As we step into 2023, the culinary world continues to thrive with creativity and diversity, largely thanks to the best food bloggers who have become our modern-day culinary maestros. From delectable recipes to mouth-watering photography, these bloggers have transformed our approach to cooking and eating. They don’t just provide recipes; they tell stories, share cultures, and inspire culinary adventures. This year, we’ve seen an exciting blend of flavors, trends, and cooking techniques that have taken the food blogosphere by storm.
Three top food bloggers, based on their popularity and influence, are:
- Sally McKenney of “Sally’s Baking Addiction”
- Lauren Allen of “Tastes Better from Scratch”
- Sonja and Alex Overhiser of “A Couple Cooks”
Each of these bloggers has made significant contributions to the world of food blogging with their unique recipes, engaging content, and passion for food.
Table of Contents
Sally McKenney – The Baking Virtuoso
Sally McKenney, the creative force behind “Sally’s Baking Addiction,” is a renowned baker, blogger, cookbook author, and food photographer. Her journey into the world of baking started in 2011 with the establishment of her blog, which quickly evolved from a small hobby to a business and a brand adored by many.
Early Inspiration and Blog Genesis
Growing up, Sally was deeply influenced by her mother and grandmother, who instilled in her a love for baking. She fondly remembers spending hours in the kitchen, observing them create their baking marvels. This early exposure not only nurtured her passion but also laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the baking world.
Sally’s Baking Addiction: A Culinary Landmark
The blog Sally’s Baking Addiction, started as a personal blog in 2011, has become a go-to resource for baking enthusiasts. Sally’s dedication to thoroughly testing her recipes ensures that each post is a reliable guide for her readers. The blog covers a wide array of recipes, including bread, cakes, cookies, pies, and even savory dishes, catering to various dietary needs like dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Cookbook Author and Media Presence
Sally’s culinary skills have led to the publication of three cookbooks: “Sally’s Baking Addiction,” “Sally’s Candy Addiction,” and “Sally’s Cookie Addiction.” Her work has been recognized and featured in several media outlets including People Magazine, Good Morning America, BuzzFeed, and HuffPost.
Commitment to Quality and Community
A key to Sally’s success is her authenticity and commitment to quality. Her work ethic revolves around a passion for baking and a diligent approach to recipe testing. This commitment has helped her build a strong and loyal community of over 1 million Facebook fans and a significant Instagram following. She emphasizes the importance of food photography in blogging, constantly striving to enhance her skills in this area.
Education and Encouragement
Sally is not just about sharing recipes; she’s a mentor who educates her audience about the intricacies of baking. She believes in demystifying the science behind baking, making it accessible and less intimidating. Her blog is not only a collection of recipes but a platform for learning and growing as a baker.
Personal Touch and Future Goals
Sally’s blog is also a reflection of her personal life. She started blogging before major life changes like marriage and motherhood, and these experiences have been woven into the narrative of her blog. As for the future, she aims to revisit and update older posts, enhancing them with improved photography and more detailed baking tips.
Tastes Better From Scratch: The Culinary Journey of Lauren Allen
Lauren Allen, the creative mind behind the popular food blog Tastes Better From Scratch, has carved a unique niche in the world of culinary blogging. Her journey and achievements provide a fascinating look into the life of a successful food blogger and cookbook author.
Early Influences and Blog Beginnings
Lauren Allen’s culinary journey began in her childhood home, where her mother’s commitment to cooking from scratch deeply influenced her. This upbringing instilled in Allen a passion for real ingredients and homemade meals. Allen’s mother made everything from scratch, including grinding wheat and canning various foods, which had a lasting impact on Allen’s cooking philosophy.
In college, Allen pursued journalism with an emphasis on new media design but maintained her love for cooking, a skill she inherited from her mother. It was during her college years that Allen realized many of her peers lacked basic cooking skills, which led her to start documenting her family’s recipes. This was the genesis of her blog, Tastes Better From Scratch, launched in 2009. The blog began as a hobby and a way to document and share recipes, but over time, it evolved into a thriving business, gaining significant traction through strategic investments and the use of Google ads.
