Leveling up your kitchen game doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of clever hacks, you can transform how you cook and handle kitchen tasks, making your time in the kitchen more enjoyable and efficient. From quick fixes to innovative ideas that will save you time and hassle, these kitchen hacks are designed to inspire you to cook more and stress less.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting, these tips will help you whip up delicious meals with ease. Say goodbye to common kitchen struggles, and say hello to creativity and efficiency. Let’s dive into these 21 genius kitchen hacks that will have you cooking like a pro in no time!
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1. Ice Cube Herb Freezer
Preserving fresh herbs doesn’t have to be a challenge. One of the best ways to keep your herbs full of flavor is by creating an ice cube herb freezer. Simply chop your herbs, mix them with a bit of olive oil, and pour them into an ice cube tray like the DOQAUS ice cube tray. This silicone tray comes with a lid and a storage bin, making it easy to stack and store your herb cubes in the freezer. Once frozen, pop them out and store them in ziplock storage bags. This keeps your cubes organized and ready to use whenever you need a flavor boost.
Use this method for basil, parsley, cilantro, or any herb you love. When you’re ready to cook, just drop a cube into your soups, stews, or sauces for an instant flavor enhancement without worrying about spoilage. To make the process even easier, consider using an olive oil dispenser bottle to pour just the right amount of oil into your herb mixture. This way, you can achieve the perfect consistency and preserve the vibrant flavors of your herbs.
With these simple tools, you’ll never let fresh herbs go to waste again!
Product Recommendations:
• DOQAUS ice cube tray
• ziplock storage bags
• olive oil dispenser bottle
2. The Perfect Cake Leveling Hack
### 2. The Perfect Cake Leveling Hack
Uneven cake layers can ruin the presentation of even the best recipes. Instead of using a knife to level your cakes, grab a piece of unflavored dental floss! Just take a length of floss, hold it taut, and slice through your cake for a perfectly leveled top. This hack is not only easy but minimizes crumbling, giving you smooth, professional-looking layers.
For those who prefer a more specialized tool, consider the cake leveling tool from Wilton. This adjustable leveler is designed specifically for creating even layers, making it perfect for stacked cakes.
If you’re icing your cake after leveling, an offset spatula like the OXO Good Grips bent icing spatula can help you smoothly spread frosting without disturbing your perfect layers.
With these little tricks, including using unflavored floss or a dedicated leveling tool, your baking game will reach new heights!
A perfectly leveled cake is the secret to a stunning dessert! Ditch the knife and grab dental floss for smooth, professional layers every time. Your future cakes will thank you!
Product Recommendations:
• Wilton Cake Leveling Tool
• OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula
• Unflavored Dental Floss
3. Make Your Own Buttermilk
Running out of buttermilk can be a real cooking snag. Thankfully, making your own is super easy! Mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with one cup of milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Voila! You’ve got a perfect buttermilk substitute for pancakes, cakes, and more. This hack is a game changer, especially when you’re mid-recipe and realize you’re out!
To make this process even smoother, consider using the measuring cups set for precise measurements of your milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Having the right tools ensures you get the perfect consistency every time.
Also, a mixing bowl set is ideal for combining your ingredients. These bowls are durable and versatile, making them perfect for all your prepping and baking needs.
If you like to keep things organized, a vinegar dispenser can help you measure and pour your vinegar or lemon juice without the mess. It’s a handy tool to have in your kitchen, ensuring you can whip up your buttermilk substitute in no time.
You’ll save time and avoid unnecessary trips to the store!
Don’t let a lack of buttermilk ruin your culinary creativity! A dash of vinegar or lemon juice in milk works wonders—it’s a simple hack that keeps the flavor flowing in your kitchen!
Product Recommendations:
• measuring cups set
• mixing bowl set
• vinegar dispenser
4. Eggshell Separator Magic
Separating egg yolks from whites can be tricky, but there’s a fun and easy hack to make it a breeze. Use an empty plastic bottle! Simply crack the egg into a bowl, squeeze the bottle, and place the mouth over the yolk, then release. The yolk will be sucked right in! This hack is perfect for those who often bake or need to whip egg whites for recipes.
To make your egg-separating experience even better, consider using a plastic squeeze bottle. This 16 oz empty squirt bottle is not only great for separating eggs but also perfect for dispensing sauces, dressings, and more. Its twist top cap and leak-proof design ensure that your kitchen stays mess-free while you experiment with different recipes.
And if you prefer a dedicated tool, check out the egg separator. Made from food-grade stainless steel, this handy tool simplifies the process of separating yolks from whites, making it easier to achieve that perfect fluffy meringue you’ve been dreaming of.
