Having the following products and ingredients on-hand in your pantry and fridge will be your salvation when you need to put together a quick meal or snack. Be ready to impress friends, family or play dates any time.
Seasoning and Condiments
- Salt (have several varieties including sea and table)
- Pepper (in a mill and pre-ground)
- Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract
- Oils: olive, canola, vegetable, sesame
- Vinegars: balsamic, red wine, cider, white wine (also terrific for household cleaning)
- Honey
Canned & Bottled Items
- Tuna
- Beans: lentils, black beans, white beans
- Tomatoes: diced, whole, stewed
- Canned Fruits: peaches, pears, mandarin oranges
- Soups & Stocks
- Mustard: Dijon, yellow
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Olives: black, kalamata, green (have a variety in your pantry)
- Capers
- Bottled Salad Dressings
- Bottled Marinades
- BBQ Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Jelly/Jam
- Peanut/Soy Butter (if allergic to nuts)
- Applesauce
- Pasta/ Marinara Sauce
- Salsa
- Juice: apple, cranberry, grape (tip: “white” juices won’t stain)
Dry Goods/Snacks
- Assorted Pastas (regular or whole grain)
- Rice: brown, white, jasmine, basmati
- Potato Chips
- Pretzels
- Puffed Corn Snacks
- Crackers
- Graham Crackers
- Popcorn (microwave or kernels)
- Dried Fruits: raisins, apricots, cranberries, cherries
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, peanuts (last longest when frozen)
- Cereal
- Cereal Bars
- Granola
- Potatoes: baking, redskin, Yukon Gold
- Onions
- Garlic (try bottled, crushed garlic)
- Bread, Bagels (freeze well)
- Coffee (stays freshest in the freezer)
- Tea
- Bananas
Baking
- All Purpose Flour (wheat and white)
- Sugar: granulated, brown, confectioners'
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Cake/Brownie/Muffin Mixes
- Gelatin Mix (including unflavored)
- Baking Powder
- Baking Soda (also great for cleaning)
In the Fridge
- Butter (lasts longer in the freezer)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Parmesan Cheese (can be frozen)
- Cheese Slices (buying a block of cheese to slice is more economical)
- String Cheese
- Cream Cheese
- Orange Juice
- Lemons & Limes (juice is still good for cooking even when the skin browns a bit)
In the Freezer
- Waffles
- Chicken Breasts
- Chicken Nuggets
- Hamburger Patties (beef, turkey, chicken or buffalo)
- French Fries (we love sweet potato)
- Frozen Vegetables: broccoli, peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- Popsicles
- Ice Cream
