The Best Recipe Apps for Your iPhone and iPad

Planning what to cook can sometimes feel harder than cooking itself. You open the fridge, scroll through your brain for ideas, and end up making the same few dishes on repeat. Whether you’re just starting out in the kitchen or trying to eat healthier at home, having a little help on your iPhone or iPad can make a big difference.

That’s where the right recipe apps for iPhone and iPad step in. These aren’t just digital cookbooks; they’re your meal planners, grocery list builders, cooking tutors, and creativity boosters, all in one place.

For home cooks and beginners, especially, it can be overwhelming to find recipes that are easy to follow, use everyday ingredients, and actually fit your dietary choices, like vegetarian or plant-based meals. A good recipe app cuts through the noise and gives you what you really need: clear instructions, inspiring dishes, and just enough guidance to help you feel confident in the kitchen.

In this guide, we’ve picked 15 of the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad that are beginner-friendly, vegetarian-focused, and packed with features that make your daily cooking life easier and a lot more fun.

15 Best Recipe Apps for your iPhone and iPad | Call Us Over Dinner

App Name	What’s Cookin?
Yummly	Download Now
Kitchen Stories	Download Now
SideChef	Download Now
Paprika Recipe Manager	Download Now
Forks Over Knives	Download Now
Green Kitchen	Download Now
BigOven	Download Now
Epicurious	Download Now
Tasty	Download Now
ReciMe	Download Now
Oh She Glows	Download Now
Feast by The Guardian	Download Now
HappyCow	Download Now
Vegetarian Recipes & Meals Box	Download Now
Garden Plate	Download Now

1. Yummly

Yummly is one of the most powerful and personalized recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. What makes it special is how it learns your food preferences over time; whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky with ingredients, Yummly filters out what you don’t like and serves recipes that actually match your taste.

Once you sign up, the app lets you select your dietary needs, cooking skill level, and favorite cuisines. From there, you get daily recipe recommendations that feel made just for you. Yummly also features step-by-step video guides, built-in timers, and voice control, perfect when your hands are covered in flour or spice.

One of its best tools is the smart shopping list. Just tap a recipe, and Yummly adds the ingredients to your grocery list. You can even connect the app to smart kitchen devices for guided cooking, making it feel like you’ve got a sous chef in your pocket.

If you’re new to cooking or tired of guessing what to make, Yummly takes the pressure off with easy ideas and smart suggestions. It’s free to use, but the premium version unlocks additional meal-planning features and advanced personalization.

Also Read: The Best Recipe Apps on Android Devices

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2. Kitchen Stories

Kitchen Stories feels more like a visual cooking coach than just another app. Designed beautifully and packed with step-by-step photos and video recipes, it’s one of the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad, especially for beginners or anyone who learns better by watching rather than reading.

Each recipe in Kitchen Stories is broken down into bite-sized steps, with photos and videos guiding you through the process. It’s like having a helpful friend by your side while you cook, showing you exactly how to chop, sauté, or whisk without second-guessing anything.

The app has a big collection of vegetarian-friendly recipes with clear labels, prep times, and portion sizes. You can also use filters to find dishes that match your dietary needs or time limits. Whether you want to make a hearty dinner or a quick salad, it’s all just a few taps away.

Another standout feature is its clean shopping list tool. Add ingredients from any recipe, and the app organizes them for your grocery run, so no pen or paper is needed.

You don’t need an account to browse or cook, which makes it quick and easy to jump in. And if you’re trying to build confidence in the kitchen, this app really shines with its visual-first approach.

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3. SideChef

If you’re someone who often gets stuck deciding what to cook, SideChef might just become your go-to kitchen partner. It’s one of the most interactive recipe apps for iPhone and iPad, designed to guide you through cooking like a friendly voice in the kitchen, literally.

