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Recipe Development Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Mastech Digital

DeltaV Automation Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$60 - $65/hr

For this role, you must be an experienced Automation Engineer with strong hands-on expertise in Emerson DeltaV to support recipe development, system configuration, and plant automation activities.

Wunsche Bros Cafe & Saloon

Kitchen

Spring, TX · On-site

$13 - $16/hr

Experience with menu planning and recipe development * Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends * Current food safety certification Skills: * Strong culinary skills with ...

Tiny Boxwoods

Executive Pastry Chef

Bellaire, TX · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Lead recipe development, testing, implementation, and documentation. * Collaborate with leadership on menu enhancements, seasonal offerings, and new product launches. * Stay informed of industry ...

La Pasha Lounge & Grill

Kitchen Chef

Houston, TX

$78K/yr

Demonstrated experience in casual/fine dining leadership roles (such as Corporate Chef, Executive Chef, Kitchen Chef, or similar), with strong skills in menu planning, recipe development, and kitchen ...

Tiny Boxwoods

Executive Pastry Chef

Bellaire, TX

$80K - $90K/yr

Lead recipe development, testing, implementation, and documentation. * Collaborate with leadership on menu enhancements, seasonal offerings, and new product launches. * Stay informed of industry ...

ClubCorp

Cook 3

Houston, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited

Cook 3

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $20/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited Clubs

Cook 3

Houston, TX · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

ClubCorp

Cook 3

Houston, TX · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited Clubs

Cook 3

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $20/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited

Cook 3

Houston, TX

$16.25 - $20/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited Clubs

Cook 2

Kingwood, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited Clubs

Cook 2

Magnolia, TX

$15.25 - $18.75/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

Invited Clubs

Cook 2

Houston, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

ClubCorp

Cook 2

Magnolia, TX · On-site

$15/hr

Communicate with the Executive Chef or Sous Chef regarding special product needs or issues with food quality or presentation. * Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and testing products.

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All JobsRecipe Development JobsRecipe Development Jobs in Houston, TX

Recipe Development information

See Houston, TX salary details

$27.7K

$51K

$77.4K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Houston, TX is $51,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,600.00 and $57,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is recipe developer a job?

Yes, a recipe developer is a professional who creates and tests new recipes for food companies, publications, or restaurants. They often have skills in culinary arts, food science, and may use tools like recipe management software; some positions require culinary certifications or degrees. Recipe development is a recognized career in the food industry with specific job responsibilities and work environments.

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.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of recipe development, highly experienced and successful chefs or food entrepreneurs can reach annual earnings of $500,000 or more, especially if they own popular restaurants, publish bestselling cookbooks, or have lucrative media deals. Such high income levels typically require extensive industry experience, strong branding, and multiple revenue streams. Most recipe developers or culinary professionals earning this level of income operate in high-profile environments or have diversified their culinary careers beyond standard roles.

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.

How much do recipe developers get paid?

Recipe developers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Freelance recipe developers may charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 or more per hour. Skills in culinary arts, food science, and recipe testing can influence earning potential.

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, flavor pairing, and presentation. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food photography or writing can also help establish credibility in the field.
More about Recipe Development jobs
What are popular job titles related to Recipe Development jobs in Houston, TX? For Recipe Development jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recipe Development jobs in Houston, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Recipe Development jobs in Houston, TX are:
What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Recipe Development jobs? Cities near Houston, TX with the most Recipe Development job openings:
Recipe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Houston, TX as of July 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 $51,012 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
Dietitian for Special Diet and Recipe Development

Dietitian for Special Diet and Recipe Development

Fort Bend Independent School District

Sugar Land, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Fort Bend ISD rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 615 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description

