10 Cookbooks by Musicians That Showcase Their Culinary Talents
10 Cookbooks by Musicians That Showcase Their Culinary Talents
Choya JohnsonSun, February 22, 2026 at 2:55 AM UTC
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While we often find ourselves captivated by the stage presence and vocal range of our favorite musical artists, we rarely look past their discography. What you may not realize is that many legendary figures are as talented with a chef's knife as they are with a microphone. Though some would limit their legacy to the performances they produce on stage, there is a hidden world of culinary expertise waiting to be discovered behind the kitchen door.
We did a bit of digging to uncover which iconic artists possess a secret flair for the culinary arts that some fans never knew existed. From family recipes passed down through generations to sophisticated gourmet skills, these musicians are proving they can command a kitchen just as well as a stadium.
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10 Cookbooks Written by Artists That Are Really Good1. Dolly Parton—Dolly's Dixie Fixin's (2006)
AI.com / Shutterstock.com (AI.com / Shutterstock.com)
Dolly Parton is far more than a country music legend; she is a global icon, a savvy entrepreneur and a prolific philanthropist. If there is one thing most people can agree on, it is their shared love for Dolly and her genuine spirit.
Amidst her many professional accolades, Dolly is also a passionate cook who has collaborated with various brands and authored her own renowned cookbook, Dolly's Dixie Fixin's. This book has become a beloved staple over the years, blending classic Southern comfort food recipes with personal anecdotes and vintage family photos. While the entire collection is considered a classic, a true highlight of the book is her take on Southern staples, specifically her famous banana pudding.
2. Coolio—Cookin' with Coolio: 5-Star Meals at a 1-Star Price (2009)
Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com (Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com)
Coolio was far more than just a legendary West Coast rapper and actor; he was also a self-proclaimed "Ghetto Gourmet" who revolutionized the idea of budget-friendly cooking. Long after "Gangsta's Paradise" topped the charts, he found a second calling in the kitchen, blending his street-smart sensibility with a genuine passion for food. His hit cookbook, Cookin' with Coolio: 5-Star Meals at a 1-Star Price, became a cult classic by proving that you don't need a massive bank account to eat like a king.
The book is famous for its hilarious, no-nonsense instructions and "G-style" terminology, offering accessible recipes that prioritize flavor over fancy techniques. While the entire book is filled with unique twists on comfort food, a standout highlight is his Finger-Lickin', Rib-Stickin', Fall-Off-the-Bone-and-into-Your-Mouth Chicken, which perfectly captures his philosophy of making high-quality soul food on a dime.
3. Isaac Hayes—Cooking with Heart & Soul (2000)
Lionel FLUSIN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images (Lionel FLUSIN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Known as the baritone voice behind the "Theme from Shaft" or the legendary "Black Moses" of soul, Isaac Hayes was a dedicated culinarian who viewed food as an extension of the heart. In 2000, he channeled this passion into his cookbook, Cooking with Heart & Soul, which served as a tribute to the deep Southern roots and healthy lifestyle changes that defined his later years.
If there is one thing fans and foodies alike can agree on, it is that Hayes brought the same smooth, sophisticated energy to the kitchen that he brought to the recording studio. The book is a classic collection that blends traditional comfort food with nutritious, soul-inspired recipes, all peppered with personal stories from his journey from a Tennessee farm to international stardom. While the entire book is a masterclass in flavor, a standout is his "Hoppin' John," a Southern staple that perfectly embodies his philosophy of cooking with history and intention.
4. Danny Trejo—Trejo's Tacos: Recipes & Stories from L.A.
dfree / Shutterstock.com (dfree / Shutterstock.com)
Danny Trejo is far more than Hollywood's favorite tough guy; he is a global icon, a resilient entrepreneur, and a musician. Launching his own record label, Trejo's Music, the star produces Chicano soul and oldies while also supporting emerging artists.
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If there is one thing fans and foodies alike can agree on, it is their shared respect for Trejo's incredible redemption story and his genuine passion for feeding people. Amid his prolific acting career, Trejo has become a culinary powerhouse, launching a successful restaurant empire and authoring his hit cookbook, Trejo's Tacos: Recipes & Stories from L.A. The book has become a modern classic, blending vibrant Mexican-American "L.A. style" recipes with gritty, heartfelt personal anecdotes and striking photography of the city that raised him. While the entire collection is celebrated for its bold flavors and inclusive options—ranging from vegan-friendly dishes to carnivorous feasts—the absolute standout and highlight recipe is his legendary Roasted Cauliflower Tacos. This dish perfectly captures Trejo's philosophy: it's tough, it's healthy, and it's packed with an unexpected punch of flavor that surprises everyone who tries it.
