How To Write A Food Blog Post That’ll Get Your Readers Salivating For More

When you’re just starting out as a food blogger, it can seem difficult to draft something that sounds appetizing. I know – I’ve been there (and took food writing lessons and worked in food marketing agencies). I’m sharing my tips on how to write a food blog post that your readers will love.

Writing great blog posts is one thing, but great food blog writing is something completely different.

If it’s a recipe, there’s that portion of it.

But what about the rest? What kind of content do readers want in food-focused content?

As a new food blogger, this post on food content creation tips will provide you with the insights you need to create bookmark-worthy food blog posts.

Culinary writing isn’t difficult, but there are rules surrounding it. When it comes to blogging, there is a recipe blog post format that we’ll explore here. Finally, you’ll get some tips for descriptive food writing that will help you delight your readers.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click on a product or service, and decide to purchase it, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All recommended products and services are based on my positive experience with them. For more information, please read my Disclaimer.

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How To Write A Food Blog Post

It doesn’t matter what food blog niche you’re focusing on.

Just like a regular blog post has an introduction, a blog and a conclusion, so does a food blog post.

But there are a few extra things that it should include.

Namely, if it’s a recipe post, it’ll include a section near the end that’s the recipe “card”.

However, before we get to that part, let’s look at a few other key considerations and food blog writing tips.

| RELATED: How To Write A Blog Post Like A Pro

What Is The Goal Of Your Food Post?

Writing your food blog posts starts with an understanding of what your goal is: is it a recipe post? Restaurant review? Cooking technique post? Or perhaps about culinary traditions.

Depending on your food blog niche, your posts are going to look vastly different.

When it comes to food content creation, always ask yourself: What is the question your readers want answered?

From here, you’ll be able to figure out what your introduction, body and conclusion will include.

PRO TIP: Great resources for food blog posts include: Quora, Reddit, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. See what food blog topics are generating interest and engagement.

Types Of Food Blog Posts

Food content creation is never boring: there are many types of food blog posts you can create.

Here are just a few that you can produce:

• Your recipe
• A round-up of recipes “Best #….”
• A how-to
• A “what is” – usually a post that speaks to an ingredient, culinary style, cooking technique, etc.
• A product/restaurant review post
• An interview with a food expert
• A video walkthrough
• A podcast (consider this list of the best food podcasts)
• Food photography tips (for those who love to Instagram their food!)

If you think it’s only recipe posts, you’re mistaken! Change things up to make it interesting for your readers.

| RELATED: The Different Types Of Blog Posts You Can Write That Generate Traffic

Writing A Food Blog Post: Creating A Structure

Based on my past professional food writing experience, I can say that the first step to writing a great food blog post is to create an outline.

Here’s one that works very well with recipe-focused blog posts:

• An appetite-inducing introduction & context: capture your audience’s interest by using words that make their mouths water. Have them imagine what the food will taste like.
• A body that provides insights and more information: from personal experiences, tips, ingredient breakdowns
• The recipe: (optional) if you’re adding one, this is where you add the recipe card
• A conclusion with a strong call-to-action: a request to share the recipe on social media, sign up for your newsletter or add a comment.

Pretty simple, right?

The recipe needs to be clear, concise and well-formatted.

Plugins such as Recipe Card Blocks and Tasty Recipes by WP Tasty are very useful for organizing your recipes and making them stand out from the rest of your content.

Writing food blog posts fast requires a good structure that you follow every single time.

PRO TIP: We all know that food bloggers with recipes want people to stick around on their site longer and view many ads. That’s because ads are a lucrative source of monetization for food blogs (high traffic volume = more $). However, be aware that some people will stick around if your site isn’t covered in ads. Be careful to balance content with ads.

Add High-Quality Food Visuals That Amplify Your Post

Writing a food blog post requires more than just text.

We “eat with our eyes” first!

So your feature photo should look amazing: beautifully presented to make somebody WANT to try your recipe or read further.

What about the body of your post?

Some of the best food bloggers will take their readers through a process with high-quality visuals.

Even their images of raw chicken are done in such a way that they don’t look gross.

Here are some key tips:

• Take your own photos if you can. This will slow down the cooking process, but it will be worth it in the end.
• Use soft, diffused natural light. Cook during the day with your photography station by a window. Avoid direct bright sunlight.
• Play around with angles. Some dishes look great from the side, while others (like pizza or pasta dishes) look fantastic from above.
• Use props to tell the story. Spilled salt or herbs, or a spoon or napkin, can fill out the picture and create a mood/vibe. Make sure your props don’t overpower the images of your food.
• Make a good, appetizing impression. Select your best plates and cutlery. Avoid dirty tablecloths, countertops or tables.

| RELATED: How To Take Good Food Pictures For Your Blog And Social Media

How To Write A Recipe

Recipes have a specific order to them and a conciseness that comes with practice.

