Why use a recipe app?

Cooking with a recipe app on your smartphone or tablet has many advantages over traditional cookbooks. You have thousands of recipes at your fingertips, can easily search by the ingredients you have at home, and get step-by-step instructions you can follow while you cook. Many apps also offer features such as timers, shopping lists and the option to save recipes.

For beginners, recipe apps are especially useful because they often include videos and photos that show what a dish should look like. Experienced cooks use apps to discover new recipes and find inspiration. Whatever your level, there is an app that suits you.

There are many different recipe apps available, each with its own strengths. Some focus on quick weeknight meals, others on healthy eating or specific cuisines. Here we discuss a few popular options that work well for users in the Netherlands.

Jumbo Extra's and Albert Heijn Allerhande

The major Dutch supermarkets have excellent recipe apps. The Jumbo app contains thousands of recipes that you can filter by ingredients, preparation time and diet. A handy feature is that you can add all the ingredients to your shopping list with a single tap.

Albert Heijn has the well-known Allerhande app with recipes from the magazine of the same name. The app is known for its reliable recipes and beautiful photography. Here too, you can add ingredients directly to your AH shopping list. Both apps are free and ideal if you do your grocery shopping at that supermarket.

Kitchen Stories

Kitchen Stories is an international app with gorgeous videos and photos. The app is aimed at home cooks of all levels and offers recipes ranging from simple to challenging. A unique aspect is the detailed step-by-step videos that explain every technique.

The app is free with optional premium features. The recipe selection is international, so you'll find dishes from cuisines all over the world. The Dutch translation is good and the app is pleasant to use.

Cookpad

Cookpad is a community-driven platform where home cooks share their own recipes. The advantage is the huge number of recipes, including many Dutch and homestyle dishes you won't find in fancy cookbooks. Think of grandma's apple pie or classic stamppot (Dutch mashed potato and vegetable) variations.

Because recipes are uploaded by users, the quality varies. Check the reviews and the number of times a recipe has been saved to get an idea. The community is active and you can ask the creator of a recipe questions.

Paprika Recipe Manager

Paprika is not a recipe collection but a tool for managing your own recipes. You can import recipes from any website at the push of a button. The app automatically pulls the ingredients and instructions from the page and saves them neatly.

This is ideal if you like collecting recipes from different sources. Your own recipes and recipes from blogs, magazines or other apps all come together in one well-organized library. Paprika costs a one-time fee but offers a lot of value for your investment.

Searching for and discovering recipes

Finding the perfect recipe starts with good search features. Modern recipe apps offer extensive filters. You can search by ingredients you want to use or would rather avoid. Filtering by preparation time is useful for weeknights when you're short on time.

Many apps have a "what do I have at home" feature. You enter the ingredients in your fridge and the app suggests recipes you can make with them. Ideal for reducing food waste and cooking creatively.

Discover new dishes through the app's recommendations and popular sections. Many apps learn from your preferences and suggest recipes that match your taste. Also follow cooks or collections that inspire you for a feed full of new ideas.

Cooking with the app

Once you've chosen a recipe, the real work begins. Good recipe apps support you while you cook. Cook mode keeps your screen on and shows the instructions in large text so you can easily read them while you work.

Many apps have built-in timers. When a step says to let something simmer for ten minutes, you can start a timer with a single tap without switching to a separate app. Some apps even read the instructions aloud so you can keep your hands free.

Take advantage of the option to adjust servings. Cooking for more or fewer people than the recipe says? The app automatically calculates the adjusted quantities. Keep in mind that baking requires more exact ratios than stews.

Saving and organizing recipes

Over time you'll collect favorite recipes that you want to make more often. Save them in the app so you can find them again quickly. Many apps let you create collections or folders to organize recipes. For example, create folders for weeknight meals, festive dishes, baking or specific diets.

Some apps sync your saved recipes through the cloud. You can then save a recipe on your phone and open it on your tablet in the kitchen. This is handy if you use multiple devices.

Planning weekly menus

Many recipe apps have a weekly planner feature. You drag recipes to days of the week and get an overview of what you're going to cook. The app then generates a combined shopping list with everything you need.

Planning weekly menus saves time and money. You shop more purposefully and throw away less food. It takes a little effort to plan, but if you do it on Sunday, you won't have to stress about what to eat for the rest of the week.

Dietary preferences and allergies

If you eat vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, or have allergies, filters are essential. Set your dietary preferences in the app and you'll only see recipes that meet them. This saves you from checking ingredient lists by hand.

Keep in mind that automatic filters are not always perfect. Always check the ingredient list yourself, especially with severe allergies. If a recipe contains nuts that you could leave out, for example, the filter may not show the recipe even though you could make it just fine.

Sharing and printing recipes

Want to share a recipe with friends or family? Most apps have a share feature that lets you send a link to the recipe. The recipient can then view it in the app or a browser.

For those who still prefer paper, some apps offer a print feature. You get a neatly formatted recipe that you can print. Handy if you'd rather keep your phone out of the kitchen or want to keep the recipe in a binder.

Tips for beginners

If you're just starting to cook with an app, begin with simple recipes. Look for recipes with few ingredients and short preparation times. That way you build confidence without getting overwhelmed.

Read the entire recipe before you start. This prevents surprises halfway through. Make sure you have all the ingredients and equipment ready before you begin; this is called mise en place and makes the cooking process much smoother.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Recipes are guidelines, not laws. If you don't like something, leave it out or replace it. Over time you'll develop your own style and dare to try more and more.

Frequently asked questions

Which recipe app is best for beginners?

Kitchen Stories is excellent for beginners because of its detailed video instructions. The Allerhande app from Albert Heijn has reliable recipes with clear explanations. Both apps have filters for easy recipes and short preparation times.

Can I view recipes offline?

Some apps, such as Paprika Recipe Manager, store recipes locally so you can view them offline. Other apps require an internet connection. Check the settings for an offline mode, or save screenshots as a backup.

How do I add ingredients to my shopping list?

Most supermarket apps, such as Jumbo and Albert Heijn, have a feature to add all ingredients to your shopping list with one tap. In other apps you can often share to a separate shopping list app or copy the list.

Are recipe apps free?

Most recipe apps are free to download and use. Some offer premium versions with extra features such as more recipes, no ads or offline access. Apps like Paprika Recipe Manager are paid but offer a one-time purchase without a subscription.

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