Multitasking ingredients save time, money, and labor in the kitchen. A flavored butter, sauce, dressing, or gravy that can enhance several dishes keeps food costs, labor, and inventory in line.
Sauces are the true shape-shifters of the menu-making world. Depending on qualities such as flavor and thickness, a sauce can be used as-is or in additional uses such as a warm spread (for sandwiches, for instance) or a dip for finger foods.
Cheese sauce is a perfect example. The binder for mac-and-cheese and the topping for nachos and steamed broccoli can also be used to create a cheeseburger, fondue, or dip for fries. Thicken cheese sauce with a product such as cream cheese to make it more spreadable; or add flavor and body with products such as crumbled cooked chorizo or crabmeat to create a dip.
Cream sauces, including béchamel and Alfredo, are among the most versatile sauces in the food service kitchen. Delicious as-is, they really shine when used as a foundation for signature sauces with the addition of other ingredients and flavors. They’re the building blocks for recipes that have real crowd appeal.
Incorporating an ingredient across multiple recipes is a great way to save on labor costs. Try taking a comfort classic, such as Macaroni and Cheese, and easily upgrade it by allowing for customization.
Offer mix-ins such as broccoli, cauliflower, and peas, or go upscale with wild mushrooms, lobster or crab. You can also try adding a flavor enhancement such as pesto. Or, use Mac and Cheese as a component in other specialties - try enclosing it between two slices of bread and bake or fry, for a variation on the grilled cheese sandwich.
Using speed-scratch can also save time/labor costs and ensures consistency. Bases and sauces represent one of the most common speed-scratch strategies. In addition to being used to create stocks and soups, paste bases can be used as rubs for meats, flavor boosters in braised dishes, and as building blocks for marinades and sauces. These bases can be added to any item that would benefit from a little extra flavor, without much labor required.
Keep reading for more inspiration and recipe ideas to cut down on labor costs across your menu.
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