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The Pioneer Woman Cooks―The Essential Recipes: 120 Greatest Hits, New Twists, and Perfected Classics – A Foolproof Guide for Home Cooks
The ninth blockbuster cookbook by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ree Drummond, featuring tested, perfected versions of her all-time favorite, most crowd-pleasing, and timelessly popular recipes—the classics that families turn to every day and year after year.
Bestselling author, Food Network personality, businesswoman, and mother of five Ree Drummond has her fair share of dog-eared and oil-splattered recipes in constant rotation. She’s learned a lot since she first started sharing recipes with the world almost twenty years ago, and now when she’s in the kitchen, her main focus is finding ways to make her all-time favorite dishes even more delicious versions of themselves—and to ensure each method is absolutely foolproof. This is a book of everybody’s tried-and-true Ree favorites, but re-examined, re-worked, and made even more perfect than the original, so that Ree's millions of fans (and their families) can share in the delicious results!
Ree focuses on her can’t-live-without dishes—those classic favorites that families turn to, week in and week out, no matter the era or generation—and including many dishes that are destined to be classics for years to come. Whether you’re just starting out as a home cook or you’re already a seasoned pro at feeding a family, you’ll love this one stop shop for all the recipes Ree and her family have loved most for the past twenty-five years, made even better this time around. Because if a recipe is worthy of repeating, it’s worthy of perfecting.
The Pioneer Woman The Essential Recipes serves up dishes for every occasion,
Even more perfect pancakes, for truly memorable breakfasts Macaroni and cheese, for an indulgent dinner or versatile sideMeatloaf, mastered by Ree for a comforting supperSplendid, simple pot roast, the perfect Sunday dinnerChicken pot pie, for a taste of nostalgiaSublime scalloped potatoes with ham—rich, hearty, and so deliciousClassic pies and cookies for every occasionAlongside these re-tested and revamped classics, you’ll find variations to suit the pickiest palate and offer options for every occasion, like French Dip, Whiskey Carrots, and Chocolate Sheet Cake. And detailed instructions for Roast Chicken, French Fries, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Once and for All will give you the go-to methods you’ll turn to time and again.
To take away the guesswork, Ree presents all her recipes with step-by-step photos, her signature style from day one. There are also useful tips and tricks for home cooks who are looking to streamline their meal-prep efforts and revolutionize the time they spend in the kitchen, including Ree’s failsafe tips for getting ahead.
With all your very favorite tried-and-true recipes in one spot, figuring out your next meal has never been so easy. If there’s ever been a cookbook Ree considers her recipe bible . . . this is the one!
Bestselling author, Food Network personality, businesswoman, and mother of five Ree Drummond has her fair share of dog-eared and oil-splattered recipes in constant rotation. She’s learned a lot since she first started sharing recipes with the world almost twenty years ago, and now when she’s in the kitchen, her main focus is finding ways to make her all-time favorite dishes even more delicious versions of themselves—and to ensure each method is absolutely foolproof. This is a book of everybody’s tried-and-true Ree favorites, but re-examined, re-worked, and made even more perfect than the original, so that Ree's millions of fans (and their families) can share in the delicious results!
Ree focuses on her can’t-live-without dishes—those classic favorites that families turn to, week in and week out, no matter the era or generation—and including many dishes that are destined to be classics for years to come. Whether you’re just starting out as a home cook or you’re already a seasoned pro at feeding a family, you’ll love this one stop shop for all the recipes Ree and her family have loved most for the past twenty-five years, made even better this time around. Because if a recipe is worthy of repeating, it’s worthy of perfecting.
The Pioneer Woman The Essential Recipes serves up dishes for every occasion,
Even more perfect pancakes, for truly memorable breakfasts Macaroni and cheese, for an indulgent dinner or versatile sideMeatloaf, mastered by Ree for a comforting supperSplendid, simple pot roast, the perfect Sunday dinnerChicken pot pie, for a taste of nostalgiaSublime scalloped potatoes with ham—rich, hearty, and so deliciousClassic pies and cookies for every occasionAlongside these re-tested and revamped classics, you’ll find variations to suit the pickiest palate and offer options for every occasion, like French Dip, Whiskey Carrots, and Chocolate Sheet Cake. And detailed instructions for Roast Chicken, French Fries, and Hard-Boiled Eggs Once and for All will give you the go-to methods you’ll turn to time and again.
To take away the guesswork, Ree presents all her recipes with step-by-step photos, her signature style from day one. There are also useful tips and tricks for home cooks who are looking to streamline their meal-prep efforts and revolutionize the time they spend in the kitchen, including Ree’s failsafe tips for getting ahead.
With all your very favorite tried-and-true recipes in one spot, figuring out your next meal has never been so easy. If there’s ever been a cookbook Ree considers her recipe bible . . . this is the one!
400 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2025
147 people are currently reading
11763 people want to read
About the author
Ree Drummond
49 books2,068 followersRee Drummond began blogging in 2006 and has built an award-winning website, where she shares recipes, showcases her photography, and documents her hilarious transition from city life to ranch wife. She is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling cookbook
The Pioneer Woman Cooks
. Ree lives on a working cattle ranch near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, with her husband, Ladd; their four kids; their beloved basset hound; and lots of other animals.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 13, 2026
I have depended on Ree’s recipes through the years and this cookbook is just as trustworthy! The recipes here are tried and true staples and this cookbook is a great resource.
Her biscuits and gravy are amazing; my family said they are the best homemade biscuits they have ever had. The sandwich bread came out just as she described, the broccoli cheese soup is our new repeating must-have soup, her white chicken enchiladas give JoJo’s a run for their money (sorry Joanna!), and I can make seed oil-free mayo now! (It’s a lot easier than you think but make sure all the ingredients are room temperature.)
Needless to say, I haven’t been out of the kitchen since I opened her book. I borrowed this cookbook from the library, but I’ll have to buy two because I know the first one will become worn out!
Thanks, Ree! - Sara W.
Her biscuits and gravy are amazing; my family said they are the best homemade biscuits they have ever had. The sandwich bread came out just as she described, the broccoli cheese soup is our new repeating must-have soup, her white chicken enchiladas give JoJo’s a run for their money (sorry Joanna!), and I can make seed oil-free mayo now! (It’s a lot easier than you think but make sure all the ingredients are room temperature.)
Needless to say, I haven’t been out of the kitchen since I opened her book. I borrowed this cookbook from the library, but I’ll have to buy two because I know the first one will become worn out!
Thanks, Ree! - Sara W.
September 16, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
There are so many amazing recipes included in this cookbook, things that truly are essentials for those who cook at all. What I really like about this cookbook is that there isn't just one photo of each recipe, but multiple, showing what each step should look like. Very useful for newer cooks or those recipes you have never tried before. I really wish every recipe book would do this.
