10 Cooking Hacks That Will Save You a Ton of Time In the Kitchen

Some days, cooking feels like therapy—chopping, stirring, and creating something delicious. Other days? It’s a race against the clock to get anything on the table before everyone starts raiding the snack drawer. I’ve been there, and I know how valuable those little time-saving tricks can be when you’re juggling a million things.

Over the years, I’ve picked up some hacks that have saved me more time (and sanity) than I can count. They’re not complicated or fancy, just practical ways to make cooking quicker, cleaner, and way less stressful. If you’re like me and want to spend less time fussing and more time enjoying, these are for you.

Turn Leftovers into “Planned Overs”

Leftovers don’t have to feel like a repeat of last night’s dinner. With a little planning, they can become something new. Got baked potatoes? Turn them into crispy hash browns. Leftover taco filling? Toss it over greens for a quick taco salad. Roast beef? Perfect for sandwiches or wraps.

The key is to store leftovers properly—use them within 3-4 days or freeze them for later. Thinking of them as “planned overs” makes them less about reheating and more about reinventing, saving you time and cutting down on waste.

Always Have Go-To Meals Ready

Life gets busy, and having a few “go-to meals” can be a lifesaver. Keep the ingredients for easy favorites like spaghetti, chicken fajitas, or even breakfast-for-dinner stocked in your kitchen. When the day gets chaotic, you won’t be scrambling for dinner ideas.

Pick meals your family loves and are quick to make. Knowing you can whip up a favorite in no time takes the stress out of dinner and helps avoid those last-minute takeout orders. It’s like having a little backup plan for your week.

Clean Your Blender the Easy Way

Blender cleanup can feel like a chore, especially after your morning smoothie. Skip the scrubbing by adding a little soap and water to the blender right after you’re done. Blend it for a minute, and voilà—your blender practically cleans itself. Rinse it out, and you’re good to go.

This works best if you don’t let the leftovers dry on the sides. It’s one of those hacks that feels like a small win every morning, saving time and keeping you from dealing with stuck-on messes later.

Prep Smoothie Ingredients Ahead of Time

Making smoothies every day is great, but the chopping and prepping? Not so much. Save yourself the hassle by prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Chop up your fruits, veggies, and greens, then portion them into freezer bags. One bag = one smoothie, ready to go whenever you are.

When it’s time to blend, just grab a bag, dump it in, and hit the button. It’s cheaper than store-bought smoothie packs, and you know exactly what’s going into them. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy mornings.

Freeze Meat Before Slicing

Slicing meat into thin, even strips can feel like wrestling with a slippery mess. The trick? Pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes first. The meat firms up just enough to let your knife glide through, giving you those perfect slices for stir-fry, cheesesteaks, or fajitas.

This little hack is a game-changer, especially if you like cooking dishes where presentation matters. Plus, you’ll save time and frustration trying to slice through soft, uncooperative meat.

Cook Once, Eat Twice (or More!)

Shredded chicken is the ultimate multitasker in the kitchen. Toss some chicken breasts in a crock pot with a little seasoning and let it cook for 4-5 hours. When it’s done, shred it up and use it for tacos, salads, sandwiches—you name it.

Making a big batch means you’re set for days. It’s one of those “why didn’t I do this sooner” tricks that makes mealtime faster and less stressful, especially when life gets busy.

Poach Eggs Without the Stress

Poached eggs are one of those things that sound fancy until you’re sweating over a pot of swirling water. Skip the drama and grab your muffin tin instead. Add a spoonful of water to each cup, crack in an egg, and bake at 350°F for 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll end up with a whole tray of poached eggs that look like you had a sous chef helping out.

This trick is a lifesaver when you’re hosting brunch or just trying to make breakfast without a mess. No more stressing over water temperature or fishing for runaway yolks—just pop them in the oven and let it do the work.

Make Measuring Sticky Stuff a Breeze

Measuring out peanut butter or honey always ends the same way: half of it stuck to the cup and you scraping like your life depends on it. Here’s the fix: spray your measuring cup with a little cooking oil first. The sticky stuff will slide right out, and you’ll save yourself some sanity.

Plus, cleanup is way easier. No more scrubbing for days to get the last bit of syrup off your utensils. It’s a tiny step that makes you feel like a kitchen genius every time.

Slice Cherry Tomatoes Without Losing Your Mind

Cherry tomatoes are delicious, but slicing them one at a time? Nope. Instead, grab two plastic lids or small plates. Place the tomatoes between them, press down gently, and slice through the middle with a sharp knife. In seconds, you’ll have a pile of perfectly halved tomatoes and zero rolling escapees.

This hack feels like magic the first time you try it. Whether you’re making a salad or prepping for pasta, it turns a tedious chore into a quick win. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

Keep Brown Sugar Soft with a Marshmallow

Is there anything more annoying than rock-hard brown sugar when you’re in the middle of baking? Don’t let it happen again. Toss a mini marshmallow in the bag before sealing it up. The marshmallow keeps the sugar soft, so you’re not chiseling away at a sugar brick later.

If you’re already dealing with a clump, stick it in the microwave with a damp paper towel for a few seconds. It’s like a reset button for your sugar. You’ll be back to baking cookies in no time, without the frustration.