The 13 Best Cooking Shortcuts to Save You Time + Money

Our Place – Up To 40% Off Sitewide

Always Pan 2.0

This aesthetically satisfying pan tackles 10 jobs in one with a totally toxin-free ceramic nonstick coating. You can save $40 on it during Our Place's Labor Day sale!

Perfect Pot

This "family-sized" nonstick pot will be a total lifesaver come soup season. Plus, it's gonna look very pretty on your stovetop. save $35 now!

Cookware Set Pro

If you're ready to press 'reset' on your entire kitchen setup, this set comes prepped with a titanium Always Pan, the Perfect Pot, the Mini Perfect Pot, and the Mini Always Pan to cook a variety of dishes. This set is a whole $215 off for Labor Day!

Caraway – Up To 15% Off + Exclusive Bundles

4-Piece Cookware Set

Another fantastic cookware set, this Caraway bundle is fully rid of toxic coatings and forever chemicals to ensure your cooking and health is high-quality. This 4-piece consists of a fry pan, sauce pan, sauté pan, a Dutch oven, and a handy lid holder for super convenient storage. Save $150 during Caraway's Labor Day sale!

Dutch Oven

This 6.5-quart pot will be able handle all the soups and stews you're about to chef up this winter. It's very durable throughout, boasting a non-toxic ceramic-coated interior. This blue pick also adds a playful pop of color to your stovetop!

11-Piece Bakeware Set

This fully-fledged bakeware set is ready to go with a whopping 11 pieces of equipment, but zero harmful chemicals. Save $150 on it during the Labor Day sale!

Xtrema Cookware – 20% Off Sitewide

Signature Series Set

Made of non-toxic ceramic, this set ensures safety at every point of the cooking process. It comes with a 9-inch signature skillet, three long-handled saucepans with lids, and two 100% organic cotton handle potholders! Plus, it's 25% off right now.

Saute Pan with Lid

For a quick upgrade, opt for a sauté pan. It's likely the most-trafficked cookware piece in your cabinets, so it can wear and tear a lot faster than your other tools. This sleek black pan comes in an 8-inch or 10-inch diameter to suit your personal needs. Save 20% off now!

Round Dutch Oven

You can do a multitude of things in a Dutch oven, including baking bread and roasting meats. We love a multitasker, and this one's 20% off!

Great Jones – 25% Off With Code 'POPCORN'

King Sear Cast-Iron Skillet

Great Jones brings the fun to cookware with tons of bright colors! This royal blue cast-iron skillet will be the talk of your next dinner party (and every meal after that) for its ability to look good and cook good.

The Fry Family Nonstick Pan Duo

This pan duo is maybe one of the most stylish upgrades you can get for your kitchen. They're made without PTFE and PFOA chemicals, which means cooking with them is healthy for you and the planet. The duo is $30 off right now!

Holy Sheet Duo

My sheet pans really need replacing from all the sheet pan dinners and cookies I make, and I am heavily eyeing this colorful set from Great Jones. These pans are durable and easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick ceramic coating they're crafted with. Keep one for savory stuff, and the other for sweets. They're currently $5 off with the Labor Day sale.

American Kitchen – 20% Off Sitewide With Code 'LABORDAY'

Nonstick Casserole Pan

This deep pan boasts two layers of professional-grade stainless steel wrapped around a layer of super durable aluminum, all which help your food heat up evenly and stay hot. The best part is the handles on the sides and lid stay cool while you chef it up! Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

Cranberry Color Cast Wok

Woks are an excellent piece of cookware to have in your kitchen if you enjoy making stir fries and fried rice. Woks heat up their contents super quickly and evenly, producing the best heated-through results. As opposed to a cast-iron construction, this wok is made from thick cast aluminum with a nonstick exterior coating and interior nonstick coating. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

5-Piece Starter Cookware Set

This set is the perfect gift for someone who just moved into their first apartment or home, if you're not shopping it for yourself. It comes complete with a 2-quart stainless steel lidded saucepan, a 10-inch stainless steel sauté lidded pan, and an 8-inch nonstick skillet so you can cook a multitude of meals. Take 20% off with code 'LABORDAY'.

