These scrumptious sausage bites could not be easier. Sausage, cheese, and baking mix all kneaded together and baked - perfect for dipping in all sorts of your favorite sauces as an...
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Everyday Cooking

These are the basics, the simple meals, the make ahead recipes. Everyday cooking for every one.
These are the recipes you sometimes forget even are available. Like, making homemade cleansers and beauty products. Or, convenience items like croutons or coffee creamer. While so easy to buy, they are also easy to make.
Also check out our "make ahead" section for recipe-saving ingredient substitutes.
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Cheese Sausage Balls
Homemade Grenadine (Pomegranate Syrup)
If you're looking to add a homemade touch to your beverages, this recipe for homemade grenadine is a fantastic choice. It offers a natural alternative to...
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Homemade Cake Mix
Pre-portioned cake mix can be a lifesaver when you want to whip up an effortless dessert. Once you've got this mix ready you just need eggs, milk, and a touch of vanilla.
Time: under 30 minutes
Bacon Swiss Squares
These scrumptious squares are kind of like quiche you can eat with your hands. Perfect for brunch. Throw a fried egg on top of the leftovers for an easy, cheesy breakfast.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Impossible Rhubarb Pie
The baking mix in the recipe creates a crustless pie-like dessert. If you're a fan of rhubarb, this is one pie that you definitely won't want to miss out on.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Every day we send out a featured recipe and our editor's favorite picks. Don't miss out!
Cornstarch Finger Paint
Need an easy craft idea for the kids? This recipe makes a creamy finger paint that you can tint with food coloring as needed.
Time: under 30 minutes
Amaretto Cocoa Mix in a Jar
This make-ahead mix is sensational packed into mason jars for cute gift baskets. Next time you're sitting around a fire, it'll be the perfect treat to have on hand.
Time: under 30 minutes
Cinnamon Wassail
You can't go wrong with hot apple cider on a cold night, but this mulled wassail made with whole cloves and cinnamon takes it to a new level.
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Coca Cola Barbecue Sauce
Coca Cola is a fantastic secret ingredient. Sweet, flavorful, and an absolutely perfect base for BBQ sauce. Just be prepared to be "grilled" about the secret.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Bread Machine Mix
Made with salt, sugar, bread machine yeast, dry milk, bread flour, wheat flour, water or milk, oil, butter or shortening
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Cake
There's nothing more satisfying than teaching your kids to bake from scratch using their own toy oven. The Easy-Bake Oven chocolate cake recipe is the perfect way to get...
Time: under 30 minutes
Cherry Crunch
A simple dessert that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It has a cinnamon-sugar crust that is topped with cherry pie filling and then baked.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Silly Putty
A fun, homemade craft putty for your kids. Just two ingredients and optional coloring will yield hours of fun.
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Mascarpone
Mascarpone is similar to the cream cheese we buy at the store but it has a more velvety texture and a rich, sweet flavor.
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Sugar Free Fat Free Sweetened Condensed Milk
No fat or sugar in this version of homemade sweetened condensed milk
Time: 2-5 hours
Low-Fat Heavy Cream Substitute
A perfect low fat cream substitute for soups, sauces, and baked dishes.
Time: under 30 minutes
Cocktail Wraps
Quick and easy appetizers made with miniature smoked cocktail hot dogs and refrigerated crescent roll dough.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Al Dente Make-Ahead Rice
Rice is simple to prepare but it takes time. Use this method for making it ahead of time so all you need to do is reheat... and eat!
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Tuna Tulips
Made with celery, peanuts, lemon juice, onion, mayonnaise, butter, black pepper, Bisquick, milk
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
7-Up Salad
Made with nuts, lime gelatin powder, vanilla extract, water, cream cheese, sugar, crushed pineapple, 7-up
Time: 30-60 minutes
Impossible Lasagne Pie
Impossibly delicious? Impossible to resist? Any way you slice it, it's very possible that this lasagna-inspired dish could become of your favorites.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Shepherd's Cheddar Pie
It's amazing how quickly a shepherd's pie can come together with a few choice shortcuts.
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Make-Ahead Chicken Casserole
Introduce your dinner table to the comfort and convenience of this make-ahead chicken casserole. Simply assemble, refrigerate, and bake when you're ready for a wholesome...
Method: oven
Time: over 5 hours
Brandied Plum Jam
This boozy plum jam is the perfect way to use up any extra plums you may have. The brandy in the recipe gives it a rich flavor that is perfect on toast or as a topping for pork chops.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Callus Remover
Save that spa money! A pumice stone and a simple solution of baking soda and sea salt are all you need for a naturally effective method of callous removal.
Time: under 30 minutes
Strawberry Daiquiri Cake
A strawberry daiquiri flavored version of the popular "poke" cake made with strawberry cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, daiquiri mix, and fresh strawberries.
Method: oven
Time: 1-2 hours
Grape-Plum Jelly
Made with powdered pectin, sugar, plums, Concord grapes, water, butter or margarine
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Soft Scrub
Just two or three ingredients are all you need for a cheap, natural, and high-quality cleaning product.
Time: under 30 minutes
Impossible Cheeseburger Pie
Made with eggs, milk, ground beef, onion, salt, cheddar cheese, Bisquick
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Warm up quickly when you keep a batch of this homemade hot cocoa mix on hand.