What makes SideChef stand out is its voice-guided, step-by-step instructions. You can move through each step by voice command, which is super handy when your hands are busy chopping or stirring. Every recipe includes photos, cooking time, nutrition info, and the exact tools you’ll need.

The app is loaded with over 18,000 recipes, and it’s easy to filter for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals. Whether you want to prep a quick weekday lunch or something more impressive for dinner, SideChef has options for all skill levels.

It also offers a meal planner and smart shopping list, which means you can schedule your meals for the week and add all the ingredients to your cart in seconds. Some regions even support grocery delivery through the app.

If you’re new to cooking, this app walks you through every detail so you don’t feel lost. And if you’re already confident in the kitchen, you’ll still appreciate its recipe variety and organizational features.

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4. Paprika Recipe Manager

Unlike most cooking apps that give you recipes to follow, Paprika Recipe Manager is more like a smart notebook where you save, organize, and plan your own collection of meals. It’s one of the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad for people who like to collect recipes from websites, blogs, or even screenshots and turn them into an organized personal cookbook.

With Paprika, you can easily save recipes from any website using its built-in browser. The app automatically pulls in the ingredients, instructions, and images, and it formats everything neatly, so you’re not stuck copying and pasting.

It also includes a powerful meal planner and grocery list tool. You can schedule meals for the week or month and add ingredients from recipes directly to your shopping list. The grocery list even organizes your items by category to make store visits quicker.

While Paprika doesn’t offer built-in recipe collections like other apps, it’s perfect if you already have favorite recipes or like discovering your own from Pinterest or food blogs. Plus, it works beautifully across devices, so you can start planning on your iPad and cook from your iPhone in the kitchen.

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5. Forks Over Knives

If you’re looking to eat healthier or switch to a more plant-based lifestyle, Forks Over Knives is one of the most trusted recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. Based on the popular documentary and wellness movement, this app is designed for people who want to cook whole-food, plant-based meals at home, with no processed shortcuts, just real, clean ingredients.

The app offers over 1,000 vegan and vegetarian recipes, with new ones added every week. Each recipe includes simple instructions, prep and cook times, nutrition details, and easy-to-recognize ingredients. Even if you’re not fully plant-based, these meals make it easier to add more healthy dishes into your routine.

One thing users love is the shopping list feature, which lets you add all recipe ingredients in one tap. You can organize them by section (produce, pantry, etc.), making grocery trips quicker and more efficient.

Forks Over Knives focuses on food that fuels your body without making cooking feel like a science project. Whether you’re trying to eat fewer processed foods or want dinner ideas that feel good and taste good, this app is a helpful guide.

It’s a paid app, but many home cooks say it’s worth it for the healthy, flavorful meals and the steady flow of new recipes.

Also Read: The Best File Manager Apps for iPhone & iPad

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6. Green Kitchen

If you’re drawn to beautiful food that’s both wholesome and easy to make, Green Kitchen is one of the most charming recipe apps for iPhone and iPad you’ll find. It’s filled with carefully curated vegetarian recipes, each accompanied by stunning food photography that feels like a cozy cookbook brought to life on your screen.

Every recipe in the app focuses on healthy, natural ingredients, lots of vegetables, whole grains, and clean cooking methods. The steps are simple, and the app avoids overwhelming you with jargon or complicated techniques. It’s perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking to bring more balance and creativity into their everyday meals.

Green Kitchen also makes it easy to mark favorites, create shopping lists, and filter recipes by dietary preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.). It’s not a huge collection like other apps, but the recipes it offers are handpicked and reliable; think hearty stews, colorful salads, and feel-good breakfast bowls.

This is a paid app, and while it doesn’t update frequently, it delivers a polished, ad-free experience. If you’re a vegetarian home cook who values quality over quantity, Green Kitchen is a relaxing and inspiring way to plan your meals.

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7. BigOven

BigOven is like having a cooking assistant in your pocket. It’s one of the most practical recipe apps for iPhone and iPad, especially if you often find yourself staring at random ingredients and wondering what to make. With over 350,000 recipes in its library, it’s easy to find something that fits your taste, time, and skill level.

