Scaling best practices
Although ingredients will automatically be calculated when you scale recipes up or down, the recipe instructions will remain the same. Some adjustments to cooking times and/or methods may occasionally be necessary. We’ve created this guide as a reference to help you scale recipes successfully.
Blenders and food processors
If you are scaling down:
Blender and food processor recipes have been formatted to not reduce below a minimum volume, even if the set portions would otherwise yield less. This is so the recipe has enough volume to blend or process successfully. The leftovers you’ll have will be listed with the yield.
If you are scaling up:
Compare the recipe yield with your appliance’s maximum capacity and do not overfill. Blend or process in batches if necessary.
Instant Pot
If you are scaling down:
Instant Pot recipes have been formatted to not reduce below a minimum volume, even if the set portions would otherwise yield less. This is to ensure the recipe has enough volume to come to pressure in the Instant Pot. The leftovers you’ll have will be listed with the yield.
If you are scaling up:
Compare the recipe yield with your appliance’s maximum capacity and do not overfill. This may require you to cook in batches, use multiple Instant Pots, or select the stove top version of the recipe and use an extra large pot.
Baking dishes
When a recipe calls for an 8 x 8 x 2 inch / 20 x 20 x 5 cm size dish (or comparable 8 cup / 2 qt / 1.9 liter baking dish). Volume is more important than length or width.
If you are scaling down:
If the recipe yield displays 0.5 or less of an 8x8x2” baking dish, you will need a 7 x 3 x 2 inch / 18 x 7.6 x 5 cm baking dish (or comparable 4 cup / 1 qt / .95 liter baking dish) and you will need to bake for about 5–8 minutes less than the recipe calls for.
If you are scaling up:
If the recipe yield displays 1.5 or more of an 8x8x2” baking dish, you will need a 9 x 13 x 2 inch / 22.9 x 33 x 5 cm baking dish (or comparable 15 cup / 3 qt. / 2.8 liter baking dish) and you will need to bake for 5–8 minutes more than the recipe calls for. Alternatively, you can bake in two 8 x 8 x 2 / 20 x 20 x 5 cm baking dishes (or comparable 8 cup / 2 qt / 1.9 liter baking dishes) and there will be no need to adjust the baking time.
Loaf pans and circular pie pans
Our loaf pan or circular pie pan recipes call for a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan or a 9-inch (23 x 4 cm) pie plate.
If you are scaling down:
If the recipe yield displays 0.5 or less of a 9x5” loaf pan, use a muffin pan and muffin liners to make individual portions. Fill the liners to the top and bake for 8–10 minutes less than the recipe calls for.
If you are scaling up:
If you are scaling up, use two loaf pans or two pie pans. No need to adjust the baking time.
Sheet pans
If you are scaling down:
Your items may cook more quickly because there is more room for air to circulate. Be sure to check your items regularly.
If you are scaling up:
Take care not to overload your pans and keep food in a single layer. If you are using two pans, we recommend rotating midway through baking in order to cook evenly. If you have more than two sheet pans, you’ll need to bake in batches.