If you think cookbooks aren’t giving you the inspiration to come up with the best food items to add to your menu, then maybe it’s high time you start looking into the best food blogs.
We’ve scoured the web to present you with the latest blogs that have the best recipes, industry insights, and culinary tips to keep or put your restaurant ahead of the curve.
Once you’ve tested and tasted recipes, the menu-making process is not complete without planning how to display your menu even more effectively.
To complement your traditional papers, add a QR code menu technology to strengthen your offerings’ visibility and accessibility.
And don’t worry; we’ll give you smart tips on how to integrate it smoothly.
So, get ready to leverage the power of food blogs to attract new customers and keep the business thriving in 2024.
Top list of best food blogs when creating your menu
Updating your menu is quite a challenge. With various considerations, from customers’ preferences to budget, you might end up having a blank paper.
To help you make an initial list, we’ve collated the top food blogs this year for you to look into and eventually decide on what to put on your menu:
A Cozy Kitchen by Adrianna Adarme
Adarme’s blog, “A Cozy Kitchen”, is a delightful blend of comfort and creative recipes.
The home cook and food blogger offers a variety of dishes that draw inspiration from Latin and American heritage.
From hearty soups to indulgent desserts, Adarme’s recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add a little comfort to their cooking routine.
Ask Chef Dennis
Chef Dennis Littley brings his 40+ years of culinary experience to home kitchens and restaurants through his blog, Ask Chef Dennis.
His site is a treasure trove of restaurant-quality recipes that are easy enough for home cooks and amateur chefs to master.
With a focus on quick, under-30-minute meals, Chef Dennis helps you upgrade your everyday cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Damn Delicious by Chungah Rhee
Chungah Rhee started Damn Delicious as a Tumblr account in 2011, and it has since grown into a full-fledged blog known for its elegant yet simple recipes.
With a team of contributors, Chungah offers a wide array of dishes that cater to both quick weeknight dinners and more elaborate weekend dishes.
Her Korean heritage and American upbringing shine through in her diverse and flavorful recipes.
Skinnytaste by Gina Homolka
Gina Homolka’s Skinnytaste is a go-to resource for those looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Her blog focuses on whole foods and seasonal ingredients, offering recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.
Some of her outstanding recipes are Cranberry Chicken Salad on Crispy Apple, which reached more than 90,000 reactions on Instagram, and Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with 4.93 ratings from 219 votes and 335 comments on the website.
Gina’s approachable recipes are designed to fit into a busy lifestyle. This means that quick service restaurants, cafes, concession stands, and food truck owners can take inspos from her recipes.
Sally’s Baking Addiction by Sally McKenney
Sally McKenney’s blog is a paradise for baking enthusiasts.
Her “Baking Addiction” provides detailed, step-by-step guides to create everything from cookies to cakes.
The clear instructions and helpful tips make it easy for bakers of all skill levels to achieve great results.
Her blog is a great guide for bakeshop owners, coffee shops or cafe in-house bakers, and pastry chefs who want to explore new recipes for their business.
Serious Eats
Serious Eats is one of the top food blogs to read, and it takes a science-backed approach to cooking.
Known for its thorough recipe testing and in-depth articles on food science and techniques, Serious Eats is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their cooking skills.
Whether you’re interested in mastering a new technique of finding the perfect recipe, this food blog has you covered.
Green Kitchen Stories by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
This is a celebration of healthy vegetarian cooking.
Their blog features simple, pure recipes made with whole foods and organic products. The couple’s Scandinavian influence is evident in their clean, minimalist aesthetic and emphasis on natural ingredients.
From sweet treats to hearty mains, Green Kitchen Stories offers something for every vegetarian.
Two Peas & Their Pod
Maria and Josh Lichty share their love of cooking and baking through Two Peas & Their Pod.
Their blog features a wide range of family-friendly recipes that are both easy and delicious. With over 200 cookie recipes, it’s a must-follow for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The Lichtys’ approachable style and emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients make their blog a joy to explore.
Sprout Kitchen by Sara and Hugh Forte
Sprouted Kitchen, run by Sara and Hugh Forte, combines delicious recipes with stunning food photography on them.
