This collection of cooking tips is proof that grandmas really do know best.
12 Timeless Cooking Tips We Learned from Grandma
Updated on Sep. 28, 2022
When I think of my grandma, I think of her in the kitchen. Whether she was baking bread, making rice pudding or keeping an eye on her old-fashioned pressure cooker (who knew they’d become trendy again?), many of her days were spent over the stove or at the kitchen sink. A fabulous cook who lived to the ripe old age of 91, she passed her cooking tips down to my mom, who has done her best to share them with me.
Whether we were born in 1900, 1950 or 1990, our grandmas learned to cook through hard work, trial and error, and hours upon hours in the kitchen. Just for fun, I polled a few foodies at Taste of Home for the tidbits of wisdom they got from grandma and still use today.
1. Follow directions first; experiment later.
The first time you make a recipe, always follow the directions exactly. Then you’ll know how to tweak it to your taste the next time.
2. Take your time.
Rushing is only going to result in a big mess, skipped steps or ingredients, and maybe even the need for a Band-Aid.
3. Make perfect gravy.
When you add a cornstarch slurry to a sauce (think turkey gravy), add only a little bit at a time. You never know how thick your gravy will be until it comes to a full boil.
4. Brown first.
When baking up a hearty dish, always brown the meat before you put it in the oven. It makes the meat so much tastier.
5. Don’t cry.
After cutting an onion, rub your hands on a metal kitchen faucet to get rid of the smell and prevent tears. This one might be a myth, but it’s so sweet that we’ll give it a try. See the onion-cutting methods we’ve already debunked, here.
6. When in doubt, top with chips.
Toward the end of baking a savory dish, crumble potato chips on the top and cook it a few more minutes. The top of your dish will be beautifully browned with a nice texture and salty crunch. Test it out with this tasty hamburger casserole.
7. Take your frustration out on cucumbers.
Smash cucumbers before cooking to remove seeds, tenderize the flesh and help them absorb flavor. Here’s how: Cut cucumbers into 1-1/2 to 2-in. lengths. Lay skin side up on a cutting board. Place the flat side of a chef knife (or a cleaver or rolling pin) over cucumbers and whack down firmly but gently with the heel of your hand, much like smashing a garlic clove. When you’re done, use them in these delicious cucumber recipes.
8. Add some acid.
When making lentil-, bean– or broth-based soups, add a little splash of vinegar (1/2 teaspoon) or squeeze of lemon at the very end of cooking to brighten the flavors. The little touch of acidity brings the dish to life.
9. Get creative with your eggs.
The secret to making creamy, soft scrambled eggs with a rich, salty pork flavor? Add some minced Spam. Yep, Spam.
10. Be prepared for last-minute guests.
Who can forget Grandma’s old saying: If you drop silverware, it means unexpected company is coming. A fork means a female visitor, and a knife means a male visitor. That’s why you should always have something on hand to serve unexpected guests. Here are a few recipes to get you started.
11. There’s a smart way to do the dishes.
Always clean your countertops before you do dishes, so if there’s a big pot that won’t fit in the rack, you know you have a clean place to set it. (Still searching for more room? Find ways to save counter space here.)
12. Clean the fridge (and what’s inside it).
To keep your refrigerator spotless, always wipe off the tops, bottoms and lids of your jars, food containers and milk jugs (don’t forget syrup and condiments!) just before putting them back in the fridge. This little step will help keep your fridge surfaces sparkling.
Finally, this is perhaps the best bit of wisdom passed down by any grandma: Cook for people and they will know you love them, and they’ll remember it long after you’re gone. So true. Thanks, Grandma.
Celebrate Grandma with something sweet. Grab your fork and check out these timeless desserts.
Grandma (and Grandpa) know best with these 60 heirloom recipes.
Peanut Butter CookiesWe cream shortening instead of butter for this dough, resulting in an ultra-rich-tasting version of traditional peanut butter cookies. Also nice? They take less than 30 minutes to prepare.Â
Deep-Dish Sausage PizzaMy grandma made the tastiest snacks for us when we stayed the night at her farm. Her wonderful pizza, hot from the oven, was covered with cheese and had fragrant herbs in the crust. Now this pizza is frequently a meal for my husband, our family and me. —Michele Madden, Washington Court House, Ohio
Grandma’s Honey MuffinsI can remember my Grandma Wheeler making these delicious muffins—we'd eat them nice and warm, fresh from the oven! She was a "pinch of this and handful of that" kind of cook, so getting the ingredient amounts correct for the recipe was a challenge. Now it's a family treasure! —Darlis A. Wilfer, West Bend, Wisconsin
Peanut Butter and Jelly French ToastI've always tried to make cooking fun—for myself, my daughters and my grandchildren. Cooking teaches children the importance of following directions and being organized. This recipe is easy to make, and kids really like it. —Flo Burtnett, Gage, Oklahoma
Scalloped CornThis comforting scalloped corn casserole features sunny corn kernels blended into a creamy custard. By the time the serving dish leaves the table, it will be scraped clean!
