Author: Whether you’ve run out of something or simply enjoy making things from scratch, these easy homemade pantry staple recipes have you covered! From condiments and seasonings to baking essentials and dairy, you likely already have everything you need to get started. Homemade versions save money, skip the unnecessary additives, and give you full control over what goes into your family’s food!
20 Pantry Staples to Make From Scratch
Over a decade ago, we made the commitment to make “everything” from scratch. So, I started making homemade bread, meatloaf, freezer pizzas, our favorite desserts, and more… But it didn’t take long to realize that in order to actually be free of all the filler ingredients, natural flavors, and seed oils often found in store-bought “staples”, I was going to have to even make those myself!
Maybe you’re in the same boat. Well, let me save you some time and share with you all that I’ve learned over the years! While this isn’t an exhaustive list, it’s a great place to start making your own staples!
Condiments & Sauces
From sweet to savory, this section has some of the most common condiments and sauces to keep you in control of your shopping list!
Ketchup
Store-bought ketchup is loaded with added sugars and hidden carbs, but this homemade version tastes just as good without any of that! It is low carb, sugar-free, and so easy to make!
Mayonnaise
Homemade mayo takes just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients, and once you make it, you will never want store-bought again! You also get full control over the oils, which means no seed oils!
Ranch Dressing
Homemade ranch dressing is surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require a store-bought seasoning packet! This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful dressing from scratch. It’s also easy to customize and can be made dairy-free, if needed!
Chocolate Syrup
Chocolate syrup is another option that’s easy to find in stores, but the home version is so much tastier. Plus it can be made with different sweeteners to avoid adding processed sugar!
Caramel Sauce
DIY caramel sauce is a real eye-opener of a recipe! It’s so easy and insanely delicious! Perfect for dipping apples into, or just enjoying over your favorite pie!
Seasonings & Spices
Keep your spice drawer stocked without worrying about fillers! Just pure and delicious seasonings your whole family can enjoy!
Ranch Seasoning Mix
Once you make your own ranch seasoning mix, you will never reach for a store-bought packet again! A batch takes just minutes and keeps in your pantry for months!
Seasoned Salt
Any kitchen worth its salt will have a bottle of seasoned salt on hand for just about any application. This homemade recipe is designed to mimic popular store brands, but with options to customize it to personal tastes.
Garlic Powder
Homemade garlic powder is so much more potent and flavorful than store-bought! It is surprisingly simple to make, and a little goes a long way in your favorite recipes!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
At this point, pumpkin pie spice is as much a kitchen staple as salt or pepper. This DIY recipe is a great way to save money by using bulk ingredients, plus it tastes awesome.
Baking Staples
Perfect for anyone who likes to bake, these homemade staples will take your baked goods to the next level!
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is one of those baking ingredients that often seems to be needed at the last minute. Instead of running to the store if you’re out, you can easily make exactly what you need at home with just two simple ingredients. Or, you can make it in bulk and store it with a brown sugar keeper!
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extract is super easy to make at home, since most of the process just involves waiting. Plus, glass bottles of aged vanilla extract make excellent gifts at Christmastime!
Baking Powder
Baking powder is another ingredient that is easy to waste, since most people don’t tend to bake all that often. Avoid using “flat” baking powder by making it right at home with only 3 ingredients!
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is one of those ingredients that many recipes call for, but it often goes unused after a single baking project. Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to make at home with regular milk and a simple acidic ingredient!
Evaporated Milk
Just one ingredient and a little time on the stove is all you need to make your own evaporated milk at home! Perfect for casseroles, desserts, and so much more!
Pancake Mix
Here’s another super simple DIY mix that makes a fantastic gift! Be sure to get the printable tag with instructions if jarring this mix for gifts.
Panko Bread Crumbs
Instead of tossing out bread that’s gone just a bit stale, why not make your own panko breadcrumbs instead? No seed oils, no preservatives, and ready in just 15 minutes!
Graham Crackers
These homemade graham crackers are way better than store-bought, and can be made with einkorn flour or any all-purpose wheat. Perfect for making s’mores, cheesecakes, or just enjoying on their own!
Dairy & Fats
If you are milking your own cows, buying from a herdshare, or just like to make your own dairy products, these recipes are a great place to get started!
Cream Cheese
Making cream cheese from scratch may sound complicated, but it’s actually a surprisingly simple process! And what better flex is there than to tell guests that the homemade cheesecake was made with homemade cream cheese?
Ricotta
Why buy it when you can make it fresh in just 20 minutes with only 3 ingredients! Homemade ricotta is creamy, delicious, and so much better than anything from the store. Plus it works beautifully in lasagna, pancakes, stuffed pasta, and so much more!
Yogurt
Homemade yogurt is one of those recipes that sounds intimidating but is actually incredibly simple! Fresh, creamy, and completely customizable, it is a staple in our house!
Even More From Scratch Recipes to Try Next!
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