What information should I include on a professional recipe card?

A professional recipe card should include: recipe name, yield/portions, prep and cook times, detailed ingredient list with quantities and costs, step-by-step instructions, allergen warnings, equipment needed, storage instructions, and plating notes. This ensures consistency and safety in any kitchen environment.

Why should I track ingredient costs on recipe cards?

Tracking ingredient costs on recipe cards helps you understand your food cost per portion, maintain consistent pricing, and identify opportunities to optimize margins. For restaurants, knowing your cost per plate is essential for profitable menu pricing.

Can I laminate the recipe card PDF?

Yes! The recipe card PDF is designed to fit on a single letter-size page, making it perfect for laminating. Laminated recipe cards are durable, waterproof, and can be wiped clean - ideal for busy kitchen environments.

Is my recipe data saved?

Yes, your recipe data is automatically saved in your browser’s local storage. This means you can close the browser and return later to continue editing. However, the data is only stored on your device and won’t sync across devices.

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Free recipe card generator.

Create professional, printable recipe cards for your kitchen. Add ingredients with costs, instructions, allergens, and more. Download as PDF instantly.

Create recipe card

Fill in your recipe details and download a professional PDF.

Recipe name

Recipe photo

Click to upload or drag and drop

PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP up to 5MB

Yield

Unit

Prep (min)

Cook (min)

Ingredients & costs

IngredientQtyUnitCost/unitTotal

Ingredient

Qty

Unit

Cost/unit

$0.00

Ingredient

Qty

Unit

Cost/unit

$0.00

Ingredient

Qty

Unit

Cost/unit

$0.00

Instructions

Allergens

Select any allergens present in this recipe.

Equipment needed

List the equipment prep cooks should have ready.

Storage instructions

Plating notes

RECIPE COSTLIVE

TOTAL COST$0.00

COST / PORTION$0.00

TIME TOTAL—

ADD INGREDIENTS WITH COSTS TO SEE THE SUMMARY

Download recipe card

Add a recipe name, at least one ingredient, and one instruction step to generate your PDF.

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86 keeps all your recipes organized with real-time cost tracking — every invoice reprices every dish.

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Creating professional recipe cards

Why use standardized recipe cards?

Professional kitchens rely on standardized recipe cards to ensure consistency, track costs, and maintain food safety standards. A well-designed recipe card is an essential tool for training new staff and maintaining quality across all shifts.

What makes a great recipe card?

·Clear formatting: easy to read at a glance, even in a busy kitchen environment.

·Complete information: all details needed to execute the dish, from prep to plating.

·Cost tracking: ingredient costs help maintain food cost targets and pricing.

·Safety information: allergen warnings and storage instructions for food safety.

Tips for better recipe cards

·Use precise measurements — consistency depends on accurate portions

·Include a photo — visual reference for plating and presentation

·List equipment — ensures prep cooks have everything ready

·Mark all allergens — critical for guest safety and compliance

·Update costs regularly — food prices fluctuate with market conditions

Free recipe card generator.

Create recipe card

Ingredients & costs

Instructions

Allergens

Equipment needed

Download recipe card

Creating professional recipe cards

Why use standardized recipe cards?

What makes a great recipe card?

Tips for better recipe cards

Kitchen organized. Inventory next?