Definitely would recommend this!
There are so many amazing recipes included in this cookbook, things that truly are essentials for those who cook at all. What I really like about this cookbook is that there isn't just one photo of each recipe, but multiple, showing what each step should look like. Very useful for newer cooks or those recipes you have never tried before. I really wish every recipe book would do this.
Definitely would recommend this!
September 21, 2025
Ree Drummond, the queen of rustic ranch cooking, has been dishing out her signature recipes for years through her blog, TV show, and a shelf's worth of cookbooks. Her latest, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes, is billed as her definitive collection, a curated roundup of 120 "tried and true" favorites that span the spectrum of everyday meals. If you're a fan, this feels like a warm, flour-dusted hug from an old friend. If you're new to Ree's world, it's a solid entry point into her no-fuss, flavor-packed style. But as with much of her work, it's not without its quirks.
Drummond organizes her essentials into intuitive chapters: Breakfasty Food (think hearty skillets and stacks of pancakes), Lunchy Food (quick sandwiches and salads), Pizza, Casseroles, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Potatoes & Sides, and Desserts & Drinks. These are the recipes that built her empire, think cheesy chicken enchiladas, slow-cooker pot roast, or her infamous chocolate sheet cake. She's tweaked a few for the better (streamlined steps, updated tips), and many include variations to keep things fresh. Yields, prep times, and substitution notes make it beginner-friendly, while her signature storytelling—tales of family dinners or kitchen mishaps—adds that personal touch.
What stands out is the visual feast. Every single recipe gets a mouthwatering full-color hero shot of the finished dish, which is a treat in a genre where skimpy photography is all too common. Fans will devour this; it's like flipping through Ree's Instagram feed, but with substance.
For seasoned cooks, much of this will feel like home turf—classic American fare that's indulgent and approachable. Nothing here demands Michelin-level skills; even the more involved casseroles come with clear yields and timelines. I can already picture myself whipping up her beef stroganoff on a chilly weeknight or her berry trifle for a summer barbecue. The recipes aren't health-focused (butter and cream are stars, as they should be in Ree's playbook), but that's part of the appeal—it's food that tastes like nostalgia, the kind that fueled childhood memories without apology.
The step-by-step instructions shine for novices, breaking down techniques with precision. And those personal anecdotes? They're gold, turning a cookbook into a fireside chat. If you've grown up on similar hearty eats, you'll nod along and reach for your apron.
Here's where I part ways with the hype: the exhaustive step-by-step photography. Every whisk, chop, and stir gets its own snapshot—three images just for mixing dry ingredients? There were 17 photos for lemon poppyseed muffins alone. Seventeen! Yes, it’s a nod to her blog's origins, which catapulted her to fame with that hyper-detailed, tutorial-like vibe, but in book form, it borders on patronizing. Most home cooks don't need a visual aid for sautéing onions; we get it. This photo overload eats up real estate, meaning fewer recipes could have squeezed in. A trim of 50% of those interim shots would have made room for more variety without sacrificing the essentials.
It's a deliberate choice, sure—Ree's brand is all about hand-holding for the kitchen-curious. Her devotees will lap it up as the thoughtful touch it is. But for those of us who skim recipes like pros, it slows the pace and bloats the pages.
I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Drummond organizes her essentials into intuitive chapters: Breakfasty Food (think hearty skillets and stacks of pancakes), Lunchy Food (quick sandwiches and salads), Pizza, Casseroles, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Potatoes & Sides, and Desserts & Drinks. These are the recipes that built her empire, think cheesy chicken enchiladas, slow-cooker pot roast, or her infamous chocolate sheet cake. She's tweaked a few for the better (streamlined steps, updated tips), and many include variations to keep things fresh. Yields, prep times, and substitution notes make it beginner-friendly, while her signature storytelling—tales of family dinners or kitchen mishaps—adds that personal touch.
What stands out is the visual feast. Every single recipe gets a mouthwatering full-color hero shot of the finished dish, which is a treat in a genre where skimpy photography is all too common. Fans will devour this; it's like flipping through Ree's Instagram feed, but with substance.
For seasoned cooks, much of this will feel like home turf—classic American fare that's indulgent and approachable. Nothing here demands Michelin-level skills; even the more involved casseroles come with clear yields and timelines. I can already picture myself whipping up her beef stroganoff on a chilly weeknight or her berry trifle for a summer barbecue. The recipes aren't health-focused (butter and cream are stars, as they should be in Ree's playbook), but that's part of the appeal—it's food that tastes like nostalgia, the kind that fueled childhood memories without apology.
The step-by-step instructions shine for novices, breaking down techniques with precision. And those personal anecdotes? They're gold, turning a cookbook into a fireside chat. If you've grown up on similar hearty eats, you'll nod along and reach for your apron.
Here's where I part ways with the hype: the exhaustive step-by-step photography. Every whisk, chop, and stir gets its own snapshot—three images just for mixing dry ingredients? There were 17 photos for lemon poppyseed muffins alone. Seventeen! Yes, it’s a nod to her blog's origins, which catapulted her to fame with that hyper-detailed, tutorial-like vibe, but in book form, it borders on patronizing. Most home cooks don't need a visual aid for sautéing onions; we get it. This photo overload eats up real estate, meaning fewer recipes could have squeezed in. A trim of 50% of those interim shots would have made room for more variety without sacrificing the essentials.
It's a deliberate choice, sure—Ree's brand is all about hand-holding for the kitchen-curious. Her devotees will lap it up as the thoughtful touch it is. But for those of us who skim recipes like pros, it slows the pace and bloats the pages.
I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
An INCREDIBLE collection of recipes! As a long time Ree Drummond fan and a big cookbook fan, this book is top notch!! While narrowly focused cookbooks can be fun, I find immense value in this broad cookbook full of the Pioneer Woman’s “essential recipes”. Perfect for families.
While other cookbooks sometimes fail at providing just one picture per recipe, this gem is chock full of pictures, including for each step of each recipe!!
I love the personal pictures and tidbits Ree shares throughout. I’m especially always a sucker for her basset hound pictures!!
I highly recommend this cookbook for all and want a physical copy for my shelf!
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley!
While other cookbooks sometimes fail at providing just one picture per recipe, this gem is chock full of pictures, including for each step of each recipe!!
I love the personal pictures and tidbits Ree shares throughout. I’m especially always a sucker for her basset hound pictures!!
I highly recommend this cookbook for all and want a physical copy for my shelf!
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley!
October 20, 2025
I absolutely adore Ree Drummond. She is one of my all time favorite TV chefs. I think she just has an overall great vibe and her food is always delicious!
