Looking for a way to spice up your meals without the hassle? Recipe apps are a great tool to help you discover new dishes, plan meals, and stay inspired in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, the right app can make cooking more fun and less stressful. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best recipe apps out there, so you can start cooking smarter and eating better!
1. ReciMe
ReciMe is our all-in-one solution for collecting, organizing, and cooking from our favorite recipes. We built the app to make it easy for home cooks like us to save meals from Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, or even a quick snapshot of a recipe. Everything stays neatly stored in one place – searchable and ready to cook when we are. ReciMe is available for iOS, and we also share tips, updates, and recipe ideas with our community through our Instagram and Facebook pages.
But we’re more than just a digital recipe box. We’ve included smart tools that help us plan meals for the week, create organized grocery lists, and even get a quick look at nutrition info using our built-in (beta) calorie calculator. With support for ingredient scaling, exporting recipes, and a Chrome extension to save from the web, ReciMe gives us the flexibility to cook the way we like-whether that’s spontaneous or super-planned.
Key Highlights:
- Available for iOS with web access from desktop
- Save recipes from social media, screenshots, notes, or cookbooks
- Smart grocery lists sorted by recipe or store aisle
- Weekly meal planner and built-in nutrition calculator (beta)
- Ingredient scaling, printing, and recipe export
- Chrome extension for importing from any website
- Free version available, with optional premium upgrade
Who it’s best for:
- iOS users looking for a flexible way to save and cook from web or social media recipes
- Home cooks who like to meal plan and shop with organized lists
- People who want an easy, clean recipe app with modern tools and community support
2. Tasty
Tasty is a recipe app developed by BuzzFeed, offering a wide range of recipes that come with step-by-step video instructions. The app allows users to search for recipes based on meal types, ingredients, and dietary preferences. Tasty also provides a library of various cuisines and cooking techniques to explore. Each recipe is accompanied by a video, showing the cooking process from start to finish, which can be particularly helpful for those who prefer visual instructions.
The app also includes features for saving favorite recipes and creating shopping lists, with additional personalized recommendations available through Tasty Premium. Tasty’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, catering to a wide range of cooking skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
Key Highlights:
- Step-by-step video instructions for each recipe
- Searchable by meal type, ingredients, and dietary preferences
- Ability to save favorite recipes and create shopping lists
- User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels
Who it’s best for:
- People who prefer visual instructions for cooking
- Beginners seeking simple and easy-to-follow recipes
- Users who want to organize recipes and create shopping lists
3. BigOven
BigOven is a recipe app designed to help users find, organize, and plan their meals. It offers access to over 350,000 recipes and includes features for creating grocery lists and meal plans. Users can save their favorite recipes and categorize them for easy access. The app also has a “leftovers” feature that helps users find recipes based on ingredients they already have at home, reducing food waste.
BigOven includes a meal planner tool that allows users to schedule meals for the week, with advanced features available through BigOven Pro. Once meals are planned, the app generates a shopping list with all the necessary ingredients, making it easier to shop for groceries. It also offers a feature to create and share custom recipes, giving users a platform to contribute their own dishes.
Key Highlights:
- Access to over 350,000 recipes
- Meal planner and grocery list generation
- Leftovers feature to use existing ingredients
- Option to create and share custom recipes
Who it’s best for:
- Home cooks who want to plan their meals and create grocery lists
- Users looking to reduce food waste by using leftovers
- Those who want access to a large recipe library
4. Paprika Recipe Manager
Paprika Recipe Manager is a paid app that helps users organize and manage their recipes, available for a one-time purchase. It allows users to save recipes from websites or enter them manually. The app includes a meal planner feature, which helps users plan meals for the week and generates grocery lists based on those plans. Paprika also includes a shopping list organizer, which allows users to track ingredients for each recipe.
The app’s interface is customizable, and it provides options for categorizing recipes and adding notes. Paprika supports syncing across devices, so users can access their recipes and meal plans on multiple platforms. This app is useful for those who want to keep their recipes organized in one place and have access to meal planning tools.
Key Highlights:
- Save recipes from websites or add them manually
- Meal planner with grocery list generation
- Customizable interface with recipe categorization
- Sync across devices for easy access
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want to organize and categorize their recipes
- People who need meal planning and grocery list tools
- Those who want a customizable recipe management app
5. Cookpad
Cookpad is a recipe-sharing app that allows users to discover, share, and upload their own recipes. It connects home cooks from around the world, enabling them to explore a variety of dishes that are shared by others. Cookpad features a social aspect, allowing users to interact with one another by commenting on recipes and sharing cooking tips.
