Home Chef has gone It has been a long time since I chose a good meal kit for beginner cooks. I first tested the service back in 2020, when food supplies increased dramatically due to the pandemic. And after another week of trying, I still think it’s a great option for anyone who wants to get cookin’ with a little guidance.
The first thing you’ll notice when you open the Home Chef delivery is how easy it is to put everything away. Each meal is packaged in its own zip-top plastic bag, and the proteins come sealed in their own pouch. I filled the door of my refrigerator with three dinners worth of ingredients. When it’s time to try a recipe, I just grab a bag and the accompanying proteins. I have a shared fridge that’s a mess even at the best of times, so I’ve enjoyed being able to quickly grab everything and put it on my counter rather than rummaging through the leftovers to try and find the wrong packet of veggies or sauce.
Photo: Louryn Strampe
What really sets Home Chef apart from many other food items are its recipe cards, which are some of the most detailed I’ve seen. Ahead, there is a list of ingredients you must have, and a list of what you will need to provide. Usually that’s olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe aluminum foil. There is also a list of kitchen supplies you will need. It’s not exhaustive—for example, you may need to grab a measuring cup or cooking utensils—but it’s a good place to start. I also really like the “Cook Inside …” section with suggested cooking dates, which will help you prioritize the dishes that arrive so you don’t run the risk of spoilage. There is also a chart with reminders about safe internal temperatures for meat, as well as the level of hardness and level of seasoning.
Home Chef’s weekly menus have filters for preferences and dietary needs such as carb-conscious, calorie-conscious, and vegetarian. Meals are organized into categories, such as Oven-Ready (meals that come with a tray and are made in the oven), Culinary Collection (meals with amazing ingredients and recipes), Express (meals that take 30 minutes or less to make. ), and more. There are toppings and extras to choose from, such as breakfast muffins, dinner rolls, or desserts. Some dishes are customizable, allowing you to choose different proteins, multiply proteins, or improve proteins.