Job Overview
The Special Diet and Recipe Development Dietitian for the Child Nutrition Department ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local nutrition regulations, including those established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), and district policies. This role is responsible for maintaining accurate documentation, including special diet menus, standardized recipes, and production records. This Dietitian develops, implements, and manages individualized meal plans and accommodations for students with special dietary needs, including food allergies and medical conditions. This position also provides training and guidance to Child Nutrition staff on food allergies, dietary modifications, and required special diet accommodations to ensure safe and consistent practices across all campuses. In collaboration with the Child Nutrition operations team, this Dietitian is responsible for the development, testing, and standardization of recipes that meet nutritional guidelines, support menu innovation, and ensure operational feasibility across all campuses. In addition, this Dietitian supports nutrition education initiatives and wellness programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and a positive school nutrition environment for both students and staff.
Position Description
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Special Diet Management & Compliance
  • Design and manage specialized student menus to support medical and dietary needs, including food allergies, intolerances, and texture modifications
  • Ensure all accommodations meet USDA meal pattern requirements and district guidelines
  • Process and maintain documentation for dietary accommodations, including Requests for Dietary Accommodations and Discontinuation forms, in alignment with federal, state, and departmental policies
  • Monitor and assess compliance with special diet protocols; ensure meals served align with documented accommodations and USDA regulations
  • Conduct campus reviews and provide coaching to staff to correct discrepancies and maintain student safety
  • Compile, maintain, and organize all required documentation, records, and reports to support audits and program accountability
Training, Communication & Support
  • Develop and deliver staff training on food allergies, dietary modifications, special diet procedures, and recipe implementation
  • Assist in designing and delivering staff development programs and onboarding training for new employees
  • Communicate special diet protocols and procedures clearly to district staff, parents, and community stakeholders to ensure consistency and understanding
  • Collaborate with medical professionals, school nurses, and support staff to coordinate care for students with medically necessary dietary needs
Recipe Development & Menu Innovation
  • Collaborate with Child Nutrition operations, culinary staff, and vendors to develop, test, and standardize recipes that meet USDA meal pattern requirements and district nutrition standards
  • Create and modify recipes to accommodate special dietary needs, including allergen-free, gluten-free, texture-modified, and medically necessary diets
  • Conduct nutrient analysis to ensure all recipes meet federal and state nutritional guidelines
  • Assist with the evaluation of recipes for operational feasibility, including preparation methods, equipment needs, staff skill level, and production scalability across campuses
  • Perform product testing and student acceptability assessments to support menu adoption and participation
  • Perform initial standardization of new recipes using Child Nutrition software with clear instructions, portion sizes, yields, and production guidelines for consistent implementation
  • Collaborate with procurement and operations to align recipes with approved products, cost targets, and commodity utilization
  • Assist with the maintenance of the district recipe database, ensuring accuracy of ingredients, production records, and credited components
  • Support cycle menu development by incorporating new recipes that balance nutrition, cost, student appeal, and operational efficiency
  • Assist with providing training and guidance to staff on new recipes, preparation techniques, and best practices for execution
Program Support, Engagement & Outreach
  • Support with age-appropriate nutrition education to students and staff to promote healthy eating and lifelong wellness
  • Actively participate in the District School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) to support wellness initiatives
  • Contribute to marketing and promotional initiatives, including events, campaigns, and student engagement activities
  • Participate in community outreach events such as health fairs, food shows, and student food competitions
  • Assist with engagement opportunities including Parent Advisory Committees, Campus Student Advisory Councils, and precepting dietetic interns
Professional Development
  • Engage in ongoing professional development through local, state, and national nutrition organizations
  • Stay current on best practices, regulatory updates, and industry trends to continuously improve program effectiveness
Supervisory Responsibilities
  • None

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.
  • Bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition, nutrition education, dietetics or related field from an accredited college or university required
  • Master's degree preferred
  • Registered Dietitian with a Valid Texas Dietitian License granted by the State of Texas Board of Dietitians required
  • Minimum of 1 year in nutrition, dietetics, or food management system
  • Above average ability to develop and deliver training to adults and school-age learners
  • Strong computer skills including all Microsoft Office products and the ability to learn new systems and software
  • Ability to develop ideas, create goals, and market school food service
  • Ability to plan special menus and training needs as required by analyzing special orders by physicians
  • Effective organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals
  • Ability to demonstrate good reasoning and analytical skills
  • Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions
  • Experience in a Texas public school food service operation preferred
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Ability to work after hours or on weekends, as needed
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.
The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
Additional Information
  • This position may require travel to various campuses, district meeting sites and to conferences/meetings in and out of state. This position may require the employee to work some evenings and weekends.

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