Made In – Up To 25% Off Best-Sellers

6-Piece Tailgate Kit

Get on the grill with ease using this convenient 6-piece set! It comes with Made In's pre-seasoned Carbon Steel Griddle, a two-sided maple wood Butcher Block, a chef knife, grill press, their 1/4 Sheet Pan, and a 1/2 Sheet Pan. With their Labor Day sale, you save $131!

10-Piece Stainless Set

Your kitchen will never look more seamless than with this stainless clad cookware set scattered around. Each piece is compatible with gas, electric, and induction cooktops. You'll save a whole $235 when you snag this set during the Labor Day sale!

3-Piece Back To School Kit

This basic cookware set is perfect for college kids since it comes with everything you need to start out on a great home-cooked meal. The Non Stick Frying Pan, Chef Knife, and 1/2 Sheet Pan trio is unbeatable, and you can snag it for $204 (was $273) with the sale.

Didaey Silicone Oven Mitts

These $13 waterproof, durable oven mitts look like little sprinkled cupcakes, and that's all the excuse you need to hang them proudly in your kitchen.

Mushroom Salt & Pepper Shaker Set

These cottage-core salt & pepper shakers are everything. Shake a little magic into your next meal for $15 for the duo!

Generic Heart-Shaped Silicone Spatula

Because everything gets better when it's heart-shaped. The tip is made from high-quality, non-toxic silicone that can withstand high heat – including the dishwasher. The heart-shaped hole at the base of the bamboo handle makes for easy storage! Give your kitchen cookware set-up a cute upgrade for just $4.

Zee Rustic Home Decor Ceramic Lilac Color Spoon Rest

This $21 decorative spoon rest will make your stovetop storage game look much more glamorous. It can easily be placed in the dishwasher for a seamless, painless clean!

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle

This artsy kettle is definitely one of the best purchases I could've made for my kitchen! Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, it's super practical, too. It heats water very quickly, and you can control it to the exact temperature you like with the sleek dial. It goes for $165 and is worth every penny (buh-bye, old school stovetop kettles).

Cambiar Paper Towel Holder

This $14 wooden paper towel holder is fitted with an adorable flower-shaped cap that keeps the roll in place, plus it just looks like a work of art!

Annova 20-Piece Stainless Steel Silverware Set

Spruce up your next tablescape by placing down some colorful cutlery! This 20-piece set is ready to serve 4 place settings in utterstyle. Snag it for just $23. Dinner party, anyone?

Sea Me At Home Vegetable Themed Tea Towel Set

If your kitchen towels are needing a good refresh, look no further than this set of 4 100% cotton towels. Each one boasts intricate illustrations of different veggies, so they're go right in line with your fave recipes! The set is now on sale for $20 (was $30).

The Beast Mini Blender

This tiny blender ($99) is like a tiny piece of art for my kitchen countertops, and when it comes time to actually use it for making smoothies and sauces, it's such a seamless process. It's fitted with an ultra-powerful motor and expertly sharp blade that get the job done quickly. Since it stacks vertically, it's a great appliance for small spaces.

Wenshuo Chubby Coffee Mug

Your morning coffee habit just got 1,000 times cuter. This stout little mug also comes with a sturdy coaster, and the set is just adorable. Upgrade your go-to mug for $30!

Staff Oven Mitts

This set of oven mitts ($35) makes me so happy! They're super comfy on the hands, plus they're wildly durable, standing up to water and heat with ease. Since they're made from food-grade silicone, they're very easy to clean with a single rinse or wipe. Plus, just look at their little bow ties!

Cravings by Chrissy Teigen 5.3-Quart Dutch Oven

Have you ever seen a Dutch oven so cute?! This one, crafted from matte enamel, will look just as cute sitting empty on your stovetop as it will full of food. It comes complete with a removable steamer basket that's a master at multitasking. It currently goes for $128.