Italian Meatball BunsThese soft little rolls come with a pleasant surprise inside—savory Italian meatballs. The apps are wonderful dipped in marinara sauce, which makes them fun for my grandkids—and adults too. I love how easy they are to put together. —Trina Linder-Mobley, Clover, South Carolina
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Pizza Macaroni & CheeseMy grandma made this for us once when she came to visit and I never forgot just how good it was. Since my kids love anything with pepperoni and cheese, I thought they'd enjoy it just as much as I did. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Blueberry Ice CreamIf you churn only one homemade ice cream this summer, it should be this blueberry ice cream. Each scoop has a subtle tart, floral flavor and intense purple hue.
Divinity CandyLike fluffy clouds from up on high, divinity candy truly earns its heavenly moniker.
Blue-Ribbon DoughnutsWhat could be more delicious than a warm homemade doughnut? I've been making these tasty treats for my children and grandchildren for many years. —Kay McEwen, Sussex, New Brunswick
Grandma Russell's BreadI remember as a child always smelling fresh homemade bread and rolls whenever I walked into Grandma's house. The warm slices were delicious and melted in my mouth! —Janet Polito, Nampa, Idaho
Contest-Winning Sugar ‘n’ Spice NutsMy daughters, grandkids and just about everyone who visits me look forward to this mix of crunchy spiced nuts recipe during the holidays. And tucked in colorful tins, it makes a handy last-minute gift idea for busy hostesses or drop-in visitors. —Joan Klinefelter, Utica, Illinois
Grandma’s Tandy KakeMy grandmother made this for all our family gatherings. Everyone loves it now I make it for every party we attend or host. —John Morgan III, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Zucchini CupcakesOur grandkids love these cupcakes and don't believe us when we tell them there are veggies in them! I'm always asked for this recipe, which makes a tasty treat after school, packed in lunches or served as dessert after dinner. —Carole Fraser, North York, Ontario
Grandma Schwartz’s RouladenThis was one of my Grandma Schwartz's recipes. Grandpa Schwartz was a German butcher and this was one of his (and our) favorite meals. It's an extra-special beef entree when served with mashed potatoes made with butter and sour cream. —Lynda Sharai, Summer Lake, Oregon
MeatballsOur baked meatball recipe shows you how to whip up this delicious comfort food quickly and easily.
Gingersnap CookiesThis gingersnap cookie recipe results in fluffy, delicious cookies that'll satiate your sweet tooth.
Pennsylvania Dutch Funny CakeI can still remember my grandma serving this delicious cake on the big wooden table in her farm kitchen. Every time I bake this unusual cake, it takes me back to those special days at Grandma's. —Diane Ganssle, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Grandma's Lemon Poppy Seed CakeThis is from a collection of family recipes. My granddaughter, Riley, likes that it tastes like lemons, but is sweet. It’s always moist and wonderful. —Phyllis Harmon, Nelson, Wisconsin
Jam BiscuitsMy teenage granddaughter, Holly, and I have enjoyed cooking together since she was 4 years old. We like to make these golden biscuits for holiday gatherings. Fill the centers with homemade jam, orange marmalade or cheese. —Mary Lindsay, Dunrango, Colorado
French Onion SoupThis rich and comforting French onion soup recipe is surprisingly simple to make at home. And it rivals the soup you’ll find at any restaurant.
Sugar Cone Chocolate Chip CookiesIf I could make a batch of cookies a day, I'd be in baking heaven. I made these for my boys when they were growing up, and now I treat my grandkids, too. Everyone loves the tasty blend of chocolate chips, crumbled sugar cones and sprinkles. —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Pirate Pasta ShellsGrandfather loved pirate stories and good pasta. When we make his stuffed shells, it reminds us of his favorite tropical places and adventures. —Kathy Noll, Laureldale, Pennsylvania
Grandma Nardi's Italian Easter BreadMy Grandma Nardi’s bread with dyed Easter eggs represents family and tradition. I fondly remember how she taught me the recipe when I was a little girl. —Pat Merkovich, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon CakeThis four-layer lemon cake uses lemon juice, lemon zest, a sweet-tart lemon syrup and a lush cream cheese frosting to make sure there's a sunshiny taste of citrus in every bite.
