Google Recipe Rich Results Requirements 2024: Complete Checklist

Updated for 2024: Google requires specific schema properties, image dimensions, and content quality standards for recipe rich results. Missing even one requirement can disqualify your recipes from appearing in search features.

What Are Recipe Rich Results?

Recipe rich results (also called recipe cards) are enhanced search results that display directly in Google Search. They show:

Recipe image
Star ratings and review count
Cook time and calorie information
Recipe name and description

These enhanced results dramatically increase click-through rates. According to Google, rich results can improve CTR by 20-40% compared to standard blue links.

Required Schema Properties (Must Have)

Google requires these properties for your recipe to qualify for rich results:

1. name (Required)

The recipe title as it appears on your page.

"name": "Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies"

2. image (Required)

At least one image of the finished dish. Must be 1200px+ wide.

"image": [
  "https://example.com/cookies-1200x800.jpg"
]

3. author (Required)

Author name or organization.

"author": {
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Jane Smith"
}

4. datePublished (Required)

Publication date in ISO 8601 format.

"datePublished": "2024-01-10"

5. description (Required)

Short summary of the recipe.

"description": "Soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies with crispy edges"

6. recipeInstructions OR video (Required)

Must include EITHER step-by-step instructions OR a video.

"recipeInstructions": [
  {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Preheat oven to 350°F"
  },
  {
    "@type": "HowToStep",
    "text": "Mix butter and sugar until fluffy"
  }
]

Recommended Properties (Highly Encouraged)

While not required, these properties significantly improve your chances of appearing in rich results:

•
prepTime: Preparation time (e.g., "PT15M" for 15 minutes)
•
cookTime: Cooking time (e.g., "PT30M" for 30 minutes)
•
totalTime: Total time from start to finish
•
recipeYield: Number of servings (e.g., "12 cookies")
•
recipeIngredient: Array of ingredients
•
nutrition: Calorie and nutritional information
•
aggregateRating: User ratings and review count
•
recipeCategory: Type of meal (e.g., "Dessert", "Main Course")
•
recipeCuisine: Cuisine type (e.g., "Italian", "Mexican")
•
keywords: Relevant recipe keywords

Image Requirements

Recipe images are the most visible part of rich results. Google has strict requirements:

✅ Image Requirements:

Minimum width: 1200 pixels (recommended: 1200x800 or 1200x900)
Supported formats: JPG, PNG, WebP
Must show the finished dish (not ingredients or preparation steps)
Aspect ratios: 16x9, 4x3, or 1x1 work best
File size: Keep under 200KB for fast loading
Include descriptive alt text for accessibility

❌ Avoid:

Low-resolution or blurry images
Images with promotional overlays or text
Stock photos (use original photography)
Multiple images of the same dish (one is enough for schema)

Time Format Requirements

Google requires ISO 8601 duration format for all time fields. Common mistakes include using plain text like "30 minutes" instead of the proper format.

ISO 8601 Examples:

15 minutesPT15M

1 hourPT1H

1 hour 30 minutesPT1H30M

45 minutesPT45M

2 hours 15 minutesPT2H15M

Common Mistakes That Disqualify Recipes

1. Missing Required Fields

Even one missing required property will disqualify your recipe from rich results. Always validate with Google's Rich Results Test.

2. Schema Doesn't Match Visible Content

Google compares schema data with your page content. If the schema says "30 minutes" but the page says "1 hour," you'll be penalized.

3. Using Multiple Recipe Schemas on One Page

One recipe per page. If you have variations, create separate pages or use the "recipeVariation" property (advanced).

4. Poor Image Quality

Images under 1200px wide won't qualify. Blurry, dark, or promotional images may be ignored.

5. Fake or Misleading Reviews

Don't add fake aggregateRating data. Google can detect this and will manually penalize your site.

Testing Your Recipe Schema

Before publishing, always test your schema with Google's official tools:

Step-by-Step Testing Process:

Go to Google Rich Results Test
Enter your recipe page URL or paste the schema code
Click "Test URL" and wait for results
Check for "Recipe" in detected items (green checkmark = success)
Review warnings and fix any errors
Use Google Search Console → Enhancements → Recipes to monitor live pages

Your Recipe Rich Results Checklist

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