The app focuses on everyday meals rather than gourmet recipes, making it suitable for people looking for simple and practical cooking ideas. Users can browse recipes by category, upload their own creations, and keep track of their cooking history. Cookpad also offers a feature for creating grocery lists based on selected recipes, with additional features available through Cookpad Premium.
Key Highlights:
- Recipe sharing platform for home cooks
- Focus on everyday, simple meals
- Social features for interaction with other users
- Option to create grocery lists based on recipes
Who it’s best for:
- Home cooks who enjoy sharing recipes with others
- Users looking for simple, everyday meal ideas
- People who want a community-oriented recipe app
6. Epicurious
Epicurious is a recipe app that offers a wide range of recipes, cooking tips, and expert advice. It features thousands of curated recipes, with a focus on quality and tested instructions. The app allows users to search for recipes by ingredients, meal type, and dietary restrictions. It also includes detailed recipe reviews and ratings from users who have previously tried the dishes.
In addition to recipes, Epicurious provides cooking techniques and advice on ingredients, with premium features available through a subscription. The app is designed for users of varying skill levels, from beginners to more advanced cooks looking for new challenges.
Key Highlights:
- Thousands of curated and tested recipes
- Recipe search by ingredients, meal type, and dietary restrictions
- Detailed recipe reviews and ratings from users
- Cooking techniques and expert advice for improving skills
Who it’s best for:
- Cooks looking for quality, tested recipes
- Users interested in learning new cooking techniques
- People who want detailed recipe reviews and ratings
7. Kitchen Stories
Kitchen Stories is a recipe app that offers a variety of recipes from different cuisines, with step-by-step instructions and high-quality images. The app provides easy-to-follow guides for a wide range of dishes, from quick weeknight meals to more elaborate weekend recipes. Users can filter recipes by ingredients, dietary preferences, or meal type, making it easier to find what they’re looking for. Each recipe includes detailed images and a video to show cooking techniques, making it suitable for those who prefer visual guidance.
In addition to its recipe database, Kitchen Stories includes features for meal planning, grocery shopping, and sharing recipes with friends. It offers a community space where users can share their experiences and rate the recipes they try. The app is designed to be accessible for both novice and experienced cooks, providing a fun and interactive cooking experience.
Key Highlights:
- Step-by-step instructions with high-quality images and videos
- Filter recipes by ingredients, dietary preferences, or meal type
- Community space for sharing recipes and experiences
- Meal planning and grocery shopping features
Who it’s best for:
- Home cooks who prefer visual guidance while cooking
- Users looking for a wide variety of international cuisines
- People who want to interact with a community of fellow cooks
8. Mealime
Mealime is a meal planning app that focuses on simplicity and convenience. It allows users to create personalized meal plans based on dietary preferences, including options for vegetarian, paleo, gluten-free, and other popular diets. The app generates a grocery list based on your meal plan, helping you shop more efficiently. Mealime also provides step-by-step instructions for each recipe, with additional features available through Mealime Pro.
Mealime’s primary goal is to make meal planning less stressful. By offering easy-to-follow recipes and generating shopping lists, the app saves time and helps users stay on track with their dietary goals. It is particularly helpful for those looking to plan meals for the week and create a shopping list with minimal effort.
Key Highlights:
- Personalized meal plans based on dietary preferences
- Grocery list generation based on meal plan
- Quick and easy-to-follow recipes
- Meal planning feature to streamline the cooking process
Who it’s best for:
- People with specific dietary preferences or restrictions
- Busy individuals who want quick and easy meal ideas
- Users looking for a streamlined meal planning and shopping experience
9. SideChef
SideChef is a recipe app that offers detailed, step-by-step instructions for cooking a wide variety of dishes. It includes video tutorials, voice-guided cooking steps, and interactive cooking instructions to help users follow along easily. The app offers a range of recipes, from simple meals to more advanced dishes, and includes a feature for creating shopping lists based on selected recipes.
SideChef also allows users to save their favorite recipes and offers the option to scale recipes according to the number of servings needed. SideChef integrates with smart kitchen devices to enhance the cooking experience, with premium features available through a subscription. It is designed for cooks of all skill levels, with a focus on making the cooking process more engaging and interactive.
