Pantry Staples for Effortless, Everyday Cooking
Ever open your fridge or pantry and feel like you have "nothing" to cook?
With the right pantry staples on hand, you can whip up a variety of delicious meals with very little planning. I pulled together a list of the most-used ingredients from my recipes—and when you keep these stocked, you’ll be able to easily mix, match, and improvise dishes with just a few fresh items added in.
Why Pantry Planning Matters
Having a well-stocked kitchen doesn’t mean hoarding ingredients you’ll never use. It’s about keeping multipurpose items that make cooking easier, faster, and way more enjoyable. These staples form the backbone of countless recipes—especially the ones I feature on the site.
Instead of starting from scratch every time, you’ll already have the building blocks ready: flavorful oils, bold spices, fridge MVPs, and versatile grains. A pantry like this takes the guesswork out of dinner and helps reduce food waste too.
This guide breaks it all down into categories—from oils and seasonings to sauces, grains, fridge must-haves, and frozen go-to’s. I’ve also consolidated similar items so you’re not overwhelmed or doubling up.
🥫 Pantry Must-Haves
A selection of versatile dry goods and seasonings that create the foundation of flavor in most recipes.
🫒 Oils:
Olive oil
Avocado oil or neutral oil (vegetable, canola)
🧂 Salts & Spices:
Kosher salt, flaky salt, or sea salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Red pepper flakes
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Ground cumin
Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Ground cinnamon
🧁 Baking & Dry Goods:
Brown sugar & granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch or arrowroot starch
Baking powder & baking soda
Rolled oats
💡 Tips:
Store oils in a cool, dark spot to preserve flavor.
Combine dried spices into blends (like taco seasoning) to save space.
Freeze flour if not used often.
🥢 Sauces, Condiments & Flavor Boosters
Flavor-packed essentials that elevate everything from stir-fries to marinades.
🥫 Sauces & Condiments:
Soy sauce or coconut aminos
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
BBQ sauce
🍯 Vinegars & Sweeteners:
Apple cider vinegar
Rice vinegar
White vinegar
Honey or maple syrup
🥫 Canned Goods & Umami Boosters:
Tomato paste
Canned diced or crushed tomatoes
Chicken, beef, or vegetable broth
Canned beans: black, chickpeas, white beans
Chipotle peppers in adobo
💡 Tips:
Freeze tomato paste in small portions for future use.
Coconut aminos are a great soy-free substitute.
Broths can be stored as cubes or concentrates to save space.
🍜 Pasta, Grains & Breads
Staples that stretch meals and offer flexibility for sides, mains, and more.
🍝 Pastas & Grains:
Elbow macaroni, rotini, or farfalle
Linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti
Basmati, jasmine, or white rice
Gnocchi or tortellini
Orzo
🍞 Breads & Crumbs:
Panko or Italian breadcrumbs
Brioche or slider buns (freeze until needed)
Tortillas
Tortilla chips
💡 Tips:
Store rice in airtight containers to keep fresh.
Bread products freeze well and can be used straight from the freezer.
🧀 Dairy & Fridge Essentials
Reliable ingredients for creamy sauces, baking, and everyday meals.
Butter
Milk or plant-based milk
Heavy cream or half & half
Greek yogurt or sour cream
Mayonnaise
Parmesan cheese
Sharp cheddar
Mozzarella or burrata
Eggs
💡 Tips:
Freeze butter and hard cheeses in portions.
Use Greek yogurt as a sub for sour cream or mayo.
🧄 Fresh Produce Powerhouses
Keep these in rotation to add flavor, color, and nutrition to your meals.
Garlic
Yellow or red onions
Lemons & limes
Fresh herbs: parsley, basil, cilantro
Carrots, bell peppers, zucchini (seasonal rotation)
Avocados
💡 Tips:
Store herbs like flowers in a jar with water to extend life.
Keep onions away from potatoes to prevent sprouting.
❄️ Freezer MVPs
Reliable, long-lasting ingredients perfect for quick meals and backups.
Peas & corn
Spinach or kale
Chicken breasts or thighs
Ground beef or turkey
Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
Cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash
Frozen fruit
💡 Tips:
Portion proteins before freezing for easier use.
Frozen spinach is perfect for soups and pastas.
🌟 Finishing Touches & Garnishes
Small details that make a big flavor impact.
Sesame seeds
Freshly grated Parmesan
Green onions
Cotija or feta cheese
Microgreens
Pickled onions or jalapeños
Tajín or chili lime seasoning
💡 Tips:
Toast sesame seeds to boost their nutty flavor.
Regrow green onions in water for a fresh, never-ending supply.
Free Downloads
Weekly/Bi-Weekly Grocery List
Stay organized and cut down on grocery trips with this easy-to-use checklist for weekly staples like fresh produce, dairy, and freezer essentials.
Capsule Pantry Staples
Stock smart and cook with ease using this Capsule Pantry Checklist—a printable guide to long-lasting essentials like oils, spices, grains, and sauces that keep your kitchen ready for anything.
Having these staples on hand means you're never far from a great meal. You can browse through my recipes and know that most of what you need is already in your kitchen—just supplement with a fresh veggie or protein and you're good to go. Looking for ideas? Check out my latest recipes that make the most of these pantry heroes!
