The Ultimate Checklist of Pantry Essentials for an organized and efficient kitchen! You’ll have everything you need for healthy, home-cooked meals!
You’ll also want to know How to Organize Your Pantry for less food waste and ease of use!
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 to 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, Bottles of Vinegar, 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
These pantry staples’ long shelf life 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.
You May Also Like These Helpful Organization Ideas:
Kitchen Organization: The Basics
How To Organize Your Home in 2 Minutes
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Test says
Hi There,
Just checking comment issue.
Erin says
Let’s see if it works!
Bekki says
Thanks for the list. I can print it and tape it to the inside of my pantry door. Then when I am running low u can just circle it and grab the list before I run to the store. No more forgotten items!
Erin says
You gave me a great idea, Bekki! I should make a printable so people can have a nice copy to hang up and refer to before they head to the store! Thanks!
Bekki says
Thanks for the list! I’m going to turn it into a shopping list that I can check mark what I need to buy as its running out. I’m always having to run to the store for something.
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
This list has a lot of variety! Looks like I’d love having dinner at your house! We have the same taste in a lot of things. Especially the spices and herbs, makes everything much more flavor-able!
Erin says
I love good spices and fresh herbs! Yum! Come on over for dinner anytime 🙂
Lindsey says
This is SO HELPFUL! I’m going to use it as a base to get myself stocked up. Thank you so much! These are great essentials that everyone should have.
Gail Akeman says
A good list even though a few things I would not consider essential especially if you are short on money.
Erin says
Thanks for stopping by Gail.
Christine says
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing on Meetup Monday!
Erin says
Thanks, Christine! I appreciate you stopping by!
Charlene Asay says
This is great. I need to do this and get my pantry organized. Thanks for the tips!