Finding the perfect recipe organizer can require some trial and error, but once you discover the right one, it can truly transform your life! Here are some clever methods to help you finally learn how to organize your recipes effectively.
You Need A Recipe Organizer (Just Like Me!)
Does this sound familiar? You want to make your great-grandma's lasagna recipe, but after searching through your kitchen and looking everywhere, you have to admit defeat and text your sister for the recipe once again. Or maybe you remember saving a fun new recipe online that you wanted to try, but you can't find it in your bookmarks, Pinterest board, or anywhere else.
If so, you will absolutely love this post. I am going to guide you on how to organize all your favorite recipes so they are easily accessible whenever you need them.
How To Organize Recipes
Looking for a recipe organizer? I have ways to organize those recipes that you may not even have thought of. Ever wanted to make that one recipe you loved a few months ago… and can't find it? Yes, that has happened to me….many times. That is why organizing recipes is so important!
How To Organize Individual Recipes
My first tip is for all of those individual recipes. You know the ones, like the magazine clippings or random recipe cards that have mom's favorites on them.
I have a few options that may work for these.
Expandable Files
Expandable files are great for organizing all sorts of paper, including recipes. Label each division tab with a recipe category, then start adding your paper recipes.
Love this idea? Click here to see where to buy those expandable files.
BONUS TIP: I love using those small files that are meant for coupons as a recipe organizer in my home. They work very well for recipe cards or index cards, as well as for lots of other organizational ideas.
Recipe Tin
Another classic way to keep recipes organized is to purchase a recipe tin. You can find several on Amazon that come with cute cards and dividers. Then, all you need to do is be diligent about writing your recipes on the cards.
Recipe Binder
A recipe binder may be the perfect solution if you want to keep all your recipes easily accessible. Plus, they are easy to put together.
- Fill a standard office binder with baseball card or photo holders.
- Add your recipes to the pockets in an order that will work for you.
- Turn them so that they are visible
There you have it—you have an instant recipe organizer filled with your favorites.
Try A Digital Recipe Organizer
No room for the paper anymore? Organize your recipes electronically. Taking pictures of your recipes ensures that they will be around for years to come.
Scan Handwritten Or Clipped Recipes
Invest in a smart scanner, or scan or photograph each one manually.
Apps for Digitally Organizing Recipes
Here are some methods that I have not personally tried but have heard good things about:
I like multi-functional apps that can save me time when searching for recipes and planning meals, too.
Use Pinterest Boards
Of course, Pinterest is an easy way to keep your digital recipes organized. Create several boards, each with different categories, to make it even easier to find food.
You can see my recipes on Pinterest here!
How To Organize Cookbooks
What about those cookbooks? If you are anything like me, you love the feel of the books and just can't part with them. I love collecting old vintage cookbooks as well. They have the best recipes in them, y'all!
Start by cleaning out your books and getting rid of any that you really don't use. Just use a few recipes in a book? Clip or copy them, then add them to the organization method above.
So what can you do with the books that are left to keep them organized and ready when you need them?
- Add the books to a lazy susan and display them on your counter for easy access.
- Look for unused areas of your kitchen that could work for books. Above the refrigerator might be a solution.
- Got a small nook of extra space? Add a bookshelf or a drawer cart to store your cookbook collection. You can see my cart here. It works perfectly for the cookbooks that I love.
These recipe organizer ideas are sure to help in your kitchen. Add one or more of these ideas to your home to stay more organized and find those recipes when you need them.
Tips and Tricks for Recipe Organizer
Now that you’ve seen our recipe organizer, are you ready to create your own? Here are a few tips and tricks to help!
- Spend Time Decluttering – As I mentioned with the cookbooks, you will want to go through them and see what recipes/books you actually use. This applies to ALL your recipes in ALL their forms. Whether it's a magazine clipping, a printable recipe from the computer, or a cutout from a box, you will want to spend time decluttering. Doing this will help you to know what you have and choose the best recipe organizer.
- Organize In The Way Your Brain Works – Everyone thinks about recipes in a different way. For example, some think about recipes in general categories like ”dessert”, while others think about them in more specific categories like ”cookies”. Either way, organize your recipes the way you like to view them or the way your brain works. Doing this will allow you to find things more easily and potentially help you to avoid creating extra work for yourself when it comes to organizing.
- Don't Be Afraid To Change Things Up – If you find that you try one recipe organizer and don't like it, don't be afraid to change things up and try another method! Also, you don't have to use just one recipe organizer. Instead, you can use a combination of some of these ideas to create the best system for you and your recipes.
5 More Recipe & Kitchen Organization Ideas
Do you love these recipe-organizer ideas and want more to help you organize your recipes and kitchen? Then check out the posts below!
- Meal Planning Ideas
- Recipe Organization
- Ideas For Organizing Your Kitchen
- Printable Recipe Binder
- Clear Your Clutter with Kitchen Organizing Ideas
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I love all of your ideas!! I am looking for an svg for recipe card divider. I have tried many times, but my size is alway off!!🤨 any ideas?? Thanks for all you do to make my cricut life so fun and easy!! You’re a sweetie to share sooo much!
Hmmmm. Interesting idea! I don’t think I have seen one but you might search on Creative Fabrica and see if they have one!