Health

10 Accounts To Follow On Instagram If You Want To Become A Better Cook In 2023

Even if cooking doesn't come to you naturally, these Instagram pages will help you find your inner chef. Follow these accounts for recipes, inspiration, and kitchen hacks.

By Gina Florio3 min read
woman cooking

I always tell my weight-loss clients that learning how to cook is the single best skill you can learn for health and longevity. We live in a culture that has completely normalized ordering food in every night via Uber Eats, and it's sad to think about how many people are clueless in the kitchen. Whether you live alone, you have a husband, or you've got kids running around the house, learning how to cook is the best way to nourish yourself and your loved ones rather than relying on seed-oil-packed takeout.

But cooking isn't exactly easy for those of us who have never done it regularly. It takes practice, and you will probably make many mistakes along the way. The sooner you start cooking on a routine basis, the quicker you will feel comfortable and competent in the kitchen. Not to mention the delicious food you will learn to cook is going to taste better than most of the restaurants you frequent—while saving money. These Instagram accounts will give you plenty of recipes, meal prep hacks, and baking ideas that will keep you (and your wallet) full and healthy.

Carolina Gelen (@carolinagelen)

Look no further for easy, yummy, creative recipes. Whether you're in the mood for hearty pasta, flavorful soup, or crafty desserts, Carolina is your girl. She often shares some interesting dishes that you may not have ever made before, like dal, miso tuna appetizer, or sweet potatoes with feta. She makes cooking sound fun, interesting, and never boring. All the recipes can be found on her website, so anything taste you see on her Instagram can easily be replicated at home.

Danielle Walker (@daniellewalker)

We eat paleo about 85-90% of the time in my home, and Danielle Walker, author of Against All Grain, has always been an inspiration for delicious, healthy paleo recipes that please the whole family. From lasagna to salad to sweet loaves, Danielle makes paleo cooking easier than ever. She does a great job at converting the traditional comfort food into a healthy option that won't cause gut issues, bloating, or brain fog.

Food Dolls (@fooddolls)

Sisters Alia and Radwa are a Minnesota-based pair that makes cooking simple. You'll find a lot of comfort food recipes on their Instagram, like warm Italian pasta salad, no-knead focaccia bread, and Greek mashed potatoes. Not all their recipes are exactly healthy, but my clients and I live by the 85/15 rule: 85% of the time, eat clean, nutrient-dense foods, and 15% of the time, enjoy yourself a little and eat some banana bread.

Betel Tunc (@turkuazkitchen)

You want some top-notch aesthetic to go along with heartwarming, mouthwatering recipes? Turkuaz Kitchen is the place for you. This Instagram page combines nostalgia with charm with creativity to deliver some beautiful dishes that will make everyone at the table go "ooh!" Her recipes can turn the most rookie cook into a great baker and teach you how to make homemade mozzarella.

Kale Junkie (@kalejunkie)

Meal prep is the name of the game if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet with a super busy schedule. Kale Junkie offers a lot of different meal prep and kitchen hacks that will help you systemize your cooking and prepare multiple meals ahead of time. The cookbook author shares a lot of seasonal recipes as well to give you all sorts of ideas for cozy dinner parties.

Rachel Mansfield (@rachlmansfield)

Gluten-free doesn't have to mean dry or tasteless. Rachel Mansfield shares all sorts of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and desserts that will please even the pickiest of eaters. Take your pick from churro cookies, stuffed acorn squashes, or butternut squash lasagna.

Whole30 Recipes (@whole30recipes)

If you want to do a little cleanse after the holiday season to start the new year, Whole30 has plenty of resources for you to go dairy-free and sugar-free for the month of January. The Whole30 Recipes Instagram will give you all sorts of inspiration to help you eat more high-protein dishes with the freshest ingredients. There are even lots of dessert recipes to answer your sweet tooth on those particularly stressful days.

Minimalist Baker (@minimalistbaker)

Minimalist Baker is known for easy recipes that include 10 ingredients or less, only require 1 bowl, or only take 30 minutes to make. You can't go wrong with these simple dishes, even if you're a complete newb in the kitchen. Many of the recipes are gluten-free or vegan so there's something for everyone.

Owen Han (@owen.han)

Sandwiches, wraps, and tacos—you can't go wrong! Owen Han shares some unique recipes that will add tons of spice and flavor to your kitchen. These are the kinds of meal that help transition some of the more unhealthy eaters to more nourishing dishes that still feel like comfort food. You can learn how to make soup in a bread bowl, Asian chicken wings, and the ultimate grilled cheese.

Bread by Elise (@breadbyelise)

Bread is no easy feat to tackle, but Elise is a self-taught baker who has developed countless bread recipes that beginners can follow and learn from. Whether you want to make a classic sourdough, parmesan bagels, or yummy cinnamon rolls, Bread by Elise is the page for you. Plus, her videos are absolutely gorgeous to watch.