Cook Like a Pro: 10 Chef Hacks to Elevate Your Kitchen Game

We have created 10 smart kitchen hacks that will change the way you cook, bake, and prepare meals in the kitchen. These tips cover ingenious uses for items you already have at home, as well as simple tricks to make kitchen tasks quicker and more efficient. You’ll be amazed at how you managed without them before! Take a look at these tips to learn how to improve your experience in the kitchen, making it smoother, faster, and more enjoyable!

Quickly Soften Cream Cheese

Image Credit: Oleskandr Prokopenko via Canva

To quickly soften cream cheese without melting it, simply cut the block into smaller cubes and spread them out on a plate. Let the cubes sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.

Use Parchment Paper Liners In Your Air Fryer

Image Credit: Pjjaruwan’s via Canva

Use parchment paper liners in your air fryer to make cleanup a breeze and prevent food from sticking! Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the bottom of your air fryer basket, place it in the basket before adding your food, and cook as usual. When done, simply throw away the used parchment paper liner.

Safety Notes: Parchment paper is safe to use in an air fryer if used properly: never put it in alone, always use perforated paper to allow airflow, and ensure it’s sized for your machine, lining the bottom of the basket without sticking up too much at the edges.

Quickly Cook Cake Batter

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Get your cake fix in a flash! Did you know you can use your waffle maker to quickly cook cake batter? Simply pour the batter into the hot waffle maker, close the lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Measuring Sticky Ingredients Made Easy

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Sticky situation? No more! When measuring out condensed milk, honey, or other sticky ingredients, try this simple trick: lightly grease your measuring tools with neural cooking oil! The oil will prevent the ingredients from sticking, making it easy to pour and measure accurately.

Resting Batter For Tender, Fuffy Cakes And Pancakes

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Did you know that resting your cake and pancake batter can make a world of difference in their texture and flavor? It’s true! Resting the batter allows the flour to absorb the liquid ingredients, resulting in a tender, fluffy crumb and a more even rise. Plus, it gives the leavening agents time to activate, making your baked goods lighter and airier.

Score to Success: Keep Your Meat from Curling Up!

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Scoring the fat on your meat prevents it from curling up and losing its shape during cooking, allowing for a more visually appealing and evenly cooked final product.

Keep A Wet Paper Towel Under Your Cutting Board

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Keep a wet paper towel under your cutting board to keep it stuck in place and make food prep a breeze!

Moisten Surface To Keep Plastic Wrap In Place

Image Credit: Africa Images via Canva

Keep your plastic wrap in place with this simple trick! Before wrapping, dampen the surface of your cutting board, bowl, or container with a wet cloth or paper towel. This will create a secure bond between the surface and the plastic wrap, keeping it stuck in place.

Tie it Back: The Simple Way to Grill Corn

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Tie the husks back while cooking and use them as a convenient handle when serving! Soak the corn in cold water for 10 minutes before grilling to prevent the husks from burning on the grill. Simply pat dry with a paper towel before placing the corn on the hot grill grates. This method ensures a delicious, char-grilled flavor without the risk of burnt husks!

Keep Brown Sugar Soft with Marshmallows

Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Simply seal a few marshmallows with your brown sugar in an airtight container and seal it tight. Like magic, the sugar will be soft and ready to use in a day! And the best part? You can keep the marshmallows in the container for up to a few weeks, ensuring your brown sugar stays fresh and easy to use.