The blog promotes seasonal eating and focuses on healthy, everyday meals made with fresh produce, whole grains, and natural sugars.
The Forte’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make Sprouted Kitchen a standout in the food blogging world.
Minimalist Baker
It is one of the best food blogs founded by Dana Shultz, known for its focus on simple, quick, and accessible recipes.
The core philosophy of Minimalist Baker is to provide recipes that require ten ingredients or less, can be made in one bowl, or take 30 minutes or less to prepare.
This approach makes it a go-to resource for home cooks looking for easy yet delicious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Pinch of Yum
Pinch of Yum is characterized by its blend of comfort food and healthy recipes.
Lindsay focuses on creating dishes that are both tasty and accessible, aiming to show that cooking can be fun and rewarding.
The blog features a variety of recipes, from indulgent treats to wholesome meals, reflecting her philosophy that balance enjoyment is key to a sustainable approach to eating.
Love and Lemons
This is one of the perfect cooking blogs for beginners. It was created by Jeanine Donoforio, who is known for her vibrant, plant-focused recipes that celebrate seasonal ingredients.
Jeanine emphasizes the importance of eating with the seasons, not only for the health benefits but also for the environmental impact it brings.
Her vision is led by a love for vegetables, bright flavors, and visually stunning presentations, making her blog a go-to resource for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables and whole foods into their diet.
101 Cookbooks
Since its inception in 2003, this food blog has become a trusted resource for those looking to explore natural, whole foods through creative and sophisticated recipes.
Heidi Swanson, the founder of this highly influential blog, advocates cooking with natural, minimally processed ingredients.
She encourages home cooks to focus on whole foods and embrace the bounty of seasonal produce.
Gimmie Some Oven
Gimme Some Oven is a well-loved food blog by Ali Martin (formerly Ali Ebright).
It is known for its approachable and delicious recipes, which cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and cooking skill levels.
Established in 2009, this food blog has grown into a popular destination for home cooks (and startup dines) looking for easy, reliable, and flavorful recipes.
The Pioneer Woman
Ree Drummond, a city girl turned ranch wife and mother, created this blog as a channel to share her life and recipes from her family’s cattle ranch in Oklahoma.
Known for her comforting, hearty, and accessible recipes, Ree has built a significant following and expanded her brand beyond blogging to include cookbooks, a TV show, and a product line.
Her approach to cooking is designed to accommodate busy lifestyles while still delivering flavorful and satisfying dishes.
Food52
This is a renowned online food community and kitchen and home brand founded by Amanda Hesser and Merill Stubbs in 2009.
It stands out for its unique combination of user-generated content, professional recipes, and a curated marketplace.
Food52 is dedicated to helping people cook better, eat thoughtfully, and live joyfully.
Cookie and Kate
Since its launch in 2010, Kathryne Taylor’s intent in her blogs has been to promote eating real, unprocessed foods and make vegetarian cooking accessible and delicious.
This is grounded in the belief that healthy eating should be enjoyable and satisfying.
Cookie and Kate emphasize the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and Kathryne often shares tips on how to shop for and cook with these ingredients to maximize flavor and nutrition—a good practice to apply to avoid food waste in restaurants in the area.
Eater
This is a prominent digital media brand dedicated to all things food and dining.
Founded in 2005 by Lockhart Steele, Eater has grown into a leading source for food news, restaurant reviews, and culinary trends, with a strong presence across multiple cities in the United States.
Steamy Kitchen
This popular food blog is known for its focus on Asian cuisine and quick, easy-to-follow recipes.
It focuses on providing simple techniques that yield delicious results, making it practical and family-friendly. It often features recipes that can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Jaden Hair, the creator of this blog, has a goal to demystify Asian cooking and show that anyone can create authentic and tasty dishes.
Sweet as Honey
This food blog by Carine Claudinepierre is known for its focus on low-carb, keto, gluten-free, and sugar-free recipes.
It is centered around healthy and delicious dishes that accommodate various dietary restrictions, making it one of the best food blog examples for restaurants that wish to cater to health-conscious customers.
My Moroccan Food
This blog serves as a platform to showcase the diverse culture of Morocco.
The founder emphasizes making traditional Morrocan cuisine accessible to home cooks and culinary enthusiasts around the world.