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Southern Collard GreensCooking collard greens is easier than you’d think. This southern collard greens recipe is full of smoky, savory flavor, and the broth is good enough to drink. You’ll want to dunk a piece of cornbread in it!
Breakfast BunsMy grandmother taught me to bake these breakfast buns 70 years ago. Now my granddaughter makes them! This batter is like a biscuit dough and can be made up in a short time. There's no nicer way to wake up in the morning than to the aromas of biscuits baking and coffee perking! — Dorothy McGinnis, West Haven, Connecticut
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie PiesBaking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come to stay for "grandma camp." Sometimes the grandkids help by piping the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Corn PuddingThis sweetheart of a side is delicious, rich and perfect on a weeknight table or as part of a holiday spread. If you want to step up your side dish game, this triple-corn pudding is an excellent choice.
Icebox Honey CookiesMy Grandma Wruble always had a batch of these cookies in the cookie jar and another roll in the refrigerator ready to slice and bake. Their honey and lemon flavor is delicious! —Kristi Gleason, Flower Mound, Texas
Black Bean Chip & Dip BurgersI finally invented a healthy quinoa burger that wasn't dry and crumbly or really boring. These fit the bill—even my grandkids prefer them over hamburgers. They taste like chips and dip in a burger! —KT Rehrig, Allentown, Pennsylvania
Old-Fashioned Baked Macaroni and CheeseClassic old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese comes together with just a little patience and a lot of butter, milk and cheese. Let it bake until bubbly for the most comforting meal ever.
Wendy's Apple Pomegranate SaladMy grandparents grew pomegranates, pecans and walnuts and would send us some each year. Some of my best memories are the days I used to spend with my grandmother learning how to cook with her. Whenever I make this, it's like having lunch with my grandmother again. —Wendy Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan
Easy Dill PicklesThis treasured dill pickle recipe is like an old friend. These crispy spears have a slightly salty, tart flavor with a good balance of dill, garlic and peppers. —Betty Sitzman, Wray, Colorado
Grandma's Star CookiesMy husband's grandma would make these butter cutouts only with a star cookie cutter. I use various shapes for celebrations throughout the year. —Jenny Brown, West Lafayette, Indiana
Fresh Tomato RelishMy two grown sons actually eat this as a salad, but that's a bit too hot for me! The recipe is from my late husband's mother, and I haven't varied it over the years. I usually make a batch as soon as the first tomatoes of the season are ready. —Lela Baskins, Windsor, Missouri
Parmesan Mashed PotatoesFluffy and flavorful Parmesan mashed potatoes are a perfect mix of spuds, butter and sour cream with a bold cheesy finish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & CauliflowerMy grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Grilled Barbecued ChickenIt's fun for me to have my family members together so I can prepare their favorite foods, like this saucy barbecued chicken. The juicy, tender recipe always brings enthusiastic compliments from our four grown children and three grandkids. —Barbara Blickens Derfer, Edgewater, Florida
Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh VegetablesOur family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & SpaghettiI’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Caramel-Apple Skillet BuckleMy grandma used to bake a version of this for me when I was a little girl. She would make it using fresh apples from her tree in the backyard. I've adapted her recipe because I love the combination of apples, pecans and caramel. —Emily Hobbs, Springfield, Missouri
Cheeseburger Pepper CupsI like to serve my grandkids something special, and this is one of their favorites. They like red or yellow peppers because they're sweeter and look more appetizing. —Betty Winscher, Royalton, Minnesota
Hamburger Macaroni CasseroleThe definition of hearty comfort food, this hamburger macaroni casserole recipe couldn't be easier to whip up.
Chicken-Fried SteakThis chicken-fried steak and gravy combination is absolute comfort food. Cube steak gets a lightly seasoned coating, making this dish perfect for those nights when you want something filling but don't have a lot of time to prep dinner.
Grandpa's Party PotatoesMy grandpa, who gave me this recipe, liked the way the cream cheese and onion dip created a wonderful velvety texture. I often assemble these potatoes the night before, then pop them in the oven the next day. —Mary Kay Elert, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
Sausage StuffingThe best sausage stuffing recipe evokes nostalgia for time spent with loved ones at the holiday table. Pair it with turkey for Thanksgiving, or eat it as an all-in-one meal any time of the year.
