Student Cookbook Recommendations

I fondly remember what it was like being a student and cooking simple uni meals.

My Mum taught me a good amount before I left home, but often there is no better teacher than first-hand experience. So if you’re a student who needs some inspiration to cook for yourself as you head to uni this year, I’m here to help!

These are some of my favourite cookbooks for both students and general cookery. I hope you find this list helpful and if you do try any of these books or their recipes, I’d love to hear about it:

From Pasta to Pancakes, Tiffany Goodall

This book is what I wanted my student cooking to look and feel like. Fun, easy and full of flavour.

This book taught me a lot about getting to grips with some core recipes that have set me up for life, honestly.

Each recipe has step-by-step photos (so it’s pretty hard to mess it up!) and is written in an a way that’s easy to understand. There’s nothing worse than trying to sift through loads of waffle when you’re frantically learning a new recipe in the kitchen. Or worse, when you’re new to the whole thing and don’t understand some of the terminology. Tiffany makes it easy.

Buy on World of Books for as little as £3.90

Mary Berry’s Cookery Course

The clue is in the name – this is a masterclass in cooking from the lady herself.

This covers everything from equipment to technique plus some classic recipes that you won’t want to be without. I refer to this book pretty frequently, even now. It’s got everything you’d need as a beginner cook, including helpful guidelines for things like meat cooking and, again, step-by-step photos to show you what the food should look like at different stages of a recipe.

Buy on World of Books for £3.60+

Leiths Cookery Bible

This book is a whopper. Targeted at people with a genuine interest in technique, it includes recipes for just about everything you can think of.

If you’re serious about learning to cook, and doing it well, this is most definitely the go-to guide you want on your bookshelf. I might be biased, as Leiths alumna, but if I  have questions or doubts about technique, timing, flavour pairings, wine pairings, etc. I open my bible and there lie the answers.

Not for everyone, but it will never steer you wrong!

Order online at World of Books for £5.80+

Mug Cakes, Mima Sinclair

For those of you with a sweet tooth, I can’t recommend enough how useful it is to learn how to make a decent mug cake!

I’ve been making mug cakes for ages – they’re cheap and easy, perfect for student cooking. And usually all you need is a mug, some basic ingredients, and a microwave. This cookbook has a variety of recipes that incorporate loads of different flavours and ingredients, so you’ll be sure to find something you like.

When you get those late night cravings for chocolate, this is the book you need.

Order at World of Books for just £3.50

There are of course many student cookbooks I could recommend to you, but in my personal experience, these are the ones that have helped me most over the years.

If you’re looking for easy student meals, or have any questions about budgeting, cooking in shared accommodation, or anything else uni-related please don’t hesitate to pop me a message on Instagram! I’m always happy to help.

Happy Cooking X