Cooking involves three valuable elements…time, talent, and money. Many people skip from-scratch recipes and opt for cheaper, faster options…but lose out on that home-cooked taste. With these 12 epic hacks for store-bought foods, anyone can be a five star chef without spending too much time or cash. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a big group, these easy dishes are sure to please.
1. Pre-made pie crust can be a little bit boring. Roll in cookie crumbs for a sweet taste and crispy texture. See step-by-step instructions at Dinner With Julie.
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2. Add your favorite vegetables to canned soup for a more filling and nutritious meal. Throw in some spices and even a little white wine for a real home cooked taste. Head to Soup Chick for inspiration.
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3. Mix flavorful veggies like peppers and olives in with canned tuna for a healthy, protein-filled meal. See the full recipe on Etsy.
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4. Tomato sauce in a jar is bland, but add oregano, thyme, green peppers and some ground beef for that from-scratch taste. See more suggestions on
The Pioneer Woman.
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5. Jazz up plain hummus with authentic Greek touches like olive oil, feta cheese, and paprika. Check out more tasty hummus ideas from Tia Nguyen.
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6. Make a super sweet ice cream cake using cool whip, ice cream sandwiches and your favorite candy. Read the step-by-step instructions on The Weekend Homemaker.
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7. Frozen pierogies get an extra kick when sautéed with fresh garlic and onions. Ruth Hendricks has more details on this hack.
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8. Fresh mozzarella can be pricey, so soak regular mozzarella in a salt and milk bath to get the same taste. Get the logistics on Local Lemons.
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9. Drizzle chocolate over plain popcorn for a sweet twist. Head to Flora Foodie for even more popcorn flavor hacks.
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10. Pillsbury cinnamon rolls can be put into a waffle maker instead of batter for fluffy cinnamon waffles. Pillsbury’s website has the full tutorial.
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11. Make canned baked beans taste like a pit master’s creation with barbecue sauce, peppers, onions and mustard. Head to Our Treasured Home for more tips.
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12. Make boxed cake mix taste like artisan bakery goodness by adding pudding and sour cream. Bon Appetit has the details.
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(via Diply)
Complicated recipes can discourage any aspiring cook. Instead of stressing over preparation, hack into your grocery store and enjoy cooking just a little bit more. Know someone who could benefit from these tips? Share it!