Years ago, I took two food writing courses from a former food editor of one of the most prominent Canadian lifestyle magazines. Applying these to my job as a food marketer, I often wrote and edited food recipes for various brands.

Here are the food recipe writing tips you’ll need to learn:

1. The Ingredients

When writing a blog post with a recipe, always start with the ingredients.

These have to have the correct quantities and be properly measured, using the measurements that your audience would use.

Remember that there are differences in how we measure things in Canada versus the US, versus the UK, etc.

Choose the measurements that will work for your key audience (check this in Google Analytics).

Try to avoid using branded ingredients as they aren’t always readily available in other countries. The only exception would be if you’re doing a product review and adding a recipe.

Most importantly: always list the ingredients in the order they will be used.

2. The Instructions

For this next section of writing a recipe, you’re going to need to be crystal clear about the cooking or baking steps.

Not everybody is experienced in the kitchen.

Here are the key steps:

• Provide a brief overview of the recipe. Give your readers an idea of what they’ll need to do.
• Describe each step in detail. Number the steps as it’s easier to remember which step they’re on.
• Add tips and tricks throughout the steps. Share what works for you, but keep it concise. This is not the time for long paragraphs.

3. Add A Conclusion

This is where you can provide some final tips on substitutions and troubleshooting.

Or you can share tips on how to pair the recipe with drinks or other foods for a delicious meal.

By this point of your recipe, your reader is finishing up their cooking or baking process. Keep it short but useful!

Food Blog Post With Recipe Example

I’ve crafted many food blog posts with recipes in the past. For a while, I had a lifestyle blog that included the food niche.

One of the most popular food blog posts on my Suburban Tourist blog is for a herbed cottage cheese spread. It blends personal storytelling with ingredient and recipe tips.

Here’s a little visual. I use the Create plugin from Mediavine for the recipe card.

PRO TIP: Food blogging isn’t only about sharing recipes. Remember that storytelling can be a powerful way to attract readers. They love to hear the backstory to a recipe.

How To Include A Pinterest Pin Image In Your Food Blog Post

Now you know how to write a food blog post, but how about promoting it? Easily and without much effort?

How many times have I seen a food blog post without a yummy-looking Pinterest pin image?

Please add one near the end. If your photos look gorgeous, I’ll want to pin it to my food board on my Pinterest account.

Here’s an example of a beautiful Pinterest pin that makes me want to learn more:

You can make most of your images (except the gross raw food ones in the process photos) pinnable with a pin it button (I use Tasty Pins).

This is one of the best ways to promote your blog content!

Make Food Blogging Profitable With Affiliate Marketing

The easiest way to monetize blog content is by using affiliate marketing.

Here’s something I do when writing a food blog post: I always assign at least one affiliate product to each post.

This works for food posts as well.

For example, you provide a recommendation on a cooking or baking utensil that complements the recipe you’re sharing.

Or if you’re a restaurant reviewer, and you’re writing about a restaurant in a certain town, recommend additional activities to do after you’ve had a meal there. Chances are you’re appealing to tourists. You can do a recommendation callout with the best places to visit and places to stay. Hotels have affiliate programs!

Read more about how you can monetize a food blog with strategies that go beyond affiliate marketing.

Learn how to Develop A Blogging Schedule That’ll Jumpstart Your Food Blog Growth

Start Writing Food Blog Posts That Make Your Readers Hungry For More!

Now you know all the key details of writing food blog posts.

Ultimately, you’re using words to make the reader hungry to try the recipe, learn more or remember the flavours.

Food writers always think to paint the picture and tell the story. It’s all very romantic, to be honest.

Remember that your first food blog post may not be the best. You can always go back to it and update your content.

Before you rush off to write your post, make sure you’re up-to-date on SEO best practices. You want your blog post found in Google searches, right?

Take my free five-day email course on how to do SEO for your blog:

Learn how to promote your blog posts on social media to generate more blog traffic.

And remember to promote your food posts on Pinterest!

If promoting on Instagram, consider using one of these 150+ food quotes.

And use these 500+ food hashtags for Instagram posts and reels to boost your visibility.

Need for blog post ideas? Check out my 100+ lifestyle blog topics including food ideas.

QUESTION: What is it about writing food blog posts that’s the most challenging for you?

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Feature photo credit: Kaboompics

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