Recipe Directions

Clear, well-written directions are essential for recipe success. This guide covers how to create effective step-by-step instructions.

Adding Directions

Basic Steps

1. Click Add Step in the Directions section
2. Write clear instructions for that step
3. Repeat for each step in the recipe

Step Photos (Advanced Plan)

On Advanced and Enterprise plans, add photos to individual steps:

1. Click the image icon on a step
2. Upload a photo showing that step
3. Photos display alongside the direction text

Step photos are great for:

• Showing technique (how to fold dough)
• Illustrating doneness (golden brown edges)
• Demonstrating assembly (layer order)

Writing Effective Directions

Start with a Verb

Every step should begin with an action word:

• Preheat
• Mix
• Pour
• Bake
• Fold
• Chop

One Action Per Step

Keep steps focused on a single task:

Good:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl.
3. Add eggs and milk, stirring until just combined.

Avoid:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F, then mix flour, sugar, baking powder in a bowl, add eggs and milk and stir.

Include Specifics

Always include:

• Temperatures (in Fahrenheit and Celsius)
• Times ("bake for 25-30 minutes")
• Visual cues ("until golden brown")
• Equipment ("in a 9x13 inch pan")

Provide Doneness Cues

Help readers know when steps are complete:

• "Until onions are translucent"
• "Until internal temperature reaches 165°F"
• "Until a toothpick inserted comes out clean"
• "Until doubled in size"

Reordering Steps

Drag and drop steps to reorder them. Make sure the sequence is logical and complete.

Common Direction Patterns

Oven Recipes

1. Preheat step (first)
2. Preparation steps
3. Assembly
4. Baking with time/temp
5. Cooling/resting

Stovetop Recipes

1. Prep ingredients
2. Heat pan/oil
3. Cooking sequence
4. Finishing/seasoning
5. Serving

No-Bake Recipes

1. Gather/prep ingredients
2. Mixing steps
3. Chilling/setting
4. Serving

Tips and Variations

Use the Recipe Notes field for:

• Variations ("For chocolate version, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder")
• Make-ahead instructions
• Storage information
• Serving suggestions
• Common substitutions

Direction Length

Aim for:

• 5-15 steps for most recipes
• More steps for complex recipes
• Fewer combined steps is better than too few detailed steps

Best Practices Summary

1. Start each step with an action verb
2. One task per step
3. Include temperatures and times
4. Provide visual cues for doneness
5. List steps in exact order
6. Add step photos for complex techniques
7. Use Recipe Notes for variations and tips

What's Next?

• Recipe Images and Videos - Adding visual content
• Recipe Equipment - Specifying required tools
• Tags, Categories & SEO - Optimizing your recipe