It lays down various traditional cooking methods while also offering modern twists on classic dishes.
Jamaican Foodie
It’s a blog that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Jamaica while embracing innovative fusion creations.
It serves as a virtual gateway to the vibrant flavors and cultural influences that define Jamaican cuisine.
Traditional recipes featured on the blog often include iconic dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and curry goat, prepared with authentic techniques and ingredients.
Ambitious Kitchen
Founded by Monique Volz, this blog prioritizes both taste and nutrition.
Monique’s recipes often cater to various dietary preferences, including gluten-free, paleo, and vegan options, making her blog accessible to a wide audience.
Naturally Ella
Another health and sustainable-centered blog by Erin Alderson focuses on seasonal vegetarian recipes that celebrate natural ingredients.
Erin’s approach emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, with recipes that highlight the flavors and textures of fresh produce.
Her blog features a diverse range of dishes, from hearty salads and grain bowls to comforting soups and creative vegetarian mains.
The Woks of Life
This is a family-run blog created by four food-loving writers: Bill, Judy, Sarah, and Kaitlin.
Specializing in Chinese Cuisine, “The Woks of Life” offers a treasure trove of authentic recipes ranging from traditional dishes to modern interpretations.
Each recipe is meticulously crafted with clear instructions and insights into Chinese cooking techniques, making it helpful for both novice and experienced cooks.
Broma Bakery
This is one of the best food blogs for those who are into baking.
Known for its stunning photography and creative recipes, Broma Bakery offers a mix of classic treats and innovative sweets that appeal to both beginners and seasoned pastry enthusiasts.
Sarah Fennel’s recipes often feature seasonal ingredients and unique flavor combinations, showcasing her passion for baking and culinary experimentation.
Oh She Glows
“Oh She Glows” is a popular vegan food blog by Angela Liddon. It is known for its plant-based recipes, which emphasize whole foods and healthy eating.
It offers a wide range of meals, from breakfast to dessert, with easy-to-follow instructions suitable for both new and seasoned cooks.
Angela’s approachable style and focus on nutritious ingredients have made her blog a go-to resource for anyone interested in vegan cooking and healthy living.
The Kitchn
“The Kitchn” is a popular online food publication that offers recipes, cooking advice, kitchen tips, and food news.
The website covers everything from quick weeknight dinners to elaborate holiday feasts, and it often provides detailed step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos to help readers follow along easily.
The Kitchn also features articles on kitchen organization, product reviews, and meal planning tips, making it a comprehensive resource for home cooks of all levels.
Half Baked Harvest
“Half Baked Harvest”, created by Tieghan Gerard, is another popular food blog known for its creative recipes.
It features a wide range of dishes, from hearty mains to indulgent desserts, often highlighting seasonal ingredients and bold flavors.
The blog offers cooking tips, entertaining ideas, and personal stories, making it a lively resource for home cooks seeking culinary inspiration and practical advice.
Bon Appétit
“Bon Appétit” is a well-known food and cooking magazine recognized for its wide-ranging content that includes recipes, cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and food-related features.
It offers readers extensive culinary inspiration, covering everything from gourmet dishes to everyday cooking, all with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and expert guidance.
Bon Appétit appeals to both food enthusiasts and home cooks by providing sophisticated, creative, and practical insights into the culinary world.
Smitten Kitchen
“Smitten Kitchen”, founded by Deb Perelman, is celebrated for its assortment of recipes that are both approachable and impressive.
From comforting traditional meals to creative adaptations of familiar favorites, Smitten Kitchen provides recipes suitable for a wide range of home cooks.
Deb’s engaging writing and thorough recipe guidance establish her blog as a valuable destination for those eager to discover new flavors and cooking methods.
Lauren’s Latest
“Lauren’s Latest”, founded by Lauren Brennan, is renowned for its selection of accessible and family-friendly recipes.
The blog showcases a variety of dishes, from comforting main courses to delightful sides and indulgent desserts.
Lauren’s culinary approach emphasizes the use of everyday ingredients to craft flavorful meals that are both straightforward and delicious.
Chocolate Covered Katie
This offers healthier versions of classic desserts and treats.
