10. No-bake cheesecake

Abigail Donnelly’s five-ingredient, no-bake cheesecake is the ultimate fuss-free dessert. Creamy, indulgent and endlessly customisable with berries, chocolate or your favourite toppings, it’s perfect for a post-holiday treat. January’s back-to-work and back-to-school timing makes it an easy win that still feels like a little celebration.

no-bake cheesecake recipe

9. Corn-and-Cheddar flapjacks

Sweetcorn and melted Cheddar combine to make soft, savoury flapjacks that double as breakfast, lunch or a snack. Make a batch in advance – they hold up beautifully and pair brilliantly with a sausage, sliced avocado or tomatoes for a quick, satisfying meal on the go.

corn-and-cheddar flapjacks recipe

8. Bacon-and-cheese turnovers

Masego Mbonyana’s make-ahead turnovers are golden, cheesy and perfectly portable. Stuffed with bacon, two kinds of cheese, and a touch of honey mustard, they’re ideal for lunchboxes or a quick snack. Pair with yoghurt or fresh veg for an easy, balanced meal that feels special.

bacon-and-cheese turnovers recipe

7. Foolproof freezer banana-and-coconut muffins

Hannah Lewry knows a busy household needs simple, reliable wins. These muffins freeze perfectly, so you can bake a double batch and always have breakfast, a snack or lunchbox addition ready. They’re comforting, subtly sweet and easy enough to bake on a lazy weekend.

freezer banana muffins recipe

ALSO READ: Top 10 desserts you loved in 2025

6. Harissa-roasted cauliflower with white bean purée

Crispy, spicy and full of punch, this harissa cauliflower delivers bold flavour with minimal effort. The creamy white bean purée balances the heat beautifully. Perfect as a side, a snack or a veggie-packed main for lunch or dinner – this recipe proves that January meals can be exciting without being complicated.

harissa-roasted cauliflower recipe

5. Apple pie-inspired overnight oats

Transform classic apple pie flavours into a breakfast you can grab and go. Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples meet creamy oats, soaked overnight for effortless mornings. It’s a treat for your taste buds without the fuss of baking – perfect for busy January routines.

overnight oats recipe

4. Easy air-fryer falafel

Clem Pedro shows how to make falafel a quick, fuss-free snack or lunch. Packed with protein and fragrant spices, they crisp up beautifully in the air-fryer. Serve with a simple dip, stuff into wraps or pile onto a salad for a light, flavourful meal that feels indulgent but is totally doable.

easy air fryer falafel recipe

3. Beef patty wrap

“This burger wrap is about to become your latest obsession,” promises Masego Mbonyana. All your favourite burger flavours are bundled into one portable, satisfying wrap. Toast it lightly for extra crunch or wrap it up cold for lunch on the move – the convenience makes it a weekday winner.

beef patty wrap recipe

ALSO READ: Top 10 recipes that kept you warm in June 2025

2. Asian crunch salad

Meet your new weekday lunch hero! Quick to assemble, full of colour and with a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the kind of meal you can prep in advance and grab straight from the fridge. Add a few extra on-the-go snacks for a perfectly balanced lunch anywhere.

Asian crunch salad recipe

1. Baby marrow-and-ham slices

This slice packs a surprising amount of flavour and goodness into every bite. Masego Mbonyana says it’s perfect for sneaking in some veg for the kids – and adults won’t complain either. Make it ahead and pair with a piece of fruit or yoghurt, and lunch is sorted with minimal effort.

baby marrow-and-ham slices recipe