I love how this book is an evolution of many of her classic tried and true family loved and approved dishes! I've made a few of these very same recipes in the past and I know I'll be making those and many more into future dinners in my home .
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I love how this book is an evolution of many of her classic tried and true family loved and approved dishes! I've made a few of these very same recipes in the past and I know I'll be making those and many more into future dinners in my home .
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2026
Considering all the repeat recipes, I still really love this cookbook because the ones included are some of my favorites of hers that are on repeat in our family.
January 6, 2026
Well the title says it all for this cookbook from Ree. There really is nothing new or particularly exciting in this book of classic and updated recipes. Truly I think that this would be a perfect cookbook for a beginning cook. Every recipe comes with a full colour photgraph for the finished product, as well, every step in the recipe has a photo, perfect for those who don't know what chopping and sauteeing looks like. There is a little story for each recipe and lots of photos of Ree's family.
Plenty of butter and sugar in here...all of the recipes are indeed what I would consider comfort food, and "stick to your ribs" deliciousness.
Plenty of butter and sugar in here...all of the recipes are indeed what I would consider comfort food, and "stick to your ribs" deliciousness.
December 22, 2025
Such a colorful cookbook! As per usual with Ree Drummond cookbooks, each recipe has step-by-step photos. And there are plenty of family photos sprinkled throughout the cookbook. The "Essential" is correct as the recipes contained here are family favorites in all catagories: chili, roasts, pankcakes, condiments, desserts, etc. The recipes call for ingredients most average cooks have on hand. There are a few items I don't usually keep in stock, but they aren't hard to find or too expensive. The recipes are well written and the instructions are clear. I did find a time or two while reading through the cookbook that additional ingedients are listed in the instructions - which weren't listed in the recipe itself. So be sure to read through the recipe once before starting.
This is one fabulous cookbook with delicious recipes anyone can prepare. But it fell just short of 5 stars. The recipes didn't have nutritional information with them and a good portion of the recipes serve 8 - 10 people. WOW! I know Ree Drummond cooks for a big family, but with my family of two I would have to reduce the recipes in half. I really don't feel like doing math before I start cooking.
I wouldn't complain if someone gifted me this cookbook, but not one I'll purchase myself.
Happy Cooking!
This is one fabulous cookbook with delicious recipes anyone can prepare. But it fell just short of 5 stars. The recipes didn't have nutritional information with them and a good portion of the recipes serve 8 - 10 people. WOW! I know Ree Drummond cooks for a big family, but with my family of two I would have to reduce the recipes in half. I really don't feel like doing math before I start cooking.
I wouldn't complain if someone gifted me this cookbook, but not one I'll purchase myself.
Happy Cooking!
December 27, 2025
If you have read and liked any of Ree Drummond's cookbooks before, then you will enjoy this one. She gives some of the same recipes from other cookbooks but these are new and improved. She includes photos of the step by step process for each recipe which is why I like her cookbooks so much. She also gives reasons why she chose each recipe for the book with stories of her family. Another great, yummy cookbook.
September 14, 2025
Netgalley ARC- Watching the Pioneer Woman was my dirty little secret. It always made me feel like I was in her house and a member of her family. Plus the food, while simple and non-fussy looks so damn delicious. This is a collection of the greatest hits. I felt like I came home to the farm and got to eat my mom's cooking again (except in real life my mom only had one good recipe). The photos are a nice companion to the easy-to-read and follow recipes. Each is written just like her show, conversational and well-worn, tome honored. No complaints here, this is a keeper.
October 31, 2025
I love the Pioneer Woman! I always get compliments when I use her recipes. I have several of her cookbooks, but I think this might be her best yet. I love her step by step instructions that include pictures. Gorgeous cookbook that would make a wonderful Christmas gift!
November 13, 2025
All of her best recipes throughout the years and some more. Excellent cookbook covering delicious, homemade recipes. I believe this is her best cookbook yet.
November 26, 2025
I got a quarter of the way through and sent it back to the library. I need to own this one, so I've asked someone to buy it for me for Christmas.
December 27, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Pioneer Woman Cooks - The Essential Recipes.
I've been watching Ree Drummond on The Food Network on and off for years.
I like her but am not a fan of her cooking.
At the same time I respect her straightforward recipes.
They're not fancy schmany or bougie or pretending to be something they're not.
They're homey and simple, just like her cooking.
That's why they're essential recipes; they're classic, popular, and no fuss no muss.
Yes, some recipes are really basic.
Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, anyone?
I love the photos that accompanied the step by step instructions but most of all, I love the family photos she shares with her readers.
As always, I was excited to see the chapter on desserts but it could have been longer. 😄
I've been watching Ree Drummond on The Food Network on and off for years.
I like her but am not a fan of her cooking.
At the same time I respect her straightforward recipes.
They're not fancy schmany or bougie or pretending to be something they're not.
They're homey and simple, just like her cooking.
That's why they're essential recipes; they're classic, popular, and no fuss no muss.
Yes, some recipes are really basic.
Steamed broccoli with cheese sauce, anyone?
I love the photos that accompanied the step by step instructions but most of all, I love the family photos she shares with her readers.
As always, I was excited to see the chapter on desserts but it could have been longer. 😄
November 1, 2025
Enjoyable if tou like The Pioneer Woman, which I do- i wish there would be a few more out of comfort zone recipes but I get it it have tried a few and they were good will definitely buy for Christmas gifts for my family who enjoys her recipes and books
Thank you net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
Thank you net galley for the arc in exchange for an honest review
2025
September 8, 2025📱 Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Cookbooks
December 29, 2025
This is a great collection of greatest hits, but I was a little disappointed that there are very few genuinely new recipes included. Still handy to have all of these in one place though.
January 19, 2026
Lots of pictures which is a plus. I love the step by step instructions. The recipes look very good.
October 12, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the eARC
I can hear her voice as I’m reading. The pictures are gorgeous and delicious. I love seeing updates on her family and the lives we have come to love over the years. Her witty humor comes through her words, it was like watching her tv show. The recipes are simple and easy to follow and nicely laid out. I can’t wait to get a copy of this in my hands.
The only thing I had an issue with is the way in which the pages were laid out but I suspect this was an early layout so the final production would be different.
I can hear her voice as I’m reading. The pictures are gorgeous and delicious. I love seeing updates on her family and the lives we have come to love over the years. Her witty humor comes through her words, it was like watching her tv show. The recipes are simple and easy to follow and nicely laid out. I can’t wait to get a copy of this in my hands.
The only thing I had an issue with is the way in which the pages were laid out but I suspect this was an early layout so the final production would be different.
