6 Bookmarked Food Blogs and Our Favorite Recipes from Each
We have been following some of these bloggers for nearly a decade—a veritable long-term relationship. Their weekly (or monthly) posts have become constants in our lives, like beloved columnists or sitcom characters. We like that they’re always evolving and that we get to follow the journey, wherever that may lead (kids! cookbook deals! cross-country moves!). In case you’re just meeting or getting reacquainted with any of the blogs on this list, our food director has picked out a few noteworthy recipes and stories to start with.
David Lebovitz
David Lebovitz has been in the food blog game since 1999 (before there was a game). The former Chez Panisse pastry chef shares recipes and snippets of his life in Paris. His dishes are always elegant and, in Parisian fashion, somehow both restrained and indulgent. He might be best known for pastry and ice cream, but he’s got plenty of savory stuff to offer. Plus, he really has a way with cocktails.
Recipes to try:
• Homemade Orange Bitters
• Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles
• Roast Chicken with Caramelized Shallots
Minimalist Baker
Sometimes it’s hard to know if you can trust that a recipe will actually work when you’re searching on the internet—and this becomes more challenging if you’re looking for vegan or gluten-free alternatives. Enter Minimalist Baker. While the blog isn’t exclusively vegan or gluten-free, there are tons of riffable recipes that cater to those diets, and they are all thoughtfully developed with reliable results. Beyond individual recipes, blog creator Dana Shultz includes lots of handy technique and ingredient guides that will make you a better home cook.
Guides and recipes to check out:
• Guide to Egg Substitutes
• Mini Crispy Eggplant Pizzas
• Easy Gluten Free Pasta
A Cozy Kitchen
LA-based Adrianna Adarme knows cozy, and everything about her blog exudes it. The photos are beautiful, the color palette is soothing, and all the food looks so comforting. She’s our go-to for all things dessert right now. Her cake decoration looks pro, but she makes it seem totally doable. We also love the Peruvian and Colombian recipes she shares that are influenced by her Latin American background. Bonus: You’ll get the occasional photo of her corgi, Amelia.
Recipes to try:
• Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
• Delicata Squash Ricotta Baked Shells
• Carrot Sheet Cake with Buttercream Flowers
The Woks of Life
The Woks of Life showcases Chinese food, and what makes it special is that it’s a family affair. Bill, Judy, and their daughters, Sarah and Kaitlin, work together and individually to contribute recipes that reflect their different tastes, perspectives, and experiences. The blog started as a way for them to stay connected through food while they were all living in different places. Whether it’s Chinese regional specialties, traditional Chinese banquet food, or Chinese American takeout classics, they’ve got it covered. The in-depth ingredient glossaries are particularly helpful if you’re new to Chinese cooking.
Guides and recipes to check out:
• Chinese Ingredient Glossary
• Copycat Takeout Eggrolls
• Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
Sweet Potato Soul
This blog is a fantastic resource for vegan cooking. Jenné Claiborne has that cool-girl ease, but she’s still down-to-earth and relatable. She’s passionate about healthy cooking and has lots of great recipes and ideas. As the name suggests, she’s big on sweet potatoes, which she says were one of the first healthy foods she really liked growing up. While there are plenty of sweet-potato-centric recipes, you can also find super nourishing lattes, smoothies, salads, and some not-too-sweet desserts.
Recipes to try:
• Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
• Oatmilk Matcha Latte
• Buckwheat Crepes and Chocolate Sauce
Maangchi
The New York Times has compared Maangchi to Julia Child, and for good reason. They both aim to teach a specific cuisine style (Child’s was French, Maangchi’s is Korean). They’re both beginner-friendly, with a gentle, forgiving approach peppered with many “don’t worrys” and reassuring offers of substitutions and alternatives. And they both have a bubbly, warm, humble onscreen presence that nearly downplays their serious skills and culinary knowledge. Maangchi is a delight to watch—you’ll feel empowered to try things that might be out of your comfort zone because of her.
Recipes to try:
• Dubu-jorim (Spicy Braised Tofu)
• Yachaejeon (Vegetable Pancake)
• Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi)
