12 Retro Cookbooks From The '60s That Are Still Worth Reading Today

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Retro cookbooks have a certain magic that sleek, modern editions can't quite replicate. They are like time capsules stained with butter, passed down from generation to generation and still cherished today by professionals and home bakers alike. And in the 1960s, cookbooks focused heavily on entertaining, international cuisines, and convenience. Home cooks were encouraged to turn anything into a centerpiece, and cookbooks covered any wacky party theme you could imagine, complete with decor and menu ideas.

Filled with colorful illustrations, vintage ads, and quirky etiquette rules, these cookbooks captured how people ate, lived, and entertained. While some of the recipes have disappeared from the mainstream, it's fun to revisit them, keep the magic alive in your own kitchen, and learn from the cooks who came before you. We selected 12 of the best retro cookbooks from the '60s that are worth scouring a second-market site or hunting down at a thrift store. Indulge in nostalgia and serve up a plate of retro vibes with these tried-and-true classics.

In 1963, Pillsbury published the first edition of "The Pillsbury Family Cookbook," a 576-page guide for baking, cooking, and entertaining. The cookbook features over 2,000 recipes and illustrations, with chapters on appetizers, breads, cakes, and cookies, including recipes for angel puffs, cherry winks, and old-fashioned sour cream cookies. "I have the 80s version of this," one Reddit commenter said in a thread about the cookbook. "One of my favorite cookbooks. It taught me how to cook." It also includes meal-planning tips, tablesetting tricks, and advice on hosting bridal showers and holiday dinners.

Published in 1960 and featuring colorful, fun illustrations on its cover, "Betty Crocker's Party Book" contains over 500 recipes with charming illustrations, tips, and menu ideas for a variety of festive occasions. The first page even includes a letter to the hostess from the fictitious icon herself. Want to host a space-age adventure party? Betty has you covered. You can also learn to make a Snoopy-shaped cake, serve punch in coconut halves, and make a roast suckling pig for New Year's. 

You can find "Betty Crocker's Party Book" for $10 on eBay.

If anyone knows how to put on a dinner with flair, it's James Beard. In 1965, the food icon published a 600-page recipe book that encompasses over 100 menus and tips for all types of entertaining. The book includes recipes for orange marmalade soufflé and hot potato salad for a luncheon, plus a cocktail party for 25 featuring foie gras sandwiches.

It's priced at over $120 for a copy on Amazon. However, copies have sold on eBay for as low as $13.99.

In 1961, Julia Child shared her wealth of knowledge and passion for French food with American households when she published "Mastering the Art of French Cooking." The late chef first studied cooking in Paris in the '50s and became regarded as an expert in the cuisine. The best-selling cookbook was eventually expanded into two volumes and features over 700 detailed recipes and illustrations. From classic French sauces to fancy chicken fricassee, the late chef covered it all.

It's also one of many timeless cookbooks that you can download for free right now.

Printed in 1968, this cookbook from the prominent monthly lifestyle magazine has over 60,000 five-star ratings on Goodreads. It includes over 1,500 recipes, more than 100 cooking tips, entertaining ideas, and tricks for using herbs and spices. Learn to make dishes like strawberry chiffon pie, sole amandine, and five-spice beef ribs.

An anniversary edition of the book can be purchased on Amazon for about $26.

"Some women, it is said, like to cook. This book is not for them." This is the bold claim that starts the cheeky cookbook by author Peg Bracken. It's a tribute to all the people out there who hate to cook. And for those who would "rather fold our big dishwasher hands around a dry martini instead of a wet flounder." Published in 1960, it contains fun illustrations, recipes and a "sprinkling" of household hints.

The 50th anniversary edition can be bought on Amazon for around $15.

Author, food critic, and journalist Craig Claiborne published "The New York Times Cook Book" in 1961. The 743-page book features over 1,500 recipes the outlet published between 1950 and 1960, spanning appetizers, meats, salads, desserts, and beverages. Iconic recipes from this NYT classic cooking guide include traditional Spanish paella, New York cheesecake, and oddly, blender salmon mousse. Still one of the most popular choices for cooks today, the book has sold more than 3 million copies since it was first published.

Get "The New York Times Cook Book" on Amazon for about $35.

Who knows cookies better than the one and only Betty Crocker? No one comes to mind. In this timeless 1963 cookbook, Betty invites beginners and cookie experts alike to learn all about baking them. The 159-page book covers pressed, rolled, and drop cookies, plus holiday recipes like Christmas Jewels and Shamrock cookies. There is also a section for family favorites, which includes heritage cookies and Betty Crocker's "Best Cookies," like cinnamon jumbles and salted peanut crisps.

A recreated "Facsimile Edition" of "Betty Crocker's Cooky Book can be purchased on Amazon for around $12

Bread lovers, this one is for you. In 1966, cookbook author Dolores Casella put together a guide for baking over 600 bread recipes. Inside, you'll find chapters on yeast-raised coffee cakes and sweet rolls, loaf breads, and breads of different countries. And there's more variety than you might expect for a book focused specifically on breads.

Buy "A World of Breads" on Amazon for $9.98.

No cookbook list would be complete without mentioning Good Housekeeping. The lifestyle magazine has been around since 1885, and the brand first started publishing cooking booklets in the 1920s. In 1963, the magazine published the first edition of its "Good Housekeeping Cookbook" featuring hundreds of recipes for dips, fish, salad dressings, pies, and breads. The cookbook also covers tips for freezing, canning, jelly making, and cooking for a crowd. "It's the ultimate handbook for get togethers, as well," said one Reddit commenter. "I'm totally immersed in it."

Find it on eBay for about $5 to $10.

In 1964, Bisquick published this cookbook with 275 recipes, 17 menus, and colorful illustrations. Since it's a General Mills product, it was smartly published it under the Betty Crocker moniker. It came with a personal letter at the beginning responding to multiple requests for more Bisquick recipes. It features the nine basic Bisquick staples, recipes for coffee parties and brunch, and dishes from "Faraway Places" like Sweden, France, Poland, and Italy.

"The Bisquick Cookbook" can be found for under $20 on Amazon.

Last but not least is a sweets cookbook by Nestlé. The confectionery conglomerate published this cookbook in 1962, which features over 180 pages of recipes and illustrations. There are seven chapters total covering pies, cakes, cookies, candy, frozen desserts, hot and cold drinks, and unique sweets. Learn to make tasty treats like orange chocolate mousse, a donut dessert log, and a coffee milkshake. There's also a techniques section on how to bake with Nestle's semi-sweet chocolate morsels.

The "Perfect Endings" cookbook goes for just over $5 on Amazon.