Pantry Items & Essential Cooking Staples List
Having these essential pantry items and staple ingredients on hand will help make your cooking experience go a little smoother and give you some room to try new modifications, substitute ingredients as well as make mistakes and recover. This list expands on an earlier article which included a basic starter pantry list.
Before you go shopping, review this list and take a peek into your cupboards (formerly known as a pantry) to confirm that you have the essential items included in the recipes. Print the list and add items that you just can’t do without so that you are always ready to get cooking. Be sure to share what essential ingredients you’ve added to your pantry list.
Build Your Pantry in Stages
If you are starting from scratch and it feels overwhelming to get all of these supplies at once, build your pantry gradually by purchasing the items that are called for within the recipes you will be cooking and add to your shelves each time you make something new.
You will find a special section of my favorite pantry items that I just can’t do without when I am cooking and feeling like making something special – enjoy – from my table to yours.
Spices & Seasonings
- Basil
- Chicken or vegetable bouillon cubes
- Cinnamon
- Cumin
- Curry
- Dry mustard
- Garlic (powder or minced)
- Lowry’s Seasoned salt
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Pepper – ground or peppercorns for grinding
- Red pepper flakes
- Rosemary
- Salt –Kosher or sea salt
Condiments, Oils & Vinegars
- Horseradish
- Hot Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard – French’s & Dijon
- Oils – Vegetable oil, olive oil and vegetable shortening
- Pickle relish
- Soy Sauce
- Vinegars – Red wine, Balsamic
- Worcestershire sauce
Dry Goods and Canned Food Items
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda
- Brown Sugar
- Canned Corn
- Corn Flake Crumbs
- Corn Starch
- Corn Tortillas
- Dried Fruits – like raisins, cherries
- Oats
- Pasta
- Peanut Butter
- Re-fried Beans
- Rice
- Sugar
Produce & Fridge Stuff
- Apples
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Onions – yellow or red
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Eggs
Mama Caruso’s Special Pantry Supplies
- Artichokes
- Black Olives
- Capers
- Cilantro
- Coconut Sugar
- Dates
- Diced Tomatoes
- Fig Jam
- Garbanzo beans – canned
- Green Olives
- Jalapenos
- Lavender Honey
- Lemons
- Old Bay Seasoning
- Pepperoncini Peppers
- Pesto
- Sriracha Sauce
- Sun-dried Tomatoes
- Vanilla Bean
What’s on your essential cooking supply list?
What ingredients and staples are must-haves in your kitchen? I would love for you to share what is missing from this list and your favorite way to use that essential pantry item.
Join Mama Caruso Cooks Cooking Club and interact with other everyday cooks. Let’s learn and have fun in the kitchen … together.