Blog Growth and Cookbook Publication
Tastes Better From Scratch grew rapidly, amassing a large following with more than 10 million monthly visitors. This success eventually led Allen to fulfill her dream of publishing a cookbook. Tastes Better From Scratch: Easy Recipes for Everyday Life,” her first cookbook, was published and features a blend of family recipes, fan favorites, and new creations. The cookbook is designed to be a go-to resource for everyday cooking, reflecting Allen’s desire to make it a cooking bible for every meal.
The cookbook includes 116 recipes across various categories, including main dishes, salads, sides, soups, and desserts. It stands out with its approachable and attainable recipes for cooks of all levels. Moreover, it features photos for each recipe, freezer tips, and QR codes linking to instructional videos, making it a comprehensive guide for home cooking.
The Essence of Tastes Better From Scratch
Allen’s blog is not just a collection of recipes but a reflection of her culinary inspirations and experiences. While it includes family recipes, the blog also features dishes inspired by Allen’s travels and dining experiences. She ensures that every recipe posted is one she has personally tested and can vouch for its quality. Allen’s commitment to integrity and quality is evident in the blog’s content, which she carefully curates to maintain the trust of her loyal audience.
A Couple Cooks: The Culinary Chronicles of Sonja & Alex Overhiser
A Couple Cooks is more than just a food blog; it’s a vibrant story of a couple’s journey into the world of cooking and recipe development. Founded by Sonja and Alex Overhiser, this blog has evolved into an award-winning website and a trusted source for home-cooked meals and healthy eating.
Beginnings and Personal Journey
Sonja and Alex Overhiser’s culinary adventure began with their marriage. Interestingly, their initial foray into cooking wasn’t marked by expertise; in fact, they lacked basic culinary skills like zesting a lemon or mincing garlic. However, their shared passion for hosting dinner for friends sparked a love affair with cooking, and there was no looking back from there.
The couple started their blog, A Couple Cooks, as a way to chronicle their cooking journey and share their love for delicious recipes and the joy of cooking together. The blog, which saw its inception in 2010, quickly grew into an esteemed website, reaching millions of people each month and becoming one of the most popular food blogs in America. This journey included creating and photographing recipes, which they shared with their audience, along with a touch of their personal lives, featuring their children, Larson and Britta.
Cookbook and Recipe Development
Sonja and Alex’s dedication to cooking and recipe development culminated in the publication of their first cookbook, “Pretty Simple Cooking,” which showcases 100 vegetarian and plant-based recipes. This cookbook, along with their upcoming one slated for release in Fall 2024, represents their journey and philosophy in cooking. The couple’s expertise in recipe development is backed by over a decade of experience in food writing and technical writing, bringing a unique blend of clarity and detail to their work.
Blog Content and Focus
A key aspect of A Couple Cooks is its dedication to from-scratch recipes and the joy of cooking together. The website features a vast array of recipes, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, pescatarian, and chicken recipes, among others. The focus on using whole, unprocessed ingredients makes their recipes not only delicious but also nutritious. This approach is rooted in their belief that food should be both a source of pleasure and health.
Recognition and Influence
A Couple Cooks has received significant recognition in the culinary world. It was named the Best Food Blog in 2019 by the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP). Their recipes have been featured in several prestigious publications, including The Washington Post and The TODAY Show, attesting to the quality and appeal of their culinary creations.
The Essence of “A Couple Cooks”
What sets A Couple Cooks apart is not just the recipes but the story and philosophy behind them. Sonja and Alex’s journey from novices to experts in the kitchen is a testament to their passion and commitment to cooking. Their blog and cookbooks are not just about providing recipes; they are about inspiring others to explore the joy of cooking and healthy eating, emphasizing the power of cooking together as a couple.
Global Flavors: Showcasing International Cuisine
One of the most thrilling aspects of following the best food bloggers in 2023 is the exposure to international cuisines. These bloggers take us on a journey across the globe, right from our kitchens. Be it the spicy street foods of Bangkok, the intricate pastries of Paris, or the hearty stews of Africa, they bring a world of flavors to our fingertips. Their blogs are not just a collection of recipes; they’re a passport to understanding different cultures and traditions through the universal language of food.
