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How to Stock a Pantry

Pantry essentials for easy home cooking.

Related Recipes

Turn the odds and ends in your pantry into a week of delicious dinners!

Get the FREE Menu Plan

Extras

Flavors and ingredients that keep well and are nice to have on hand.

Herbs and spices: allspice, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, coriander, dill, marjoram, dry mustard, italian seasoning, rosemary, sage, tarragon, thyme
Lemons
Fresh ginger
Shallots
Capers
Canned chiles
Prepared horseradish
Anchovy paste
Almond extract
Vanilla extract
Kosher salt
Cooking spray
Cornstarch
Confectioner's sugar
Honey
Brown sugar

For more ideas, see our Global Pantry articles.

Stock your kitchen with these basics and you'll always have a dinner backup plan.

The Bare Minimum

These are the essential six staples to always have on hand.

Salt
Pepper
Olive oil
Vegetable oil
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Canned Goods

Chicken broth and beef broth are good to have if you make gravies or sauces in which liquid is cooked down, or "reduced." The salty flavor of broth gives these dishes extra punch.

Chicken stock or broth
Beef stock or broth
Canned tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Tomato paste
Can/jar of marinara sauce
Canned beans: white, black, kidney
Tuna

Starches and Dry Goods

Does your family eat a lot of pasta? Do you prepare stir-fries and other Asian dishes? Stock up on what you like to eat.

Pasta (in various shapes, strands, and tubes)
Long-grain white rice
Jasmine or basmati rice
Lentils
Split peas
Dried bread crumbs

The Root Cellar

Store these in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area--never in plastic bags or in the refrigerator.

Potatoes
Onions
Garlic

Condiments

Vinegars (balsamic, cider, white, sherry, and wine vinegars)
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Hot sauce

The Spice Rack

Dried basil
Bay leaves
Cayenne or
Crushed red pepper flakes
Curry powder
Seasoned salt
Chili powder
Cumin
Cinnamon
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Oregano
Paprika
Dried parsley

The Almost-Bare Fridge

Eggs
Milk
Butter or margarine
Ketchup
Mustard (yellow, Dijon, whole grain)
Mayonnaise
Parmesan cheese
Other cheese

The Freezer

Frozen corn
Frozen spinach
Frozen peas
Ground beef
Chicken breasts
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Comments

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alison

Nov. 3, 2009 11:09 pm

as a budding cook, i was just thinking recently that it would be nice to know what to stock up on beforehand so i could cook the recipes in my cookbook easily...these lists are great...thanks a lot

GR8.S.CAPE

Nov. 22, 2009 11:00 am

I like to keep a bag of frozen stirfry veggies in the freezer as well, it can make a quick meal by just adding your choice of meat.

starrynights

Dec. 2, 2009 8:01 pm

I love this site, thank you for the help, I plan on becoming a supporting member as soon as I can- the recession is hitting hard here but again I thank you for your assistance in making meals on a budget and with variety. Bless you!!

sumthingood

Dec. 31, 2009 2:23 pm

This list really helps...I often wondered what were the "basics" that I needed in my pantry. Thanks.

Nibs1

Supporting Member (Click to learn more about Supporting Membership)

Feb. 6, 2010 2:14 pm

I like to keep a pack of frozen peppers and onions in my freezer as well.

happyabqcook

Jun. 2, 2010 9:21 pm

Great list, but one question: You have almond extract on the list, but where's the vanilla?

Baye

Jun. 3, 2010 5:33 am

Great list. The additions listed in the comments are also helpful. It took a few years before I could become a supporting member, but I am glad that I did. I want this site around--always. It has incredibly helpful for me.

Jim

Jun. 3, 2010 5:35 am

It seems that I have the perfect pantry, I would just add more whole grain products.

joathome

Jun. 3, 2010 6:34 am

My pantry does not need any tweaking. It does have additional foods like my home canned applesauce and jams. Because we eat old-fashioned oatmeal for breakfast (incidentally the cheapest way to eat breakfast), I also store a bag or two of that on my shelves.

ladywalker

Jun. 3, 2010 9:29 am

Thanks for publixhing this list. I am finishing my first year as a "Family and Consumer Science" teacher (ie Home Ec), and will share this list with the students as they finish up the class.

CCEA

Jun. 3, 2010 10:55 am

I'm not a new cook, but this article was very helpful in reminding me of some of the basics. Thanks!

dublin37

Jun. 3, 2010 11:17 am

LOVE this! When I was growing up, it always seemed like homemakers just knew what to keep in their pantry. I have not figured it out until that last 3 or so years. Yes, it took me almost 18yrs to figure it out! This would be great to give any new married couple.

SIERRA00

Jun. 3, 2010 3:45 pm

Please give an option to print these wonderful lists out. Thank you!

Alie

Jun. 4, 2010 7:55 am

this list is so ironic for me. i have all of these items except about 4 things..which i don't buy 3 of the 4...hahaa thnx for reminding of the simple things we need.

Connie

Jun. 4, 2010 9:33 am

What a wonderful idea for a shower gift to receive a basket filled with all the staples the happy could needs to set up their pantry. Connie

Kathy

Jun. 7, 2010 9:01 am

This is a good list and I have some things that are not listed here. I just printed and taped to the inside door of my pantry. When I use up an item, I mark it on the list to pick up next time at the store.

