11 Recipe Shortcuts That Actually Work (Yes, Really)
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Cooking doesn’t have to take hours to be effective or flavorful. These recipe shortcuts can save you time without sacrificing taste or quality. Yes, they actually work, and they might just change the way you approach your meals.
Use Pre-Chopped Vegetables
Save prep time by opting for pre-chopped vegetables from the store. They’re perfect for soups, stir-fries, and salads, giving you a head start without extra work.
Buy Rotisserie Chicken
A rotisserie chicken can be a lifesaver. Use it as a base for soups, casseroles, tacos, or salads to skip cooking raw chicken entirely.
Invest in Frozen Herbs
Frozen herb cubes or pre-chopped frozen herbs pack a fresh flavor punch and save you the hassle of washing and chopping fresh herbs every time.
Use Jarred Minced Garlic
Jarred minced garlic is a reliable substitute for freshly minced cloves. It saves you the time of peeling and chopping while still adding great flavor to your dishes.
Try Ready-Made Sauces
Stock up on high-quality, ready-made sauces like marinara, pesto, or curry bases. They’re perfect for quickly pulling together a meal with minimal effort.
Rely on Pre-Made Dough
Whether it’s pizza dough, puff pastry, or biscuit dough, pre-made options can make baking projects or savory dishes far easier without compromising results.
Opt for One-Pot Recipes
One-pot recipes minimize cleanup and streamline cooking. From soups to casseroles, these dishes cut down on time and effort while delivering great meals.
Use a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
Let your appliances do the heavy lifting. Toss your ingredients in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, and enjoy a hands-free cooking experience with fantastic results.
Keep Canned Beans Handy
Canned beans are a great shortcut for adding protein and fiber to meals. They’re already cooked and ready to be tossed into soups, salads, or wraps.
Buy Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese saves you from grating it yourself, making it perfect for quick toppings on pizza, pasta, or casseroles.
Go for Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is pre-washed and ready to use in smoothies, desserts, or breakfast dishes. Some, like frozen mango, is also peeled and sliced. It’s a convenient alternative to fresh fruit that’s just as nutritious.