12/7 Weekly Prep Recipes

Thankful Homemaking
Dec 7, 2025
3 min read

As a family of seven, I've learned that a little preparation goes a long way in creating peaceful, intentional days with my family. Sunday meal prep has become my secret weapon for smoother weekdays, saving money on groceries, and prioritizing homemade cooking! This week's prep lineup is full of family favorites that I know ya'll will love!

Homemade Deli Turkey Meat

I cannot overstate how much better homemade deli meat is compared to what you find in the store. Most commercial deli meats are loaded with preservatives + nitrates. This homemade version? Just turkey, seasoning, and a little bit of time. The flavor is incredible, it slices beautifully, and my kids actually prefer it now. I use it for sandwiches, wraps, and even as a quick protein snack. Making a big batch means we have clean, real food deli meat for the entire week—and it costs a fraction of what you'd pay at the deli counter.

Homemade Little Bites Pancake Muffins

These little pancake muffins are absolutely genius for busy mornings. No syrup required, no plates needed, no mess to clean up. The kids can literally grab a few on their way out the door or eat them while we're doing school. They taste just like the boxed "Lil Bites" but without all the weird additives and sugar. Plus, they freeze beautifully. I always make multiple batches and keep them stocked in the freezer so I can pull them out as needed throughout the month. This is one of the exclusive recipes in my snack stash recipe book!

Strawberry Chia Seed Pudding with Granola

This has become one of my favorite make-ahead breakfasts because chia pudding is so simple! I went with strawberry this week because it's a family favorite. The real game-changer here is these cups I found that have a separate compartment for granola with a built-in spoon in the lid. No more soggy granola! The crunch stays perfect, and everything is ready to grab and go. It's perfect for breakfast, but honestly, the kids love these as afternoon snacks or even a healthier dessert option.

Sweet Chili Ground Chicken Bowls

This Is one of my husbands favorites. The sweet chili flavor is addictive—it's got just enough kick without being too spicy. I prep these in individual containers with rice and veggies, and they're ready to heat and eat throughout the week. The best part? They're just as good cold, so if someone needs to pack a lunch on the go, these work perfectly. High protein, filling, and full of flavor—what more could you ask for?

Homemade Cheese-It Crackers

These homemade cheese-its are crunchy, cheesy, and totally addictive. No artificial colors, no preservatives, no questionable ingredients. And honestly? They taste even better than the box. My kids request these constantly, and I love that I can feel good about giving them a snack that's actually made with real food. This is one of the exclusive recipes in my snack stash recipe book!

PB Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate

Sometimes you just need a little something sweet, right? These peanut butter oatmeal cups hit the spot without being total junk. They're wholesome enough that I don't feel guilty letting the kids have them as a snack, but they still feel like a treat. This is one of the exclusive recipes in my prepped to perfection book!

Homemade Sandwich Bread

We go through bread like you wouldn't believe in this house. Instead of constantly running to the store for loaves that are full of preservatives and conditioners, I bake our own.

Fresh, homemade sandwich bread is softer, tastier, and so much better for you. I always make several loaves at a time and freeze them. That way, I can just pull out a loaf as we need it during the week, and we always have fresh bread on hand for sandwiches, toast, or whatever else we need.

Meal prep doesn't have to be overwhelming or perfect. Even prepping just a few items makes such a difference in how smoothly your week flows. The goal isn't to have every single meal planned out to the minute—it's just to take a little bit of pressure off your future self! For our family, having these grab-and-go options means less stress, fewer decisions, and more time for the things that actually matter. And knowing that what we're eating is real, wholesome food? That's the best feeling.

All my favorite kitchen items (and those super cool chia seed pudding jars) can be found HERE!

You can find the recipe cards for the turkey meat, sandwich bread, ground chicken bowls, and chia seed pudding here: