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Simple and Quick Recipe Binder with Free Printables

“Now, what was the name of that recipe that I found using Pinterest? I just know I’ve made it before…”. Is this you?

Pinterest. I love Pinterest for finding recipes. But, then there is the problem that there. are. so. many. recipes to try. Right?

How do I keep them organized? My recipe board has over 300 pins. That one recipe we tried — and liked — pretty sure it was pinned about 80 pins ago…

This was a weekly struggle until I made a DIY Recipe Binder. In typical form, I chose to organize recipes simply. If it isn’t simple, I won’t keep the habit. I know that about myself.

Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD

How to Use a Recipe Binder

This binder contains recipes that I’ve found online or in a magazine. It does not include family recipes. I do have family recipe cards that were part of a wedding gift, but those are kept in a separate recipe book.

Originally, I put the online recipes into the family recipe book but I ran into several problems:

  1. The online recipes didn’t fit into the family recipe book and would have to be reformatted.
  2. The online recipes weren’t handwritten like the family recipe book (and I’m picky… so I like things to match, ha!)
  3. Sometimes, I’d stick recipes in the family book “to try” and end up not being a huge fan. However, I really consider the recipes in my family book to be iconic, well-loved, recipes.

All that to say, there is no reason you couldn’t store everything in one recipe binder. Yet, if you’re like me, a recipe binder is a very simple, flexible, method for storing recipes — even it’s not the only place you keep recipes.

Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD

Those are my Valentine’s flowers, ya’ll! Less than $3 at Aldi’s. They are looking lovely in our breakfast nook, and perfect for this photo shoot.

How to Make a Recipe Binder

So, are you convinced? Do you need a simple method to organize recipes?

There is a title page and nine recipe binder categories included in this free printable set: Appetizers, Breads, Breakfast, Desserts, Drinks, Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Snacks, Soups

Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD

If a recipe prints as a full-page, 3-hole-punch the sheet and stick it into the binder.

If the online recipe prints out as a “card” – typically 4×6 – then cut it out and tape it onto a blank sheet. Keep several blank sheets inside each recipe category for this purpose. Try using washi tape to attach the cards, for a little color and fun. 

Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD
Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD

The printable set also includes a “recipe” label for the binding. The label holder on my binder was stubborn. Due to a tight fit, I could only get a half-size sheet into the label holder.  The binding label is designed to fit binders of widths equal to, or larger than, 1 inch — just trim the label sheet accordingly.

Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD
Download this free printable set and make your own Recipe Binder. by @CraftivityD

I keep a stack of Menu Sheets inside the binder, for easy access when planning weekly meals. Now there are no more excuses to meal plan, right? #yeahright #illfindanexcuse


Would you like to download the free printable? Click the button, below, to sign up for our newsletter and gain access to the freebie library. Once subscribed, you will receive an email with instructions to access the library.

If you have any problems signing up, please send an email to loragreen@craftivitydesigns.com, and I will sign you up manually.


How do you organize recipes? I’d love to hear what works for you.

zan

Monday 27th of February 2017

I used to have a binder (for recipes, grocery, lists, coupons) sort of like that except mine was nothing designed. I created plane lines then printed them out on regular paper. Now I just have a notebook that I keep everything in! I love your design and that is a great way to keep things organized for cooking and shopping.

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Friday 3rd of March 2017

Thanks, Zan :)

Vanessa @ {nifty thrifty things}

Friday 24th of February 2017

This is such a great idea, Lora! I have so many cut outs and print outs in drawers, this would really help. :) XO! Vanessa

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Saturday 25th of February 2017

Makes it simple :)

Sarah

Friday 24th of February 2017

This is SUCH a great idea. I'll make recipes on Pinterest and forget to pin or save them then have no idea what I made in a few weeks haha. I should print them out and put them in a pretty binder!!

Shani | Sunshine & Munchkins

Monday 20th of February 2017

This is a great little binder Lora! I've been meaning to put something like this together because I think I have at least 4 places I keep recipes and it would be nice to consolidate.

craftivitydesigns@gmail.com

Wednesday 22nd of February 2017

That's how mine were before, but once I put together this binder last year, I've stuck with it. It's just so simple that I don't skip putting recipes in the right spot.