Stock Your Kitchen Like a Pro: Pantry Staples for Everyday Cooking
When I moved into my first college apartment, my mom didn’t just send me off with hugs and well-wishes; she stocked my shelves like I was opening a mini grocery store. It was her way of saying, “You’ll always be prepared,” and she was absolutely right. That starter pantry became my secret weapon for quick, delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve added my own twists to that foundation, turning it into what I now call my "Mostly Homemade Pantry." These are my kitchen essentials—the unsung heroes that mean I’m never one sad cupboard away from ordering takeout.
Let me say this upfront: you don’t need to rush out and buy everything on this list at once. Think of it as your pantry bucket list. Start small by picking up two or three items each time you shop. Slowly but surely, you’ll build a collection of pantry staples that make cooking at home easier, more fun, and infinitely more creative.
Here’s why these staples are game-changers: they’re not just ingredients; they’re opportunities. For instance, mix olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and your favorite dried spices, and you’ve got a tangy salad dressing—or a quick chicken marinade. With Better Than Bouillon bases, you’ll always have flavorful stock on hand to whip up soups or elevate steamed veggies from boring to brilliant. These pantry staples are all about turning simple meals into homemade magic.
Shelf-Stable Essentials
Better Than Bouillon Bases: Beef, chicken, vegetable. These are a step up from boxed broths and ensure you always have stock on hand for soups or to add flavor to veggies.
Canned Beans: Cannellini, chickpeas.
Canned Fruits: Blueberry and cherry pie fillings, coconut milk.
Canned and Bottled Tomatoes: Crushed (regular, fire-roasted), diced with green chiles, paste, marinara sauce.
Canned Vegetables: Artichoke hearts, carrots, chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, green chiles, sweet potato puree, unseasoned collard greens.
Dried Herbs: Dill, Italian seasoning, oregano, rosemary, thyme.
Dried Pasta and Noodles: Linguine, penne, rice noodles.
Dried Spices: Allspice, cayenne, chili powder, cinnamon, curry powder, garlic powder, ginger, Old Bay, onion powder, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, seasoned salt, smoked paprika.
Garlic, Onions, Shallots
Honey
Hot Sauce: My favorite is Texas Pete.
Liquid Smoke
Long-Grain White Rice
Molasses
Oils: Extra-virgin olive, toasted sesame, vegetable.
Panko Bread Crumbs
Peanut Butter
Potato Gnocchi
Sugars: Confectioners', dark brown, granulated.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
Tinned Fish: Baby clams, crab, oysters, salmon.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract
Vinegars: Cider, red wine, seasoned rice.
Worcestershire Sauce
Refrigerator Essentials
Better Than Bouillon Bases: Always keep these handy!
Caramelized Onion Jam
Cheeses: Cheddar, cream cheese, goat cheese (plain, garlic and herb), Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano.
Citrus: Lemons, limes, oranges.
Fully Cooked Bacon
Hoisin Sauce
Ketchup
Mustards: Chinese hot, Dijon, yellow.
Pesto
Prosciutto
Roasted Red Peppers
Rotisserie Chicken
Soy Sauce
Sriracha
Strawberry Preserves
Thai Green Curry Paste
Wine and Beer: Dry Marsala, red and white wine, dark beer.
Freezer Essentials
Bone-in Chicken Thighs
Doughs: Phyllo shells, pie rounds, pizza dough, puff pastry.
Fresh Ginger
Fruits: Pineapple chunks, sliced peaches, frozen grape juice concentrate.
Ground Beef (80% lean)
Homestyle Mini Meatballs
Nuts: Cashews, peanuts, walnuts.
Pasta and Noodles: Ravioli, tortellini, fresh Chinese wheat noodles.
Sausage: Andouille, bratwurst, Mexican-style chorizo.
Shrimp
Vegetables: Butternut squash pieces, carrot/corn/green bean medley, green peas, hash brown patties.
What You Can Make with These Staples
The beauty of a well-stocked pantry is the versatility it provides. Here are just a few ideas:
Salad Dressing: Mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of your favorite dried spices for a quick and flavorful dressing.
Chicken Marinade: Use the same olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and spice mixture to marinate chicken for grilling or baking.
Soups: With Better Than Bouillon bases, canned beans, and tomatoes, you can whip up a hearty soup in no time.
Vegetable Boost: Add a dollop of Better Than Bouillon to your steamed veggies for an instant flavor upgrade.
Simple Pasta Dishes: Toss cooked pasta with marinara sauce, canned artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick meal.
By keeping these essentials on hand, you’ll always be prepared to create something delicious without needing a last-minute grocery run. Start small, build gradually, and enjoy the convenience of a "Mostly Homemade" pantry!
Love This List? Get More in My Cookbook!
If you’re loving this guide to pantry staples, you’re going to adore my cookbook, "Mostly Homemade"! It’s packed with even more tips, recipes, and ideas to help you cook delicious meals at home without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, this book will inspire you to embrace the joy of making "mostly homemade" dishes that are simple, flavorful, and unforgettable. Ready to transform the way you cook at home? Grab your copy of "Mostly Homemade" today!
