10 Genius Kitchen Hacks to Make Cooking Easier

Cooking can be fun, but sometimes, it can also feel like a lot of work. Whether you're a home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, knowing a few clever tricks can save you time and effort. Here are 10 easy kitchen hacks that will make cooking and cleaning up so much easier!

1. Keep Your Cutting Board from Slipping

Nothing is more frustrating (or dangerous) than a cutting board that moves while you’re chopping. To keep it steady, place a damp paper towel or kitchen towel underneath the board. This simple trick gives it grip and keeps you safe while prepping ingredients.

2. Peel Garlic in Seconds

Peeling garlic can be a hassle, but not with this hack! Place a garlic bulb inside a glass jar, close the lid, and shake it hard for 10-15 seconds. The skins will loosen and fall right off, making it easy to separate the cloves.

3. Soften Butter Quickly

Forgot to take the butter out of the fridge? No problem! To soften it quickly, cut it into small cubes and leave it on a plate at room temperature for 10 minutes. If you're in a hurry, microwave a glass of water, then place it upside down over the butter—the warmth will soften it in minutes.

4. Prevent Pots from Boiling Over

Tired of water boiling over and making a mess on your stove? Simply place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot. Wood doesn’t conduct heat quickly, so it helps break the bubbles and prevents spills.

5. Use a Spoon to Peel Ginger

Instead of using a knife or peeler, try peeling ginger with a spoon. The edge of a spoon easily scrapes off the thin skin without wasting the flavorful flesh underneath. Plus, it's much safer than using a sharp knife!

6. Freeze Fresh Herbs in Olive Oil

If you have leftover fresh herbs, don’t let them go to waste! Chop them up, place them in an ice cube tray, and cover them with olive oil before freezing. These handy cubes can be tossed into soups, stews, or sautéed dishes for instant flavor.

7. Easily Remove Eggshells

Fishing out small pieces of eggshell can be tricky. Instead of struggling, wet your fingers and gently pick up the shell—it will stick to your finger easily. You can also use half of the eggshell itself as a scoop to remove stray bits.

8. Keep Brown Sugar Soft

Brown sugar often turns rock-hard over time. To keep it soft, store it in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a few marshmallows. They help retain moisture and keep the sugar from hardening.

9. Clean Your Blender in Seconds

Instead of scrubbing your blender, fill it halfway with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Blend for a few seconds, then rinse. It cleans itself—no scrubbing needed!

10. Make Perfectly Crispy Bacon

For crispy, evenly cooked bacon, bake it in the oven at 200°C (400°F) on a wire rack placed over a baking tray. This method allows the fat to drip away, leaving you with crispy, delicious bacon every time.

Try these easy kitchen hacks and make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable! Which one will you try first? Let us know!