How to Fix Recipe Schema Errors in Google Search Console (2024 Guide)

Seeing recipe schema errors in Search Console? Don't panic. Most errors are simple to fix and we'll show you exactly how to resolve each one, step by step.

Where to Find Recipe Schema Errors

Before you can fix errors, you need to find them. Here's how:

Log into Google Search Console
Select your property (your website)
Navigate to Enhancements → Recipes in the left sidebar
Look for errors, warnings, or "Valid with warnings" status
Click on specific error types to see affected URLs

Pro Tip

Google updates this data every few days, not in real-time. After fixing errors, it may take 3-7 days to see changes reflected in Search Console.

Most Common Recipe Schema Errors (And How to Fix Them)

1. Missing Required Field: "image"

ERROR

Missing field "image" - Either "image" or "video" should be specified

What It Means:

Your recipe schema doesn't include an image URL, which is required for rich results.

How to Fix:

Add an "image" field to your recipe schema with a high-quality image URL:

"image": [
  "https://yourblog.com/images/chocolate-chip-cookies.jpg"
]

Image Requirements: Minimum 1200px wide, aspect ratio 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1. JPG, PNG, or WebP format.

2. Missing Required Field: "author"

ERROR

Missing field "author"

What It Means:

Google requires author information for recipe rich results.

How to Fix:

Add an "author" object with name property:

"author": {
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Your Name"
}

3. Missing Recommended Field: "aggregateRating"

WARNING

Missing field "aggregateRating" - Recommended field

What It Means:

Your schema is valid, but adding ratings will make your rich result more attractive with star ratings.

How to Fix:

Add aggregate rating data if you have user reviews:

"aggregateRating": {
  "@type": "AggregateRating",
  "ratingValue": "4.8",
  "reviewCount": "127"
}

Important: Only add ratings if you actually have user reviews. Fake ratings violate Google's guidelines and can get you penalized.

4. Invalid Value for "prepTime" or "cookTime"

ERROR

Invalid value for field "prepTime" - Value must be in ISO 8601 duration format

What It Means:

Your time values aren't formatted correctly. Google requires ISO 8601 format (e.g., "PT15M" for 15 minutes).

How to Fix:

Convert your times to ISO 8601 format:

❌ Wrong:

"prepTime": "15 minutes"
"cookTime": "1 hour"

✅ Correct:

"prepTime": "PT15M"
"cookTime": "PT1H"

Quick Reference:

• PT15M = 15 minutes
• PT1H = 1 hour
• PT1H30M = 1 hour 30 minutes
• PT45M = 45 minutes

5. Missing or Invalid "recipeInstructions"

ERROR

Missing field "recipeInstructions"

What It Means:

Your recipe schema doesn't include step-by-step instructions, which are required.

How to Fix:

Add instructions as an array of HowToStep objects:

"recipeInstructions": [
  {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)."
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Mix butter and sugars until creamy."
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Add eggs and vanilla, beat well."
  }
]

6. Image Size Too Small

WARNING

Image is too small - Image should be at least 1200px wide

What It Means:

Your recipe image doesn't meet Google's minimum size requirements for rich results.

How to Fix:

Resize your image to at least 1200px wide
Use aspect ratios: 16:9, 4:3, or 1:1
Keep file size under 2MB for faster loading
Use JPG or WebP format for best results

Recommended: 1200x800px (3:2 ratio) works great for most recipe images.

How to Test Your Fixes

After making changes to your schema, test them before waiting for Google to recrawl:

Testing Process:

Go to Google's Rich Results Test
Enter your recipe page URL
Click "Test URL"
Check for errors or warnings
If valid, click "Preview" to see how it will appear in search
Once validated, request indexing in Search Console

Preventing Future Errors

1. Use a Schema Generator

Manual schema creation is error-prone. Use a tool that automatically generates valid, Google-compliant schema markup.

2. Validate Every Recipe

Before publishing, run each recipe through Google's Rich Results Test to catch errors early.

3. Monitor Search Console Weekly

Check your Recipes report regularly to catch new errors before they impact multiple pages.

4. Keep Images Optimized

Maintain a consistent image sizing workflow (1200x800px minimum) for all recipe photos.

Common Questions

How long until errors are fixed in Search Console?

After fixing errors, request re-indexing via Search Console. It typically takes 3-7 days to see updates reflected in your Recipes report.

Do warnings affect my rankings?

Warnings don't prevent rich results, but fixing them improves your listing appearance (e.g., adding star ratings increases clicks).

What if I fix errors but still don't get rich results?

Valid schema doesn't guarantee rich results. Google also considers page quality, mobile-friendliness, and content relevance. Focus on all SEO aspects, not just schema.

Generate Error-Free Recipe Schema

Our tool creates Google-compliant schema markup that passes validation every time.

Try Free Generator →