With these tools in your kitchen, you’ll no longer have to worry about messy hands or broken yolks. Your baking will become a lot easier and cleaner, and kids will love trying this out too!
Product Recommendations:
• plastic squeeze bottle
• stainless steel egg separator
• silicone baking mats
5. Keep Your Brown Sugar Soft
Nobody wants hard brown sugar when a recipe calls for it! To keep your brown sugar soft, place a slice of bread in the bag with it. The moisture from the bread will be absorbed by the sugar over time, keeping it soft and usable. Alternatively, using a couple of marshmallows can achieve the same effect. This simple hack can save you from hours of microwaving and scraping!
For an even better solution, consider using the PrepSolutions brown sugar keeper with lid. This 1.5-quart airtight container is designed specifically for moisture control, ensuring your brown sugar stays soft and ready for baking.
You can also keep marshmallows handy with the Rosanna Pansino x iDesign recycled plastic kitchen storage bins. This set includes bins that are perfect for storing marshmallows, so you always have some on hand when you need to keep your brown sugar soft.
Additionally, if you’re looking for versatile storage options, the reusable food bags are a great choice. These silicone food storage bags are perfect for keeping your bread fresh, ensuring it stays moist longer.
Switch out the bread every few weeks for best results, and use this trick for quick access when baking. No more hard bricks of sugar!
Product Recommendations:
• PrepSolutions brown sugar keeper with lid
• Rosanna Pansino x iDesign recycled plastic kitchen storage bins
• reusable food bags
6. Peel Garlic Effortlessly
Peeling garlic can be a real drag, but there’s a super easy way to remove those pesky skins! Instead of peeling each clove individually, throw a whole head of garlic into a jar, like the Ball wide mouth glass mason jar, and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. The skins will come right off! This hack is not just faster, but it’s also a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking.
– Grab a mason jar or any small container with a lid; the Ball wide mouth glass mason jar is perfect for this.
– You can use this method for any amount of garlic you need.
– Fantastic for meal prepping!
If you’re looking for a dedicated tool, consider the OXO good grips silicone garlic peeler, which makes peeling even easier. Just toss the cloves inside and roll—no more mess!
Your garlic prep will be faster than ever!
Product Recommendations:
• Ball wide mouth glass mason jar
• OXO good grips silicone garlic peeler
• garlic keeper
7. Homemade Pancake Mix
Want to whip up breakfast in no time? Prepare a homemade pancake mix and store it in an airtight food storage container. Combine equal parts flour, baking powder, sugar, and a dash of salt. When you’re ready to cook, just add milk, an egg, and a bit of melted butter. You’ll have light and fluffy pancakes in no time without the hassle!
To make measuring easy, grab a measuring cups and spoons set to accurately portion your ingredients.
Customize your pancakes with your favorite add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips. For cooking, a non-stick pancake griddle will give you that perfect golden-brown finish every time. This mix can also be used for waffles!
Great for lazy Sunday breakfasts, your mornings will be a delicious breeze!
Product Recommendations:
• Airtight food storage container
• measuring cups and spoons set
• non-stick pancake griddle
8. Smart Cutting Board Trick
Save yourself from kitchen mess with a simple cutting board hack! Place a damp paper towel or dish towel underneath your cutting board to prevent it from sliding around, giving you better control while chopping and reducing the risk of accidents. It’s a small adjustment that makes a big difference, especially when using a sharp knife!
For a reliable option, consider the KitchenAid classic plastic cutting board with perimeter trench and non-slip edges. This board not only stays put but is also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
If you need a good set of towels to dampen, check out the Bumble premium cotton dish cloths. With their highly absorbent and soft design, these towels will help keep your cutting board steady and your fingers safe while cooking.
For an added layer of support, try using cutting board mats like the Carlisle FoodService Products CBM1016 Saf-T-Grip. These mats provide a non-slip surface on any countertop and work fantastically with smaller cutting mats as well.
You’ll be amazed at how much more comfortable cooking becomes with these simple adjustments!
Product Recommendations:
• KitchenAid classic plastic cutting board
• Bumble premium cotton dish cloths
• Carlisle FoodService Products CBM1016 Saf-T-Grip cutting board mats
9. Quick-Release Lid for Pots
Steam can make cooking frustrating, especially when trying to peek at your meals. To alleviate this issue, grab a wooden spoon like the ones in this wooden spoon set and place it across the pot while it’s cooking. This simple trick keeps the lid slightly ajar, allowing steam to escape without spilling over. Not only does it help maintain proper temperature, but it also prevents messy boil-overs!