Time: under 30 minutes
Microwave Croutons
Microwave croutons might just be the kitchen hack you've been waiting for. Your salads will thank you.
Method: microwave
Time: under 30 minutes
Easy Chocolate Croissants
Store-bought crescent roll dough is a huge time saver. Mix a little melted chocolate and drizzle yumminess all over the fresh baked delicacy.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Ground Cherry Jam
Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries, look a little like a tomatillo. They produce an orange-ish fruit that tastes somewhere between a tomato and pineapple.
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Blender Peanut Butter
Making your own peanut butter is so easy, so much tastier than store bought, and limitless in customization options.
Time: under 30 minutes
Gourmet Reindeer Poop
Made with nuts, butter, sugar, milk, cocoa powder, peanut butter, oatmeal
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Almost Hamburger Helper
Not one, but four beefy recipes. Between chili mac, stroganoff, potato casserole and lasagna you're sure to find a favorite that sticks. You'll be ditching the boxed stuff for...
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Fresh Peach Jam in the Microwave
This easy recipe combines fresh, ripe peaches, zesty lemon juice, and pectin to create a sweet and tangy peach jam.
Method: microwave
Time: 30-60 minutes
Easy-Bake Oven Chocolate Frosting Mix
Skip the packaged mixes, they are overpriced! Make your frosting mix so your kids will always have it on hand when they feel like baking in their Easy-Bake Oven.
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Mouthwash
Apple cider vinegar and water are all you need for this all-natural mouthwash. Takes a couple tries to get used to it, but it's very effective.
Time: under 30 minutes
Bisquick Chocolate Chip Cookies
Made with semisweet chocolate chips, butter or margarine, brown sugar, egg, baking mix, nuts
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Beer Pancakes
Pancakes are just the excuse you need to have beer for breakfast. A bit of brew make these flapjacks fluffy and flavorful. Try different beers - maybe a vanilla porter or spiced holiday...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Shiny Craft Paint
Easily turn some liquid tempera paint into glossy craft paint perfect for painting everything from wooden signs to rocks. Just a couple household staples will do the trick.
Time: under 30 minutes
Velvet Crumb Cake
Pull out your baking gear because making dessert has never been simpler. With this velvet crumb cake, you'll discover that you can craft something truly special without the fuss.
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Spicy Croutons
These homemade croutons are perfect on salads or used in other recipes. They have an Italian flavor with a kick of cayenne.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Instant Cappuccino Mix
Want a quick coffee fix without having to stand in line or making an entire pot of coffee? Keep this instant cappuccino mix on hand for a quick hot drink (or iced!)
Time: under 30 minutes
Homemade Bratwurst
Making your own bratwurst at home is a great way to get the exact flavor and ingredients you want. Simply grind up the meat and fat, mix in some spices, stuff the casings, and cook!
Time: under 30 minutes
7 Up Fresh Strawberry Pie
Lemon-lime soda is the secret ingredient that makes this pie so tasty!
Method: stovetop
Time: over 5 hours
Pedialyte-Type Drink
When little ones are under the weather, sometimes all they need is a little Pedialyte-type drink. This magic elixir can help them feel better in no time!
Time: under 30 minutes
Make-Ahead Red Beans And Rice Mix
This is a great mix to keep on hand when you want to make some old-school comfort food. With the seasoning ingredients pre-measured, the recipe comes together with...
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
7-Up Layer Cake With Coconut Pineapple Frosting
Made with shortening, sugar, eggs, lemon extract, all-purpose flour, 7-UP, crushed-pineapple, butter
Method: oven, stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
Pie Crust Mix
Save some prep time with this pie crust mix. Flour, salt, and shortening are mixed together ahead of time (and can be frozen) to help make your pie baking a breeze.
Time: under 30 minutes
Minced Pastry Twists
Made with milk, vanilla, refrigerated crescent rolls, mincemeat, pecans, powdered sugar
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
Peanut Blossom Cookie Mix In A Jar
The classic peanut butter chocolate kiss cookie is a snap to make when you pre-mix the ingredients. Keep on hand for yourself, or give the cookie mix as a gift.
Time: under 30 minutes
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
Mom's Best Hot Cocoa Mix
Mom always comes through with the hot cocoa, and you'd better believe she has her recipe down. Just a few basic ingredients for the richest possible mug of warmth.
Time: under 30 minutes
Gotta-Have-It Cornbread Mix
Stir up this cornbread mix and keep it on hand for anytime you want to add a little southern flair to your meal. Keeps well for several months.
Time: under 30 minutes
Good Puppy Cookies
Made with powdered milk, flour, egg, brown sugar, garlic salt, baby food meat or chicken, gravy
Method: oven
Time: 30-60 minutes
Sardine Cat Cookies
Homemade sardine cat treats? Yes, please. Simple ingredients and an easy recipe make these biscuits a purrfect delight for your feline companion.
Method: oven
Time: under 30 minutes
The name, vodka, comes from the Russian phrase zhiznennaia voda, or "water of life". It can be made from everything from potatoes to beets. It's considered to be fairly flavorless which makes it a great liquor for mixed drinks.
Ranking #1 in nearly every "favorite cookie" poll, the chocolate chip cookie is pretty much the go-to cookie of choice for both kids and grownups alike.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.






































































