Recipe Book Binder + Free Printables
A DIY Recipe Book Binder is an easy and practical way to organize all of your recipes–and to keep adding them! Free printables included.
Over ten years ago I went through my stacks of cookbooks, and file of saved recipes I had printed or had received from others. I took out all of our favorites, typed them up, slid them into sheet protectors, and put them into a 3-ring binder. That recipe book binder changed my life. It has saved me so much time and effort when it comes to cooking and menu planning, and streamlined and organized all of my recipes. I’ve never looked back!
Affiliate links of products I used are included for your convenience. See my full disclosure here.
The idea of a recipe binder is nothing new, and it’s been around for a long time, but that says something right there…it’s still around because it WORKS! I’ve had to change binders a few times over the years, and just this past week, my current ones needed a makeover. I use them A LOT, and they were in sad shape. In honor of my new pink binders, I also created new and updated printables. I’m sharing them with you, plus all you need to know to make your own Recipe Binder!
All of our favorite, tried and true recipes are in this binder–Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Meltaways Cookies, Crockpot Hot Chocolate, 4-Ingredient Hot Fudge, Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread, and so many more!
TIP: I love to give recipe binders as graduation and wedding gifts. It’s a personal gift idea that can last through their entire life, and they can add to it over the years.
Table of contents
How it works
I type up my favorite, tried and true recipes–the ones that I gather out of all my other cookbooks and from other sources–slide them in sheet protectors, and the place them in binders under a specific category. Sheet protectors are a critical step, because if something spills on a page, it’s easily wiped up, and the recipe isn’t ruined. I don’t always type them up–if it’s an online recipe, I usually just print it out and place in the binder.
In addition to the recipe pages, at the back of each of my binders, I keep a plastic pocket divider. This is where I put any new recipes, and recipes I want to try. If we like it, I slide it into a sheet protector and keep it in my binder. If we don’t like it, then it’s easy to toss.
It’s a really versatile method of keeping recipes, because it’s so easy to add and/or remove them as needed. No more rifling through a million cookbooks–just save all your favorites into a recipe binder for quick and easy access.
How to Organize
I started out with three smaller binders, then switched over to two larger binders. One binder is for desserts, cookies, and candy–I tend to have a lot of recipes in those sections. The other binder is for everything else–main dish, side dish, appetizer, bread, salad, soup, etc. But the beauty of a recipe binder is that you can organize them any way you like, based on your preferences and types of recipes.
You can either have more of the smaller binders, or less of the thicker ones. I don’t like my binders to be too big, but I do like having them mostly together, so two 2-inch binders works well for me.
With plenty of dividers and tabs, no matter how many binders you have, it makes it so easy to find and locate your categories and favorite recipes.
I LOVE them. Seriously, it is worth the time to type up your recipes, I promise! When I first started, I just did a few every day until I was done, so it wasn’t too overwhelming. Now, it doesn’t take too long to add a new recipe, and it’s super easy to maintain. Type up your own recipes, print online recipes, and more.
Supplies
- 3-ring binders — I LOVE these pink binders–they’re my new favorite, and they come in different sizes and colors.
- Plastic sheet protectors — I like heavyweight, matte, and non-glare
- Sticky index tabs — I found these darling index tabs in the perfect colors to go with my binder. They’re sticky enough to stick well, but they’re also easy to reposition as needed. You can print my tabs and stick them on, or just use a sharpie to write categories if desired.
Directions
- Type up and/or print all of your recipes onto white paper.
- Slide recipes into plastic sheet protectors.
- Print the category recipe dividers, front cover, spine, and tabs (the smaller set of tabs fit on the sticky index tabs I used and linked above.)
- Slide the recipe dividers into sheet protectors.
- Slide the front cover into the plastic sleeve on the front of the binder.
- Cut out the spine printable and slide into place.
- Add printed recipe dividers to the tabs with double stick tape, and adhere tabs to the category pages.
- Place all of your recipes into appropriate categories.
Download
I’m including a download link for the pdf files, but also a canva template so you can edit the pages and categories to your preference. You’ll need a free Canva account to access them. You can edit, save, and print from Canva.
What’s included:
- Two choices for a front cover–Homemade Recipes and Favorite Recipes
- 12 recipe dividers
- 12 category index tabs — smaller one fits on the tabs I used
- 2 spine tabs –larger size works on a 2-inch binder
Canva editing tips:
- To edit a category page, just click on an existing page, and you can change the text.