Using a wooden spoon is ideal for boiling pasta or soups, as it keeps your ingredients in check while ensuring flavors are not trapped by steam. If you’re looking for a versatile solution to cover your pots and prevent splatters, consider the silicone pot lid cover. These reusable, heat-resistant lids fit various cookware sizes and are great for keeping your kitchen tidy and your food flavorful.
For those who find themselves struggling with pot lid storage, the adjustable pot lid holder can help organize your kitchen. This clever solution fits lids from 6″ to 14″ and ensures your kitchen remains clutter-free, making it easier to grab the right lid when you need it.
Incorporating these tools into your cooking routine can truly change your pot-cooking game for good!
Product Recommendations:
• Wooden spoon set
• silicone pot lid cover
• adjustable pot lid holder
10. The Breading Station Method
Making fried foods at home can get messy, but a simple organization method can streamline the process. Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. This setup not only keeps your workspace tidy but also helps with even breading every time. To make things even easier, consider using a breading station set. These stainless steel prep trays are perfect for organizing your ingredients and are oven safe, making them versatile for your cooking needs.
Dip your food in each bowl in that order for a perfect coating. Using a fork can help keep your hands clean during the process, and a set of non-slip mixing bowls with easy pour spouts will reduce mess and make transferring ingredients a breeze.
This method is ideal for chicken, fish, or veggies, and you can speed up the process by prepping beforehand. With this system and the right tools, you’ll fry like a pro!
Streamline your cooking chaos! Create a breading station with three bowls for a tidy workspace and perfectly coated fried foods every time. Who knew kitchen hacks could be this simple and effective?
For a complete cooking experience, consider adding the silicone cooking utensils set, which includes a variety of tools that are perfect for all your cooking needs.
Product Recommendations:
• breading station set
• non-slip mixing bowls
• silicone cooking utensils set
11. Easy Avocado Storage
Don’t let your avocados turn brown! To extend their freshness, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice on cut avocados and tightly wrap them in plastic wrap. The acid in the lemon juice helps prevent oxidation, keeping your avocados vibrant and delicious for longer. This hack is a lifesaver for those who love their guacamole or avocado toast but don’t always finish the whole fruit!
– Store the wrapped avocado with the pit inside for even longer freshness.
– This also works with whole avocados!
– For an even more convenient solution, consider using the avocado saver, a silicone food container designed to keep your leftover produce flavorful and firm in the fridge.
Enjoy your avocados without the waste, and keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors effortlessly!
Product Recommendations:
• Lemon juice
• plastic wrap
• avocado saver
12. Revive Stale Bread
Stale bread doesn’t have to be thrown out! To revive it, dampen a paper towel and wrap the bread in it. Place it in the microwave for about 10 seconds, and it’ll come out soft and ready to eat. This hack is perfect for those times when you forget about your bread and find it a bit too hard to enjoy. Just be cautious not to overheat!
For best results, consider using a microwave food cover. This handy gadget helps to evenly distribute steam while keeping your microwave clean, ensuring that your bread revives perfectly without becoming soggy.
Additionally, to prevent your bread from going stale in the first place, it’s a great idea to invest in a bread box. This airtight container not only keeps your homemade bread, bagels, and other baked goods fresh longer but also adds a stylish touch to your kitchen counter.
Say goodbye to waste and hello to delicious bread! It’s perfect for sandwiches or toast, and this trick works great for bagels too!
Product Recommendations:
• microwave food cover
• bread box
• silicone food storage bags
13. Silicone Baking Mat for Easy Cleanup
Tired of scrubbing burnt bits off your baking sheets? Invest in a silicone baking mat! These mats provide a non-stick surface, making cleanup a breeze. Just place the mat on your baking sheet before adding your foods. Not only does it help with easy removal, but it also saves you from needing to use as much oil or spray!
For a great option, consider the Amazon Basics silicone rectangular baking mat. This reusable mat measures 16.5″ x 11.6″ and is perfect for cookies, pastries, and roasted veggies. Plus, you can toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleaning!
If you’re looking for baking sheets to pair with your mat, check out the HONGBAKE ceramic baking sheet pan set. This set includes a variety of sizes and features wider grips for easy handling. Being dishwasher safe, it makes post-baking cleanup even simpler.
Your baking routine will never be the same!
Product Recommendations:
• Silicone baking mat set
• Non-stick baking sheets
• Dishwasher safe baking mat
14. Use a Muffin Tin for Portion Control
If you’re trying to meal prep or control portions, muffin tins are your new best friend! Using a silicone muffin pan makes it easy to portion out servings of everything from pancakes to meatballs. Just scoop your desired amount into each cup and store in the fridge or freezer. This fun method allows you to grab and go easily, while also helping with portion control, so you’re not overindulging!