Healthy Eating: Nutrition-Focused Food Bloggers
In 2023, the trend of healthy eating continues to grow, and a group of food bloggers is leading the way. These bloggers focus on nutritious, wholesome foods without compromising on taste. They debunk the myth that healthy food is boring, introducing us to a world of vibrant salads, hearty whole grains, and nutrient-packed smoothies. These bloggers are not just cooks; they’re educators, teaching their readers about balanced diets, the importance of organic produce, and sustainable eating habits.
Gourmet Adventures: High-End Culinary Creations
The culinary world is incomplete without a touch of luxury and sophistication, and this is where gourmet food bloggers shine. In 2023, these bloggers have elevated home cooking to new heights, bringing restaurant-quality dishes to our dining tables. They demystify complex cooking techniques, guide us through intricate recipes, and inspire us to experiment with exotic ingredients. Following these bloggers is like having a personal chef guiding you to create masterpieces in your kitchen.
Comfort Food Classics: Bloggers Bringing Coziness to the Table
2023 has seen a delightful resurgence in comfort food, with best food bloggers leading the charge. These bloggers excel in turning simple, homey dishes into something extraordinary. They remind us of the warmth of grandma’s kitchen and the joy of a family dinner. From creamy mac and cheese to tender pot roasts and freshly baked bread, these bloggers specialize in recipes that comfort the soul. Their blogs aren’t just about food; they’re about memories, nostalgia, and the simple joy of eating something that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Plant-Based Pioneers: Leading Vegan and Vegetarian Bloggers
The rise of plant-based eating has been one of the most significant food trends, and in 2023, the best food bloggers are those who artfully navigate this space. These bloggers are not just catering to vegans and vegetarians; they’re attracting food enthusiasts from all walks of life with their innovative and delicious plant-based recipes. They’re trailblazers, proving that plant-based meals can be as varied, flavorful, and satisfying as any other cuisine. Their blogs are a treasure trove of recipes, ranging from vegan twists on classic dishes to original creations that celebrate the diversity of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains.
Street Food and Snacks: Exploring Casual Eats
In 2023, the best food bloggers have also turned their attention to the vibrant world of street food and snacks. These bloggers bring the bustling streets of the world’s cities to our screens, showcasing how these quick bites are an integral part of many cultures. From savory tacos and falafels to sweet churros and bubble teas, their blogs are a celebration of casual eats. These bloggers do more than just share recipes; they share experiences, diving into the history and culture behind each street food item and bringing a sense of adventure to their readers’ kitchens.
Family Cooking: Bloggers Who Make Mealtime Fun
Kid-Friendly Recipes:
The best food bloggers of 2023 know the importance of family mealtime. They offer a plethora of kid-friendly recipes that are not only nutritious but also fun to eat and easy to prepare.
- Quick and Healthy Snacks: Simple recipes that kids will love.
- Engaging Meal Prep: Involving kids in the cooking process.
Family Meal Planning:
These bloggers also provide valuable resources for busy parents, such as weekly meal planning guides and tips for cooking in bulk.
- Meal Prep Strategies: Guides for efficient meal planning.
- Freezer-Friendly Recipes: Meals that can be made ahead and frozen.
Behind the Scenes: The Life of a Food Blogger
A Day in the Life:
Ever wonder what a day in the life of a top food blogger looks like? In 2023, these bloggers are giving us a glimpse behind the curtain, sharing their daily routines, challenges, and triumphs.
- Recipe Development: How they create and test new recipes.
- Food Photography Insights: Tips and tricks for capturing the perfect food shot.
Building a Brand:
These bloggers also share their journey of turning a passion for food into a successful brand.
- Marketing Strategies: How they reach and engage their audience.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Stories of working with brands and other creators.
Photography and Presentation: The Art of Food Blogging
Mastering Food Photography:
A key part of any successful food blog is stunning photography. The best food bloggers of 2023 are also skilled photographers, offering insights into how they capture the beauty and allure of their culinary creations.
- Photography Gear and Setup: Recommendations for cameras, lenses, and lighting.
- Styling Tips: How to arrange food for the most appealing presentation.
Creative Plating Techniques:
These bloggers understand that we eat with our eyes first. They showcase innovative plating techniques that make each dish a visual masterpiece.
- Color and Texture: Using these elements to enhance visual appeal.
- Plating Styles: Different approaches for various cuisines.