The recipes are known for being vegan-friendly, often using natural ingredients and alternative sweeteners to create delicious menus that cater to various preferences.
Hungry Girl
“Hungry Girl” is known for guilt-free recipes, food hacks, and eating tips that focus on satisfying cravings while keeping calories in check.
The website offers readers resources aimed at helping people make healthier choices without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment.
PaleOMG
This food and lifestyle blog has paleo-inspired recipes that highlight whole foods and natural ingredients.
The instructions adhere to paleo principles, which typically exclude grains, dairy, and processed sugars while emphasizing meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Food Wishes
“Food Wishes” is another popular food blog and YouTube channel by Che John, known for his engaging and humorous instructional cooking videos.
Chef John’s blog offers recipes for everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts and drinks. It often focuses on classic dishes with a twist or unique flavor combinations.
I Am a Food Blog
This garnered a loyal following for its modern, inventive recipes and striking food photos.
The blog showcased diverse dishes that often combine bold flavors and playful twists on classic recipes, reflecting the founder’s approach to cooking.
The Bojon Gourmet
Alana Taylor, a trained pastry chef and food photographer, brings her expertise and artistic touch to each recipe, offering readers a collection of visually appealing dishes that are both delicious and stunning.
It features a wide range of recipes, from savory meals to decadent desserts, all made with thoughtful ingredient choices and creative flavor combination.
Cooking Classy
The blog features detailed, step-by-step instructions and beautiful images, making it easy for readers to replicate the dishes in their own kitchens.
In addition to main courses, “Cooking Classy” offers an extensive collection of appetizers, desserts, sides, and beverages, ensuring there’s something for every occasion and palate.
Not Without Salt
What sets “Not Without Salt” apart is its founder, Ashley Rodriguez’s ability to weave personal stories and reflections into her posts, creating a warm and engaging reading experience that goes beyond just recipes.
The blog puts out stunning photos that highlight the beauty of the ingredients and finished dishes, making each recipe inspiring and mouth-watering.
Cannelle et Vanille
A renowned food blog made by Aran Goyoaga celebrated for its exquisite photography and focus on gluten-free recipes.
Aran brings a refined and artistic approach to her culinary creations, highlighting natural ingredients, seasonal produce, and vibrant flavors, often inspired by her European heritage and her life in the Pacific Northwest.
Vanilla and Bean
The blog is composed of beautifully photographed recipes that range from hearty mains and salads to delectable desserts and baked goods, all crafted with an eye for detail and passion for sustainability.
With its comprehensive guide, it’s designed to assist cooks while engaging in storytelling that adds a personal touch to each post.
The Little Kitchen
This caters to home cooks of all skill levels with an approachable and diverse array of recipes.
It displays practical, everyday cooking of comfort food, international dishes, and desserts, making it a helpful tool for anyone looking to expand their culinary expertise.
The Londoner
“The Londoner” is a popular lifestyle and food blog by Rosie Thomas. It offers a delightful mix of recipes, travel adventures, fashion tips, and personal insights.
Based in London, Rosie featured recipes that are often simple yet indulgent, catering to both everyday meals and special occasions.
My Name is Yeh
This is another vibrant and charming food blog to watch. It displays a unique blend of cultural influences and personal storytelling.
Molly Yeh, who has a background in music, brings a creative and artistic touch to her recipes, which often fuse her Chinese and Jewish Heritage.
Bakerella
“Bakerella” is famous for its creative baking and dessert recipes, particularly the iconic cake pops.
This showcases a variety of whimsical and beautifully decorated treats, from cupcakes and cookies to elaborate cakes and seasonal desserts.
Known for the step-by-step tutorials, the author makes even the most intricate designs easier for bakers of all skill levels.
Eat, Live, Run
Originally started as a way to document the founder’s culinary journey and health transformation, the site evolved to include recipes as content.
It ranges from comforting classics to vibrant, health-conscious dishes, catering to various dietary preferences and occasions.
The Full Helping
Another list of plant-based recipes by Gena Hamshaw—a certified nutritionist, offers nourishing content, making it a valuable information hub for those interested in vegan and vegetarian cooking.