Not only is this approach great for busy families or individuals, but it’s also the perfect size for kids’ lunches. Plus, you can bake and freeze for quick weeknight meals! To make the scooping process even smoother, consider using a kitchen scoop set—it includes various sizes to help you get the right portion every time.
For those seeking even more meal prep solutions, pairing your muffin tins with meal prep containers can help keep your prepped meals organized and ready to go. Meal prepping has never been this fun or easy!
Product Recommendations:
• silicone muffin pan
• kitchen scoop set
• meal prep containers
15. Keep Your Knives Sharp with a Coffee Mug
A dull knife can ruin your cooking experience, but keeping them sharp doesn’t have to be expensive. Just grab a ceramic coffee mug, like the Ello Ogden ceramic travel mug! Turn it upside down and run the edge of your knife along the unglazed bottom. This creates a quick sharpening effect that can give your knife a new lease on life! It’s a convenient and free tool that most of us have at home.
For those times when you need a more robust solution, consider the 4-in-1 kitchen knife accessories: 3-stage knife sharpener. This handy tool helps repair, restore, and polish blades, ensuring your knives are always in top shape.
– Perfect for quick touch-ups.
– Safe and easy to use.
– Great for all types of kitchen knives!
With these tools at your disposal, your slicing and dicing will become effortless.
Product Recommendations:
• Ceramic coffee mug
• 4-in-1 kitchen knife sharpener
• knife maintenance kit
16. Instant Ice Cream Sandwiches
Got some leftover cookies? Turn them into instant ice cream sandwiches! Simply scoop ice cream between two cookies and freeze for 15-20 minutes. This hack not only helps you use up leftover baked goods but also makes for an irresistible dessert that everyone will love! Kids (and adults) will go wild for this sweet treat.
To make your life easier, consider using the Spring Chef heavy duty ice cream scoop. This professional ice cream scooper features a comfortable handle, making it simple to portion your favorite ice cream perfectly. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze after your fun dessert-making session.
Once you’ve assembled your ice cream sandwiches, store any extras in plastic storage containers. These airtight containers are great for keeping your delicious creations fresh and ready for whenever a sweet craving hits. They’re also helpful for meal prep or storing other leftovers.
Make them ahead for parties or gatherings, and enjoy this perfect summer treat! Turn your leftovers into a fun dessert experience!
Product Recommendations:
• Spring Chef heavy duty ice cream scoop
• airtight plastic storage containers
• silicone baking mats
17. Citrus Zesting Hack
Looking to add a burst of citrus flavor to your dishes? Use a cheese grater or a vegetable peeler to zest your citrus fruits effectively. For a top-notch option, try the Microplane Zester, a premium classic series zester that allows you more control than a traditional zester. With its ultra-sharp stainless steel blades, it helps you get more zest off your fruits without the pith, enhancing the flavors of your dishes from desserts to dressings.
If you prefer a versatile tool, the Stainless Steel Cheese Grater is a fantastic choice. This 4-sided grater offers fine, medium, and coarse grating options, perfect for all your zesting needs.
Don’t forget about the importance of a reliable peeler! The Vegetable Peeler Set features a soft grip handle and sharp stainless steel blades, making it an excellent tool for zesting citrus fruits as well as preparing your favorite vegetables.
Fresh zest can brighten any dish, and if you have any leftover, simply store it in the freezer for later use. Bring your meals to life with these simple kitchen tricks!
A sprinkle of fresh zest can take your dish from ordinary to extraordinary! Embrace the citrus magic and let your meals shine with flavor.
Product Recommendations:
• Microplane Zester
• Stainless Steel Cheese Grater
• Vegetable Peeler Set
18. Easy Cleanup for Roasting
Roasting vegetables can create quite a mess, but there’s an easy way to minimize it. Line your baking sheet with Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil or Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper before adding your veggies. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking. When you’re done, just discard the foil or paper, and you’re left with a clean sheet!
Moreover, using the same method with GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet Set allows for easy transfer of roasted items. This is especially useful for one-pan meals and easy dinners!
Say goodbye to scrubbing and hello to simple enjoyment!
Product Recommendations:
• Reynolds Wrap Aluminum Foil
• Reynolds Kitchens Unbleached Parchment Paper
• GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Carbon Steel Baking Sheet Set
19. Use a Binder Clip for a Recipe Holder
Cooking with recipes on your phone or from a book can be challenging. To make things easier, consider using a binder clip to hold your recipe open! Just attach the clip to the edge of your countertop or a cutting board and clip the page or phone to it. This hack keeps your hands free for cooking and makes following directions so much smoother.
