Ultimate Checklist of Pantry Essentials

Ultimate Checklist of Pantry Essentials

It’s always nice to be able to make a home-cooked meal instead of plain old noodles or take out….well unless you want noodles of course 🙂   Here’s a checklist of the staples to have on hand in your pantry so when you do want to cook you have the essentials.

You may need to add a special ingredient or some chicken, fish or beef, but this list will certainly make it much quicker and easier to get in and out of the grocery store because you have what you need in your well-stocked pantry!

We’ve also got a guide on How to Stock Your Pantry for Back to School as well! 

And if eating healthy is on your list this year, then definitely Stock your Pantry for Healthy Meals.

To get the most out of your grocery budget, you’ll definitely need to know What Food to Buy Where. And you definitely need to know the 30 Best Recipes Using Pantry Staples!

Click Here for A Printable Checklist of Pantry Essentials

How to Stock Your Pantry with Essentials

You definitely want to print out the list so you can check these items off when you do an inventory or head to the store. Better yet, print it and tape it to your cupboard or pantry door to reference whenever you’re heading to the store.

Basics – Oils, Vinegars, and Condiments

These are the backbone of many recipes and can make anything from salad dressings and marinades to roasted vegetables. 

• Kosher salt and fine salt
• Extra virgin olive oil or Avocado Oil
• Black peppercorns
• Vegetable oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Balsamic vinegar
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha
• Ketchup
• Mustard (or Dijon Mustard)

 

Featured Recipe: Strawberry Balsamic Flatbread

Baking

• Flour: all-purpose and/or whole wheat
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• Pure vanilla extract
• Chocolate: chips or bar
• Evaporated milk

 

Featured Recipe: Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies

The Sweet Stuff

Having these sweeteners on hand makes it easy to bake any creation. 

• Granulated sugar
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Honey
• Agave syrup

 

Featured Recipe: Saltine Toffee

Drinks

• Coffee
• Tea
• Hot cocoa

 

Rice and Grains

The long shelf life of these pantry staples makes them perfect to buy in bulk at stores like Costco and Sam’s Club. 

• Long-grain white rice
• Brown rice
• Grains, quinoa, couscous or farro
• Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles or egg noodles
• Polenta
• Breadcrumbs: plain or panko

 

Featured Recipe: Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagna

Snacks and Cereals

With these basics on hand, you’ll always have a snack for yourself or the kids. 

• Crackers
• Tortillas
• Cookies or biscuits
• Pretzels
• Marshmallows
• Popcorn kernels
• Dried fruit
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Applesauce
• Breakfast cereal
• Old-fashioned rolled oats

 

Featured Recipe: Easy Oatmeal Bars

Canned Goods

Canned goods are also great to buy in bulk and are perfect when making healthy meals for your family. 

• Chicken and beef stock
• Salsa
• Beans: cannellini,  chickpeas or black
• Vegetables: corn or green beans
• Olives or capers
• Chiles: chipotles in adobo or mild green chiles
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Roasted red peppers
• Tuna fish
• Jar of marinara sauce

 

Featured Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper and Artichoke Dip

Herbs and Spices

These are the basic spices you’ll use over and over again–both in your savory and sweet recipes. 

• Bay leaves
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Chili powder
• Crushed red pepper
• Curry powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Fennel or dill seed
• Ground cloves
• Ground cumin
• Ground ginger
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sesame seeds
• Ground nutmeg

 

Featured Recipe: Healthy Crock Pot Turkey Chili

Perishables

These staples will have to be purchased more often but can make so many flavorful and delicious recipes. 

• Onions
• Lemons
• Eggs
• Fresh garlic
• Salted and unsalted butter
• Milk (or milk alternative)
• Potatoes

 

Featured Recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken

Grab your printable checklist here. 

 

Updated with enhanced information and recipes on 12/31/19. 

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