Top 10 Home Cooked Meals That Sell Like Hotcakes
Starting a home cooked meals business is an exciting venture, especially for stay-at-home mums who love to cook. But what should you offer to ensure your meals are not just tasty but also in high demand? In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 home cooked meals that are practically guaranteed to sell like hotcakes, giving you a solid foundation to build your side hustle on.
1. Classic Comfort Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Why It Sells: Who can resist a warm, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese? This dish is a staple comfort food that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make in bulk, stores well, and can be customised with add-ins like bacon, lobster, or truffle oil to attract more customers.
Pro Tip: Offer a few different variations—such as a gluten-free option or a spicy version—to cater to diverse tastes.
2. Healthy Meal Prep Bowls
Why It Sells: As more people focus on healthy eating, meal prep bowls have become incredibly popular. These are balanced meals that typically include a protein, grain, and vegetables, often served with a flavourful sauce.
Pro Tip: Think along the lines of grilled chicken with quinoa and roasted veggies, or a vegan bowl with tofu, brown rice, and a tahini dressing. Offer different combinations to suit various dietary preferences.
3. Hearty Soups and Stews
Why It Sells: Soups and stews are versatile, filling, and perfect for any season. From a classic chicken noodle soup to a rich beef stew, these dishes are comfort in a bowl and can easily be frozen for later use, making them convenient for busy customers.
Pro Tip: Pair your soups with freshly baked bread or rolls as an upsell. You could even offer a soup subscription service, where customers get a different soup each week.
4. Homemade Pasta Dishes
Why It Sells: There’s something special about a homemade pasta dish, whether it’s a rich lasagna, a creamy fettuccine Alfredo, or a simple yet flavourful spaghetti Bolognese. These meals are family favourites and are perfect for those nights when your customers don’t want to cook.
Pro Tip: Offer large family-size portions for gatherings or smaller single servings for individual customers. Gluten-free and whole-wheat pasta options can cater to more health-conscious eaters.
5. Gourmet Sandwiches and Wraps
Why It Sells: Sandwiches and wraps are perfect grab-and-go options that are great for lunch or a light dinner. Whether it’s a classic chicken Caesar wrap or a more gourmet offering like a brie and apple sandwich, these are quick to prepare and easy to package.
Pro Tip: Focus on quality ingredients and unique flavour combinations to set your offerings apart from standard deli fare. Offer a selection of sides like chips, salads, or fruit to create meal deals.
6. Ethnic Cuisine Favourites
Why It Sells: Offering ethnic dishes like Mexican enchiladas, Indian butter chicken, or Thai green curry can add diversity to your menu and appeal to a wide range of customers looking for something different from their usual fare.
Pro Tip: Authenticity is key. Use traditional recipes and source quality ingredients to ensure your dishes are as close to the real thing as possible. Offering vegetarian or vegan versions can also broaden your customer base.
7. Savoury Pies and Quiches
Why It Sells: Savoury pies and quiches are hearty, satisfying, and can be eaten hot or cold. Think chicken pot pie, spinach and feta quiche, or beef and mushroom pie. These are perfect for lunch or dinner and can easily be portioned for individual meals.
Pro Tip: Offer a mix of classic flavours and seasonal specialties. For instance, a leek and potato quiche in the spring or a pumpkin and sage pie in the fall.
8. Homemade Desserts and Baked Goods
Why It Sells: No meal is complete without dessert, and homemade baked goods have a charm that store-bought items can’t match. Popular choices include brownies, cookies, and cakes, but you could also offer healthier options like fruit crisps or gluten-free muffins.
Pro Tip: Create dessert bundles, like a box of assorted cookies, that customers can buy for themselves or gift to others. Adding seasonal touches like pumpkin spice or peppermint during the holidays can also boost sales.
9. Breakfast-to-Go Options
Why It Sells: Many people skip breakfast due to time constraints, so offering quick, nutritious breakfast options can fill a valuable niche. Think breakfast burritos, overnight oats, or egg muffins that customers can grab on their way to work.
Pro Tip: Offer a variety of options, including vegetarian, high-protein, and gluten-free, to cater to different dietary needs. Pair these with freshly brewed coffee or smoothies for a complete morning meal.
10. Family Meal Kits
Why It Sells: Family meal kits are a growing trend, offering busy families everything they need to make a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle of meal planning or shopping. These kits typically include pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
Pro Tip: Offer a rotating menu of meal kits that change weekly. Include options for different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or low-carb, and consider adding a dessert option to complete the meal.
Start Cooking Up Success
These top 10 home cooked meals are not just tasty but are also proven sellers, making them an excellent starting point for your home cooked meals side hustle. Whether you’re catering to comfort food lovers, health-conscious eaters, or busy families, there’s a dish on this list that’s sure to hit the spot.
Ready to start your own home cooked meals business? Start with a few of these dishes, and don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt based on customer feedback. The key is to focus on quality, presentation, and consistency to build a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for more.
