Starting a food blog is one thing—writing recipe posts that your readers actually use and trust is another.
The truth is, most readers don’t just want a list of ingredients and a few instructions. They’re looking for clarity, reliability, and a little guidance along the way. They want to know if your recipe fits their diet, if it really works, and if it’s worth the effort before they head to the store or preheat the oven.
Search engines want the same thing. Google ranks recipes higher when they’re well-structured, informative, and user-friendly. That means it’s not just about what you’re sharing—it’s about how you present it.
So if your goal is to grow your traffic, build reader trust, and make sure your recipes stand out in a crowded space, every post you publish should follow a strong, consistent format.
Whether you’re brand new to blogging or want to level up your existing content, here are 9 things every great recipe blog post should include.
1. A Keyword-Rich, Descriptive Title
Don’t just call it “Chocolate Cake.” Be specific. Think:
“One Bowl Chocolate Cake (No Buttermilk Needed)”
This helps readers know exactly what they’re getting—and it helps Google understand your post.
2. A Short, Relevant Introduction
Tell readers what makes the recipe special in 2–3 sentences. Include:
- The occasion it’s great for
- A key feature (e.g. one-pot, 20-minute, no-bake)
- A natural mention of your target keyword
Avoid long personal stories unless they directly add context.
3. A ‘Why You’ll Love It’ Section
Help readers quickly see the value of your recipe with 3–5 bullet points:
- Quick and easy
- Kid-friendly
- Freezer-friendly
- Minimal cleanup
This section improves skimmability and keeps readers on the page longer.
For an example of a blog that does this well, check out this food blogger’s website.
4. Ingredient List with Notes
List ingredients in order of use. Beneath the list, include a few brief notes:
- Substitutions
- Storage tips
- Ingredient sourcing (if relevant)
Example: “Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture.”
5. Step-by-Step Instructions with Details
Make your instructions foolproof. Use clear formatting and short paragraphs. Add extra context:
- “Whisk until no lumps remain”
- “Bake until the edges are golden brown and the center is slightly set”
Optional: Include step-by-step photos to guide visual learners.
6. Pro Tips or Troubleshooting Notes
Share the little things that make a difference:
- What not to skip
- Common mistakes
- How to adapt for dietary needs
This builds trust and helps reduce reader frustration.
7. Recipe Card with Print Option
Use a recipe card plugin (like WP Recipe Maker or Create by Mediavine) that includes:
- Ingredients
- Steps
- Prep time, cook time, total time
- Servings and yield
- Print button
Bonus: These plugins include schema markup so your recipe is eligible for rich snippets in Google.
8. FAQs or Reader Questions
Anticipate questions you’ve received (or might receive), and include them in a quick FAQ section:
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- Can I freeze it?
- What can I use instead of almond flour?
This section improves SEO and reduces repeat questions in comments or emails.
9. A Call to Action
End with something actionable:
- “If you try this, leave a star rating + comment below!”
- “Tag me on Instagram @yourhandle if you make it!”
- “Sign up for my newsletter to get more quick weeknight dinners.”
This turns passive readers into engaged followers.
Final Word
Every great recipe post combines clear writing, helpful structure, and a little SEO strategy. When you include these 9 elements, you’re not just sharing a recipe—you’re building a resource your audience can trust. For help with your food blog, check out this web design company that specializes in recipe blogs.
