Your recipe title is the most important part of your recipe, serving as the first impression and acting like a headline in a story. Just like any headline, it has the power to grab attention and entice people to read further. Think about how you browse through a cookbook—you likely don’t read every page front to back. Instead, you scan for a recipe title or a photo that sparks your interest and makes you want to try it.
Of all the elements in your recipe, the title has the greatest influence on whether someone will stop and explore your dish or move on. The better your title, the more likely you are to turn a casual recipe browser into a recipe reader—and eventually, a recipe maker.
What Makes a Good Recipe Title?
To make your recipe title effective, keep a few key things in mind:
- Grab Attention
Just like a headline in a newspaper, your recipe title needs to stand out and catch the reader’s eye. - Describe the Food Clearly
A good recipe title gives the reader a sense of what they’ll be making. For example, if you have a dish your family calls “Gruel,” that name may mean something to you, but it’s not descriptive for others. A better title like “Baked Hamburger Gravy” tells readers exactly what the dish is and what to expect. - Be Unique
If you’ve seen the recipe title before, it’s not going to make your dish stand out. Use a distinctive title to set your recipe apart from the countless others out there. - Include the Source
In family cookbooks, associating a recipe with a specific family member adds a personal touch. Titles like “Grandma’s Apple Pie” or “Lou’s Lemon Bars” immediately give the reader a connection to the recipe. While this is great for family gatherings, it may not help outside readers unless the person is known for their cooking skills! - Sell the Sizzle, Not Just the Steak
This means going beyond just naming the ingredients. Highlight what makes the recipe special or appealing. Is it quick and easy? A family favorite? Gluten-free? Make sure the title communicates why it’s worth making.
How Recipe Titles Meet Reader Needs
The best recipe titles speak to the needs and desires of the person looking for a recipe. Everyone is looking for something different—whether it’s indulgent, healthy, quick, or gourmet. A good title shows readers how your recipe meets one of those needs.
Consider the following examples:
- “Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies” – Appeals to those craving a comforting, indulgent treat.
- “Quick ‘n’ Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies” – Perfect for someone in a hurry.
- “Grandma’s Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies” – Brings a sense of nostalgia and family tradition.
- “Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies” – Targets readers with specific dietary needs.
Each title addresses a different need, and the words you choose are key to reaching the right audience.
Make Your Recipe Titles Stand Out
With some thought and creativity, you can craft recipe titles that not only grab attention but also make readers excited to try your dish. A good title can make all the difference in getting your recipes the attention they deserve.
Bill Rice is Founder and Co-Publisher of the Family Cookbook Project, the leading online cookbook publisher with a website that helps families and individuals collect, preserve and share food memories by creating their own printed custom cookbooks. He is the author of The Wellfleet Oyster Cookbook and the Cape Cod Cocktail Cookbook (Available on Amazon), both created using FamilyCookbookProject.com. He is also editor of the Donovan Family Cookbook, now it’s third printing and is an avid genealogist tracing his family back to the 1600’s.
Follow Family Cookbook Project on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter TikTok, YouTube and Pinterest!