November 13, 2025
I have yet to be skunked by a Ree Drummond classic recipe, and this book was no exception. The recipes are easy to follow and typically make use of things you have on hand. I find you don't have to go out and buy special herbs and spices just to make things from her list. You do have to plan some of the recipes in advance of going to the grocery store, but there are a number that work with staples that most cooks and families would have in their fridge or pantry. So, from my perspective, this cookbook is perfect for just grabbing when you don't know what to cook and then making a meal.
I have tried a number of the recipes in this book and have yet to have one not be a hit with my family. The kids in my house are older, but they all have varied tastes, and this cookbook works for all. I tested the pancakes - because I have a pretty good recipe of my own - to much success, the Mac 'n cheese, the biscuits, some salads .... You name it.
Everything turned out and was devoured, The little snippets that Drummond includes both at the start of the book and for each recipe were fun additions. Well written and enjoyable just like the recipes and resulting eats.
The only downside to Drummond's recipes is maybe the fact that they are definitely not built around watching your calorie intake. They aren't unhealthy but they don't scrimp on things like cream and butter if the recipe needs those to work.
For anyone who has tried Ree Drummond's recipes and wants a collection of classics on hand without having to look them up online, this is a great "bible" to buy.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
I have tried a number of the recipes in this book and have yet to have one not be a hit with my family. The kids in my house are older, but they all have varied tastes, and this cookbook works for all. I tested the pancakes - because I have a pretty good recipe of my own - to much success, the Mac 'n cheese, the biscuits, some salads .... You name it.
Everything turned out and was devoured, The little snippets that Drummond includes both at the start of the book and for each recipe were fun additions. Well written and enjoyable just like the recipes and resulting eats.
The only downside to Drummond's recipes is maybe the fact that they are definitely not built around watching your calorie intake. They aren't unhealthy but they don't scrimp on things like cream and butter if the recipe needs those to work.
For anyone who has tried Ree Drummond's recipes and wants a collection of classics on hand without having to look them up online, this is a great "bible" to buy.
* I received an ARC via NetGalley.
September 13, 2025
I’ve been a Pioneer Woman fan since a coworker brought her apple dumplings to work around 2008. I have many of her cookbooks, dinner ware sets, kitchen items, etc. so needless to say I was thrilled to be approved for her newest cookbook on NetGalley. If you’re looking for a great gift for someone moving out for the first time, a housewarming gift, someone wanting to learn how to cook, then this is the cookbook to give them. Every recipe has clear instructions and photos of every step. And most importantly when cooking a Pioneer Woman recipe, you know the end result will be fabulously delicious and the whole family will love it.
Now while this is an excellent collection of recipes, if you’re a longtime fan like me you already have many of them so that’s why I’m giving this 4 stars and not 5. Plus I think it’s missing 3 of her best recipes in my opinion: perfect iced coffee, sigrid’s carrot cake, and the aforementioned apple dumpling recipe.
The cinnamon roll recipe? Really is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever eaten.
**Thanks to the author and the publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**
Now while this is an excellent collection of recipes, if you’re a longtime fan like me you already have many of them so that’s why I’m giving this 4 stars and not 5. Plus I think it’s missing 3 of her best recipes in my opinion: perfect iced coffee, sigrid’s carrot cake, and the aforementioned apple dumpling recipe.
The cinnamon roll recipe? Really is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever eaten.
**Thanks to the author and the publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.**
December 28, 2025
I’ve always adored the Pioneer Woman and this book is no doubt my favorite! I love how she breaks each recipe down step by step with pictures! This makes it so very easy for new cooks especially!
October 12, 2025
There are cookbooks, and then there’s The Pioneer Woman Cooks—The Essential Recipes. This isn’t just a collection of recipes. This is a curated exhibit of emotional support food with a side of ranch gossip and about 47,000 process photos. Ree Drummond really said, “You want comfort food? I’ll give you comfort food, plus photos of every blessed step, plus a mini family memoir, plus a pitcher of margaritas, you sad little biscuit. Let’s go.”
From page one, she hits us with origin story realness. Blogging at 4 a.m. about cow manure and toddlers? Icon behavior. That intro reads like a Nora Ephron monologue if Nora had four kids, 120 cattle, and a spiral-bound notebook full of perfected beef stews. Ree reflects on the chaos of raising babies and beef simultaneously, then pivots like a pro into the emotional gut-punch. The recipes she still makes. The ones her now-grown kids beg for when they come home. The ones that define birthdays, snow days, and “I just need to feel something” Tuesdays. This isn’t just food. It’s edible therapy.
And the table of contents? Banger after banger after banger. We’ve got "Blender Hollandaise Sauce," "The Grilled Cheese Sandwich of Your Dreams," "Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes," "Perfectly Puckery Lemon Bars," "Chuck’s Sloppy Joes," and "Pitcher of Margaritas." What is this lineup? A brunch menu curated by a carb-loving angel? Yes.
Let me scream briefly about the Pizza Section. "The Best Pizza Dough in the World!" Okay, Ree, let’s calm down, but also, she’s not wrong. "I'm a Fun-gi Mushroom Pizza" might be the dumbest pun I've ever seen, and I devoured it like an unhinged raccoon. And you bet your ass there's a recipe for candied jalapeños in there, because Ree said, “Let’s add emotional spice to your food-induced spiral.”
Then we slam face-first into "The Creamiest, Dreamiest Mashed Potatoes" and I honestly blacked out for a minute. This cookbook doesn’t just walk you through the steps. It babysits you. Like, it sits you down, tucks a napkin into your shirt, and whispers, “You can’t mess this up, sweetie, I’ve included fourteen photos of boiling water.” It’s a little excessive, sure, but if you’ve ever had a panic attack over gravy consistency, this book is your weighted blanket.
She also includes "Homemade Mayonnaise," and I need you to understand. If you’re casually making mayo from scratch on a Tuesday, that’s not cooking. That’s a power move. That’s sending a message. That’s “I’ve watched people cry on Chopped and I liked it.”
The Beef section reads like a love letter to your inner Midwestern grandma. "The Most Perfect Pot Roast," "Meatloaf, Mastered," "French Dip," "Short Rib Beef Stew." You could throw a dart at this list and hit a dish that’ll emotionally seduce anyone within smell radius. And I swear, "Marlboro Man Sandwich" sounds like something you’d eat in a dive bar right before falling in love with a mysterious stranger in flannel.
And let’s talk Desserts and Drinks. Not only do you get "Chocolate Sheet Cake," "My Pecan Pie," "Chuck’s Heavenly Fudge," and "Crazy-Good Chocolate Chip Cookies," but she closes with "Pitcher of Margaritas." She ends the cookbook with a drink. That’s how you know she’s a seasoned professional. She feeds you from brunch to breakdown.