Key Highlights:
- Step-by-step video and voice-guided cooking instructions
- Interactive cooking instructions for better engagement
- Shopping list generation based on recipes
- Integration with smart kitchen devices for precision cooking
Who it’s best for:
- Users who prefer video and voice-guided instructions
- Home cooks looking for interactive and engaging cooking experiences
- Those who use smart kitchen devices for precision cooking
10. Blue Apron
Blue Apron is a meal delivery service app that offers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes for preparing home-cooked meals. It allows users to choose from a variety of meal plans based on dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, family-friendly, or calorie-conscious. The app includes detailed recipes with step-by-step instructions, ensuring that users can prepare meals efficiently and enjoyably at home.
In addition to its meal delivery service, Blue Apron offers a robust library of recipes that users can access even without subscribing to the meal kit service. The app also features a wine pairing guide, helping users select the perfect wine to complement their meals. Blue Apron is suitable for those who enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients but prefer to avoid the hassle of grocery shopping.
Key Highlights:
- Pre-portioned ingredients and detailed recipe instructions
- Meal plans based on dietary preferences
- Wine pairing guide for each meal
- Access to a recipe library beyond the meal kit service
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want pre-portioned ingredients for home cooking
- People with specific dietary preferences looking for easy meal solutions
- Home cooks who want to pair meals with wine
11. Food Network Kitchen
Food Network Kitchen is a cooking app that offers thousands of recipes from renowned chefs and food experts. It features detailed instructions for a variety of dishes, including everyday meals, holiday feasts, and gourmet recipes. Users can search for recipes by ingredient, cuisine, or cooking method, and they can also save their favorite dishes to revisit later. Food Network Kitchen includes live cooking classes, available through a subscription after a free trial.
In addition to recipes, Food Network Kitchen provides tips and techniques for improving cooking skills. It also offers personalized meal recommendations based on user preferences and dietary restrictions. This app is ideal for people who want to expand their culinary knowledge and try new recipes from some of the best-known chefs.
Key Highlights:
- Thousands of recipes from professional chefs and food experts
- Live cooking classes with real-time participation
- Personalized meal recommendations based on preferences
- Cooking tips and techniques for improving skills
Who it’s best for:
- Users who want to learn cooking from professional chefs
- People looking for new recipes and cooking techniques
- Individuals who enjoy cooking along with live classes
12. Spoonacular
Spoonacular is a recipe app that provides users with access to over 360,000 recipes and allows them to search for dishes based on ingredients, dietary preferences, or cuisine. The app includes features for meal planning, grocery shopping, and nutrition tracking. Spoonacular offers a meal generator to create recipes based on available ingredients, with advanced features available through a subscription. It provides detailed nutritional information for each recipe, helping users track calories and macronutrients.
The app also includes a feature for shopping lists, which can be automatically generated based on selected recipes. Spoonacular aims to simplify meal planning by offering an extensive database of recipes, a meal planner, and tools to help users stay on track with their health and fitness goals.
Key Highlights:
- Access to over 360,000 recipes
- Meal planning and grocery list generation
- Nutritional information and tracking for each recipe
- Meal generator based on available ingredients
Who it’s best for:
- People looking for a large recipe database
- Users who want to track nutrition and calories
- Individuals interested in meal planning and grocery shopping features
13. ChefSteps
ChefSteps is an app that focuses on providing users with high-quality cooking tutorials, particularly for advanced cooking techniques like sous-vide. The app features video-based recipes, with a strong emphasis on precision cooking and in-depth tutorials. ChefSteps is designed for users who want to take their culinary skills to the next level, offering a variety of expert-led lessons and tutorials on advanced cooking methods.
In addition to recipes, ChefSteps offers detailed explanations of cooking techniques, with premium features available through a subscription. The app also integrates with smart kitchen devices to enhance the cooking process. While it is more suited for experienced cooks, ChefSteps is for those who want to learn more about professional-grade cooking methods and equipment.
Key Highlights:
- Video-based tutorials on advanced cooking techniques
- Focus on precision cooking and sous-vide
- Expert-led lessons and cooking tips
- Integration with smart kitchen devices
Who it’s best for:
- Experienced cooks looking to improve their skills
- People interested in precision cooking and sous-vide
- Users who want detailed cooking tutorials and lessons
14. Healthy Recipes by SparkPeople
Healthy Recipes by SparkPeople is an app designed to help users find nutritious recipes that align with specific health goals. The app offers a variety of recipes that cater to different dietary preferences, including vegetarian, low-carb, gluten-free, and more. Each recipe includes detailed nutritional information, making it easier for users to track their intake of calories, fats, proteins, and other nutrients.
