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Recipe Development Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Ameristar Black Hawk Casino Resort Spa

Baker

Black Hawk, CO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Advanced Health Care of Aurora

Cook

Aurora, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... and recipe development, incorporating resident feedback, seasonal ingredients, and special dietary considerations as needed. * Collaborate with dietary staff, including Dietary Managers ...

Ameristar Black Hawk Casino Resort Spa

Baker

Black Hawk, CO

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Larry H. Miller Senior Health

Cook

Aurora, CO · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... and recipe development, incorporating resident feedback, seasonal ingredients, and special dietary considerations as needed. * Collaborate with dietary staff, including Dietary Managers ...

Advanced Health Care of Aurora

Cook

Aurora, CO

$20 - $25/hr

... and recipe development, incorporating resident feedback, seasonal ingredients, and special dietary considerations as needed. * Collaborate with dietary staff, including Dietary Managers ...

PENN Entertainment, Inc.

Baker

Black Hawk, CO

$21 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Baker

Black Hawk, CO

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Baker

Black Hawk, CO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Baker

Black Hawk, CO · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Baker

Black Hawk, CO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

Ameristar Casino Resort Spa Black Hawk

Baker

Black Hawk, CO · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Demonstrates complete knowledge of control in kitchen operation including portions, wastage, production, plate presentation and possesses ability to create and execute recipe development and menu ...

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All JobsRecipe Development JobsRecipe Development Jobs in Denver, CO

Recipe Development information

See Denver, CO salary details

$29.8K

$55K

$83.4K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Denver, CO is $54,982.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $61,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is recipe development?

Recipe development is the process of creating, testing, and refining recipes to achieve desired flavors, textures, and presentation. This involves experimenting with ingredients, cooking methods, and measurements to ensure the final dish is both delicious and reliable. Professionals in recipe development often work for food brands, magazines, or restaurants, ensuring recipes are innovative, accurate, and easy for others to follow. The process may also include considering dietary restrictions, nutrition, and food trends.

What are the qualifications to get a recipe development job?

The qualifications to get a recipe development job depend greatly on your career path. If you start in the restaurant or fine dining industry, you may get a book deal to write about your restaurant’s food or ingredients. This requires years of patience and success as a cook. Others study food science or nutrition in college or at a culinary institute. Other recipe developers may have no formal background in food or food science, but they combine their passion for cooking with their writing skills and develop recipes for their audience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in recipe development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Recipe Development, you need a strong culinary background, creativity in food pairing, and a solid understanding of nutrition and food science, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help you refine recipes and collaborate with chefs, clients, or brands. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, reliable, and appealing recipes that meet both culinary standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced in a recipe development role, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in recipe development is balancing creativity with practicality, as recipes must be both innovative and reproducible by home cooks or commercial kitchens. Developers often need to test multiple iterations to ensure consistency, flavor, and clarity in instructions. Managing feedback from taste testers, nutritionists, and editorial teams is also key, requiring strong communication and flexibility. Staying organized and documenting each version meticulously helps streamline the process and minimize errors.

How do you become a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, individuals typically gain culinary skills through formal education or hands-on experience in kitchens, and develop a strong understanding of food science and flavor pairing. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food styling and photography can also help establish credibility in the field.
More about Recipe Development jobs

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Cities near Denver, CO with the most Recipe Development job openings:

Recipe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,982 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Dessert Holdings Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)


Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.
Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in our Aurora, CO location to use culinary knowledge and creative ability to develop new products for commercialization. From concept to prototype samples, this role is responsible for delivering products on time that meet taste, functionality, quality, and cost expectations. This position will be involved with documentation, formulations, pilot testing and commercialization touch points, vendor visits, ordering and testing raw materials, shelf-life studies, and kitchen/bench sanitation and cleanliness.
The typical hiring range for this role is $70,000 to $90,000 annually and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.
  • Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.
  • Stay current on culinary trends in desserts and baked goods and bring ideas into new product development.
  • Consult with vendors and suppliers, and internal partners like Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.
  • Compile accurate and timely summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
  • Work with Supply Chain on sourcing new ingredients.
  • Improve product quality through ongoing review of formulation and ingredient parameters.
  • Maintain, organize, and keep refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas clean.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking; food science training or degree is beneficial (or Red Seal designation in Canada)
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in baking/pastry arts with exceptional palate, sensory, recipe development, and baking skills
  • Prior product commercialization experience required
  • Ability to work self-directed with strong time management, organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
  • Computer savvy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and use tools and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, work around potential food allergens, and work in a variety of temperatures and with dampness or chemicals
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours and weekends, as required
  • Ability to travel up to 10 to 20% throughout North America

About Dessert Holdings
Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.


EEO Statement
Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

What Dessert Holdings employees say

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