Also did I almost cry at the picture of her holding her grandbaby in a floral dreamscape looking like a woman who’s conquered four kids, a cattle empire, and an entire publishing industry armed with butter and soft lighting? I'll never tell. But I did bow down.
Is it a little much at times? Sure. The photo-to-instruction ratio sometimes feels like Ree thinks we’ve never seen an egg before. Like, I don’t need four pictures of how to scoop mayonnaise into a bowl, but do I love that it’s there just in case I have a culinary panic spiral mid-recipe? Also yes.
But here’s the truth. This book is a damn treasure chest. It’s approachable, nostalgic, unapologetically buttery, and deeply personal. Ree said, “These are the recipes my family keeps coming home for,” and you feel that. In your bones. In your arteries. In the third serving of "Million-Dollar Spaghetti."
4.5 stars, with a half-point deduction for excessive hand-holding, but honestly? I’m still gonna make every single thing in here while crying over photos and whispering, “Ree gets me.”
Huge thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all knew I was going to get emotionally compromised over mashed potatoes and still handed me this book like, “Good luck, champ.” Rude. And correct.
From page one, she hits us with origin story realness. Blogging at 4 a.m. about cow manure and toddlers? Icon behavior. That intro reads like a Nora Ephron monologue if Nora had four kids, 120 cattle, and a spiral-bound notebook full of perfected beef stews. Ree reflects on the chaos of raising babies and beef simultaneously, then pivots like a pro into the emotional gut-punch. The recipes she still makes. The ones her now-grown kids beg for when they come home. The ones that define birthdays, snow days, and “I just need to feel something” Tuesdays. This isn’t just food. It’s edible therapy.
And the table of contents? Banger after banger after banger. We’ve got "Blender Hollandaise Sauce," "The Grilled Cheese Sandwich of Your Dreams," "Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes," "Perfectly Puckery Lemon Bars," "Chuck’s Sloppy Joes," and "Pitcher of Margaritas." What is this lineup? A brunch menu curated by a carb-loving angel? Yes.
Let me scream briefly about the Pizza Section. "The Best Pizza Dough in the World!" Okay, Ree, let’s calm down, but also, she’s not wrong. "I'm a Fun-gi Mushroom Pizza" might be the dumbest pun I've ever seen, and I devoured it like an unhinged raccoon. And you bet your ass there's a recipe for candied jalapeños in there, because Ree said, “Let’s add emotional spice to your food-induced spiral.”
Then we slam face-first into "The Creamiest, Dreamiest Mashed Potatoes" and I honestly blacked out for a minute. This cookbook doesn’t just walk you through the steps. It babysits you. Like, it sits you down, tucks a napkin into your shirt, and whispers, “You can’t mess this up, sweetie, I’ve included fourteen photos of boiling water.” It’s a little excessive, sure, but if you’ve ever had a panic attack over gravy consistency, this book is your weighted blanket.
She also includes "Homemade Mayonnaise," and I need you to understand. If you’re casually making mayo from scratch on a Tuesday, that’s not cooking. That’s a power move. That’s sending a message. That’s “I’ve watched people cry on Chopped and I liked it.”
The Beef section reads like a love letter to your inner Midwestern grandma. "The Most Perfect Pot Roast," "Meatloaf, Mastered," "French Dip," "Short Rib Beef Stew." You could throw a dart at this list and hit a dish that’ll emotionally seduce anyone within smell radius. And I swear, "Marlboro Man Sandwich" sounds like something you’d eat in a dive bar right before falling in love with a mysterious stranger in flannel.
And let’s talk Desserts and Drinks. Not only do you get "Chocolate Sheet Cake," "My Pecan Pie," "Chuck’s Heavenly Fudge," and "Crazy-Good Chocolate Chip Cookies," but she closes with "Pitcher of Margaritas." She ends the cookbook with a drink. That’s how you know she’s a seasoned professional. She feeds you from brunch to breakdown.
Also did I almost cry at the picture of her holding her grandbaby in a floral dreamscape looking like a woman who’s conquered four kids, a cattle empire, and an entire publishing industry armed with butter and soft lighting? I'll never tell. But I did bow down.
Is it a little much at times? Sure. The photo-to-instruction ratio sometimes feels like Ree thinks we’ve never seen an egg before. Like, I don’t need four pictures of how to scoop mayonnaise into a bowl, but do I love that it’s there just in case I have a culinary panic spiral mid-recipe? Also yes.
But here’s the truth. This book is a damn treasure chest. It’s approachable, nostalgic, unapologetically buttery, and deeply personal. Ree said, “These are the recipes my family keeps coming home for,” and you feel that. In your bones. In your arteries. In the third serving of "Million-Dollar Spaghetti."
4.5 stars, with a half-point deduction for excessive hand-holding, but honestly? I’m still gonna make every single thing in here while crying over photos and whispering, “Ree gets me.”
Huge thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC. Y’all knew I was going to get emotionally compromised over mashed potatoes and still handed me this book like, “Good luck, champ.” Rude. And correct.
October 22, 2025
I received a temporary eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Pioneer Woman Cooks - The Essential Recipes” is by Res Drummond. This is her ninth cookbook and, honestly, the title says it all. If you’ve been following Ms. Drummond via her blog - or her cooking show or magazine - you know what to expect from her cooking - solid “stick to your ribs” (as my Dad would’ve said) food. It’s mostly American fare - so if that’s food you like, this cookbook is full of tasty, filling, and rather good food. Many of these recipes have been in her previous cookbooks, a number of which I already own, or can be found on her blog. While I do find having her recipes in one handy book (opposed to searching online and printing them again and again because I always lose the printouts), I can understand why some people don’t like that - but that’s a digression. A quick note - I haven’t been to Ms. Drummond’s site for about five years, so I don’t know if the new-to-me recipes have been posted on her blog previously. What I liked about this book - there are some new to me recipes. If you’ve always wanted to make your own “basics” such as mayo, cream of chicken soup, stocks - she’s got them in this book. There are also some recipes from her Mercantile restaurant that sound rather interesting. I actually hauled out Ms. Drummond’s first cookbook and compared some of her classics to this book. There are differences - more salt, some cream, maybe buttermilk instead of milk, some recipe direction rearrangement - so if you already make her classic cinnamon rolls (which I still need to make one day), you have slightly different directions - and, obviously, new step-by-step photos. While I know that Ms. Drummond lives on a working ranch, she does comment a bit about how she and her husband are now empty nesters … but some of the recipes make 10-12 (or even 18-22) servings. Either they are feeding their ranch hands a lot (maybe!) or they’ve got a lot of leftovers in their fridge. Yes, one can divide the recipes into smaller amounts, but I found the “just us two” followed by large sized meals to be a bit odd. The other thing is that Ms. Drummond “made” step-by-step photos her thing thanks to her blog. For beginner cooks, I can see how the individual photos are helpful - but three photos showing diced onions, carrots, and celery is really a lot of real estate in a book, especially when one does know what dicing looks like. Something I would’ve really liked was a QR code “to see this live” or a video - maybe for some of the basics (dicing or some of the “basics” recipes mentioned above). It takes up less real estate in the book and might remove a row of photos, making more room for additional recipes. If you like the format of Ms. Drummond’s previous cookbooks - there are photos of the ranch and her family with her humor sprinkled between the covers. I would say, overall, that if you have Ms. Drummond’s other cookbooks, give this one a look through before purchasing it - but if you want a collection of some of her classics in one place, this might be a cookbook for you to purchase. I think the online price is a fair one. I do wish that my eARC copy was a permanent one, not a temporary one - as I’ll have to write down a few of the recipes.