For added stability, you might want to invest in heavy-duty binder clips. With a pack of 36, you can use them for any size recipe or ingredient list.
If you’re looking for a more stylish option, a recipe holder stand made of solid wood not only keeps your cookbooks or tablets open but also enhances your kitchen decor. It’s a perfect fit for your iPad or tablet for those digital recipes!
And for those who prefer to follow recipes on their phones, a phone stand for cooking can be a game changer. This adjustable stand allows you to keep your phone at eye level, making it easier to follow along while you cook.
Your cooking will flow more smoothly with these simple tricks and tools!
Product Recommendations:
• heavy-duty binder clips
• solid wood recipe holder stand
• adjustable phone stand for cooking
20. Save Your Measuring Spoons with a Rubber Band
Don’t want to dig through a messy drawer for your measuring spoons? A simple solution is to attach a rubber band around them to keep them organized! This hack makes measuring out ingredients much easier when you’re busy cooking, allowing you to quickly grab the right size without the clutter.
For an even better experience, consider getting a set of measuring spoon set with ring. Made from premium heavy-duty 18/8 stainless steel, this set offers both metric and US measurements, perfect for measuring dry and liquid ingredients.
To further enhance your kitchen organization, check out drawer organizer for utensils. This versatile 25-piece set provides clear plastic trays that can neatly store your measuring spoons along with other kitchen gadgets, making everything more accessible and tidy.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a variety of sizes, consider silicone rubber bands. These colorful elastic bands can help keep your spoons bundled together while adding a fun touch to your kitchen tools.
With these tips and products, your kitchen will feel a lot more organized and functional!
Product Recommendations:
• measuring spoon set with ring
• drawer organizer for utensils
• silicone rubber bands
21. Freeze Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger can be hard to use up before it spoils. To make it last longer, peel and freeze pieces of ginger in a zip-lock bag, like the Amazon Basics reclosable freezer quart bags. These bags are perfect for keeping your ginger fresh while preventing waste. When you need to use ginger, you can easily grate or slice it straight from the freezer without thawing. This hack is especially useful for those who love cooking Asian dishes or want to add a zing to their smoothies!
For grating ginger effortlessly, try using a Microplane grater. It makes the process a breeze, whether you’re adding ginger to sauces, marinades, or other delicious recipes. Your meals will benefit from the added zing of fresh ginger, anytime you need it!
Product Recommendations:
• Microplane grater
• Amazon Basics reclosable freezer quart bags
• silicone ginger peeler
Conclusion
These 21 kitchen hacks are all about making your cooking experience smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful. From simple fixes to creative solutions, integrating these tips into your routine can transform how you cook—saving you time and enhancing flavors in your meals. So, which one will you try first? Share your favorites, and let’s keep the cooking conversation alive!
Note: We aim to provide accurate product links, but some may occasionally expire or become unavailable. If this happens, please search directly on Amazon for the product or a suitable alternative.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best kitchen hacks for beginners?
If you’re just starting out in the kitchen, there are some fantastic kitchen hacks to simplify your cooking experience! For instance, try the ice cube herb freezer to preserve fresh herbs or the make your own buttermilk trick when you find yourself in a pinch. These simple tips can make cooking more enjoyable and less daunting!
How can I keep my kitchen organized while cooking?
Staying organized in the kitchen can drastically improve your cooking game! Consider setting up a breading station with designated bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to streamline your process. Also, using a binder clip as a recipe holder can keep your recipe accessible without cluttering your workspace. Organization is key to a smoother cooking experience!
Are there any kitchen hacks for preserving food freshness?
Absolutely! Keeping your food fresh can be a breeze with a few clever hacks. For example, to prevent your avocados from turning brown, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice on cut pieces. For brown sugar, placing a slice of bread in the bag will keep it soft! These hacks will help you reduce food waste while enhancing your cooking game.
What are some quick cleanup hacks for after cooking?
Cleaning up after cooking doesn’t have to be a chore! Using a silicone baking mat can make post-baking cleanup a breeze, and lining your baking sheets with aluminum foil can minimize mess when roasting vegetables. Another tip? A damp paper towel under your cutting board keeps it stable and makes for easier cleanup too!
How can I make cooking more fun and less stressful?
Making cooking fun starts with the right mindset and a few handy hacks! Try using an egg separator with a plastic bottle for a fun twist or experiment with making instant ice cream sandwiches with leftover cookies. These playful hacks can help you enjoy your time in the kitchen while boosting your cooking game!