If the thought of spending hours in the kitchen every day is exhausting, there’s a game-changer waiting for you – batch cooking. By dedicating just a few hours on the weekend to preparing a variety of dishes, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious meals throughout the week without sacrificing precious time. The benefits are twofold: not only will your daily routine become more streamlined, but you’ll also ensure that every meal is a flavorful success.
In this post, I’ll share some top-notch batch cooking recipes that will revolutionize your approach to cooking, so let’s dive in and explore the world of hassle-free culinary creativity.
Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is an incredibly versatile and convenient batch cooking solution. By simply drizzling olive oil over the bird, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and then roasting it in the oven until the juices run clear, you’ll have a delicious foundation for a multitude of meals to come. Once cooled, the tender meat can be easily shredded or chopped, making it simple to store in the freezer for future use.
This recipe has a generous yield of 4-8 servings, allowing you to add it to an array of dishes like fresh salads, crispy sandwiches, and savory quesadillas.
Small Batch Tomato Sauce
In the world of culinary delights, Small Batch Tomato Sauce stands out as a flavorful and effortless recipe that yields approximately 2 cups of luscious tomato goodness. This delectable sauce is crafted with an assortment of fresh ingredients, including onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and canned tomatoes, all blended together in harmony.
The aromatic essence of basil, oregano, and a bay leaf adds depth to the sauce, while a judicious amount of butter and honey brings richness and balances out the tanginess of the tomatoes. This versatile sauce is ideal for serving alongside pasta, chicken, or fish, making it an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a timeless and dependable recipe that will elevate their culinary game.
Small Batch 30 Minute Rolls
For those seeking freshly baked rolls without the commitment of a large batch, the Small Batch 30 Minute Rolls recipe is an ideal solution. This compact recipe yields four tender rolls, perfectly suited for 2-4 people. The best part: These soft and scrumptious treats can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy home cooks or those looking to satisfy a sudden craving.
With a straightforward ingredient list featuring all-purpose flour, yeast, oil, sugar, salt, and egg, this recipe is a breeze to execute. The end result is a batch of fluffy and golden brown rolls that can be enjoyed as a side dish, used as sandwich wraps, or devoured on their own. The Small Batch 30 Minute Rolls are an effortless and satisfying way to indulge in the joys of small-batch baking.
Small Batch Cheesy Potatoes for Two
Indulge in the comfort of Small Batch Cheesy Potatoes for Two, an effortless yet scrumptious recipe ideal for intimate gatherings. This delectable side dish combines the humble charm of cubed hash browns with the richness of cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, and a harmonious blend of spices. The crowning glory is a satisfyingly crunchy breadcrumb crust that elevates this dish to crowd-pleasing status.
With its adaptability to accommodate both small gatherings for two and larger groups, Small Batch Cheesy Potatoes for Two is an excellent choice for batch cooking and pairing with your favorite main course.
Small Batch Dinner Rolls
With the Small Batch Dinner Rolls recipe, you can indulge in freshly baked dinner rolls in just 45 minutes without sacrificing quality or flavor. This versatile recipe allows for a choice between active dry yeast and instant yeast, giving you the flexibility to use whichever type suits your baking style best.
Additionally, the recipe’s adaptability extends beyond the ingredients themselves – it accommodates various pan sizes, including round cake pans and muffin tins, catering to different baking preferences. To take the rolls to the next level, a bonus maple butter topping is included, adding an extra layer of flavor and aroma.
Overall, this Small Batch Dinner Rolls recipe makes for an excellent choice when seeking a quick and effortless way to produce a small batch of freshly baked, homemade dinner rolls.
Overnight Small Batch Bagels
This Overnight Small Batch Bagels recipe offers the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. By preparing the dough the night before and allowing it to ferment in the fridge, you’ll be rewarded with rich, complex flavors and a satisfying texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, as you can easily customize the flavor profile by adding blueberry, cinnamon, or cheese notes. Once poached and baked to perfection, the bagels emerge with a beautiful golden brown hue.
