Do you keep a stockpile of items in your house? Keeping the pantry essentials in your house means you'll always have the ingredients to make simple meals! One of the ways I stick to my grocery budget is making at least one meal a week out of what I already have, and you can do the same. Here are 11 items you should always keep in your pantry.
1. Rice and beans
These are absolute staples at our house! Either keep cans of beans in your pantry, or make your own and freeze, like we do. They're so versatile; just add any mixture of seasonings and vegetables and you've got a complete, protein-filled meal!
2. Seasonings
Seasonings are what give your food an extra kick in flavor! I always try to keep the basics on hand at all times: Chili powder, cumin, basil, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, curry powder, salt and pepper.
3. Canned tomatoes
Keep all kinds in your pantry! Crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste... Combine the diced tomatoes with the seasonings and rice and beans above for a Mexican dish, or use crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings like basil and oregano for a quick spaghetti sauce!
4. Baking essentials
Flour, sugar, baking powder/soda, oil, chocolate chips, cooking spray, and yeast. There are days when I'm craving bread, or want to bake some cookies, and it's so nice to have everything I need already so I can just make a quick batch of something!
5. Salsa
We are huge chips and salsa fans in this house, so I always try to keep a few jars in my pantry and stock up whenever the price hits rock bottom. Salsa is great for cooking in Mexican recipes, too!
6. Pasta and sauce
I keep these for a fast emergency meal, like if we don't have enough leftovers for dinner or if for some reason I totally mess up my other dinner!
7. Chicken broth/bouillon cubes
I use these a lot in soups, or as the cooking liquid for my rice. Always keep some of this on hand!
8. Oats
I use oats a lot for regular oatmeal, overnight oats, granola, and baking muffins. Gotta have a large container at all times!
9. Condiments
Things like ketchup, mustard, mayo, hot sauce, and pickles.
10. Peanut butter
Okay, so sometimes I just like to dip a spoon in a jar of peanut butter and eat it for dessert. But I also use it in my oatmeal and baking, so I make sure I never run out!
11. Canned soup
Either for actual soup or as an ingredient in a recipe, try to keep a couple cans of cream of mushroom/chicken soup (or make your own version to freeze!)
Is there anything you would add to this list? Share with us below!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.
Great list! I had to really think about what I have that you don't have on the list. I keep oatmeal, whole grain, seven grain and white wheat flours on hand. I might not always have each of them in stock but never less than two kinds. And there are always canned or dehydrated veggies in the pantry.
Canned veggies is a good one! I don't know how I forgot to put it on there. =)
You will always find salsa and peanut butter in my pantry! As well as pasta sauce!
The most important ones, in my opinion! =)
Great tips! Except for the oats and beans, these are all staples in my house. I have a hard time keeping salsa stocked (my hubby eats it as soon as I get it home) but usually have all the other stuff.
Salsa is definitely our weakness too! We only have maybe one or two jars left... We've been buying the Chi-Chis salsa because it's been so cheap!
Great list!
I hope it can help!
Great list. I would also add canned vegetables. Just a few minutes and you have a great, healthy side dish.
Thanks for sharing,
Raki
Canned vegetables is a great one, too!
You are SO right! I do need to keep these things in my pantry all the time! Canned tomatoes and chicken broth are two things that I am always using and never have at the same time! Frustrating. I am going keep these things on my weekly shopping list. Thanks!
I use those two every week as well! I run into trouble when I tell myself I have some in my pantry but when I go to cook, I find that I'm actually out!
These are great! I also keep a brownie or cake mix on hand just in case I need to take something to a meeting, etc. and don't have time for homemade!
Rosemond
http://www.bighairandbooks.blogspot.com
That's a great idea!
thanks for these tips! as someone living in my first apartment, I find this super helpful! thank you 🙂
Awesome! I'm glad it can help. =)
Salsa is the most important food item for me. It's a depressing day when I come home for work, want chips and salsa, and it's gone. Or worse, the chips are all gone. Sad.
Yes! This family loves salsa so much.
I totally agree and I think we have all of these in ours 🙂
Awesome! You should be all set. =P
I have everything on your list! Thanks for posting on Thrifty Thursday
Great! Looks like you're all set. =)
I pretty much stock the same stuff in my pantry. I'm a huge fan of frozen brown rice and quinoa for the freezer too, but that's a different list for a different day 🙂 Salsa goes quick in my home so I always buy a couple jars. GREAT list!!
I've never thought about freezing already-cooked rice or quinoa! That'll be a huge time saver for me. =)
Good list! Other than canned tuna for a quick lunch, I think we have the same items in our pantry.
Canned tuna is a great one too! Thanks for adding to my list. =)
That's a great list. I think have all the things you suggested apart from canned soup. Thanks for the idea!
I'm stopping by via Snickerdoodle Sunday!
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by! =)
i think this is a great list. I plan to stock up this summer for months when finances is straining. I will be pinning this!