Leanne

Jun. 7, 2010 7:54 pm

this list is great I have almost all of it in my pantry but another great staple is ramen noodles you can do alot with them and if you have kids its already a major staple. thanks I love this site

HaveAnotherSlice

Jun. 11, 2010 12:20 pm

Ramen noodles... Really? Ick.

sassy4006

Jul. 1, 2010 6:12 pm

:) yes, Ramen Noodles. If you have kids around you have Ramen Noodles. I've used them as a budget side (kids LOVE them) . I've turned them into a quick emergency main dish by adding meats,etc. chicken noodle soup always results in request for more after they eat the noodles. Break up Ramen Noodles when you make it and your soup has oodles of noodles in every bite. Yes! Ramen Noodles are a staple at our house as well!

rainydayshades

Jul. 6, 2010 7:35 am

This is really helpful! I was also looking for a list of sorts which would tell me about the basics kitchen ingredients

hermanabauer

Jul. 10, 2010 11:22 pm

Don't forget that Ramen Noodles give your salad added dimension. Just don't add them too soon or they absorb moisture and lose that yummy crunch.

Aaron

Jul. 27, 2010 12:05 pm

Seriously Ramen Noodles? THOSE are the last thing a kid should eat. All that sodium. Now if you are just talking about using the noodles in dishes... I guess thats ok... but man those should NEVER be a staple in a home.

Natalie Williams

Aug. 2, 2010 3:00 pm

One thing I always do... when peppers are on sale (red, green and yellow), I buy a bunch, plus some onions. I then cut them into three different styles and freeze them in bags in the freezer. Then I can easily add them to recipes. 1. Minced 2. Chopped 3. Strips I ALWAYS find something to which I like to add "Peppers 'n Onions" and it's SO easy to grab them from the freezer rather than cutting up fresh ones each time. 1. Minced 2. Chopped 3. Strips

sarahK

Aug. 7, 2010 11:38 am

I always keep cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and frozen mix vegetables on hand.

sunflower46

Sep. 23, 2010 8:59 pm

I:am making cookbooks for my two daughters of my recipes and going to include this as well.

H&Ps Mommy

Sep. 29, 2010 2:06 pm

I liked this list, use it as a starting point. Obviously adding for meals that my family prefers. Don't live close to a store and not willing to run out for just one item.

Taza

Oct. 18, 2010 4:07 pm

Thanks u guys never let me down on this sight everything i need u provide u guys rock!

AlliB

Apr. 10, 2011 7:48 pm

Is there a list like this for the Gluten Free diet? I am recently diagnosed and have no idea what to keep in my kitchen anymore to make the foods I love

spicipe

Jun. 7, 2011 7:33 am

You can add to your perfect pantry by using Spicy Packets! Spicy Packets are single use, pre-portioned packets of the essential kitchen spices. They are perfect for campers, travelers, and everyone else who loves to cook! Www.spicypackets.com

Carson

Jul. 10, 2011 12:53 am

In light of the economic disaster we're in the midst of, I have stocked our pantry with 50 lbs. or more of 6 different flours, 4 types of rice, 8 types of beans, 70+ spices, dried milk & eggs, nearly 1,000 caned goods incl, olives, beans, corn, mushrooms, soup & tomatoes. Yeast, cornstarch, baking powder & soda are a must! I can from the garden. Needless to say, we eat well ~~~ and intend to in the future! All stored foods (except canned goods) are in 5 Gal. pails with oxygen absorbers and silica gel.

Carson

Jul. 10, 2011 1:09 am

I MUST agree with 'spicipe'! "Spicy Packets" are a luxury. Hollandaise, Berinaise, Taco Seasoning, Onion Soup Mix, Bullion Cubes, Gravy Mixes are a MUST!

Carson

Jul. 10, 2011 1:23 am

Honey, salt, molasses, oats & extracts should go on the list as well.

Jul. 24, 2011 11:11 am

A well stocked pantry is essential for a great, creative cook. Just knowing what you have on hand, keeping up, all helps to live life without running to the store for one item. (Go Green!) Another essential perspective, in my opinion, with regard to "pantry": adjust your cooking practices so as to keep your ingrediants as fresh as possible. I try to use up everything I have (ingrediants) every 6 months. Example: I shop sales, stock up, find new recipes, buy new exciting ingrediants. On the 6th month, I try to use up all my freezer contents, cupboard contents, canned goods, spices, seasonings, etc, as much as possible. (get creative, search for new recipes online for your ingrediants on hand) A well-stocked pantry is great; a well-stock pantry full of fresh stuff is the bomb!

Jul. 24, 2011 11:24 am

Ramen noodles, best pasta ever! Cooks quick, and I love the texture! Too much sodium? Throw that seasoning packet in the trash; I haven't used the seasoning in 10 years!

Liz

Oct. 4, 2011 9:48 am

Don't forget rolled oats! Perfect for making your own flavored oatmeal (much cheaper), oatmeal cookies, and my husband prefers rolled oats in place of bread crumbs in meat loaf!

craftylady62

Dec. 17, 2011 8:49 am

I also like to keep frozen peppers/onions on hand.I also keeplots of cream soups and Bisquick mix.This gets me through 2 months for a family of 3. A $75 a wk.groc.budget is hard.Glad this site helps me alot. THANKS

ckthecerealkiller

Jan. 3, 2012 3:27 pm

Wow I have everything on the list but curry powder (I use sriracha), frozen spinach I hate, and no lentils cause they cost too much. I also have 95% of everything on the Italy, Mexico China, and Japan basics.... Think I cook enough?

AnnetteRose

Jan. 3, 2012 5:10 pm

this is an amazing starter list! I have been looking for years and I have every 1 of these ingredients in my pantry. I definitely agree with each others who I added oatmeal and cream soup on their list. I try to keep my pantry healthy by using the whole grains like brown rice, whole wheat noodles, and whole wheat flour. I also like to have on hand lots of different kinds of frozen mixed vegetables they can go in a variety of dishes like soup/stews & stir fry. Thanks allrecipes!

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