Chef Bae’s Sunday Meal-Prep Routine for the Week Ahead
A Sunday meal-prep routine should prepare the household for the week without consuming the entire day. Chef Bae’s framework separates planning, shopping, preparation, cooking, storage, and cleanup into a clear order.
Review the week before choosing food
Identify busy evenings, meals away from home, and nights when leftovers will be useful.
Write the menu and shopping list together
Select the meals, total repeated ingredients, and organize the list by store section.
Prep before turning on the stove
Wash produce, chop aromatics, measure seasonings, label containers, and review cooking times.
Cook from longest to shortest
Begin oven dishes, grains, or long-simmering foods first. Prepare quick vegetables and delicate proteins later.
Cool, portion, and clean
Allow food to cool safely, portion it according to the schedule, label containers, and reset the kitchen before ending the session.
Use simple time blocks
Divide the session into planning, chopping, active cooking, passive cooking, portioning, and cleanup. Work on chopping or stovetop items while an oven dish cooks, without starting more tasks than you can monitor safely.
Stop before the routine becomes exhausting
A repeatable two-hour system is more valuable than an occasional all-day session. Leave one quick meal for later preparation if the planned workload is too large.
Frequently asked questions
Does meal prep have to happen on Sunday?
No. Use the day that best fits the household schedule.
How long should a prep session take?
Choose a menu that fits the time available; consistency matters more than an oversized session.
Related Chef Bae meal-prep guides
Use Chef Bae® seasonings for flavor inspiration and explore Southern Plates & Good Vibes for soulful recipe ideas.
About Chef Bae Sherri Smith
Chef Bae Sherri Smith is an Atlanta-based private chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, culinary entrepreneur, and founder of Chef Bae®. Her practical cooking guidance helps home cooks plan flavorful meals with more confidence.