Cooking homemade meals starts with a well-stocked kitchen. This list keeps grocery trips to a minimum. With these essentials, you’ll create hearty, fresh-from-the-farmhouse dishes anytime. While you’ll still buy fresh produce and dairy, these staples ensure you’re prepared for a good number of delicious homemade meals.
Pantry Staples
- Flours: All-purpose, whole wheat, and bread flour for baking and cooking.
- Sugars: Granulated, brown, and powdered sugar for versatile sweetness.
- Oils: Olive oil, vegetable oil, and avocado oil for cooking and baking.
- Vinegars: White, apple cider, and balsamic vinegar for marinades and dressings.
- Grains: Rice (white or brown), quinoa, and oats for sides and breakfasts. Oatmeal comes in handy for desserts and breads, too.
- Beans: Canned kidney beans, white beans, and chili beans for soups, chilis, and stews.
- Pasta: Spaghetti, macaroni, and egg noodles for quick meals and to bulk up soups and stews.
- Canned Goods: Diced tomatoes, tomato paste, pasta sauce, and broths or bouillon for sauces and soups.
- Broth Cubes: Homemade or store-bought frozen for soups and stews.
- Spices and Herbs: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, dried dill, dried basil, and dried parsley go a long way.
- Baking Essentials: Baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, yeast, and cornstarch for recipes.
- Condiments: Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey for flavor boosts.
- Nuts and Seeds: Pecans, walnuts, peanuts, and sunflower seeds for texture and nutrition. Also great for healthy snacking!
- Crackers: Buttery crackers and breadcrumbs are used as a binder. Crackers are also great for snacking and appetizers.
Refrigerator Staples
- Dairy: Milk, butter, cream, and block cheese for rich dishes.
- Eggs: A versatile protein for breakfast, baking, and dinner recipes.
- Condiments: Mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard for spreads and dressings.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions as the base of many recipes.
- Citrus Fruits: Lemons and oranges for zest and acidity. Apples for snacking and many classic desserts.
- Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro to add bright, fresh flavor.
Freezer Staples
- Meats: Ground beef, chicken breasts, and pork chops for quick meals.
- Seafood: Frozen shrimp and fish fillets for healthy options.
- Vegetables: Frozen veggies, spinach, and peas for quick sides or for stretch soups and stews.
- Fruits: Berries and mango chunks for smoothies and desserts.
- Butter: An extra stick or two for baking emergencies.
- Bread: Sliced bread and rolls to avoid midweek runs.
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