Healthy Recipes by SparkPeople includes meal planning tools, with additional features available through a subscription. SparkPeople’s recipe database is tailored for users who are interested in healthy eating, weight loss, or maintaining a balanced diet. It is a good option for those seeking healthier meal choices without sacrificing flavor or variety.
Key Highlights:
- A variety of healthy recipes catering to different dietary preferences
- Nutritional information for each recipe
- Meal planning tools to organize weekly meals
- Recipes focused on weight loss and balanced eating
Who it’s best for:
- People looking for healthy meal ideas and recipes
- Users tracking nutrition for weight loss or dietary goals
- Individuals interested in balanced eating and healthier cooking
15. BBC Good Food
BBC Good Food is a well-established recipe app that offers a vast collection of recipes from the BBC’s renowned food programming. The app features a range of dishes, from quick and easy weeknight meals to more gourmet options. Recipes are categorized by type, ingredients, occasion, and dietary requirements, allowing users to filter their search based on their preferences. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, along with nutritional information for those tracking their intake.
In addition to recipes, BBC Good Food offers expert cooking tips and meal planning tools, with premium recipes available through a subscription. The app is designed to cater to all levels of cooking expertise, with accessible recipes for beginners and more advanced dishes for experienced cooks.
Key Highlights:
- Access to a large collection of BBC-tested recipes
- Categorized recipes by type, ingredients, and dietary preferences
- Nutritional information included with each recipe
- Expert cooking tips and techniques
Who it’s best for:
- Fans of BBC cooking programs
- Users looking for both simple and gourmet recipe options
- People interested in exploring recipes with detailed nutritional information
16. Yummly
Yummly is a recipe app that offers personalized recipe recommendations based on your tastes and dietary preferences. The app allows users to search for recipes based on ingredients, cuisines, or even specific cooking techniques. Yummly offers a wide range of recipes, from quick weeknight dinners to more elaborate meals. Yummly provides nutritional information and shopping lists, with advanced features available through Yummly Pro.
Yummly’s interface is designed to be user-friendly, with a personalized feed that updates as you interact with the app. It also includes a shopping list feature, allowing users to easily add ingredients from recipes to their grocery list. Yummly is ideal for people who want to discover new recipes based on their tastes and dietary needs.
Key Highlights:
- Personalized recipe recommendations based on preferences
- Searchable by ingredients, cuisine, and dietary restrictions
- Nutritional information included for each recipe
- Shopping list feature for easy grocery planning
Who it’s best for:
- Users with specific dietary preferences or restrictions
- People who want personalized recipe suggestions
- Cooks looking for both quick and elaborate meal ideas
17. Oh She Glows
Oh She Glows is a recipe app that focuses on plant-based, vegan meals. Oh She Glows is a paid app featuring over 100 simple and healthy vegan recipes, available for a one-time purchase. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and includes detailed ingredients and instructions, making it accessible for both new and experienced cooks. The app also includes information on the nutritional benefits of plant-based ingredients.
In addition to recipes, Oh She Glows offers tips on vegan cooking, such as how to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. The app’s emphasis is on making healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable, with a focus on whole, plant-based ingredients. It’s ideal for those looking to explore vegan cooking or for people already following a plant-based lifestyle.
Key Highlights:
- Over 100 simple vegan recipes
- Focus on whole, plant-based ingredients
- Nutritional information for each recipe
- Tips for incorporating more plant-based foods into your diet
Who it’s best for:
- People following a vegan or plant-based diet
- Those looking for simple, healthy vegan recipes
- Users interested in learning more about plant-based cooking
Conclusion
With so many great recipe apps available, there’s no shortage of ways to make cooking more enjoyable and less stressful. Whether you’re looking for simple meal ideas, detailed cooking instructions, or personalized meal plans, the right app can help you stay organized and inspired in the kitchen. From apps that focus on easy-to-follow videos to those offering personalized meal recommendations, there’s something for every cook, no matter your skill level.
So, whether you’re a beginner trying out your first homemade dinner or an experienced cook looking for new inspiration, these apps can help you get the most out of your time in the kitchen. Try a few, explore their features, and find the one that works best for you – cooking has never been easier or more fun!