Taste of Home food editors and test cooks share the most useful cooking hacks they learned in culinary school.
15 Surprising Cooking Tips We Learned at Culinary School
Updated on Nov. 17, 2023
Here at Taste of Home, our resident food experts are bursting with cooking knowledge. Our food editors and test cooks spent years at culinary school learning how to chop, roast, season and much, much more. Now, they’re sharing favorite cooking tips that you can start applying in your own kitchen today.
1. Use a damp towel to keep a cutting board in place.
It can be so annoying to try to chop on a cutting board that keeps sliding all over the counter. Lock it in place by placing a damp paper towel or dish towel underneath it. (Psst: Are you taking good care of your cutting board? Here’s how to do it right.)
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2. Use a bench scraper to transfer ingredients from a cutting board.
It’s better than dragging a sharp knife across the cutting board, which dulls the knife over time. Plus, the bench scraper is large enough to hold (or push) a lot of food at once.
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3. Add baking soda to tomato sauce.
If you don’t want to add sugar to a pot of marinara sauce but the tomatoes are a bit acidic, add a little baking soda. Simply stir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon into the pot and cook for a few minutes to take the bite out of the flavor. Then, add the sauce to one of these delicious Italian pasta dishes.
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4. Add sour cream for extra-smooth scrambled eggs.
Sour cream will keep them soft and, well, creamy for a long time while you’re holding them warm for a big brunch. Add about 1/4 cup per dozen eggs once you’ve removed the eggs from the heat.
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5. Give in and get that really good set of knives.
Knives are probably the most useful item in your kitchen, so it’s important to have a quality set that will last for years. Here are the four types of knives every cook should have. And whatever you do, don’t put them in the dishwasher!
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6. Keep those knives sharp.
It really does make slicing and chopping so much easier. Plus, you’re less likely to cut yourself with a sharp knife than a dull one, which would be prone to slipping on the food’s surface and landing—ahem—somewhere else.
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7. Do the mise en place thing to stay calm in the kitchen.
Simply put: Prep all ingredients before cooking. That way, you’re not scrambling to chop the garlic when it needed to be in the pan 5 minutes ago.
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8. Thoroughly dry all meats before cooking.
This helps them brown quickly and, on poultry, crisps up the skin. (Speaking of chicken skin, did you know it’s not really that bad for you?)
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9. Let meat rest.
It’s important to let meat rest for a while before slicing into it. The longer you can let it rest the better; otherwise, the juices run onto the cutting board instead of staying in the food.
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10. Toast nuts and spices.
This may seem to be an unnecessary step, but it actually perks up the essential oils and boosts a recipe’s flavor tremendously.
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11. Use a small ice cream scoop to evenly portion out cookie dough.
It ensures each cookie is the same size, which means they’ll bake evenly. You can also use an ice cream scoop to evenly divide batter into a muffin tin. Need inspiration? These muffins are worth waking up for.
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12. Cut cheesecake (or any dessert) with a warm knife.
Run a knife under very hot water and dry it off, and you’ll be able to make a clean cut through cheesecake or any other sticky dessert.
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13. Add acid to perk up a dish.
Don’t be afraid of acid! If a dish is missing something and you just can’t put your finger on it, chances are it could use a touch more acid, such as wine, lemon juice or orange juice.
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14. Use an egg wash to make baked goods look irresistible.
Brush a light coating of egg wash (one yolk + 1 tablespoon heavy cream) over baked goods while they’re baking to give them a shiny golden brown hue. Try it on Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner Rolls.
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15. Invest in a kitchen thermometer.
Take the guesswork out of doneness and invest in a quality kitchen thermometer to make sure recipes are cooked to perfection.
Start using these tips today and you’ll instantly become a better cook!
Get started with our most-shared recipes.
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. So I developed my own, modifying a recipe for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American treat turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Strawberry Pretzel SaladWhat's a potluck without strawberry pretzel salad? This summer side dish (or should we say dessert?) is definitely a recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Italian Brunch TorteLayers of meat, cheese and vegetables are held together with cheesy eggs and sandwiched between a crescent dough crust in this easy yet impressive Italian brunch torte.
Creamy ColeslawThis creamy coleslaw recipe is rich, tangy and sweet. It’s the perfect partner for barbecue, but it tastes just as good as a topping for tacos or a meaty sandwich.
White Bean Chicken ChiliMy sister shared this white bean chicken chili recipe with me. I usually double it and add one extra can of beans, then serve with cheddar biscuits or warmed tortillas. The jalapeno adds just enough heat to notice but not too much for my children. —Kristine Bowles, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Amish Sugar CookiesThe Amish seem to be master bakers, and they did not skimp on Amish sugar cookies.
Huli Huli ChickenThis huli huli chicken recipe will bring island flavor to your backyard. These grilled chicken thighs are marinated and finished with a sweet and savory sauce.
Peanut Butter LasagnaThis peanut butter lasagna recipe features rich chocolate and peanut butter layers for a part-crunchy, part-creamy dessert that'll perk up any chocolate and peanut butter lover's taste buds.