“The Pioneer Woman Cooks - The Essential Recipes” is by Res Drummond. This is her ninth cookbook and, honestly, the title says it all. If you’ve been following Ms. Drummond via her blog - or her cooking show or magazine - you know what to expect from her cooking - solid “stick to your ribs” (as my Dad would’ve said) food. It’s mostly American fare - so if that’s food you like, this cookbook is full of tasty, filling, and rather good food. Many of these recipes have been in her previous cookbooks, a number of which I already own, or can be found on her blog. While I do find having her recipes in one handy book (opposed to searching online and printing them again and again because I always lose the printouts), I can understand why some people don’t like that - but that’s a digression. A quick note - I haven’t been to Ms. Drummond’s site for about five years, so I don’t know if the new-to-me recipes have been posted on her blog previously. What I liked about this book - there are some new to me recipes. If you’ve always wanted to make your own “basics” such as mayo, cream of chicken soup, stocks - she’s got them in this book. There are also some recipes from her Mercantile restaurant that sound rather interesting. I actually hauled out Ms. Drummond’s first cookbook and compared some of her classics to this book. There are differences - more salt, some cream, maybe buttermilk instead of milk, some recipe direction rearrangement - so if you already make her classic cinnamon rolls (which I still need to make one day), you have slightly different directions - and, obviously, new step-by-step photos. While I know that Ms. Drummond lives on a working ranch, she does comment a bit about how she and her husband are now empty nesters … but some of the recipes make 10-12 (or even 18-22) servings. Either they are feeding their ranch hands a lot (maybe!) or they’ve got a lot of leftovers in their fridge. Yes, one can divide the recipes into smaller amounts, but I found the “just us two” followed by large sized meals to be a bit odd. The other thing is that Ms. Drummond “made” step-by-step photos her thing thanks to her blog. For beginner cooks, I can see how the individual photos are helpful - but three photos showing diced onions, carrots, and celery is really a lot of real estate in a book, especially when one does know what dicing looks like. Something I would’ve really liked was a QR code “to see this live” or a video - maybe for some of the basics (dicing or some of the “basics” recipes mentioned above). It takes up less real estate in the book and might remove a row of photos, making more room for additional recipes. If you like the format of Ms. Drummond’s previous cookbooks - there are photos of the ranch and her family with her humor sprinkled between the covers. I would say, overall, that if you have Ms. Drummond’s other cookbooks, give this one a look through before purchasing it - but if you want a collection of some of her classics in one place, this might be a cookbook for you to purchase. I think the online price is a fair one. I do wish that my eARC copy was a permanent one, not a temporary one - as I’ll have to write down a few of the recipes.
October 29, 2025
I was skeptical when I saw that the new Pioneer Woman cookbook was a 'greatest hits' style collection... it honestly seemed like a money grab for the impending holiday season. Let's just throw out an easy sell instead of coming up with something new.
Ree's introduction brought me around to a more open-minded view -- with decades of experience and now restaurant ownership under her belt, it was time to punch up some of her most loved classics.
What fully won me over was testing a few recipes over a glorious stretch of staycation time. It's been a hot minute since I was so excited and proud of what was coming out of my kitchen!
My first must-try was the blueberry scones, one of her restaurant recipes that uses a novel pseudo-lamination method. These are definitely the best scones I've ever made and might even be the best anything I've ever made. They're amazing.
I've also now finally been indoctrinated into the bread baker's camp. My first sandwich loaf was super easy and came out perfectly thanks to this recipe!
Other successful trials included a big pot of homestyle chicken and noodles (updated to make the noodles from scratch instead of leaning on a specific freezer brand), an egg salad (using a new-ish process for hard boiled eggs that practically peel themselves), and a nice full pan of lasagna (so good my husband did the dishes without being asked).
The only thing I've tried that didn't work out was her homemade mayonnaise. I was intrigued by the seemingly simple immersion blender process, but maybe it really does have to be in a very specific size jar because it did not come together for me at all.
Over the next week or so I'll also try out breakfast burritos, chili and cornbread, white chicken enchiladas, and peanut butter cookies. I had intended to give the pizza chapter a pass since pizza dough and I have not gotten along recently, but after so much baking success, I think this will be the process that works for me. And with a few classic pies and a chapter of very simple side dishes, I feel well poised for Thanksgiving this year.
If you already have a Pioneer Woman cookbook or two on your shelf, you probably don't need to make a beeline for this one. But if you're considering your first, Essential Recipes would be a fantastic place to start and I would definitely recommend it over her very early cookbooks.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow Cookbooks for my advance review copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes today! October 28, 2025
Ree's introduction brought me around to a more open-minded view -- with decades of experience and now restaurant ownership under her belt, it was time to punch up some of her most loved classics.
What fully won me over was testing a few recipes over a glorious stretch of staycation time. It's been a hot minute since I was so excited and proud of what was coming out of my kitchen!
My first must-try was the blueberry scones, one of her restaurant recipes that uses a novel pseudo-lamination method. These are definitely the best scones I've ever made and might even be the best anything I've ever made. They're amazing.
I've also now finally been indoctrinated into the bread baker's camp. My first sandwich loaf was super easy and came out perfectly thanks to this recipe!
Other successful trials included a big pot of homestyle chicken and noodles (updated to make the noodles from scratch instead of leaning on a specific freezer brand), an egg salad (using a new-ish process for hard boiled eggs that practically peel themselves), and a nice full pan of lasagna (so good my husband did the dishes without being asked).
The only thing I've tried that didn't work out was her homemade mayonnaise. I was intrigued by the seemingly simple immersion blender process, but maybe it really does have to be in a very specific size jar because it did not come together for me at all.
