
I don’t know about you, but as much as I love to cook, I am absolutely fascinated by kitchen hacks! Anything that saves me time in the kitchen, makes my life easier, and makes me look like a kitchen rock star . . . sign me up! I’ve put together some of my favorites hacks for you. I’ve even included some too-hot-to-cook hacks. Trust me, YOU NEED THESE!
Tried and True Hacks
Paper Plate Trash Zone – I usually keep a paper plate nearby when I’m cooking for all of my trash (cut ends of veggies, wrapping from the meat package, etc.). Super handy for disposing of everything when I’m done cooking. Totally mess-saving!
Poor Cook’s Pot Filler – I have always wanted a pot filler over my stove so that I don’t have to carry the pot to the sink, fill it with water, then carry the heavy water-filled pot back to the stove (and please, Lord, don’t let me spill it!). My workaround? A large bottle of water next to the stove (at least 32 ounces) so that I don’t have to go through all that. And if I need more than 32 ounces, I just fill up the bottle again.
Chop Smarter – Use a bench scraper to transfer ingredients. Instead of scooping chopped veggies with your hands or knife (dangerous and messy), use a bench scraper to scoop and move them quickly into the pan or bowl.
Clean as You Go, Effortlessly – Keep a “cleaning bowl” in the sink. Fill it with hot, soapy water at the start of cooking. As you dirty utensils, toss them in there. By the time you’re done, a quick rinse is all they’ll need.
Speed Up Room Temp Butter – If a recipe calls for room-temp butter and you forgot to take it out, grab a cheese grater and grate the butter. It softens almost instantly and is easier to cream.
Ice Cube Tray Magic – Freeze herbs in olive oil. Chop fresh herbs (like basil, rosemary, or parsley), put them in an ice cube tray, cover with olive oil, and freeze. Pop one out when you’re cooking to instantly infuse flavor.
Jar Lid Trick – If you’ve ever fought with a stubborn jar lid, slip on a rubber dish glove or stretch a thick rubber band around the lid for instant grip and twist power.
Microwave Cleaner – Cut a lemon, put it in a bowl of water, microwave for 3–4 minutes. It steams your microwave clean and makes your kitchen smell amazing. Just wipe out the loosened grime afterward.
Non-Skid Mixing Bowl – Lay a kitchen towel under your mixing bowl. It keeps the bowl from slipping while whisking or stirring with one hand.
Fresh Bread Revival – Revive stale bread with water and heat. Run the loaf under water quickly, then bake it at 350°F for about 6–10 minutes. It’ll come out crusty and warm, like it just came from the bakery.
Low-Effort, High-Reward Kitchen Hacks
Fancy Pasta Night in 1 Minute – Add a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs on top. Even if it’s boxed pasta and jarred sauce, adding a little olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of dried parsley or basil makes it look like you cooked all day.
Store-Bought Bakery Glow-Up – Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Buy cupcakes or a plain cake, then zhuzh it up with a quick sprinkle or zigzag. Use a mesh strainer for powdered sugar—super elegant.
Lazy Girl’s Salad Upgrade – Use pre-washed salad mix but toss in a different bowl with your own dressing. Boom—fresh, gourmet vibes without chopping a single thing. Bonus points if you throw on nuts, cheese, or dried fruit.
Garlic Shortcut That Smells Like You Tried – Microwave a clove of garlic for 15 seconds. Skin pops right off. Then smash it and toss it in anything you’re cooking (even takeout) and it smells like homemade.
Crispier Leftovers Without the Sad Sog – Reheat anything fried in a dry skillet or air fryer. Microwaves make fried foods sad and floppy. Use a hot dry pan (or even a toaster oven) to bring back that crisp, golden goodness.
Use Parchment Paper for Easy Sheet Pan Meals – No scrubbing required. Roast veggies, chicken, or fish on parchment-lined trays for one-pan wonders that slide off clean. It looks like effort. It isn’t.
Frozen Food Fake-Out – Hide the packaging. Plate frozen appetizers on a nice platter and garnish with chopped parsley or a lemon wedge. Suddenly, Trader Joe’s spanakopita = passed hors d’oeuvres at a fancy party.
Make It Look Homemade – Warm cookies for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving. Add a pinch of flaky salt or plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Too Hot to Cook Hacks
Assemble, Don’t Cook – “Snack boards” are your best friend. Think cheese, fruit, deli meats, dips, olives, crackers—basically, adult Lunchables. Arrange them on a pretty board and call it al fresco dining.
Rotisserie Chicken = MVP – Shred it and toss with: bagged salad + ranch = chicken ranch salad; tortillas + cheese + salsa = lazy tacos; mayo + grapes + celery = chicken salad croissants. No oven. No stove. Just applause.
Chill Your Plates – Literally. Pop your plates or bowls in the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes before serving. Cold plates = slower wilting salad and bonus “I thought of everything” energy.
DIY Flavored Water That Feels Fancy – Pitcher of water + cucumber slices, lemon, mint, or berries = hydration that looks like you belong at a spa instead of hiding from the sun in your A/C cave.
Appliance Shuffle – Plug your slow cooker, Instant Pot, or air fryer in on the patio or in the garage. Cook without heating up your kitchen. (Bonus: Less cleanup indoors.)
The Toasted Everything Trick – Use a toaster or toaster oven to make: Toast with ricotta and peaches; English muffin pizzas; Avocado toast with radishes and chili flakes. Small heat = big payoff.
Frozen Treats with No Ice Cream Maker – Freeze blended fruit + a splash of yogurt or juice in a loaf pan or ice cube tray. Boom—DIY frozen yogurt or sorbet without breaking a sweat.
Cold Soup = Yes, Please – Gazpacho, cucumber yogurt soup, or even blended watermelon + lime + mint = no-cook, totally chill meals. Serve with crusty bread and act like you’re in the south of France.
Don’t Preheat the Oven… Just Don’t – If a recipe says “bake at 350,” ask yourself: Do I really want this? If it’s not banana bread or brownies, it can probably wait until fall.
Frozen Pizza, But Make It Summer – Bake it outside in a toaster oven or grill it. Top it post-bake with fresh arugula, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze = gourmet summer flatbread vibes.
Categorized in: General
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