One of BigOven’s standout features is its “Use Up Leftovers” tool. Just type in three ingredients you already have, and the app will suggest recipes that use them. It’s perfect for saving food, money, and last-minute stress.

The app also includes meal planning, a grocery list that auto-sorts by aisle, and the ability to save and organize your favorite recipes. You can even clip recipes from the web and add your own.

Vegetarian options are abundant, and filters help you narrow down what you’re looking for. Whether it’s a quick pasta, a hearty soup, or something fresh for summer, BigOven’s search makes it easy to find something that fits your needs.

The free version includes most core features, though advanced meal planning and recipe organization tools are part of the premium plan.

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8. Epicurious

If you prefer quality over quantity and want recipes that are tested, trusted, and beautifully written, Epicurious is one of the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. It’s backed by years of expert content from food editors, chefs, and home cooks, so when you pick a recipe, you know it works.

Epicurious features over 50,000 curated recipes, many of which are vegetarian or easily adaptable. The app includes filters to help you search by dietary preference, skill level, ingredients, or even mood (yes, really). So whether you’re cooking for comfort, health, or just curiosity, you’ll find something that fits.

What home cooks especially love is the professional touch in every recipe, clear measurements, helpful tips, and techniques that actually teach you something. It’s a great way to slowly level up your cooking skills without feeling overwhelmed.

The app also includes smart tools like a dynamic recipe timer, seasonal ingredient suggestions, and hands-free cooking mode. It feels modern and clean but still full of substance.

While it doesn’t offer advanced features like meal planning or syncing grocery lists, it’s one of the most reliable apps for people who want well-crafted, no-fail recipes at their fingertips.

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9. Tasty

Tasty, by BuzzFeed, is one of the most popular recipe apps for iPhone and iPad, and it’s easy to see why. With its bold, fun videos and quick recipes, Tasty makes cooking feel exciting, even if you’re just learning the basics or making dinner after a long day.

The app includes over 10,000 step-by-step recipes, many of which are vegetarian or can be easily adapted. What sets Tasty apart is its video-first approach. Every recipe comes with a fast-paced, easy-to-follow video, which is perfect for visual learners or people who don’t like reading long instructions.

Tasty also includes a “What’s in your pantry?” feature, letting you filter recipes based on the ingredients you already have. You can search by dietary preferences, difficulty level, time, or even cuisine, which is great for days when you’re feeling picky or adventurous.

It’s entirely free to use, and the personalized home feed learns your tastes over time. While the app doesn’t include a full meal planner or grocery list builder, it shines when you just want inspiration and simplicity.

Whether you’re in the mood to try a new pasta, snack, or smoothie, Tasty’s got you covered with enthusiasm and zero intimidation.

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10. ReciMe

If you enjoy sharing recipes, swapping ideas, or just exploring what everyday cooks are making, ReciMe is one of the most refreshing recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. Built around a friendly, community-driven approach, this app feels less like a database and more like a kitchen conversation.

ReciMe features a growing collection of recipes shared by home cooks from around the world, many of them vegetarian, plant-based, or adaptable to your own diet. You can save recipes you love, upload your own, and even follow other users whose cooking matches your style.

The app is designed for simplicity and ease, with clean formatting, clear instructions, and a helpful ingredient checklist. It’s not about fancy chef terms or complicated techniques. Instead, ReciMe focuses on meals that people actually cook at home, the kind you can make after work with ingredients you already have.

It also includes bookmarking, a favorites folder, and community ratings so you can quickly find what’s popular or personally relevant. For vegetarian home cooks looking to expand their options beyond mainstream platforms, ReciMe offers fresh ideas and a real sense of connection.