Over the next week or so I'll also try out breakfast burritos, chili and cornbread, white chicken enchiladas, and peanut butter cookies. I had intended to give the pizza chapter a pass since pizza dough and I have not gotten along recently, but after so much baking success, I think this will be the process that works for me. And with a few classic pies and a chapter of very simple side dishes, I feel well poised for Thanksgiving this year.
If you already have a Pioneer Woman cookbook or two on your shelf, you probably don't need to make a beeline for this one. But if you're considering your first, Essential Recipes would be a fantastic place to start and I would definitely recommend it over her very early cookbooks.
Thank you to the publisher William Morrow Cookbooks for my advance review copy, provided in exchange for an honest review. This book publishes today! October 28, 2025
January 4, 2026
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks is an eminently usable "greatest hits" collection from The Pioneer Woman Cooks, curated and selected by Ree Drummond. Released 28th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow Cookbook imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. Additionally, the e-book format is text-to-speech friendly for accessibility.
The book's recipes are drawn from American (mostly Midwest) comfort food culture and they're delicious and family-dinner friendly. They're not ultra-sophisticated fancy but are good, solid, (carb heavy), and delicious. They're grouped thematically: breakfast, lunch, pizza (yes a whole chapter), casseroles, beef, chicken, pork, seafood, potatoes & sides, and desserts & drinks.
Recipes are written with an intro, yields, bullet list of ingredients, and step by step prep/cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are in imperial (American) units only, there's a conversion chart in the appendices in the back of the book. Most of the ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional info is not included.
The standout feature for this collection is the photography. In addition to all recipes having a finished/styled serving read photo, the recipes are lavishly photographed with prep, cooking, and process photos showing many intermediate steps. It's a level above the industry standard.
Five stars. It's a nice collection for traditional Midwest American cuisine. Lots of good potluck/tailgate/reunion recipes included here as well as Saturday game day pizza variations.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks is an eminently usable "greatest hits" collection from The Pioneer Woman Cooks, curated and selected by Ree Drummond. Released 28th Oct 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow Cookbook imprint, it's 400 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. Additionally, the e-book format is text-to-speech friendly for accessibility.
The book's recipes are drawn from American (mostly Midwest) comfort food culture and they're delicious and family-dinner friendly. They're not ultra-sophisticated fancy but are good, solid, (carb heavy), and delicious. They're grouped thematically: breakfast, lunch, pizza (yes a whole chapter), casseroles, beef, chicken, pork, seafood, potatoes & sides, and desserts & drinks.
Recipes are written with an intro, yields, bullet list of ingredients, and step by step prep/cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are in imperial (American) units only, there's a conversion chart in the appendices in the back of the book. Most of the ingredients will be readily available at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Nutritional info is not included.
The standout feature for this collection is the photography. In addition to all recipes having a finished/styled serving read photo, the recipes are lavishly photographed with prep, cooking, and process photos showing many intermediate steps. It's a level above the industry standard.
Five stars. It's a nice collection for traditional Midwest American cuisine. Lots of good potluck/tailgate/reunion recipes included here as well as Saturday game day pizza variations.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 23, 2026
I really loved this cookbook. The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The Essential Recipes feels less like “just another Ree Drummond book” and more like a greatest-hits album that’s been thoughtfully remastered. And even though I had access to an electronic preview, I ended up buying my own copy for my kitchen library.
Ree talks in the introduction about constantly trying to make her classic recipes even better and more foolproof, and that really comes through here. We made two of the recipes while reading it and both were delicious — the kind of food you actually want to cook again, not just once for fun.
One of the things I’ve always loved about Ree’s cookbooks is the step-by-step photos, and they’re great here. It really does feel like she’s in the kitchen with you, showing you what things are supposed to look like. For anyone who’s new to cooking (or who gets intimidated by other cookbooks), that makes a huge difference.
I also loved reading the intros and little stories. Ree is funny and very relatable — I found myself smiling a lot — and I enjoy how she talks about where recipes came from, whether it’s friends, family, or something she figured out herself. If you actually read this cookbook and not just flip to a recipe, you realize it’s as much about her family as it is about the food.
Even though my husband and I can’t eat mammalian meat anymore because of Alpha-Gal, I was still drooling over the beef and pork sections — which says something about how good this book is. And nothing here feels trendy or like it’s going to go out of style. A lot of the recipes build on each other too (pizza dough into pizza, homemade mayo into chicken or egg salad, stock into soups and casseroles), which makes it feel like a real kitchen workhorse.
This is the kind of cookbook that will get used, splattered, and lived with for years. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone just learning to cook, anyone feeding a big family, and also to people who have been cooking forever and want to freshen up their old standbys.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Cookbooks for giving me the opportunity to preview this cookbook in exchange for my review.
Ree talks in the introduction about constantly trying to make her classic recipes even better and more foolproof, and that really comes through here. We made two of the recipes while reading it and both were delicious — the kind of food you actually want to cook again, not just once for fun.
One of the things I’ve always loved about Ree’s cookbooks is the step-by-step photos, and they’re great here. It really does feel like she’s in the kitchen with you, showing you what things are supposed to look like. For anyone who’s new to cooking (or who gets intimidated by other cookbooks), that makes a huge difference.
I also loved reading the intros and little stories. Ree is funny and very relatable — I found myself smiling a lot — and I enjoy how she talks about where recipes came from, whether it’s friends, family, or something she figured out herself. If you actually read this cookbook and not just flip to a recipe, you realize it’s as much about her family as it is about the food.
Even though my husband and I can’t eat mammalian meat anymore because of Alpha-Gal, I was still drooling over the beef and pork sections — which says something about how good this book is. And nothing here feels trendy or like it’s going to go out of style. A lot of the recipes build on each other too (pizza dough into pizza, homemade mayo into chicken or egg salad, stock into soups and casseroles), which makes it feel like a real kitchen workhorse.
This is the kind of cookbook that will get used, splattered, and lived with for years. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone just learning to cook, anyone feeding a big family, and also to people who have been cooking forever and want to freshen up their old standbys.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Cookbooks for giving me the opportunity to preview this cookbook in exchange for my review.
September 26, 2025
Full of beautiful photos, not only of the recipes, but of Ree’s family and farm. There are 120 recipes, but the book is about 400 pages long, with all the gorgeous and helpful photos.
The chapters are:
Breakfasty Food
Lunchy Food
Pizza
Casseroles
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Seafood
Potatoes & Sides
Desserts & Drinks
Yummy recipes for breakfast standards and some specialties, like Berry Butter. I especially like the photo of each step. Do you want some guidance on what pancake batter should look like? Recipes may tell you that the batter should be somewhat lumpy, buy just how lumpy? Look at the photo. If you’re having a crowd for breakfast, you may want to consider making Breakfast Burritos – the recipe makes 18-20 delicious burritos. Do you think cinnamon rolls or scones are too difficult to attempt? Step by step photos take the mystery and fear away.