In short, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking to indulge in freshly baked, homemade-style bagels with minimal effort.
Small Batch Lasagna
Small Batch Lasagna is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines the best of Italian cuisine with ease and convenience. With its simple layering of oven-ready noodles, rich meat sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and creamy ricotta, this recipe yields six portions of pure comfort food bliss. Perfect for smaller gatherings or those seeking to minimize leftovers, it’s a crowd-pleasing option that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Small-Batch Garlic Cheddar Biscuits
Indulge in the rich flavors of these bite-sized Small-Batch Garlic Cheddar Biscuits, perfectly suited for small family gatherings or weeknight meals. With a tender, light interior and a savory blend of garlic and cheddar, each biscuit is a delight to savor. The best part: they can be whipped up in no time, making them an ideal accompaniment to your favorite sauces.
Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple dinner or need a convenient side dish, these Small-Batch Garlic Cheddar Biscuits are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
Instant Pot shredded chicken is a game-changer for batch cooking enthusiasts. By combining a few straightforward ingredients with minimal upfront effort, you can produce tender and succulent shredded chicken that can be easily incorporated into a range of meals throughout the week. This recipe’s versatility stems from its thoughtful blend of spices, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of chicken broth and pineapple juice.
The result is a protein-packed ingredient that effortlessly adapts to various meal scenarios, whether you’re planning lunches ahead of time or seeking quick dinner solutions.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This indulgent Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, boasting tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a rich sauce and finished with a crispy Panko bread crumb topping. This recipe is ideal for intimate gatherings, serving two individuals in separate baking dishes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting lunch, an impressive dinner, or a romantic evening meal, this low-carb casserole’s unique combination of ingredients is sure to delight.
Sausage and Bean Casserole
This hearty Sausage and Bean Casserole is an excellent choice for batch cooking, offering a rich blend of smoky sausages, beans, and spices that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. A versatile meal option, it can be served with a range of accompaniments, from mustardy mashed potatoes to crusty bread or fluffy rice. One of its greatest advantages is its ability to be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal solution for busy households.
With its comforting combination of flavors and textures, the Sausage and Bean Casserole is a reliable choice for those seeking convenient yet satisfying meal options.
Pancakes for Two
Indulge in the warmth of a home-cooked breakfast with Pancakes for Two, a delectable small batch recipe yielding six mouthwatering buttermilk pancakes. Characterized by their crispy edges and tangy flavor profile, these pancakes are an ideal choice for a quiet morning or brunch experience, perfect for one or two individuals. This straightforward recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in just one bowl, making it a convenient option for any day of the week.
Enjoy yours with a drizzle of maple syrup, a pat of butter, and a sprinkle of fresh blueberries to create a truly delightful morning treat.
Small Batch Tortillas
Homemade flour tortillas are just a stone’s throw away with the Small Batch Tortillas recipe. In no time at all, you’ll be enjoying warm and soft tortillas that are perfect for wrapping up your favorite fillings. The best part: This simple recipe requires only 5 ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter or vegetable oil, and hot water. No special equipment is needed – a rolling pin or any round object will do the trick to flatten out the dough.
Once cooked on a preheated pan, your tortillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick snack. With serving suggestions ranging from quesadillas and fajitas to breakfast burritos, the possibilities are endless. Overall, Small Batch Tortillas is a hassle-free way to enjoy delicious homemade tortillas that will become a staple in your kitchen.
White Chicken Chili for Two
With this White Chicken Chili for Two recipe, you’ll get to enjoy a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or as a thoughtful meal for someone special. The recipe yields tender chicken, creamy white beans, and just the right amount of green chile spice, all wrapped up in a rich and tangy sauce. What’s more, this batch cooking recipe is incredibly versatile – it can be enjoyed as a light and refreshing soup or served over rice or with some crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Plus, it freezes beautifully, making it easy to prepare ahead of time and enjoy whenever you like. Whether you’re looking for a bean-filled delight or just a simple yet satisfying chili, this recipe has got you covered.
