Big-batch cooking for family get-togethers can save you time and effort. You can easily prepare ingredients such as ground beef, chicken, or pork weeks in advance. You can even freeze the meat to be ready at a later date. It also helps to use a slow cooker.
Slow cooker
If you have a busy schedule, a slow cooker will be an amazing help for big batch cooking. Not only will the food be ready to serve, but the slow cooking process will make the ingredients extremely tender and can even be frozen for later use. In addition, many models will allow you to control the heat, which makes for a more flexible cooking time.
If you are planning a big get-together, a slow cooker can be your best assistant. For example, you can cook pork shoulder in a slow cooker for eight hours, which yields luscious meat that can be used for sandwiches, tacos, or even fried eggs. For the beans, you can either soak them overnight in a cup of water or use the quick-soaking method. This method will take about an hour. Another great dish to prepare with a slow cooker is pork chops with gravy. This recipe is easy to prepare and a perfect crowd-pleaser.
Instant Pot
A good Instant Pot recipe will take all the guesswork out of cooking. It will provide exact results every time, with a set cook time and method. However, you can also experiment with different recipes and discover which one gives the best results for your needs. With the right amount of pressure, the Instant Pot can cook a wide variety of dishes.
The instant pot is a fantastic choice for preparing big meals. The cooking time is significantly shorter than that of a regular oven, and you can prepare meals for many people in just a few hours. This means that you can spend more time with the family or at work enjoying a movie or watching television instead of slaving away in the kitchen.
Make-ahead mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a great side dish for any holiday meal. They can be made ahead of time, without sacrificing flavor. Red potatoes have the perfect texture, and you can add a little sour cream cheese to enhance the taste. You can also add salt and milk to make your potatoes creamier. Then, place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water.
Make-ahead mashed potatoes are ideal for family meals or large gatherings. They can be served right away or stored in the fridge for several days. They can also be frozen for a few months. You can easily double or triple the recipe, depending on your family’s needs.
Ham & pineapple wraps
Ham & pineapple wraps are a simple and delicious way to make appetizers for a family get-together. They are sweet and savory and make a great lunchtime or picnic treat. Ham and pineapple are also good for a light dinner.
Ham is a versatile ingredient that can be used for a wide variety of dishes. You can roast it and use it in casseroles and soups, or you can bake it and reheat it in the oven. It’s also delicious in sandwiches, salads, and even breakfast.
Omelets in a bag
You can make omelets in a bag in a jiffy with just a few ingredients. The bag acts as a mold for eggs and keeps everything together. Once the eggs are beaten, simply mix in the other ingredients. For the best results, cook them for at least 13 minutes. They can then be served as a light meal with a side of fruit or coffee cake.
You can also make omelets in the freezer. You can add the ingredients to the freezer Ziploc bags and then cook them in a pan. Make sure to label each bag with the name of the omelet.
Chicken Caesar wraps
Using the convenience of pre-made chicken Caesar wraps as a big-batch cooking project can save you time and money while making a delicious meal for a family gathering. You can freeze the wraps for up to three days or up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, all you need to do is assemble them and serve. This recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch packed or light dinner.
Before assembling the wraps, you should chop the lettuce and dice the chicken. Next, divide the chicken evenly between the four wraps. Then, sprinkle with a small amount of Parmesan cheese. Roll them up and serve with your favorite salad dressing.