- To add a category page, click the “duplicate page” icon that’s at the top right of each page. Then you can edit the text as needed.
- To edit the tabs, just click on the text and change as needed. You can also make them bigger or smaller if desired, to fit on different tabs.
- Save your changes, and print as a pdf file–pdf print. You can print just one page or all of them.
To edit the design
***The printables you see in the photos use certain pro features that can only be accessed if you have the pro account. I created a very similar version using free features that anyone can use with a free Canva account. Click on the link you need below to edit the printables.
Canva Template: PRO version
DOWNLOAD THE PDF FILES
Editable Recipe Page
I’m including an editable recipe page if you’re interested in using it for your recipe book. Follow the canva link to edit the template. All you’ll need is a free account, if you don’t have one yet. Then you can use it to type up all your recipes!
8.5 x 11 recipe card without lines
8.5 x 11 recipe card with lines
**If you’re looking for the polka dot printables I originally shared, I still have them for you! This zip file contains all of the printables you need.
Polka Dot Recipe Binder Files (zip file–all-in-one)
FAQ
Yes, any size binder will work! Just choose the one that has the plastic sleeve on the very front cover.
I’ve included a canva template link, so you can edit and add any extra categories and recipe dividers you’d like.
More organization ideas
Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for even more ideas and inspiration. I’d love to see you there!
*Originally posted 2014.
thanks SO much for this cute recipe binder project! I am a foodie and have had issue for YEARS with cookbooks, recipe files, boxes, etc. I recently made a binder, but didn’t have a good divider system. I already printed out the tabs and am gonna go laminate them NOW :) What a wonderful gift, thanks!
Oh, you are so welcome!! I’m so glad the tabs will work for you! I know you are going to LOVE the binder system! Thanks for dropping by! xoxo
Seriously, last night I was thinking (as I was looking at a pile of recipes…) that I need to get my act together and make a book. So happy to see this today! Thanks so much for the inspiration and motivation!
Perfect timing. :) So glad you stopped by!!! xoxo
Hi, do you have a saved format that you use for typing your recipes?? That’s my biggest problem with getting started on a project like this. :(
I just sent a sample recipe page to your e-mail! Hope it helps you get started. :) xoxo
Kierste, I have just found your blog–thank you so much for sharing these! I have stacks of printed recipes, torn magazine pages, and pieces of paper with recipes scribbled that I have committed to get into a system. My first step has been (ruthlessly!) culling the “collection”, consolidating our usage notes (edits, additions, adjustments for serving sizes, etc.), and organizing stacks by type of recipe and by whether they’re “done” or “try”. I had not considered re-typing them but now see the benefits: standardized size, cleaner presentation, easy edits, consolidated space. Could you please also send the sample recipe page to me that you sent to Stephanie? And also possibly the crockpot tab that you sent to Kristina C?…or post those here? Thank you again!
Of course! I will add them to the post now! I was where you were when I first started years ago, and I have never regretted it. :)
Could I possibly receive a sample recipe page layout as well? I’m not sure how to get that part started either haha
I added a sample page for you! It’s the first thing under the download items at the bottom of the post! Hope it helps!! xoxo
Hi there! Are you able to send me a sample page as well? Thank you!
Hello there! An editable recipe page is included in the post, under the download section! You can use that, or as a place to start to create your own.
Hello! LOVE this idea, thank you so much for sharing with all of us!
When I click on the editable recipe page, nothing happens.
Would you mind to share that with me as well!
Thank you so much!
Hi, Amy! I’m so sorry the link isn’t working for you. Which one is it specifically? I checked and clicked on each one, and they all worked for me, so I’m not sure what’s happening. If you’ll give me an idea of what’s happening on your end I can see if I can figure it out!
I am so excited! I have been in the process of putting my own binder for too long, but was holding off b/c of some things that I didn’t like and was looking for a better solution. You provided some great solutions. Thanks!
I’m so glad you found me!! You’ll have to let me know how it goes after you get it all put together. :) Thanks so much for dropping by!!! xo
I LOVE all of the printables that you made and can’t wait to start organizing all my recipes in one place!! Is there any way you could make one for crockpot recipes?
Thanks!!
I just sent it to you via your e-mail. :) Thanks so much for reading!!! xoxo
Thank you for the free printables!! I have been needing to do this for years and now I have the motivation from looking at your system:)
Oh, you are so welcome!! I think you’re going to love it. :) xoxo
I can’t open these files. Is there a different way to access them? Thanks!