Taco SoupLove chili? Give our easy taco soup recipe a try. Filled with ground beef, chiles, beans and stewed tomatoes, this one-pot meal is a snap to put together. Everyone in the family will have fun adding their favorite toppings!
Half Baked PotatoesCut your potato in half, score it, then let the magic happen! These crispy, buttery baked half potatoes cook up nice and crispy, and taste twice as good as the whole ones.
Pulled Pork PastaWhen you don't have hours to whip up a slow-cooked meal, this hearty pulled pork pasta recipe is a great shortcut. It tastes as if it cooked all day but can be ready in just 25 minutes.
Pumpkin BreadWhen everything's coming up pumpkin in the fall, make this easy pumpkin bread recipe. Filled with classic pumpkin spice flavor, this sweet quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks or any time you need a slice of autumn.
Bacon Macaroni SaladThis pleasing pasta salad is like eating a BLT in a bowl. Filled with crispy bacon, chopped tomato, celery and green onion, the sensational salad is coated with a tangy mayonnaise and vinegar dressing. It’s a real crowd-pleaser! —Norene Wright, Manilla, Indiana
Bacon Cheeseburger SlidersDive into this comfort food staple: bacon cheeseburger sliders are bursting with flavor, thanks to gooey, melty cheese, loaded burger, and crispy, savory bacon. They're a mini version of your favorite bacon cheeseburger, but better.
Lemon Cheesecake RecipeFit for a crowd and beloved by all ages, this lemon cheesecake recipe bakes up a dessert so sunshiny it tastes as though you’re eating spring itself.
Egg Roll Noodle BowlA delicious egg roll noodle bowl makes a quick, hearty weeknight dinner. You can add more veggies, top it with a poached egg or even make it vegetarian.
Tortellini SoupThis quick, easy rustic Italian tortellini soup recipe is flavorful and comforting. Italian sausage, spinach and tender cheese tortellini simmer in a rich tomato broth, creating a soup that cooks for only 20 minutes.
Homemade Bread RecipeHere's a step-by-step guide to kneading, shaping and baking yeast bread for the freshest, fluffiest homemade loaves.
Strawberry PieOur strawberry pie celebrates the harvest with a beautiful display of sliced fresh berries in a bouncy, sweet filling.
Crustless Spinach QuicheThis crustless spinach quiche could not be easier to make, or more delicious. There's no crust to roll out, so it's ready in a snap, perfect for weekend brunches and impromptu get-togethers.
Mamaw Emily’s Strawberry CakeMy husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Artichoke & Lemon PastaWhile sailing in the Mediterranean, we tasted a lemony artichoke pasta. I developed my own version of it that our guests love. Try it with shrimp and kalamata olives. —Peter Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Slow Cooker Pot RoastWhat if you could get the perfect pot roast with half the work, but double the flavor? Good news: You can. Here's how, with the help of our best slow-cooker pot roast recipe.
Lemon Blueberry BreadBake up some sunshine with our incredibly moist, tender and flavorful lemon blueberry bread. Loaded with zesty citrus, juicy blueberries and crunchy nuts, this will easily become your favorite take on this classic quick bread.
Meat LoafThis traditional meat loaf recipe creates a tender, juicy meat loaf topped with a caramelized glaze. The best part: It’s so easy to make, and it’s ready to eat in about an hour!
Potato SaladEveryone needs a reliable potato salad recipe in their repertoire, and this one is classic in its simplicity. It's quick and versatile, and it will go with just about anything.
Coca-Cola CakeOur coca-cola cake recipe uses not one but two cans of everyone's favorite soda. Move over, mayonnaise! Cola is our new favorite ingredient for an irresistible chocolate cake with an amazing chocolaty glaze.
Fiesta PinwheelsWhenever I serve this make-ahead, easy pinwheel recipe, they disappear fast. When a friend at the office shared them with me, I knew in one bite I'd be taking her Mexican pinwheels home for the holidays. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
One-Skillet LasagnaThis is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Broadway Brownie BarsI named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Never-Fail Scalloped PotatoesThis rich, cheesy take on scalloped potatoes is deceptively simple to make. It comes together in just 25 minutes and then you have an hour to relax (or make the rest of the meal) while it bakes.
Chicken QuesadillasThese stuffed chicken quesadillas pack impressive flavor, but they couldn't be easier to make. Finish them with sour cream and guacamole or your favorite Mexican-inspired toppings for a quesadilla feast that'll satisfy that craving.
Amish Breakfast CasseroleMade with hash browns, bacon and plenty of melted cheese, this hearty Amish breakfast casserole is a make-ahead breakfast you can prep in 15 minutes.
Skillet Mac and CheeseThis skillet mac and cheese takes a few more minutes than the boxed stuff, but we promise the final result is worth it. A thick and creamy cheese sauce is stirred together with perfectly cooked pasta, then topped with whatever you like.
Giant Cinnamon RollThis must-try cinnamon roll is all about the pillowy texture, the sweet spices and the homemade caramel drizzle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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.
