Store Cupboard Essentials

One of the most used spaces in our home is the kitchen cupboard or kitchen pantry as some people refer to it.

It’s where most great meals are started and where many a mom has stood and pondered that endless question of “what’s for dinner tonight.”

Have you every started cooking and realized that you were missing that one ingredient that can make or break your recipe? It’s happened to us all. One way to avoid that is to always have certain food items stocked in your cupboard at all times.

Each cook knows their own household and what food items they use most often. Make a list of essential store cupboard items that you use the most and keep them well stocked.

Creating your Master Pantry

No one wants to be without what they need when they need it. There are several items that are essential to any useful pantry. Specialty items aside, always make sure you have the bare necessities stocked to get dinner on the table quickly.

So, here are some of the essential items that any kitchen pantry needs.

Sugar (both white and brown) – It has gotten a bad rap in the past few years. Use sparingly. Any baking or sauces that you make may require this ingredient.

Oil – We use oil for baking, sautéing and general cooking. Always keep your favorite oil well stocked.

Chicken broth or Soup Base – Use to flavor rice, casseroles, homemade soups, vegetables and gravies. It is a versatile item and lower sodium varieties can limit the amount of salt you use.

Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, cashews and peanuts are used in a variety of desserts or just to eat alone. Nuts are an essential part to a healthy diet so use them often.

Flour – If you bake from scratch, it is essential.

Salt – When you flavor food as you cook it, there is no need to add more later on.

Spices – This includes all the dried herbs and spices you need to add flavor to various dishes. (see below for our list.)

Pasta – Which do you prefer: macaroni, penne, shells, linguine, or spaghetti?

Rice – Brown or white or even long grain can provide a side dish for any meal.

Beans – A good source of protein on your meatless meal day.

Tomato Sauce – Make a quick and healthy spaghetti sauce in no time.

Tomato paste – Can be used to thicken your spaghetti sauce.

Vinegar – Used to create salad dressings and marinades.

Peanut butter – Great on sandwiches and also in desserts

Canned meats – Easy to use for meals without thawing time

Here are our essential store cupboard spices we could not cook without –

Stock these spices and they will go a long way in flavoring food without added salt or fats –

Basil
Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Crushed Red Pepper
Curry Powder
Cumin
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Oregano
Paprika
Soup Base – Read more on why we LOVE soup base.
Turmeric
Thyme

Pantry Staples on a Budget –

On a tight budget and want to stock food items that will stretch the family food budget? See our picks for best pantry staples on a budget –

Dried Beans
Rice
Egg Noodles
Old-Fashioned Oats
Canned Tuna
Ketchup
Popcorn (unpopped)
Flour Tortillas

Store Cupboard Essentials