Cooking can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Sometimes, the smartest solutions are the simplest—and they’re already in your kitchen.
From solving common cooking headaches to saving time and boosting flavor, these 17 kitchen hacks will transform how you cook.
1. Cut Recipes in Half with Ease
Cooking for fewer people doesn’t mean skipping your favorite recipes. To halve measurements, follow these guides:
- 1 cup → ½ cup
- ½ cup → ¼ cup
- ⅓ cup → 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons
- ¼ cup → 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon → 1 ½ teaspoons
- 1 teaspoon → ½ teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon → ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon → ⅛ teaspoon
- For eggs: Beat one thoroughly and use about 2 tablespoons.
2. Make Buttermilk Substitute in Minutes
Need buttermilk but don’t have any? No problem! You can make a substitute using pantry staples. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. This substitute works perfectly in pancakes, cakes, and marinades, giving you that tangy flavor and fluffy texture without a trip to the store.
3. Easily Peel Garlic
Peeling garlic can be a hassle, but this simple trick changes everything. Place a clove in the microwave for 10 seconds, and the skin will loosen instantly. No more struggling with sticky skins—this method is quick, mess-free, and keeps your garlic fresh and flavorful for cooking.
4. Stop Pots from Boiling Over
Preventing a messy boil-over is easier than you think. Place a wooden spoon across the top of your pot while cooking. The spoon pops the bubbles as they rise, keeping them from spilling over. This trick works well for pasta, soups, and any boiling liquid.
5. Soften Butter Fast
Forgot to take the butter out of the fridge? Don’t worry. Grate cold butter with a cheese grater to speed up softening. The small pieces warm up quickly, perfect for baking or spreading. This hack saves time and keeps your recipes on track.
6. Reheat Pasta Evenly
Reheating pasta in the microwave often results in unevenly heated portions. To fix this, arrange the pasta on your plate in a doughnut shape with a hole in the middle. The shape helps it heat evenly, avoiding cold spots in the center.
7. Keep Brown Sugar Soft
Hard brown sugar can ruin your baking plans. Keep it soft by storing it with a slice of bread or a marshmallow in an airtight container. The moisture from these items prevents the sugar from drying out, so it’s always ready to use.
8. Make Pancakes Fluffier
For fluffier, diner-style pancakes, add a splash of club soda or carbonated water to your batter. The carbonation adds lightness, making your pancakes rise better and taste even more delicious.
9. Fix Over-Salted Dishes
Accidentally added too much salt? Drop a peeled potato into the dish while cooking. The potato absorbs some of the salt, balancing out the flavors. Remove the potato before serving for a perfectly seasoned meal.
10. Measure Sticky Ingredients Hassle-Free
Measuring sticky ingredients like honey or molasses can be messy. Coat your measuring tools with oil or cooking spray first, and the ingredients will slide right out, making cleanup a breeze.
11. Chill Wine in Minutes
Need chilled wine but don’t have time to wait? Wrap the bottle in a damp paper towel and place it in the freezer. In just 10-15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly chilled wine, ready to enjoy.
12. Squeeze More Juice from Lemons
Get the most juice out of your lemons with this easy trick. Microwave a lemon for 10-15 seconds before squeezing. The heat softens the membranes inside, making it easier to extract every last drop.
13. Keep Herbs Fresh Longer
Fresh herbs can wilt quickly, but storing them properly makes all the difference. Treat them like flowers—trim the stems, place them in a jar of water, and loosely cover them with a plastic bag before refrigerating. They’ll stay fresh for days longer.
14. Make Your Own Cake Flour
Out of cake flour? You can make your own! For every cup needed, replace 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Sift them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. This DIY substitute works perfectly in cakes and pastries.
15. Test Egg Freshness
Not sure if your eggs are still good? Place them in a bowl of water. Fresh eggs sink and lay flat on the bottom, while older eggs either stand upright or float. This simple test helps you avoid wasted ingredients.
16. Stop Avocados from Browning
To keep cut avocados fresh and green, store them with a slice of onion or brush the exposed flesh with olive oil. The onion’s natural compounds and the oil’s barrier slow oxidation, preserving the avocado for longer.
17. Cut a Hardboiled Egg with a Rubber Band
If you don’t have a knife handy, you can use a rubber band to slice a hardboiled egg. Simply stretch a clean rubber band taut, position the egg where you want to cut it, and gently press down.
The tension in the rubber band slices through the egg, creating clean cuts with minimal effort. It’s a fun, unconventional method that’s especially useful for quick snacks or on-the-go lunches.
With these 17 kitchen hacks, you’ll save time, reduce waste, and make cooking more enjoyable. Try them out and see how much easier life in the kitchen can be.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.