How to Meal Prep Like a Cottagecore Homemaker
There’s something beautifully grounding about a Sunday in the kitchen—apron tied at the waist, the scent of roasted garlic and herbs in the air, soft music humming in the background, and the gentle rhythm of prepping meals that nourish not just the body but the soul.
In our little cottage, food is never just food. It’s an expression of love, care, and a return to slower, more intentional living. My husband and I have learned that preparing our meals for the week each Sunday doesn’t just save time—it blesses our home with peace, rhythm, and a touch of old-fashioned practicality.
Let me take you into my kitchen, and share with you how this slow-living habit transformed our weeks and how it can do the same for you—whether you’re cooking for one, or feeding a hungry family.
The Ritual of Sunday Prep
Every Sunday after church (or even before if I’m feeling extra organized), I light a beeswax candle on the kitchen table, pull out my well-loved wooden cutting board, and start prepping our meals for the week.
It always begins with two simple staples: chicken and seasonal vegetables.
I roast a few pounds of chicken—some with lemon and thyme, some with garlic and rosemary, and occasionally with a maple-mustard glaze if I’m craving a hint of sweetness. I keep the flavors simple but distinct, so they’re easy to pair with different vegetables or grains throughout the week. While the chicken is in the oven, I start chopping a rainbow of vegetables—zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and whatever else is fresh from the market or our garden.
Sometimes, I roast them. Sometimes I steam them. And sometimes, I leave them raw and ready to be tossed into a skillet. Variety is key, even in simplicity.
Why We Do It: The Gift of Preparedness
There’s a lovely old proverb that says, “A stitch in time saves nine.” I think the same can be said for chopping carrots before the week begins.
When Monday rolls around and I’m homeschooling, managing the blog, and juggling life’s little surprises, it’s such a comfort to know that I don’t have to start from scratch when it’s time to make dinner. Instead, I can mix and match the chicken and veggies into a quick stir fry, warm it in the oven, or toss it over a bed of greens with a drizzle of homemade vinaigrette. We’re eating farm-to-table without ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Even better? This method has saved us so much money. Fewer takeout temptations, no forgotten veggies rotting in the fridge, and less stress means we’re not impulse-buying groceries out of desperation. It’s nourishing in every way.
One Chicken, Many Meals
One of the things I love most about prepping chicken ahead of time is how versatile it can be throughout the week. With just a little imagination, one batch can stretch into several different meals to satisfy everyone at the table. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with making chicken burgers using our homemade buns—crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and oh-so-satisfying. Meanwhile, the kids have their own favorites. Some nights they ask for BBQ chicken with a side of roasted potatoes, and other times they want simple chicken quesadillas with melted cheese and fresh garden herbs. It’s amazing how one Sunday afternoon of preparation gives us so many easy, nourishing options during the week without ever getting boring.
Make It Your Own: Tips for All Sizes of Households
This isn’t just a system for families. It’s just as perfect if you’re living alone or with one other person. The beauty of Sunday prep is its flexibility. Here are a few tips depending on your household size:
For One Person: Prep smaller portions and store meals in mason jars. A layered chicken-and-veggie bowl looks beautiful and stays fresh. Or freeze half the batch for the following week.
For Families: Use sheet pans and batch-cooking techniques. Roast double portions of everything. Get the kids involved! Even toddlers love washing carrots or snapping green beans.
Add Variety Easily: Rotate seasonings each week—think Italian one week, Mexican the next, then maybe something comforting and Southern with a bit of brown sugar and cayenne.
Use It All: Turn leftover roasted veggies into a quick soup or throw them into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
My Air Fryer: The Quiet Hero of My Cottage Kitchen
I’ll be honest—my air fryer might just be my best friend in the kitchen. While it’s roasting up the chicken to golden perfection, I can have veggies going on the stovetop and homemade bread warming in the oven. It’s like having a helpful hand right beside me, quietly getting things done. The model I use has different settings, which makes it a true multitasking wonder—whether I’m air frying, roasting, or even warming up leftovers. The kids love it too! They pop in their cinnamon rolls in the morning or heat up lunch on their own, which is such a blessing during busy homeschool days. It’s one of those modern tools that blends beautifully with our old-fashioned rhythm.
Sunday Baking & Comfort Rituals
While the savory things cook, I usually make a batch of simple buns or biscuits for the week. There’s something about a warm bun with butter and jam that makes a lunch plate feel complete.
These little baking sessions are my favorite part. I might make rosemary rolls, cheddar drop biscuits, or even a small batch of sweet scones to tuck away for midweek tea. It makes the house smell like a storybook, and those smells linger—comforting us on even the busiest of days.
This is also the time I’ll make homemade granola or prep overnight oats for breakfast. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll bake a quiche or two, wrapped in parchment and stored in the fridge like a little secret weapon.
The Cottagecore Secret: Nourishment is a Love Language
You don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen every single day to live the cottagecore dream. Slowing down doesn’t mean dragging things out. It means living with intention. It means creating beauty from the ordinary and letting small acts of care speak volumes.
Meal prepping every Sunday doesn’t take away from the romance of cooking. It creates space for the moments that matter. It means that on Wednesday, when I’m too tired to stand and stir, I can still put a lovingly prepared meal on the table and light a candle to celebrate the end of the day.
And maybe that’s the heart of it all—a slow-living kitchen isn’t about perfection; it’s about preparation and presence.
So, whether you’re a busy mama, a newlywed in your first apartment, or just someone who wants to eat well and live softly, I encourage you to give Sunday prep a try. Tie on your favorite apron, put on a cozy playlist, and make it a ritual of care. You’ll be surprised at how something so simple can become something so sacred.
If you try it, let me know what you’re prepping! I’d love to hear about the meals that bring you comfort and the little ways you make the ordinary feel magical.
If you enjoyed this peek into our slow and savory Sunday kitchen
I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment down below and let me know if you'd like more posts like this—more recipes, more kitchen love, and more cozy tips for bringing cottagecore charm into your everyday meals. There’s nothing sweeter than sharing this lifestyle with others who cherish the simple magic of a well-loved kitchen.
Brooke
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Welcome to my cozy corner of the internet! I’m Brooke, and I’m so thrilled you’re here. As a homeschool mom and a lover of all things Cottagecore, I’ve built a life that’s all about creating warmth, charm, and simplicity—and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Cottagecore, for me, is about slowing down and embracing the beauty of intentional living—finding joy in baking fresh bread, tending a garden, or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea by a sunny window. It’s about blending the rustic charm of Cottagecore with the refined elegance of French Country style to create a life that feels both beautiful and attainable.
One of my greatest passions is curating unique, timeless treasures that reflect this way of life. Whether it’s a vintage find, a sustainable piece, or a handmade item with a story to tell, I love sharing these special discoveries with you. And now, you can shop these carefully chosen pieces right here! Each item is selected with love, bringing charm, sustainability, and elegance into your home and wardrobe.
This little community of like-minded women makes everything even sweeter. I’m so excited to connect, inspire, and celebrate the magic of Cottagecore together. Thank you for stopping by—it means the world to me. Let’s embrace a simpler, more beautiful life, one lovely find at a time!
Forget takeout—this cast iron pizza recipe is all you need for a perfect homemade pizza. With a thick, fluffy crust and a no-cook marinara sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, it’s simple, delicious, and packed with flavor.