Lunch and Pizza chapters are full of delightful, easy, but impressive meals that you’d be happy to be served at a restaurant. But you can make them at home! There are lots of recipes to make the basic ingredients that you might otherwise have bought from the grocery store, like pesto, pizza sauce, marinara sauce, chicken stock – and so many more.
Each chapter has recipes for food that you already love. This book is chock full of good old American Stick-to-your Ribs meals. If that’s your thing – and I think it is for so many of us, this book is a great resource. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner cook or you’ve been in the kitchen for years, this book has recipes that you’ll want to try. No weird ingredients, or words you can't pronounce.
The chapters are:
Breakfasty Food
Lunchy Food
Pizza
Casseroles
Beef
Chicken
Pork
Seafood
Potatoes & Sides
Desserts & Drinks
Yummy recipes for breakfast standards and some specialties, like Berry Butter. I especially like the photo of each step. Do you want some guidance on what pancake batter should look like? Recipes may tell you that the batter should be somewhat lumpy, buy just how lumpy? Look at the photo. If you’re having a crowd for breakfast, you may want to consider making Breakfast Burritos – the recipe makes 18-20 delicious burritos. Do you think cinnamon rolls or scones are too difficult to attempt? Step by step photos take the mystery and fear away.
Lunch and Pizza chapters are full of delightful, easy, but impressive meals that you’d be happy to be served at a restaurant. But you can make them at home! There are lots of recipes to make the basic ingredients that you might otherwise have bought from the grocery store, like pesto, pizza sauce, marinara sauce, chicken stock – and so many more.
Each chapter has recipes for food that you already love. This book is chock full of good old American Stick-to-your Ribs meals. If that’s your thing – and I think it is for so many of us, this book is a great resource. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner cook or you’ve been in the kitchen for years, this book has recipes that you’ll want to try. No weird ingredients, or words you can't pronounce.
October 26, 2025
It says it in the title y'all: these are the ESSENTIAL recipes. Think the basics. Think about how you've been trying to master your spaghetti recipe for the past 10 years but something is till missing. That is what this cookbook addresses. Ree Drummond acknowledges how some of her go-to recipes over the years have evolved just as her own life as evolved. You're not going to stumble upon some new inventive recipe, but you are going to finally perfect your meatloaf recipe.
Other than perfecting your go-to meals Ree also walks you through how to make some basic ingredients. I for one agree with her opinions about it being best to make your own 'Buttermilk' seeing as very few of us ever need the whole half gallon. She does acknowledge that she realizes that this is not for everyone, but hey if you have the time one day and the ingredients I say go for it. I for one am wanting to try her 'Sandwich Bread' recipe because my last attempt on my own was lackluster in flavor. But I quickly turned that bland loaf into Ree's 'Crispy-Chewy Croutons'. Overall most of these homemade ingredients are simple recipes that I think any cook can accomplish. The most complicated we get is making your own 'Beef Stock' and that's really only because you have to finally talk to a butcher to get some beef bones.
If I can make one recommendation for where to start try Ree's tomato soup. I cooked it myself and was thoroughly impressed with the 'Sherried Tomato Soup'. This recipe was delicious and cheap to make! As we enter into soup season this one is being moved to the top of the list. Please try it for yourself!!!
Thank you NetGalley for the free eARC.
Other than perfecting your go-to meals Ree also walks you through how to make some basic ingredients. I for one agree with her opinions about it being best to make your own 'Buttermilk' seeing as very few of us ever need the whole half gallon. She does acknowledge that she realizes that this is not for everyone, but hey if you have the time one day and the ingredients I say go for it. I for one am wanting to try her 'Sandwich Bread' recipe because my last attempt on my own was lackluster in flavor. But I quickly turned that bland loaf into Ree's 'Crispy-Chewy Croutons'. Overall most of these homemade ingredients are simple recipes that I think any cook can accomplish. The most complicated we get is making your own 'Beef Stock' and that's really only because you have to finally talk to a butcher to get some beef bones.
If I can make one recommendation for where to start try Ree's tomato soup. I cooked it myself and was thoroughly impressed with the 'Sherried Tomato Soup'. This recipe was delicious and cheap to make! As we enter into soup season this one is being moved to the top of the list. Please try it for yourself!!!
Thank you NetGalley for the free eARC.
September 9, 2025
The minute I received cookbook, I eagerly leafed through each delicious sounding recipe. While countless recipes are available online, there’s something special about having the physical book in hand – flipping through the pages drawing inspiration from the photographs. But I must admit, this ebook was just as user-friendly and visually appealing, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go this route too!
This cookbook feels like a heartfelt tribute to the simple comfort foods that define everyday family dinners. Ree has included the beloved meals that I grew up with, adding her own simple twists that elevate each one. Favorites like Tomato Soup, Spaghetti, Meatloaf, Beef Stew, Roasted Chicken, Homemade Chicken Nuggets (with her own special hack that I can’t wait to try!) invoke such warm memories! Additionally, the book offers surprisingly easy homemade recipes for staples like Mayonnaise, Buttermilk, Ranch, Egg Salad, Marinara – who knew how simple it is to prepare these at home! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been unable to make a recipe because I didn’t have Buttermilk on hand, not realizing I could whip some up in an hour!
Ree’s personal touch shines through with stories behind each recipe, sharing glimpses of her family life that anyone will enjoy whether or not they’re familiar with her show. This cookbook is a heartwarming celebration of food, family and the joy of home cooking.
Available October 28, 2025 this would make a fabulous gift for cooks, new and experienced alike.
This cookbook feels like a heartfelt tribute to the simple comfort foods that define everyday family dinners. Ree has included the beloved meals that I grew up with, adding her own simple twists that elevate each one. Favorites like Tomato Soup, Spaghetti, Meatloaf, Beef Stew, Roasted Chicken, Homemade Chicken Nuggets (with her own special hack that I can’t wait to try!) invoke such warm memories! Additionally, the book offers surprisingly easy homemade recipes for staples like Mayonnaise, Buttermilk, Ranch, Egg Salad, Marinara – who knew how simple it is to prepare these at home! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been unable to make a recipe because I didn’t have Buttermilk on hand, not realizing I could whip some up in an hour!
Ree’s personal touch shines through with stories behind each recipe, sharing glimpses of her family life that anyone will enjoy whether or not they’re familiar with her show. This cookbook is a heartwarming celebration of food, family and the joy of home cooking.
Available October 28, 2025 this would make a fabulous gift for cooks, new and experienced alike.
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