How to Organize Your Recipes Using a Recipe Binder
ByKelleigh BeckettUpdated on
About a year ago I bought a cute new recipe binder for really cheap. The problem is that the sections in this book did NOT work for me. All the tabs were pre-printed, and there weren’t any extra ones for me to add my own sections. I knew I was going to have to come up with a better system… so I just started stuffing recipes into the book. Stuffing.
Awful, ain’t it? Looking up a recipe was a real chore.
This week, Toni @ A bowl full of lemons is challenging people to get their recipes in order. And I decided it was high time to do just that. I am thrilled with my results.
The first step was to identify what sections I needed. So I started by listing the ones I could think of, and then sifting through my recipes to make sure they all had a category to fit into. I added a miscellaneous category for things that didn’t deserve their section, such as preserves, since I don’t do a lot of preserving.
The sections that work for you could be very different from what works for me, but here are the sections I decided on:
Appetizers
Soups & Salads
Main Dishes
beef
poultry
veggies
pasta
Side dishes
Bread
Breakfast (with a sub-section for muffins)
Dessert (with sub-sections for cookies and cakes)
Misc.
I made the tab dividers and pages out of scrapbooking paper and cardstock. I used some little scrapbooking embellishments and do-dads for decoration too.
Each section tab has a corresponding picture on it.
I was inspired by the recipe clippings books of old. I wanted an eclectic gathered-together look that would complement the various additions and food splatters it will acquire over the years.
Each section includes a page protector labeled “Recipes To Try” so I can clip recipes and put them somewhere without having to commit them to a permanent spot in the book until I know that they are keepers.
Now finding the recipe I need is easy. And pretty too.
Thank you so much for visiting Imperfect Homemaking.
Kelleigh Beckett
Homemaker and Parenting Expert
I'm Kelleigh Beckett, your Homemaking and Baby Gear Expert. With 15 years of experience, I've combined formal education from the International Institute of Home Management with hands-on wisdom from raising six kids. Certified since 2012 and a NAPO member, I specialize in optimizing home organization and making cleaning a joyful experience. But that's not all—I'm also your go-to for all things baby gear. From detailed product reviews to rigorous testing, I've got you covered. Join me as I simplify complex homemaking challenges with practical, easy-to-follow advice. Together, we'll create a home that's both beautifully organized and brimming with love.