Small Batch Loaded Potato Soup
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Small Batch Loaded Potato Soup, a hearty and creamy delight that warms the soul. Building its robust character on a foundation of sautéed onions, pungent garlic, and savory combinations of bacon fat and butter, this soup takes it to the next level by cooking tender potatoes in a flavorful union of chicken broth and milk.
The finishing touches come with a smooth blend courtesy of an immersion blender, topped off with a triumvirate of indulgent elements: melted cheddar cheese, crunchy green onion, and crispy, smoky bacon. This recipe serves two, making it the perfect solution for a cozy night in or a satisfying meal to share.
Easy Fish Pie
Indulge in the warm comfort of Easy Fish Pie, a beloved classic that transcends age boundaries, delighting both kids and adults alike. This recipe’s versatinasy shines through its suitability for batch cooking and freezer-friendly storage, making it an ideal option for busy families on the go. A harmonious blend of fish – think pollock, cod, haddock, or salmon – is elevated by a rich homemade white sauce. For added flair, prawns and hard-boiled eggs can be incorporated as optional extras.
The crowning glory: A generous topping of mashed potatoes and melted cheddar cheese, infusing the dish with an irresistible creaminess. In essence, Easy Fish Pie is a masterclass in comfort food, perfect for regular rotation in your dinner repertoire.
Mixed-Bean Veggie Chilli
This mouthwatering Mixed-Bean Veggie Chilli is a vibrant blend of smoky and spicy flavors, teeming with tender mixed beans, sweetcorn, and the subtle kick from red pepper. As a batch cooking superstar, it requires just 10 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal choice for a busy day.
The rich flavor profile is achieved through a harmonious balance of chili powder, smoked paprika, paprika, dried oregano, and cumin, which meld together to create a truly satisfying taste experience. Serve the chili hot with fluffy white rice, topped off with creamy avocado or guacamole, and garnished with a sprig of fresh coriander for a visually appealing and delicious meal.
Small-batch Apple Pie Bars
Indulge in the sweet delight of Small-batch Apple Pie Bars, boasting a rich buttery shortbread base, a tender apple cinnamon core, and a satisfying crunchy streusel topping. These scrumptious treats are crafted to perfection in a 7×5-inch dish, yielding 6 generous squares or 8 smaller portions. While the recipe may require a bit more elbow grease, the payoff is well worth the extra effort.
A bonus feature of these delectable bars is their excellent freezing properties, making them an ideal treat for any occasion.
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
Indulge in the bold fusion of Asian flavors with this delectable Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles recipe, featuring juicy chicken, crunchy broccoli slaw, and a richly aromatic Thai peanut sauce. What’s more, this dish can be whipped up in a mere 15 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks seeking to prep a satisfying meal on the fly. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors will leave you craving more, with its addictive combination of savory, spicy, and nutty notes.
Bacon & Egg Muffin Cups with Spinach
A game-changing breakfast option: Bacon & Egg Muffin Cups with Spinach offer the perfect blend of low carb, high protein, and delicious flavor. These bite-sized treats are ideal for batch cooking and meal prep, allowing you to fuel up quickly and easily throughout your busy mornings. The combination of crispy bacon, nutrient-rich spinach, and sweet bell peppers creates a mouthwatering experience that can be enjoyed hot or cold – and, as an added bonus, they freeze beautifully for future use.
Small Batch Fried Apples
Small Batch Fried Apples, a beloved Southern delight, can be savored at any moment throughout the year. This rapid-fire recipe transforms ordinary apples into tender, buttery, and sweet morsels in a mere 15 minutes. Whether you crave them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a side dish, these crispy fried apples are adaptable to a range of occasions, with various apple types and an added boost from cinnamon and nutmeg, further enriching the flavor profile.
Enjoy the leftovers refrigerated for up to four days in essence, Small Batch Fried Apples prove a scrumptious and multifaceted recipe for utilizing leftover apples.