“The Full Helping” explores not just recipes but also topics related to mindful eating, self-care, and sustainable living.
Lottie + Doof
Tim Mazurek focuses on this platform with a mix of recipes, cookbook reviews, and culinary musings.
Tim’s blog stands out for its thoughtful exploration of food culture and its intersection with personal storytelling. It features a range of comforting classics and inventive dishes that reflect his passion for flavor exploration.
The Pastry Affair
This beloved food blog by Kristin Rosenau is known for its focus on baking and pastry recipes that project simplicity and creativity.
Her recipes focus on wholesome ingredients and classic baking techniques, catering to both beginners and experienced bakers.
Top 5 famous food bloggers on Instagram to follow
Here, we give you top picks of food bloggers that you can get inspiration from if you decide to take your dishes on social networks.
You can visit or follow them to learn some tips on how to take good photos of your food or even discover cooking techniques and recipes you haven’t tried before.
Dana Shultz
Known for easy, approachable vegan recipes with minimal ingredients, with 2.5 million followers with more than 1,000 likes from its latest post.
Tieghan Gerard
A record of over 2 million followers that features creative and comforting recipes.
Deb Perelman
Focuses on home cooking and baking with 1.5 million followers.
Joy Wilson
Known for baking expertise and charming style, and has a record of more than 500,000 followers.
Lindsay Ostrom
She is one of the famous food bloggers on Instagram with 1.4 million followers, making it known for delicious recipes and photography, with a focus on real and easy-to-make dishes.
QR code menu technology: The final ingredient for menu-making
Now that you have all the information needed to remake your menu, it is essential to have the best tool to present it.
One of many options to consider is a QR code menu technology paired with your traditional paper menus.
You can use this as an alternative mode of payment or to streamline your operations.
Here’s how this technology, like MENU TIGER, can assist you:
Menu customization
You can create your menu by category for better visibility with high-quality images and vivid descriptions.
This enables customers to have more information about their food items than what they have on paper.
Here, you’ll also get to learn how to customize a menu QR code that suits the overall of your restaurant.
Restaurant website builder
MENU TIGER allows you to create a website that you can design according to your branding, which translates to a higher visibility rate.
Your target audience can access them by scanning a QR code for easier navigation.
E-payment alternatives through a digital restaurant menu QR code
For those who want to pay right away without the hassle of waiting in line at the counter, this digital menu QR code software offers Stripe payment integration for restaurants and PayPal online payment methods, where they can pay directly after they order.
Hot actions feature (or the waiter call button system)
Expect a whopping number of diners in this quick service restaurant, so it could be hectic, and some tables may be left unaccommodated by your staff.
In this smart menu software, you can activate the waiter call button system so that staff is notified of any customer requests.
To enable this, head over to the Hot Action button. This is where you can add icons for certain actions and their labels, whether it’s to ask for a bill or simply ask for table tissues.
Your staff will then be notified and will respond to the requests immediately.
Tip: Because your customers will be using it digitally through a QR code, make sure to have clear instructions on how to scan a menu QR code to avoid delays in their requests. You may include these steps on the table tents.
Food and service survey collection
As you know, feedback is important for the improvement of your overall services.
But the challenge will always be disturbing customers while they eat or not giving feedback at all.
So, the countermeasure to that is this restaurant technology survey feature, where customers can directly give their feedback at their own convenience.
Restaurant newsletter for email marketing
You can generate an email list of your loyal customers the moment they scan the QR code when they order and pay.
Their contact information is automatically compiled, and you will have a database for sending campaigns, menu updates, and promotions directly to their inboxes.
This builds a close interaction with them, making them feel valued as patrons of your restaurant.
Equip yourself with the best food blogs to create your best menu
Using a list of the best food blogs as resources in your menu creation is an effective strategy for curating a diverse, innovative, consumer-centered list of food items that will surely put you in the limelight.
But, ultimately, creating a menu close to your heart and the vision of your restaurant is what makes your business stand out from the crowd of competitors.
Good thing that with a QR code menu system like MENU TIGER, you’ll have a digital way of showcasing your menu.
This means that you can display your menu effectively and help you build the most advanced service possible.
To know how the software works, visit the website, create your menu, and design your web for free.