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11. Oh She Glows

For anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply trying to eat cleaner, Oh She Glows is one of the most beautiful and nourishing recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. Created by award-winning blogger Angela Liddon, this app brings together over 160 hand-crafted vegan recipes, each tested and loved by a global community.

From colorful Buddha bowls to comforting curries and energizing breakfast smoothies, every dish in this app is made from whole, nutrient-rich ingredients. The focus is on flavor, wellness, and simplicity, making it easy even for beginners to cook meals that feel both healthy and satisfying.

The app includes step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, vibrant photos, and helpful filters like gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. You can also save your favorites, add notes, and build a custom collection of recipes you truly enjoy.

While Oh She Glows is a paid app, there are no ads or distractions. It’s sleek, fast, and thoughtfully designed, much like the recipes themselves.

If you’re looking to eat more vegetables, cut back on processed foods, or just get inspired by nourishing meals, this app is a gentle and reliable guide. It’s ideal for beginners who want a little more direction and a lot more flavor.

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12. Feast by The Guardian

If you enjoy thoughtful cooking and want recipes with a bit more depth, Feast by The Guardian offers a curated, magazine-style experience. It’s one of the more sophisticated recipe apps for iPhone and iPad, offering not just food but food with story, style, and substance.

The app pulls together recipes from top chefs, columnists, and food writers featured in The Guardian’s popular “Feast” section. Whether it’s a rustic vegetarian lasagna or a creative grain bowl, the dishes here are selected for their flavor and presentation, which is ideal for home cooks who want to explore new techniques or impress without stress.

There’s a generous variety of vegetarian and plant-based recipes, and filters help you sort by course, dietary preference, or cooking time. Each recipe is written clearly and assumes no fancy equipment or restaurant-level skills, making it a great match for beginners who enjoy learning.

Feast also includes helpful extras like cooking guides, seasonal recipe collections, and a weekly highlights section. While it’s subscription-based, the quality of the recipes and the clean, distraction-free reading experience make it worth it for serious food lovers.

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13. HappyCow

While HappyCow is best known for helping people find vegan and vegetarian restaurants around the world, it also offers a growing selection of plant-based recipes, making it a handy all-in-one resource. If you travel often or just want to explore global flavors at home, it’s one of the most unique recipe apps for iPhone and iPad.

The app includes a community-driven recipe section where users from around the world upload and share their favorite dishes, from hearty lentil soups to vegan biryani and tofu stir-fry. The recipes aren’t overly complicated, and many come with user ratings, tips, and photos so you can see how they turn out in real kitchens.

One of the standout features is how recipes and local restaurant options come together in one app. So, if you’re not in the mood to cook, you can find a nearby vegetarian-friendly spot. If you are in the kitchen, you’ll still get inspiration from dishes others are enjoying around the world.

While the recipe section isn’t as large or polished as other dedicated apps, the community feel and global diversity give HappyCow a charm of its own, especially for those sticking to a plant-based lifestyle.

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14. Vegetarian Recipes & Meals Box

If you’re looking for something simple, focused, and built entirely around vegetarian food, Vegetarian Recipes & Meals Box is one of the easiest recipe apps for iPhone and iPad to get started with. It’s designed for home cooks who just want quick, healthy ideas without diving into overly complex tools or subscriptions.

The app includes a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan recipes, from hearty soups and grain bowls to smoothies, salads, and dinner mains. Each recipe comes with clear instructions, a short ingredient list, and colorful photos to guide you. Most dishes use everyday items, so you won’t need to hunt for hard-to-find ingredients.

One nice feature is how recipes are sorted into categories, making it easy to browse by meal type, prep time, or dietary need. There’s no sign-up required, and the interface is lightweight and clean, ideal if you just want to open the app, find something good, and start cooking.

While it doesn’t offer advanced features like grocery syncing or voice navigation, it’s a great tool for beginners, students, or anyone who wants to eat more plant-based meals without complications.