I just updated the post with individual pdf files too, so hopefully those will work. Let me know!!! xo
Thank you. Tat works for me!
that not tat
Been using the binder system for years. It is a no fail. Started updating 6 months ago but couldn’t find covers that were a “grown up” cute. Found yours & exactly what I was looking for!!! Thank you for including a blank page & offering these to readers!
FYI- The “breakfast” link says appetizers :)
Thanks for the heads up! I’ll go fix it now. :)
Yay! So glad you found something you love to “cutesy” up your binders. :) And yes–binders are no-fail. LOVE them!!! xoxo
I just made a note book for meal planning and had the recipes in the back. Thank you so much for the cover page. I’m going to use it as a divider and place it right before the recipes.
Perfect!!! So glad it worked for you!!! xoxo
I really should print these out so I can reorganize my current recipe binder. It’s bursting at the seams!
It’s amazing how fast that happens, isn’t it?? I just had to re-do mine too. xo
Would you mind sending me the Crockpot label link, too? Thanks for the cute idea & printables!
I’m adding it to the post! :) You are so welcome!!! xoxo
Hello Kierste,
I love your printables. I have printed out the recipe binder pages. I would like to print out the blank binder page and was wondering how can I type in my own words…like…..Frostings. I would be so appreciative if you could help me with that.
Thank you so much,
Susan
Sure! Go to picmonkey.com, then upload the blank binder file. Use the text tool (on the left sidebar) to add your desired text. In the post I listed the colors and fonts that I used, so you can make them match!! Let me know if you have any other questions!! xoxo
Thank you Kierste, but I did not understand. I went to picmonkey.com, but just did not see what you told me to find. I am not computer smart lol, but ty for replying to my post.
That’s okay! I can give you more details.
Go to picmonkey.com, and at the top of the page it will say “edit”. Click on it, and then it will bring up a box for your to browse and open the file–wherever you saved it on your computer. Once you open the file, it will open up an edit page, with a left sidebar that has “tools” you an use to make edits and changes. Click on the “Tt” icon, which stands for Text. You can choose your font, then click “add text” at the top. It will open up a text box where you can change the size of the font with a slider bar, and the color of the text. The color of the text is represented by a number, and all you have to do is replace the number with one of the numbers that I gave you. Repeat as necessary. Once you’re done, save your file to your computer, then you can print it!
let me know if you have any more questions!!
Hi, Susan! I created a miscellaneous page and tab, and added it at the bottom of the post! Hope that helps. :)
What size are the pages– 8-1/2 x 11. Or smaller? Thank you.
They are 8 1/2 x 11!
I LOVE your recipe book printable!!! I only have one request-I tried to find and make my own( computer STUPID! ) I would like a Miscellaneous page for the cookbook-ie-sauces, gravies, etc. HELP, please???
Yes, of course I can help! It might not be this weekend–kind of a crazy one, but I’ll send it to you. :)
Thank you so much! I was actually wanting a binder PAGE that says Miscellaneous too :) If you could be so kind, thats the part I can’t get to work for me :)
I added one for you to download at the bottom of the post!! :)
THANK YOU! I’ve tried 2-3 different times and still couldn’t get it! Really love the recipe book and your “school” things! Gonna do those for Grandsons :)
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING! My husband and I have recently changed the way we eat and I have been using more and more recipes that I have found on the web. Those recipes have been stacking up on a shelf and it is time to get organized! I love that you have supplied a blank divider page! I was wondering if you would be able to share a blank book spine as I will have multiple binders and would love to be able to tell which binder I need to dig into at a glance. Thanks again for sharing this!
You are SO welcome!!! I added a blank spine image, so you can edit your own! Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks so much for dropping by!! xoxo
Thanks!
sorrydid find it!) I simply didn’t LOOK !!!
No worries!!! Glad you found it!!
Kierste, thank you so much for offering this for free to readers! You’re right, the printouts are super cute! I can’t wait to make my binder (like beyond excited…). *sigh* it’s the little things in life that make me excited haha. thanks again!
Oh my goodness, I’m so happy you love it! Thank for telling me!!! xoxo
Kierste, Thanks fo much for sharing! I need to declutter and this is perfect for me. Be blessed!