Art Deco Colored Vintage Coupe Glasses

Serving up some cute cocktails? You absolutely need some cute glassware to match! These multicolored coupe glasses make the perfect vehicle for espresso martinis and spritzes alike. The set of 6 goes for $46.

Christmas Appetizer Ideas

Bacon Pastry Twists with Beer Cheese

While cradling a cocktail in one hand, an easy-to-grab appetizer is essential. These flaky, cheesy bacon twists are both easy and delicious to dunk in a three-cheese beer dip. (via Brit + Co)

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Bites

A red and green holiday treat without sugary sprinkles? Count us in. These phyllo shells are filled with whipped pesto cream cheese and topped with basil and sun-dried tomatoes for some yummy Christmas food. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Cranberry Goat Cheese Balls

These cranberry goat cheese balls are the perfect balance of salty and sweet — a definite crowd-pleaser for any Christmas dinner! (via Chef Genevieve)

Holiday Crostini Trio

Spread avocado, mascarpone, and provolone onto toasted baguette slices for a tasty appetizer, and top away for three versatile holiday food ideas that will please any palate at your holiday party. (via The Baking Fairy)

Honey Almond Baked Brie

Add this this gooey, sweet, and salty baked brie to your Christmas dinner menu and guests will gather around it like it's a fireplace on a cold day. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Christmas Food Ideas For Side Dishes

Sesame Shrimp Pastry Puffs

The seafood lover in your home will be elated to munch on these sweet and umami-rich (thanks to the oyster sauce) sesame shrimps blanketed in buttery puff pastry. You'll definitely want to add this dish to your best Christmas recipes list! (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin

This savory combination of sage, gruyère cheese, and heavy cream is here to make sweet potato casserole even more indulgent. This is definitely one of our favorite Christmas dinner ideas. (via Brit + Co)

Healthy Butternut Squash Salad

Fill your guests' bellies with the seasonal flavors of butternut squash, apple cider, and pecans. The bacon is just the icing on the cake, so to speak. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Romanesco Christmas Trees with Parmesan "Snow"

Turn Romanesco broccolis into snow-capped trees with just six ingredients in this healthy yet cheesy dish for your next party. (via Brit + Co)

Slow Cooker French Onion Soup

Nothing will warm you to your toes quite like a good soup, and whipping one up in the slow cooker can save you time, mess, and energy. This French onion creation is a perennial favorite. (via Brit + Co)

Waffle Iron Latkes

These latkes make the perfect addition to any celebration, and the best part is how easy they are! From an apple butter topping to pomegranate and Greek yogurt, there's something for everyone. (via Brit + Co)

Cornmeal Biscuits with Cheddar, Chives, and Jalapeños

These slightly spicy biscuits are ideal for soaking up all that gravy goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Taco Salad

Okay, you might be thinking, "why in the world would someone serve taco salad at Christmas?" But hear us out – this recipe is full of delicious veggies, and it's just brimming with color. Keep things red and green to stay festive, or go all-out with every color of the rainbow. (via The Girl on Bloor for Brit + Co)

Crispy Leaf Potatoes with Rosemary Butter

If ever there were a bulletproof case for buying a mandoline, it's these potatoes, which are sliced chip-thin, layered upright in a baking dish, and gloriously bathed in salty rosemary butter. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Cozy Pumpkin Curry

If you're looking for vegan Christmas recipes, look no further than this warming, insanely delicious, and seasonal pumpkin curry. Just leave out the fish sauce to make it fully plant-based! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient Christmas Salad

A complicated salad is the last thing you need to worry about when picking out Christmas dinner recipes. This palate-cleansing dish is simply butter lettuce, pomegranate seeds, and a white wine vinaigrette. (via My Kitchen Love)

Main Dish Ideas For A Christmas Feast

If you're tasked with cooking the bird this holiday season, look no further than this foolproof roast turkey recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Beef Short Ribs with Vegetables

Make a statement with a delicious short rib recipe that's cozy, filling, and features an unbelievable wine sauce. Everyone will be talking about it until next Christmas. (via Baldacci Family Vineyards for Brit + Co)

