This article is in collaboration with our friends at Stasher. Check out our designs on the reusable silicone bags in the Cravings shop!
It feels like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, so whenever there's a chance to take a shortcut, we're here for it—especially in the kitchen. Little hacks can save you time when meal prepping and cooking, leaving more time for lounging on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn and watching too many TikToks (for even more hacks, of course). One of our essential tools to work smarter, not harder in the kitchen is a reusable, eco-friendly silicone Stasher bag, which can be used to store, organize, freeze, and even cook (in the microwave or oven). Check out some of our favorite ways to use our Stashers!
1. Make DIY smoothie packs
This requires a little upfront work, but it's worth it to be set for weeks of smoothies on the go. Combine your favorite frozen fruits and veggies—or chop up and freeze fresh produce that's on its last legs—in a Stasher bag and stow away for later. (You can even write on the bags with a dry-erase marker to remember how long they've been hanging in the freezer.) Then between nonstop meetings, you can just dump the contents into a blender with a splash of your favorite milk, juice, or water and blitz away for an instant meal.
2. Bake seafood packets for dinner
If you're intimidated by making fish at home, this will be a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Instead of making a packet using aluminum foil or parchment paper, just add a fish fillet (for example, about 6–8 ounces of salmon) with your favorite veggies, a pat of butter, and your favorite seasoning (like Garlicky Herb or Cracked Black Pepper & Citrus), seal the bag with a slight gap for steam to escape, and bake on a sheet pan at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily.
3. Upgrade snack time with microwave popcorn
Save money by buying your popcorn kernels in bulk to make your own "bagged" microwave popcorn. You can change up the type of oil you pop in, sprinkle on your fave seasonings (like from our sweet & savory sets), and shake everything up to make sure the flavor coats every piece. To pop in a Stasher, fill the bag with ½ cup popcorn kernels, 1 tablespoon of oil—neutral like canola, olive oil, coconut for something sweet, or ghee—and leave it partially open as you microwave for 2–3 minutes, or until popping slows. (Watch carefully so it doesn’t burn!) Remove the bag with an oven mitt or towel, and season up. Close the bag, shake, and enjoy!
4. Have on-demand ice packs at the ready
Sending kids off to school and need an ice pack? Or need to ice your ankle after a long run? We've got you. Stasher bags are leak-proof when sealed and you can freeze water directly in them. Just make sure the bag is lying flat so the water freezes evenly.
5. Freeze single-serve portions of your fave meals
If you make a big batch of soup, pack it into a Stasher and freeze it flat so you can eat it again when the mood strikes. This works for stews, casseroles, stir-fries, lasagna—anything you want to heat 'n' eat later. It's as convenient as a frozen meal from the grocery store, but way more flavorful and customizable.
6. Save money on pre-made salads
Ditch the takeout and make your own salad packs. All you need to do is drizzle in your favorite dressing, seal, and shake it up! Whether you're at home, on a hike, or at your desk, this salad will be anything but sad.
7. Marinate and glaze meat
The eco-friendly way to marinate meat is in a Stasher instead of a gallon-size plastic bag. After, you can save a step before glazing by transferring the whole bag to a pot of boiling water to kill off the bacteria and make it safe to brush over your cooked meat. Time to make Thai Tom Yum Ribs for dinner!
8. Go beyond the kitchen for your new toiletry bag
Stasher bags can go way beyond the kitchen: Store makeup, toiletries, crafting supplies for kids, and more. Throw one in your bag for day-to-day errands or use one as a toiletry bag to make packing for your next trip a breeze. The best part? If they get dirty (like covered in kids' markers or a leaky bottle of foundation), you can just pop them in the dishwasher and they'll be as good as new.