Buffalo Chicken LasagnaThis recipe was inspired by my daughter's favorite food—Buffalo wings! It tastes as if it came from a restaurant. —Melissa Millwood, Lyman, South Carolina
Chocolate CakeWe can confidently say that this is the best chocolate cake recipe and, at Taste of Home, we make (and eat!) a lot of cakes. With three moist, fluffy cake layers and a rich, decadent chocolate frosting, we think this will become your go-to chocolate dessert as well.
Lemon Baked CodLemon baked cod delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it a natural go-to for weeknight or date-night dinners. Pairing it with roasted vegetables or a grain salad will complement the flavors nicely.
Buffalo Chicken DipIt is creamy, cheesy and packed with Buffalo hot wing flavors. This easy Buffalo chicken dip recipe is sure to be a party hit.
Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab PieSlab pie is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut into slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cauliflower SoupThis is the cauliflower soup recipe we reach for on a cold winter day. It only takes 30 minutes to transform a head of cauliflower into a cheesy, creamy, ultra-comforting soup.
Taco LasagnaTaco lasagna is fun spin on a traditional lasagna. It is packed with familiar taco flavors, and we love the richness of the buttery refried beans and melted cheese.
Banana PuddingThis banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers tastes just like Grandma's: creamy, simple, comforting and filled with sweet banana flavor.
Dill Sauce for SalmonDill sauce for salmon is a classic pairing. The easy baked salmon is full of lemon flavor, and the tangy, creamy sauce brings the whole dish together.
Easy Crab CakesJust a few ingredients, including already-cleaned fresh or frozen crabmeat, make these easy crab cakes something you can throw together any day of the week.
Farmer’s CasseroleThis brunch-friendly make-ahead farmer's casserole is a hearty combination of hash brown potatoes, Monterey jack cheese, ham and eggs.
Fried ChickenThis crispy fried chicken recipe uses a batter instead of a flour coating. That helps the flour adhere to the chicken so it won’t fall off after cooking!
Chocolate Cake with Vanilla FrostingYou can get a moist, flavorful cake without any weird ingredients using this recipe for chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. The smooth vanilla buttercream filling makes each slice a decadent delight.
French Toast CasseroleOur overnight French toast casserole is made for laid-back weekends. Assemble everything the night before so the bread can slowly soak up the rich custard, then pop the casserole in the oven to bake the next morning.
Clam ChowderEnjoy a big bowl of award-winning clam chowder, a traditional favorite from the New England coast. It's creamy and chock-full of clams, potatoes, bacon and more.
Sheepherder’s BreakfastMy sister-in-law always made this delicious breakfast dish when we were camping and had to come up with good, easy breakfast ideas. Served with toast, juice and milk or coffee, it's a sure hit with the breakfast crowd! One-dish casseroles like this were a big help while I was raising my nine children. Now I've passed this recipe on to them. —Pauletta Bushnell, Albany, Oregon
Apple PieBaking apple pie from scratch is a fall baking tradition we treasure. Perfect your technique with our apple pie recipe, full of all the tips and tricks you'll need.
Belgian WafflePreheat the waffle maker and start whipping up your egg whites. This traditional Belgian waffle recipe will transport you straight to Brussels.
Chicken PotpieLearning how to make chicken potpie from scratch is 100% worth it. This chicken potpie recipe features a flaky, buttery crust packed with chicken, vegetables and a creamy sauce.
Banana Cream PieBanana cream pie is a classic for a reason. With a buttery crust, creamy vanilla custard, sliced bananas and clouds of whipped cream, it's what dessert dreams are made of.
Stuffed Shells with MeatThis easy stuffed shells with meat and ricotta recipe is warm and comforting after a long day. Prep the meat-stuffed shells the day before, then just pop the dish in the oven after work.
Chocolate Chip Cookie DelightIncluding the hands-off time it spends chilling in the fridge, chocolate chip cookie delight is a low-lift layered dessert of chocolate chip cookie crust, cream cheese filling and creamy pudding.
Best LasagnaWhat makes this classic lasagna recipe so spectacular? Homemade meat sauce and plenty of cheese. Best of all, it's easy to make lasagna ahead of time so dinner can be ready in a flash.
Shrimp ScampiThis shrimp scampi recipe looks elegant enough to serve to company, but it’s easy to prepare. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs enhance the shrimp. Serve it over pasta and wait for the compliments. —Lori Packer, Omaha, Nebraska
Rhubarb Custard BarsOnce I tried these rich, gooey bars, I just had to have the recipe so I could make them for my family and friends. The shortbread-like crust and the rhubarb and custard layers inspire people to find rhubarb that they can use to fix a batch for themselves. —Shari Roach, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cucumber Salad with Sour CreamCucumber salad with sour cream is the side dish you need. It is cool and creamy—the perfect way to use all those cucumbers from your garden!
Grape SaladThis grape salad has it all: juicy grapes, creamy dressing, crunchy pecans and a sweet brown sugar topping. It’s kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks.
