Pantry Staples: What to Keep in Stock

For those new to pantry cooking, figuring out which staples to keep can be tricky. What are the versatile must-haves? Here’s a list of top pantry staples to transform you into a pantry cooking pro, complete with ideas for using them!

Protein Pantry Staples: Packed with protein, these staples make meals both filling and tasty:

• Canned Chicken: Perfect for chicken quesadillas, spaghetti, and creamy soup.
• Canned Beef: Ideal for beef stroganoff, stew, and shepherd's pie.
• Beans: Versatile in bean soup, baked beans, and refried beans.
• Canned Tuna: Use in tuna patties, pasta, and melts.
• Canned Salmon: Great in salmon patties and chowders.
• Pasta Sauce: A staple for spaghetti, pizza, and lasagna roll-ups.
• Salsa: Adds zing to taco casseroles, fish tacos, and enchiladas.
• Canned Tomatoes: Essential for homemade pasta sauce, stew, and chili.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances tomato-spinach pasta, pizza sauce, and stews.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A key ingredient in casseroles, chicken and dumplings, and cheesy bakes.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Perfect for stuffed pork chops and potato casseroles.
• Canned Veggies: Handy for stews, casseroles, or as a simple side.
• Stock and Broth: Chicken, veggie, beef – ideal for soups, casseroles, and more.
• Lentils: Affordable and great for soups and stews.
• Canned Pork: Quick and easy for meals like pork tacos.
• Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP): A cost-effective meat substitute."

Spices and Seasonings: Enhance your meals with these flavor-packed staples:

• Salt: Essential in both cooking and baking to enhance flavors.
• Pepper: A versatile addition to savory dishes.
• Garlic Salt: A handy substitute for fresh garlic.
• Seasoning Salt: Perfect for fries and meats.
• Cumin: A key ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
• Chili Powder: Adds a spicy kick in moderation, ideal for taco seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Great for seasoning meats and veggies.
• Onion Powder: Versatile for seasoning when fresh onions are unavailable.
• Rosemary: Brings a Mediterranean flair to dishes.
• Cinnamon: A holiday favorite, excellent in baked goods.
• Thyme: Adds a hint of lemon and mint to dishes.
• Oregano: Essential for pizza and Italian dishes.
• Parsley: Rounds out almost any dish.
• Paprika: Adds a sweet pepper taste, often seen atop deviled eggs.
• Mrs. Dash: A versatile, salt-free blend for those on low sodium diets.
• Dried Bay Leaves: Enhances flavor in soups and stews.
• Curry Powder: Versatile for various dishes, including curries and marinades.
• Nutmeg: Adds warmth to sweet and savory dishes.

Carb Staples: Extend your meals with these filling sides:

• Rice: White, brown, or wild – each type has its charm.
• Pasta: Versatile in salads, casseroles, and mac & cheese.
• Crackers: Useful in patties, meatloaf, or as a soup side.
• Tortillas: Ideal for quesadillas, wraps, and burritos.
• Potatoes: Perfect for mashed potatoes, soups, and fries.
• Quinoa: Nutrient-rich alternative to rice.
• Cornmeal: For making polenta or cornbread.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Healthier option for baking and thickening sauces.

Condiments and Cooking Sauces: Elevate your dishes with these essential sauces and condiments:

• Oils: Choose from olive, vegetable, avocado, or coconut for cooking.
• Soy Sauce: A must-have for Asian cuisine; refrigerate after opening.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Great for marinades and steaks.
• Ketchup: A kids' favorite; refrigerate after opening.
• Mustard: Versatile in salads and deviled eggs.
• Mayonnaise: Ideal for salads and sandwiches.
• Barbecue Sauce: Perfect for meats and dipping.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zest to seafood.
• Lime Juice: Essential for fajita marinades.
• Vinegar: Useful for tenderizing meat and in marinades.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Versatile for cooking and health benefits.
• Hot Sauce: Adds flavor with minimal cost.
• Tahini: Useful for dressings and Middle Eastern dishes.

Baking Pantry Staples: Bake and create with these essentials:

• Rolled Oats: Great for oatmeal, binding agents, and pancakes.
• Nut Butters: Perfect for energy bites and sandwiches.
• Honey: Adds sweetness to dishes like chicken and cornbread.
• Flour: Essential for bread, gravy, and fried chicken.
• Yeast: Key for homemade bread; store in a cool place.
• Sugars: Brown and powdered sugars for baking and marinades.
• Baking Powder/Soda: For light and fluffy baked goods.
• Chia/Flax Seeds: Nutritious additions to various dishes.
• Chocolate Chips: Handy for baking and snacking.
• Nuts: A great snack and baking ingredient.
• Vanilla Extract: A must-have for homemade desserts.
• Baking Mix: For quick pancakes or biscuits.
• Cocoa Powder: For baking and making hot chocolate.
• Dried Fruit: Adds natural sweetness to baked goods.