Naomi, I’m so glad it will work for you!!! Thanks so much for stopping by!!! xoxo
I’ve just been introduced to your site! What a talented lady–thanks for sharing! My question is what you do with your cookbooks. When I go to my cookbook shelf with the goal of tossing those books that only have a recipe or two that I like (and have reprinted on the computer), I get all nostalgic and there they stay. What do you do?
I actually don’t have very many cookbooks. I’ve always gotten most of my recipes online. However, I do have a few from my childhood, and a few from my grandmother, and those I will keep forever. I keep them on my bookshelves, with my other books!
Kierste, Thank you so much for sharing the printables! They are adorable and way beyond my scope of making things nice! I have used my recipe binder for years and am updating, cleaning out and making more binders instead of the big heavy one I have.
M
Melissa, I’m so glad you love them, and you are very welcome! It sounds like you have many wonderful recipes, and I think you’ll love having several binders instead of one big one. Good luck and have one fun!!! xoxo
Thank you Kierste for the cookbook binder page! I have more cookbooks than I know what to do with lol. Now I can go through them and find just the recipes I want and convert them to one book! Love it!
You are so welcome!! And yes–that is the tricky part! But you can definitely have more than one book–I do! I have three right now, and they are divided by category. So don’t worry, you can still include all of your favorites. :) Thanks so much of stopping by!!! xoxo
These are perfect! The only problem is that the blank spine template is a jpg rather than pdf, and it’s not included in the all in one zip file. Is there any other way for me to get the blank spine? Thanks in advance, and also thank you for sharing these!!
Hi, Amy! I changed the file to a pdf file, so you can download it now!!! xoxo
I just found your blog and I’m so glad I did! I love looking on pinterest for new recipes to try and needed a way to store all of my recipes!! Thank you for the DIY Recipe Book!!
You are SO welcome, I’m glad you found me!! xoxo
Would you be able to post a blank binder spine or possibly make the spine pages with the different cover names? It would be nice to be able to see which binder I’m grabbing right off the shelf! Thanks!
Hi, Katie! I didn’t do the spine titles, because everyone groups their books differently. I might do them down the line, though, if I’m getting requests!! :)
Dear Kierste
Can you please have the spine titles?
The spine printables are there too! At the very bottom of the post, I list all the different files you can download, and the spine titles are near the top–three or four down. xoxo
Just curious can you make a recipe template like the second picture up top.
That’s actually a recipe a cut out from a magazine! I might create one in the future though–thanks for asking!!
In serach of making a recipe cookbook, I came across yours. Love it. As for the tabs, you mentioned you laminated and used doublesided take to stick them to the index pages. Wondering how well using the doublesided tape works, does it hold up? Please advise as I’m wanting to make the cookbooks for family for Christmas. Thanks in advance! Happy Crafting!
Hello, Terah, welcome!! I’m so glad you found me! :) The double stick tape has been holding up really well for me–I’ve had no issues at all. However, you could always use hot glue instead! Let me know if you have any questions!! xoxo
Oh my gosh!!!! This is AWESOME. I am a college student and I was searching for a cute recipe book to take back to school with me after Christmas break. I will be using this to make my first recipe book and redo my mom’s for her! Thank you!!!
I am so glad, Makenzie!! This will be perfect for college…and for your mom!!! xoxo
Thank you so much for generously sharing these templates! My granddaughter and I are making a recipe book for her right now! Would it be possible or too much trouble to get a Table of Contents?
Thanks so much!
I’ll see what I can do! :)
I am working from my iPhone as I don’t have internet at home for my computer. I downloaded your files. But for the blank ones for the binder to put my own title and I downloaded picmonkey. But it just seems to want to access my photos. And the downloads are not with my photos. They are saved in iBooks.
Also can you please send me the recipe starter also. I love your choice of print for the cookbook. I am not that computer savvy but do ok for Ann old lady. Thanks.
Hi, Cathy! I’m not sure you will be able to do it on your phone. Do you have access to a public library? They let you use their computers for free most of the time, and it might be worth a visit.
I have never posted a comment on a blog before, but after seeing your beautiful recipe binder pages I knew I had to! I am making scrapbook recipe binders for my mother in law and sister in laws, with recipes in everyone’s handwriting. I was going to design my own category pages, but decided to do a quick google search to see if I could find any I liked online and came across your blog. I am forwarding this to all of my crafty friends and will include your blog info in my gifts!
