How To Cook For One Without Wasting Food

Learn how to make cooking for one easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. These simple tips will help you save money, reduce waste, and get meals on the table with less effort.

Cooking for one doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Whether you live alone, your partner travels often, or you’re simply preparing your own meal, these tips will help you waste less food, save money, and enjoy the process. Here’s how to make cooking for one simple and satisfying.

The Joy Of Cooking For One

Many recipes are made for families, leaving those that cook for themselves with too many leftovers. But with a little creativity and the right tips, you can enjoy meals that are just the right size, without sacrificing flavor or variety.

At One Dish Kitchen, we focus on adapting classic recipes for single servings. These tips will help you cook smarter, waste less, and enjoy the process – whether you’re chopping vegetables with music playing or experimenting with your favorite ingredients.

1. Plan Around One Main Ingredient

Choose a main ingredient like chicken, then plan 2–3 meals using it. For example:

• Roast Chicken: Use leftovers in
  • Chicken Enchiladas For One
  • Chicken Spaghetti For One
  • Chicken Salad For One
  • Small Chicken And Biscuits Casserole

2. Check What You Have First

Before shopping, take inventory of your pantry and fridge. Use what you already have to avoid buying duplicates and save money.

3. Keep Basic Ingredients Stocked

Having a few pantry and fridge staples on hand makes single serving cooking quicker and easier. Stock items like canned beans, diced tomatoes, rice, pasta, and chicken broth, these ingredients are versatile and last a long time. Check out our collection of canned beans recipes for ideas.

Spices are another must. Keep a few blends ready to go, like small batch taco seasoning, small batch Creole seasoning, or small batch garam masala.

These homemade versions are easy to mix, full of flavor, and perfect for seasoning small meals.

Don’t forget the fridge basics: eggs, milk, and cheese can be used in dozens of ways throughout the week.

Buy only what you need, especially for:

• Spices
• Grains
• Pasta
• Nuts

It’s a great way to experiment with new flavors without wasting money.

5. Get Creative In The Kitchen

Try simple, flexible meals using what you enjoy. A few ideas:

• Roast cabbage or roast Brussels sprouts and toss with buttered noodles and cheese.
• Load a baked potato with homemade chili, cheese, and sour cream.

6. Buy Meats And Cheese In Small Amounts

Skip pre-packaged portions. Ask at the meat, seafood, or deli counter for exactly what you need. This reduces waste and saves space.

7. Use The Salad Bar

Need just a small amount of vegetables, fruit, or toppings? Pick up a handful from the salad bar, perfect for one-person portions.

8. Don’t Skip Dessert

Treat yourself to a quick, single serving dessert like:

• Apple Cobber For One
• Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Small Yellow Cake

9. Freeze Smart, Use What You Freeze

When cooking for one, your freezer can be your best friend. Portion and freeze leftovers, sauces, broth, bacon, or extra vegetables in small containers so they’re easy to use later. Label everything with the date and contents to avoid waste and make meal planning easier. You’ll always have building blocks for a quick meal ready to go.

10. Use Our Leftover Ingredient Recipe Finder

Not sure what to cook with what you’ve got on hand? Try our Leftover Ingredient Recipe Finder. Just enter the ingredients you already have, and we’ll show you single serving recipes that use them. It’s a great way to reduce waste, save money, and build a personalized meal plan around what’s in your kitchen.

Bonus Tip: Make It Enjoyable

Cooking for yourself can be a rewarding part of your day. Light a candle, play music, pour a glass of wine, it’s your time.

Explore more single serving recipes on our site, including:

• Dinners For One
• Desserts For One
• Breakfasts For One

Perfectly portioned and made just for you.