5 Time-Saving Kitchen Tools Every Home Cook Needs – Time Saver Tuesdays
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Let’s face it: life is busy. Between work, errands, and trying to remember if you have what you need in your fridge for dinner, it can feel like there’s no time left to actually enjoy cooking. But here’s the good news: I have a few simple time saving kitchen tools that can make your time in the kitchen so much more efficient.
Welcome to the first installment of Time Saver Tuesdays!
I’m sharing five game-changing time saving kitchen tools that make cooking faster, cleanup easier, and life a little less chaotic. These tools are my personal go-to’s, and I can’t wait for you to fall in love with them too.
Links on this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on them and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I personally use and love, or that I believe will add value to my readers.
1. Long Handed Spatula
Time saving kitchen tool #1 I am obsessed with are silicone and rubber utensils, but the long handed spatula holds a special place in my heart. Why? Because it’s a lifesaver when it comes to getting every last bit of peanut butter out of the jar.
Seriously, I used to end up with my hand halfway in the jar and peanut butter all over. (Not my best look.) But with this handy tool, I can clean the jar out completely—perfect for making a quick PB&J or whipping up my Energy Bites or Overnight Oats. Trust me, you’ll love it for everything from scraping bowls to spreading frosting. Plus, it’s easy to clean and so versatile you’ll find yourself using it all the time!
Recipes you’ll be glad you had this handy tool to help you out.
5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies
This peanut butter cookie recipe is easy, takes minimal ingredients and the taste beats everything I have tried in the past. They’re gluten-free friendly since they have no flour and are great for anyone looking to watch their carb intake.
Chocolate Peppermint Energy Bites
Chocolate Peppermint Energy Bites – the perfect gluten-free, protein-packed holiday snack! So delicious, you’ll forget they’re actually good for you.
Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites
Looking for a quick, healthy energy bite to keep your energy up during the holiday rush? These cranberry pistachio energy bites are the perfect combination of sweet, tart cranberries and rich, nutty pistachios.
2. Kitchen Scale
If you don’t have a kitchen scale, it’s time to change that. This tool is a multitasking marvel, helping you:
- Speed up measurements: Skip the cups and spoons—just weigh your ingredients and go.
- Be precise: Whether you’re baking a cake, tracking portions, or feeding your sourdough starter, accuracy matters.
- Reduce cleanup: Measure everything in one bowl, and you’re done!
I love this time saving tool for baking, meal prepping, and even portioning out snacks. It’s a small tool that makes a huge difference.
You can use a kitchen scale for just about everything, measuring coffee beans for a perfect espresso, tracking your macros, measuring out snacks, meal prepping, sourdough making or in my case recipe testing! It’s the gadget you likely didn’t think you needed but once you get one you’ll wonder how you lived without!
3. Ninja Air Fryer
If I had to name the MVP of my kitchen, it would 100% be the Ninja Air Fryer. This magical appliance makes busy weeknights so much easier. Here’s why I’m hooked:
- Fast cooking: Dinner is done in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.
- Reheating perfection: No more soggy microwave leftovers—your food comes out crispy and fresh.
- Easy cleanup: Many parts are dishwasher-safe, and the nonstick coating wipes clean in seconds.
From crispy veggies to reheating last night’s pizza, I use my air fryer almost every day. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
This air fryer may be my MVP when it comes to saving time in the kitchen but these recipes are the real start on busy weeknights and can all be prepared using an air fryer.
Spaghetti Squash Bites with Maple Aioli
These Spaghetti Squash Bites capture the whimsy of the holiday season in a delicious, crispy bite, paired perfectly with a Maple Aioli dipping sauce for a hint of sweetness. They’re a crowd-pleaser and will be the talk of any holiday gathering.
Easy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
When you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, these vegetarian tacos with sweet potato and black beans are the ultimate go-to recipe.
Hot Honey Sweet Potato Hash Browns
These Hot Honey Sweet Potato Hash Browns are a must-try! With just the right amount of kick from red pepper flakes and a drizzle of honey, they’re oven-baked for a lighter take on classic hash browns.
4. Silicone Measuring Cups
Silicone measuring cups are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. Not only are they lightweight and easy to store, but they’re also super practical. Here’s why:
- Microwave-safe: Melt butter or chocolate directly in the cup—no need to dirty a pan or wait for the stovetop.
- Easy pouring: The flexible design means fewer spills, which means less time cleaning up.
- Stackable storage: Perfect for saving cabinet space.
I love using these for everything from mixing pancake batter to portioning liquids for recipes. Plus, they make baking so much faster and less messy.
Here are a few of my favorite recipes where I use my silicone measuring cups.
Quick and Easy Cranberry Oatmeal Bars
Busy mornings just got easier with these Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Bars! 🍊
Chocolate Protein Donuts
Every wanted a donut that was better for you? Trying to get more protein in your diet? Then these Chocolate Protein Donuts are topped with a chocolate glaze and have a cake like texture.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Espresso Muffins
These Gluten-Free Chocolate Espresso Muffins are the ultimate post-Thanksgiving treat! ☕️🍫 Perfect for a coffee-lovers’ pick-me-up with a dash of chocolate sweetness!
5. Silicone Baking Mats
Last but definitely not least: silicone baking mats. These have completely replaced parchment paper in my kitchen. Why?
- Sustainable: No more running out of parchment paper or tossing it after one use.
- Always on hand: They’re reusable and reliable.
- Versatile: Use them in the microwave, freezer, or oven for everything from roasting veggies to rolling out dough.
- Easy cleanup: Food slides right off, so you can say goodbye to scrubbing pans.
I keep mine handy for baking cookies, roasting sheet-pan dinners, and even freezing prepped ingredients. They’re the ultimate time-saver and an eco-friendly option.
This eco-friendly kitchen gadget will do you no wrong with these recipes.
Gluten-Free Blueberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites
Wow your guests this holiday season with these Gluten-Free Blueberry Brie Bites! Flaky puff pastry, creamy brie, and tangy blueberry spread make for a perfectly balanced bite-sized treat.
Maple Roasted Carrots
Make these healthy Maple Roasted Carrots with a sweet maple glaze and rosemary, an easy side dish for any meal or holiday gathering
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy, caramelized, and packed with savory flavor, these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are the ultimate side dish! Roasted to perfection, the Brussels sprouts are tender inside with golden edges, while smoky bacon adds a delicious crunch in every bite. This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday dinners or a weeknight upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With the right tools, you can make meals faster, clean up easier, and maybe even have a little fun in the kitchen. From the trusty mini spatula to the hardworking air fryer, these tools help me save time every single day—and I know they’ll do the same for you.
Which tool are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my Energy Bites or Overnight Oats recipes to see these tools in action.
See you next week for another Time Saver Tuesdays!