Oh my goodness, thank you so much! What a lovely compliment! I’m honored to be the first blog you commented on, and I’m so glad you found something you loved. It’s such a fun gift idea—I know they’ll love it, especially handwritten. So thoughtful!! xoxo
Absolutely Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing.
Thank you so much, Marilyn!!! xoxo
A “Sauces” page, I agree would be great.
I’ll see what I can do!!! :)
I love this. Would you be able to make a page for Sauces?
I love it. Thanks for sharing <3
This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’m finally starting that family cookbook that I’ve been meaning to do for years, since I’m the only one who has what few recipes were written. Did you mention what type of paper you print on? I’ll need to make at least a dozen cookbooks. Thanks so much for all the helpful ideas!
Hi, Sherry! I printed everything on white cardstock, and the recipes on white paper. Good luck with your family cookbook…such a fun project! xoxo
Love these. quick question. How do I add my specific title to the editable file?
Thank you!
Hi, Loretta! Save the file, then open it up your editing software of choice…if you don’t have any, there are free sites like picmonkey.com that you can use. Once you’ve opened it in that program, add your text, then save.
Here is another post that explains editing a picture and adding text…hopefully it will help give you a little more info!!
https://oldsaltfarm.com/2014/02/favorite-chalkboard-fonts.html/6
Love so much of what you have posted! I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find the recipe templates? It tells me at the bottom of the page but they’re not there.
So sorry, Peggy! There was a little glitch. It’s all fixed now, and at the bottom of the post!!
Awesome ways to organizing recipes! My wife just recently started collecting recipes from our family members and this will really help with organizing them! Thanks for sharing!
Hey, I love these but when i click on the files it says the pages cannot be found. Any chance you could help me?
Hey, Sarah! Sorry about that! The individual links were working, but that first zip file somehow came unlinked. It’s all fixed now, so you should be good to go! Thanks so much for letting me know!! xoxo
These are so cute! I already have a binder but would love to dress it up! Are these available in a half size? (My binder is one of the small ones that fits copy paper cut in half). If not, do you think I would be able to edit these to fit? Or is it embedded in such a way that nothing can be edited?
Hi, Megan! I’m sorry, they are pdf files that are not editable. I can send you the original jpg files if you want to try and resize them! Just let me know which email address to send them to.
Just found your printables when looking for tips on organizing recipes and LOVE your pages. Since Main Dishes is such a large category, would it be possible to have categories for Casseroles, Fish/Seafood, Poultry, Beef, Pork and Pasta? Thank you so very much for sharing these with all of us. xox
Hi, Elizabeth!! I so wish I had time to do it!! I did share a blank page (decoration included, just no text), along with all of the colors and fonts I used. picmonkey.com is a free online software where you can add text to images. Here’s a post that shows you how! xoxo https://oldsaltfarm.com/free-chalkboard-christmas-card-templates/
Hi I’m all in favour of having some recipes and make a binder.so I can keep going back to see what my husband wants me to prepare for myself and him to eat. And prepare other meals for the food to be stored in the freezer.
I just wanted to say Thank you for making this recipe book free and easily printable. I love the colors and choices.
Hi, Mary! You are so welcome—I’m glad you are enjoying it! xo
Thank you for the free printable recipe binder pages. I am making a recipe binder for my 9 year old granddaughter and can’t wait to surprise her with it.
She will love it!!!
Thanks for sharing your printouts! Would you consider adding a page/tab for INSTANT POTS?
That’s a great suggestion, Carole, thank you! Keep an eye out…and if you’ll email me in a couple weeks, I can let you know when it’s posted. oldsaltfarm@gmail.com
Thank you! So darling?
You’re so welcome!
I signed up for a free Canva account specifically to download and print the cover and the tabs but it won’t let me because Canva is calling those “Premium content” that is only available with a Pro account. Really disappointed that these “free” printables aren’t actually free. Shame too because I really liked the designs.
Hi Kate! I’m sorry that’s happening–it’s not what I understood would happen, and I didn’t know they wouldn’t work with a free account. I’ve come to find out that if I used any pro features then you have to have a pro account to access the template. I ended up creating a version using free features that anyone can use with a free account. Will you give it a test for me and let me know if it works? https://www.canva.com/design/DAGCmO9oPWQ/vCJS61RimCT4f5UTiTaylA/view?utm_content=DAGCmO9oPWQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview
It’s also in the post as well for other readers. Thanks so much for letting me know!