Homemaking Hacks: Batch Cooking

Batch Cooking for Busy Days: How I Made a Week’s Worth of Food in Two Hours

One of the biggest struggles I face when trying to stick to a budget and eat healthy is dealing with busy mornings and hectic evenings. No matter how quick a recipe claims to be, it always seems to take at least an hour—time I don’t always have. That’s why I’ve learned that the key to staying on track is batch cooking kitchen staples and freezing prepped ingredients.

This weekend, I spent just two hours in the kitchen and made 36 egg bites, 16 bagels, and a batch of protein bars—all without feeling overwhelmed. Here’s how I made it happen:

• Egg Bites: I had bacon bits already frozen from the last time I cooked, and it took me about 20 minutes to shred cheese and saute some peppers I had on hand. All I had to do was blend my eggs, pour them into muffin tins, and bake. Minimal effort, maximum payoff. You can find the recipe I use here.
• Bagels: Since my sourdough starter is always fed and ready, I prepped the dough in the morning with about 15 minutes of work. By evening, my I spent less than an hour shaping, boiling, and baking 16 fresh bagels—perfect for quick breakfasts and sandwiches.
• Protein Bars: This recipe was so simple, it took less than 10 minutes to whip up. No baking required, just mix, press, and chill.

With a little planning and some strategic prep, I now have at least a weeks worth of quick, healthy options on hand for the week—saving me time, money, and the temptation to grab a Wawa Sizzli on the run. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by meal prep, start small. A few prepped ingredients or a big batch of a favorite staple can make all the difference!

Do you batch cook? What are your go-to staples? Let me know in the comments!