This recipe is the perfect way to save money and have control over the ingredients in your baking mix. You can easily make a double or triple batch to have on hand...
Time: under 30 minutes
Make Ahead Recipes

Have you ever started cooking something and wished you had prepared some of it in advance to save time? Or, have you gone to grab something out of the pantry only to realize you're out of it? Frustrating, right?
That's where these "make ahead" recipes come in handy!
Maybe you like the convenience of having baking or biscuit mix on hand so you can whip up a batch of something quick? The mixes in the store can get expensive and often contain extra ingredients you don't need or want. You can make your own at home for pennies compared to what the commercial versions cost.
Not only are homemade mixes healthier since they don't contain preservatives and the additives manufacturers put in to maintain shelf life, but they'll usually taste a heck of a lot better too.
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Copycat Bisquick Without Shortening
Homemade Bisquick Baking Mix
There's something about homemade Bisquick baking mix that just tastes better than the store-bought version.
Time: under 30 minutes
Heavy Cream Substitute
If you find yourself out of heavy cream and you need some for a recipe, use this simple substitute that requires only two ingredients.
Method: microwave, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven Pizza
Let the kids create their own pizza night with pizza made in their Easy Bake Oven. Add any additional toppings as desired (you may need to adjust the baking time with more...
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy Bake Oven Chocolate Chip Cookies
Skip the boxed mix because it's so easy for your kids to make cookies in the Easy-Bake oven by Hasbro using this homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Time: under 30 minutes
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Sugar-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
A sweet but sugar-free version of homemade sweetened condensed milk
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Cheese Whiz Copycat
Sometimes the cheese world gets too crazy and you just want some cheese whiz. This home remedy is made with American cheese, evaporated milk and egg yolks.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix
Onion soup mix is a common ingredient in many recipes. Make your own and keep it on hand with this simple recipe made with dehydrated onion flakes, beef bouillon...
Time: under 30 minutes
Shortening Substitute
Out of shortening and need some for a recipe? No problem, this clever substitute will work just fine in most baking recipes.
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven Brownies
When it's time for a fun treat, there's nothing better than Easy-Bake Oven brownies. They're the perfect bite-sized treat for any chocolate lover (kid or adult!)
Time: under 30 minutes
Instant Alfredo Sauce Mix
This sauce mix makes a pasta dish loads better than you'd get with heavy jarred alfredo, without the hassle of making the sauce from scratch just for a weeknight dinner.
Time: under 30 minutes
Low Sodium Baking Mix
Cooking on a low sodium diet? This versatile low sodium baking mix can be used for a variety of baked goods such as pancakes, waffles, and muffins, and is a great alternative to...
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Garlic Croutons
Get your crazy crunch on with these garlic croutons. Your salad will never be the same. Save leftover bread, coat it with garlic and turn it into a delicious accessory.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Fireside Coffee Mix
A make ahead cocoa-coffee mix. Keep it on hand for an easy beverage on a chilly night in front of the fire.
Time: under 30 minutes
Copycat Aunt Jemima's Pancake Mix
Aunt Jemima's got the syrup down, so you'd better believe she can do pancakes too. A bit of lemon-lime soda in the mix is the key to her light and fluffy cakes. You...
Time: under 30 minutes
Light Cream Substitute
Light cream has around 20% butterfat and works well to make thin cream soups or light sauces. If you don't have any on hand, make your own with this simple substitute.
Time: under 30 minutes
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix Clone
An easy homemade substitute for Jiffy. Use it in any recipe calling for 1 box of corn muffin mix.
Time: under 30 minutes
French Vanilla Coffee Mix
Using pudding mix in a coffee creamer is a stroke of genius, turning this french vanilla mix into a lusciously creamy affair that you never knew you needed in your morning...
Time: under 30 minutes
Large Croutons
These large, toasty croutons can be used with soups, or as a base for bruschetta or crostini.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Chicken Spice Coating Mix
Spiced, breaded chicken isn't just for frying anymore. You can still get a crispy coating with oven-baked breasts or drumsticks, and the spices in this recipe gives a nice...
Time: under 30 minutes
Friendship Tea Mix
Combining an orange breakfast drink, lemonade mix, instant tea, apricot gelatin, and spices, this mix makes a comforting beverage that's perfect for gifting.
Time: under 30 minutes
Borden's Sweetened Condensed Milk Copycat
A copycat version of Borden's brand of sweetened condensed milk. Made with nonfat dry milk powder, sugar, water, and butter.
Time: 1-2 hours
Sour Cream Substitute
Powdered milk and vinegar do the trick for a thick sour cream substitute perfect for chili, fajitas, or baked potatoes.
Time: 2-5 hours
Easy-Bake Oven Rice Krispies Treats
Skip the stove top method for Rice Krispies treats and let the kids make their own marshmallow cereal bars using the Hasbro Easy-Bake Oven.
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Light Corn Syrup
This DIY corn syrup substitute is made without corn starch. It's basically a sugar syrup that you can use in recipes in place of light corn syrup.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Pumpkins aren't just for pies or Halloween decorations. These large, orange gourds - while naturally sweet - also work well in savory dishes. They pair well with poultry and pork (and especially bacon) and their creamy-when-cooked texture blends easily into soups.
In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.








































