What It Is and How to Start Your Own

A cookbook club is just what its name suggests: a collective of individuals who gather to cook and share dishes from a chosen cookbook each month. But it’s much more than that—these clubs revive a sense of community in the kitchen, whether it’s something you cherished growing up or a new social ritual you never realized you needed.

Rather than stressing over preparing an elaborate meal for guests or missing out on conversation as you finish up in the kitchen, you’ll likely discover that the real fun comes from cooking together, learning new techniques, and making memories as a group.

Today, I want to break down exactly how to set your cookbook club up for success.

Just as certain friends make better travel companions than others, you may want to curate your cookbook club with intention rather than simply inviting your usual circle. While gathering close friends can work well, it’s worth considering the group dynamic you wish to create.

How to Launch a Cookbook Club in 3 Easy Steps

1. Decide on your format.

There are two primary ways to organize your cookbook club:

1. Host a potluck-style event where each participant prepares a dish at home and brings it to the host’s place to share.

OR

2. Spend the evening cooking several large recipes together, then divide up the results so everyone can take home portions to freeze and enjoy later.

2. Invite members who will complement each other—six or fewer is ideal.

Consider which acquaintances or friends would be well-suited for the club’s vibe. Who among your friends loves to experiment in the kitchen? Who’s up for new experiences? Who embraces challenges? Aim for a blend of personalities—both outgoing and reserved—who share similar values but bring unique interests to the table. Cookbook clubs also provide an excellent opportunity to blend different friend groups and foster new connections. 

Our cookbook club was originally dreamed up by my friends Liz, Hillary, and Dahlia, each of whom invited someone they thought would mesh well with the group. The small size made it easy for everyone to form genuine connections—whether chatting over table setting or during meal prep. Finding these authentic moments to bond is rare in adulthood and is one of the most rewarding aspects of cookbook club for me. 

Finding time for meaningful connections with new people is rare as adults, and it’s one of my favorite things about being part of a cookbook club. 

3. Establish clear guidelines and expectations.

While rules might sound restrictive, they actually help everyone have fun by keeping things organized. Openly talk about logistics, such as: How frequently should the club meet? What’s the process for picking which cookbook to use? Are there dietary needs to consider? Who will host each gathering?

Here’s how we structure ours:

1. Each month, a different member hosts the event.
2. The host picks the cookbook and plans out the menu, then shares recipe images and selections via text. Most of us wait to purchase the book until after we’ve tried several recipes, which helps us decide if it’s worth adding to our own collections. (Check out some of my top cookbook recommendations to start your search!)
3. Recipe choices are claimed on a first come, first served basis. Typically, the host reserves the dish that’s most complex or hardest to transport.
4. Everyone pitches in with cleanup! We may not wash every dish, but we do clear the table and pack up leftovers in our own containers.
5. Before leaving, we schedule the next meeting. Aligning calendars is much easier while everyone is together. 

Check your ego at the door.

The heart of cookbook club is growth and experimentation—not culinary perfection. You’re likely trying out unfamiliar recipes or ingredients for the first time, and mistakes are bound to happen. You might forget an ingredient, over-toast some nuts, or run into mishaps. Hopefully, you won’t need your fire extinguisher! Embrace the humor and lessons in these moments—that’s all part of what makes the experience memorable. 

Cookbook club is about learning and experimenting—not about being the best chef in the room!

Finally, reflect on what you hope to gain from your club.

Are you interested in mastering foundational cooking techniques? Do you want to challenge yourself with complex recipes? Maybe you’re eager to explore cuisines from various cultures and regions. Or perhaps your goal is to share the workload of feeding your household. Regardless of your motivation, a cookbook club offers richer connections, a greater appreciation for the art of cooking, and the joy of sharing a well-earned meal with friends. 

Kate is the creator of Wit & Delight. She’s currently picking up tennis and constantly pushing her creative boundaries. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.