Meal planning can feel like a puzzle, especially when juggling different recipes, ingredients, and dietary needs. Thankfully, Google Sheets can be a great tool to streamline your meal planning process. With a custom recipe template, you can organize your meals, make grocery shopping easier, and even share your plans with family or roommates.
Why Is Having a Recipe Important in Meal Planning?
Having a recipe when planning meals is like having a trusted friend in the kitchen; it lays out what you need and how to mix it all together to create something tasty. It’s a big help because it helps you know exactly what to buy at the store, so you don’t end up with things you don’t use.
It also eliminates guesswork and the last-minute rush about what to cook each day. With recipes, you’re more likely to eat healthfully and stay on budget because you’re not grabbing expensive fast food at the last minute. It keeps you on track in the kitchen, making cooking less stressful and saving time and money.
Step 1: Open Google Sheets
First, go to Google Sheets, and click the “+ Blank” option. Then, click “Untitled spreadsheet” at the top of the page and type in a new name for your template, such as “My Recipe Planner.”
Step 2: Set Up Your Column Headers
You’ll need several columns to keep your recipes organized. Here are some suggestions:
- Day
- Meal Schedule
- Recipe Name
- Ingredients
- Amounts
- Instructions
- Prep Time
- Cook Time
- Total Time
- Servings
- Source
Label the top of each column with these headings. To do this, click on each of the first row cells and type the column name.
Step 3: Enter Your Recipes
Start filling in your template with the recipes you plan to make. Type the recipe name under the “Recipe Name” column, list the ingredients under “Ingredients,” and continue filling in the rest of the information for each recipe across the columns.
Step 4: Use Color Coding
To make your template even more organized, consider using colors to highlight different types of meals, dietary preferences, or ingredients that need to be bought. Simply click on a cell or select multiple cells, then use the “Fill color” tool (paint bucket icon) in the toolbar to choose a color.
Step 5: Add Images Using FileDrop
Adding images to your recipe template can make it easier to use. FileDrop, an add-on extension tool in Google Sheets, can make adding images from your computer and Drive much easier.
You only need to download FileDrop from Google Workspace and install it on Google Sheets. Once installed, click Extension > FileDrop. There are different ways you can upload an image using FileDrop.
You can choose from the Upload and Drive tabs. Then, go to the Settings tab and click the option that you need.
Upload Tab
To upload images from your computer, click the Upload tab and select “Choose Files.” Then, choose the images you would like to upload.
Drive Tab
FileDrop allows you to easily import images from your Google Drive folders without opening a new browser. Once you click the Drive tab, you will see the recent folders you used in your Google Drive account. To upload an image, simply select the folder and choose the file you would like to add to your spreadsheet.
You will have two options for inserting the images: adding them as links and adding images in cells. Due to restrictions when adding many images to a sheet, the image over cells option can be done only one at a time.
Once you’re happy with your template, you can share it with family members or roommates. Just click the “Share” button in the upper right corner, enter their email addresses, and choose whether they can view or edit the template.
Get a Free Recipe Template
Get a copy of the free Recipe template. I’ve populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.
Final Thoughts
Creating a recipe template in Google Sheets may seem daunting initially, but once you set it up, it becomes a powerful tool in your meal-planning arsenal. It helps you keep all your recipes in one place, simplifies grocery shopping, and makes sharing meal plans with others easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sort my recipes by cooking time or ingredients?
Yes, you can sort recipes by any column. Click on Data -> Create a filter, then use the dropdown arrows in each column header to sort your recipes as needed.
Can I include pictures of the dishes in my template?
Yes, you can insert images of dishes by selecting a cell, going to Insert -> Image -> Image in cell, and uploading or linking to an image. You can also use FileDrop, an add-on tool that helps you insert files in your spreadsheets in just a few steps. This could make your template more engaging and fun to use.
How do I prevent accidental changes to my recipe template?
Protect your template by clicking on Data -> Protected sheets and ranges. This lets you lock certain cells or sheets, requiring permission to edit them, thus preventing accidental alterations.