Cranberry Glazed Turkey

Make your turkey extra-special with a delicious cranberry-pomegranate glaze everyone is sure to adore. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Roasted Chicken with Carrots

For a Christmas dinner or otherwise, every home cook needs a roast chicken recipe in their back pocket. Start with this step-by-step recipe, which shows you how to stuff, truss, roast, and baste the bird until juicy and golden brown. (via Simply Recipes)

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Loin with Apple and Rice Stuffing

This dish combines a classic holiday side with a crowd-pleasing main, and it's wrapped in prosciutto for a show-stopping finish. (via Host The Toast)

Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Pasta doesn't get enough credit when it comes to holiday recipes, but nothing's cozier than a delicious bowl of warm tortellini. Except tortellini soup, that is! (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Roast Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and White Wine Cream Sauce

This melt-in-your-mouth holiday meal is cooked in one pan in under an hour. Sauté mushrooms in an oven-safe skillet, put the beef on top, roast, rest, and make a cheesy, herby cream sauce with the pan drippings. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Turkey Roulade with Apple Cranberry Stuffing

This dish is all about texture, from the crispy bacon coat to the tender turkey in the middle and soft stuffing interior. This is one Christmas dinner recipe you won't want to miss out on. (via Boulder Locavore)

Delicious Christmas Dessert Ideas

Keto Eggnog

Got guests who are committed to the low-carb lifestyle? This keto eggnog is the perfect dessert to serve the carb-conscious. (via Annelies Zijderveld for Brit + Co)

Peppermint Bark

This easy peppermint bark recipe is so simple to make, you'll have plenty of time on your hands for more ambitious endeavors — like cooking the turkey. (via Jessica Smith Wall for Brit + Co)

Holiday Puppy Chow

Your go-to sweet treat gets a festive upgrade when you add in red and green candy! Bonus points if you have a red or green bowl to put it in. (via Brit + Co)

Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookies

No surprise here: the secret to Torres' high-quality chocolate chip cookies is high quality ingredients, like butter, flour, and chocolate. Letting the dough age for 24 hours and sprinkling it with sea salt at the end doesn't hurt, either. (via Jacques Torres for Brit + Co)

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

When it's your first year hostessing, the simpler you can keep your Christmas dinner recipes, the better. That's why we're huge fans of these 3-ingredient vegan Christmas cookies. (via From Eat Your Feelings by Lindsey Smith for Brit + Co)

Baked Hot Chocolate Donuts

Donuts are an all-purpose treat that can serve as Christmas breakfast, brunch, or dessert. This baked hot chocolate-inspired version doesn't require any special tools to make and is uber delicious. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Dulce de Leche Cream-Filled Churro Donuts

These six-ingredient donuts, made with biscuit dough, have a cinnamon-y exterior and a rich dulce de leche filling that pairs wonderfully with Mexican hot chocolate. (via Brit + Co)

Eggnog French Toast

Another recipe you can serve as a Christmas dinner or brunch is this sweet French toast. The secret to nailing that 'nog flavor is the nutmeg and vanilla combo. Yum. (via St Pierre Bakery for Brit + Co)

Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

Give your oven and your plates a break and add this dairy-free hot chocolate to your easy Christmas dinner menu, or enjoy with Christmas waffles! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker, and let the gadget do the rest for you. (via Justina Huddleston for Brit + Co)

Champagne Ice Cream

This egg-free, celebration-worthy holiday dinner idea gets its creaminess from cream cheese and, better yet, its booziness from sparkling wine. (via Brit + Co)

Cinnamon Roll Pecan Pie

We call this pie holiday crack for a reason (or two): the pie crust is made of mini cinnamon rolls and the pecan filling is buttery on the verge of illegal, which definitely makes it one of our favorite holiday dishes. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Spiced Hot Fruit Bake

Hear that? That's a scoop of ice cream begging to top this sweet tray of apple, pear, cranberry, pineapple, and gluten-free dessert. (via Cotter Crunch)