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15. Garden Plate

Garden Plate is a peaceful, beautifully designed app focused entirely on healthy vegetarian meals, and it’s a great way to wrap up this list of the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad. If you’re someone who likes clean eating, natural ingredients, and cooking that feels grounding rather than overwhelming, this app hits the mark.

The recipes are hand-curated and categorized by meal type: breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, and snacks. Everything is plant-based, and most recipes avoid processed foods, refined sugar, or heavy dairy. It’s perfect for anyone trying to eat more whole foods without jumping into intense diets or complicated prep.

Each recipe comes with a vibrant photo, clear ingredients, and straightforward steps. There’s no fluff or unnecessary language, just what you need to cook something nourishing and satisfying. You can also save your favorite recipes for later and build a quick shopping list right from the app.

Garden Plate is a paid app, but it offers a smooth, ad-free experience. While it doesn’t update as often as some bigger platforms, the focus on quality over quantity makes it a favorite among people who enjoy mindful cooking.

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Which are the Best Recipe Apps for you? Let’s Compare

App	Price	Vegetarian-Friendly	Meal Planning	Grocery List	Learning Style	Ease of Use	Best For
Yummly	Free (Premium available)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Step-by-step + Video	Very Easy	Personalized meals & smart kitchen features
Kitchen Stories	Free	Yes	No	Yes	Video + Photo guides	Very Easy	Visual learners and beginners
SideChef	Free (In-app purchases)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Voice-guided + Step-by-step	Easy	Interactive, hands-free cooking
Paprika Recipe Manager	Paid	User dependent	Yes	Yes	User-saved content	Moderate	Organizing personal recipe collections
Forks Over Knives	Paid	Yes (100% plant-based)	No	Yes	Text + Photos	Very Easy	Whole-food, plant-based diets
Green Kitchen	Paid	Yes	No	Yes	Photo + Text	Easy	Healthy organic meals with beautiful design
BigOven	Free (Premium optional)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Text-based with filters	Easy	Using leftovers & meal planning
Epicurious	Free	Yes	No	No	Text + Cooking timer + Tips	Easy	Curated expert recipes
Tasty	Free	Yes	No	No	Video-first	Very Easy	Quick inspiration & fun recipes
ReciMe	Free	Yes	No	No	Community text + Tips	Very Easy	Community recipes and sharing
Oh She Glows	Paid	Yes (100% plant-based)	No	Yes	Text + Photo	Easy	Healthy, plant-based home cooking
Feast by The Guardian	Subscription	Yes	No	No	Editorial text-based	Easy	Chef-written, seasonal meals
HappyCow	Paid	Yes (Global plant-based)	No	No	Community + Blog-style	Moderate	Finding veg restaurants + user recipes
Vegetarian Recipes & Meals Box	Free	Yes	No	No	Text-based	Very Easy	Every day, simple vegetarian dishes
Garden Plate	Paid	Yes	No	Yes	Minimalist text + visuals	Easy	Clean, natural cooking at home

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Wrapping up: The Best Recipe Apps on iPhone and iPad

Cooking at home doesn’t have to feel stressful, and with the right app, it rarely does. Whether you’re figuring out how to chop your first onion or looking for fresh vegetarian ideas, the best recipe apps for iPhone and iPad are built to make your kitchen life easier, more organized, and way more fun.

Some apps, like Tasty and Kitchen Stories, are perfect for visual learners who just want to get cooking without overthinking. Others, like Paprika or Yummly, offer smart features like grocery lists, weekly planning, and even voice guidance for hands-free help.

For plant-based eaters or anyone cutting back on meat, dedicated vegetarian apps like Forks Over Knives, Green Kitchen, and Garden Plate are goldmines of healthy, colorful recipes.

Whether you love collecting recipes, reducing food waste, or just making dinner without guesswork, there’s something in this list that fits your rhythm. You don’t need to be a chef to make great meals. All you need is a bit of curiosity and a good app by your side.

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