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5. Frank Sinatra—The Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook: Barbara, Frank & Friends (1996)
Mark Reinstein / Shutterstock.com (Mark Reinstein / Shutterstock.com)
Frank Sinatra was far more than the legendary "Chairman of the Board" and the definitive voice of the American Songbook; he was a global icon, a sophisticated host, and a man who believed that the finest moments in life happened around a dinner table. If there is one thing music lovers and epicureans alike can agree on, it is their admiration for Sinatra's timeless style and his uncompromising taste. Amid his peerless career in music and film, Sinatra's culinary influence was immortalized in The Sinatra Celebrity Cookbook, a collection that has become a cherished piece of Hollywood memorabilia.
6. Patti LaBelle—LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About (1999)
Gregory Reed / Shutterstock.com (Gregory Reed / Shutterstock.com)
Patti LaBelle is far more than the "Godmother of Soul" and a legendary Grammy-winning vocalist; she is a global icon, a savvy lifestyle entrepreneur, and a powerhouse of hospitality. If there is one thing music lovers and foodies alike can agree on, it is their admiration for Miss Patti's larger-than-life personality and her genuine passion for feeding the soul. Amidst her decades of topping the charts, LaBelle solidified her culinary legacy with her 1999 hit cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About. This book has become a beloved classic over the years, blending decadent Southern comfort food with vibrant personal anecdotes and reflections on her journey through fame and family.
7. Boy George—Karma Cookbook: Great Tasting Dishes to Nourish Your Body and Feed Your Soul (2001)
fredduval / Shutterstock.com (fredduval / Shutterstock.com)
Boy George is far more than the legendary frontman of Culture Club and a global fashion icon; he is a resilient artist, a savvy cultural pioneer, and a dedicated advocate for mindful living. If there is one thing fans and admirers across the globe can agree on, it is their fascination with his ever-evolving journey and his vibrant, singular spirit. Amidst his decades of musical and artistic reinvention, George revealed a different side of his creativity with the release of the Karma Cookbook. This book has become a unique cult classic over the years, blending health-conscious macrobiotic and vegetarian recipes with witty personal anecdotes and his signature colorful flair.
8. Reba McEntire—Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots(2023)
Dfree / Shutterstock.com (Dfree / Shutterstock.com)
Reba McEntire is far more than the "Queen of Country" and a multi-media mogul; she is a global icon, a savvy entrepreneur, and a beloved philanthropist. If there is one thing fans across generations can agree on, it is their shared admiration for Reba's down-to-earth charm and her tireless work ethic. Amidst her legendary music career and starring roles on screen, Reba is also a passionate host who believes the best memories are made in the kitchen. She cemented this culinary legacy with her hit lifestyle book and cookbook, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. This collection has quickly become a classic, blending approachable Southern comfort recipes with humorous personal anecdotes and never-before-seen family photos.
9. Kelis—My Life on a Plate: Recipes From Around the World (2015)
Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com (Jamie Lamor Thompson / Shutterstock.com)
Kelis is far more than the visionary artist behind the global anthem "Milkshake" and a pioneer of futuristic R&B; she is a global style icon, a savvy entrepreneur, and a professionally trained saucier from Le Cordon Bleu. If there is one thing music lovers and food enthusiasts alike can agree on, it is their admiration for her bold creativity and her seamless transition from the stage to the kitchen. Amidst her boundary-pushing music career, Kelis solidified her culinary status with her 2015 cookbook, My Life on a Plate: Recipes from Around the World. This book has become a modern classic, blending the vibrant flavors of her Afro-Puerto Rican heritage with international inspirations gathered from her global travels.
10. Snoop Dogg—From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen (2018)
Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com (Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com)
Snoop Dogg is far more than the legendary face of West Coast rap and a global entertainment icon; he is a savvy multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, a dedicated youth football coach, and a surprisingly refined culinary authority. If there is one thing that fans across generations and backgrounds can agree on, it is their shared love for Snoop's laid-back charisma and his ability to make high-end living feel accessible to everyone. Amidst his decades of dominating the music industry, Snoop solidified his status as a household name in the kitchen through his Emmy-nominated partnership with Martha Stewart and the release of his hit 2018 cookbook, From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg's Kitchen.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
