook by Olwen Woodier – Best for Pesto Lovers
  • The Italian Deli Cookbook by Theo Randall – Best for Deli-Inspired Recipes

Northern Italian Cooking by Biba Caggiano

Biba Caggiano’s “Northern Italian Cooking” is a delightful culinary journey through the heart of Italy’s rich and diverse cuisine.

As the “Best Overall” Northern Italian cookbook, it offers over 200 mouthwatering recipes that are simple to master and perfect for any occasion.

Bologna-born Biba, a renowned chef and owner of a Sacramento-based restaurant, shares her passion for authentic Italian cooking with dishes like Green Lasagne Bologna Style, Shellfish Risotto, and Pheasant with Gin and Juniper Berries.

This cookbook is not only a treasure trove of delicious recipes but also a traveler’s guide to Italy, with some recipes inspired by the author’s favorite restaurants.

So, buckle up your apron and get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure with Biba’s “Northern Italian Cooking”!

Biba’s Northern Italian Cooking by Biba Caggiano

Biba’s Northern Italian Cooking by Biba Caggiano is a delightful culinary journey through Northern Italy.

With over 200 authentic recipes, this cookbook is a treasure trove for anyone looking to master the art of Northern Italian cuisine.

Biba, a Bologna native, shares her passion for simple yet sumptuous meals, from antipasto to dessert, with dishes suitable for all occasions.

Her Green Lasagne Bologna Style, Shellfish Risotto, Pheasant with Gin and Juniper Berries, and Pears Poached in Red Wine are just a few examples of the mouthwatering recipes you’ll find in this gem of a cookbook.

So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound Italian cooking skills.

Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with Marcella Hazan’s “Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking”!

This culinary bible combines Hazan’s most beloved books, “The Classic Italian Cook Book” and “More Classic Italian Cooking,” into one updated and expanded volume.

Perfect for beginners, Hazan’s recipes are concise, clear, and unfussy, guiding you through the art of Italian cooking with ease.

From mastering the basics of sauces and meats to choosing the perfect vegetables, this cookbook has got you covered.

So, grab your apron and channel your inner Italian chef with this gem of a cookbook.

The Country Cooking of Italy by Colman Andrews

Dive into the authentic flavors of Italy with Colman Andrews’ “The Country Cooking of Italy.”

This cookbook is a treasure trove of regional recipes, with Andrews drawing on over 40 years of experience traveling and eating in Italy.

With 230 sumptuous recipes highlighting the abundant flavors of the land, this book explores every region, from Piedmont to Puglia.

The ingredient-focused culture and rural traditions shine through in each dish, making it a perfect choice for those looking to expand their Italian culinary repertoire.

So, get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Italy’s countryside, one mouth-watering recipe at a time!

La Cucina Italiana: The Encyclopedia of Italian Cooking

If you’re craving a taste of genuine Northern Italian cuisine, look no further than “La Cucina Italiana: The Encyclopedia of Italian Cooking”.

This cookbook is a treasure trove of traditional and contemporary recipes that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.

With its comprehensive approach to Italian cooking, it’s no wonder we’ve awarded it the title of “Best for Authenticity.”

So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this cookbook is sure to become your go-to guide for all things Italian.

Liguria by Fred Plotkin

Dive into the flavors of the Italian Riviera with ‘Liguria’ by Fred Plotkin, a cookbook that has been praised for its passion, scholarship, and vivid imagery.

This award-winning cookbook offers a delightful collection of authentic Ligurian recipes, such as Stuffed Basil Leaves, Chestnut Gnocchi, and Polenta Incatenata.

Plotkin’s meticulous research and attention to detail make this book a fascinating read, with tidbits like Tagliatelle Bastarde that are both interesting in origin and delicious in taste.

The New York Times even named it the best cookbook of 1997.

So, if you’re looking to explore the undiscovered cuisine of Liguria, this cookbook is your ticket to paradise!

The Pesto Cookbook by Olwen Woodier

If you’re a pesto aficionado, “The Pesto Cookbook” by Olwen Woodier is a must-have in your kitchen library.

This delightful cookbook goes beyond traditional basil pesto, offering 116 creative recipes that incorporate a variety of herbs, such as rosemary, mint, parsley, thyme, tarragon, and cilantro.

Woodier’s innovative approach takes inspiration from cultures beyond Italy, featuring international flavors like Moroccan Chermoula, Brazilian Tempero Purée, and Peanut-Cilantro Pesto.

With mouthwatering recipes for fresh pestos, pastes, and purées, this cookbook will have you whipping up delicious sauces for sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and more.

So, if you’re ready to unlock the full potential of pesto, grab a copy of this gem and let your taste buds embark on a flavorful adventure! 

The Italian Deli Cookbook by Theo Randall

Theo Randall’s “The Italian Deli Cookbook” is a treasure trove of 100 glorious recipes celebrating the best of Italian ingredients.

This cookbook is perfect for those who love deli-inspired dishes, as it showcases delicious family recipes using ingredients commonly found in Italian delis, such as cured meats, smoked fish, jarred vegetables, vinegars, olives, pasta, pulses, cheeses, and wine.

Written during the first lockdown of 2020, it’s ideal for turning pantry staples into something new and exciting.

With its simple yet exceptional recipes, this cookbook is suitable for beginners and confident home cooks alike.

So, if you’re looking to whip up some mouth-watering Italian dishes with a deli twist, this cookbook is your go-to guide!

Final Say So!

Unearth the magic of Northern Italian cuisine with our curated list of top cookbooks.

From the rustic flavors of Liguria to the hearty dishes of Bologna, these books promise a culinary journey like no other.

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, there’s a treasure trove of recipes waiting to be explored.

Dive in, and let the flavors of Northern Italy tantalize your taste buds.

Buon appetito!

Renee Searcy

Hi! I’m Renee. From a young age, I’ve been enchanted by the flavors, aromas, and the art of cooking. My journey has taken me from my family’s kitchen to working with some of the most talented chefs and culinary experts in Atlanta, GA, and beyond.

Leave a Comment