Pantry Basics

Whether just setting up your kitchen or you already have an established one, there are certain basic items that all pantries (kitchens) should be stocked with.  A well-stocked pantry is the best way to ensure that you’ll have most of what you’ll need to cook a meal once you get home. This is a basic checklist so modify it according to your family’s likes, dislikes and budget. With these few essential ingredients on hand, you’ll always be able to quickly whip up a meal.

Oils, Vinegars and Condiments:
Oils: canola oil, extra-virgin olive oil, toasted sesame oil and coconut oil
Vinegars: apple cider vinegar, balsamic, distilled white, red wine, rice
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Dijon mustard
Pickles
Barbecue sauce
Soy sauce
Hot sauce
Worcestershire

Seasonings:
Kosher salt
Table salt
Ground black pepper
Dried herbs and spices:  basil, bay leaves, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, thyme leaves, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, ginger, nutmeg
Spice blends: chili powder, curry powder, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning
Vanilla extract

Snacks and Cereals:
Crackers
Popcorn
Breakfast Cereal
Cookies
Applesauce

Canned Goods and Bottled Items:
Canned beans: black, cannellini, chickpeas, kidney
Capers
Olives
Peanut butter
Prepared salad dressings
Preserves or jelly
Bouillon (beef, chicken and vegetable)
Low-sodium stock or broth
Tomatoes, canned, sauce and paste
Salsa
Tuna fish and chicken
Vegetables; green beans, corn

Grains and Legumes:
Breadcrumbs: regular, panko
Dried beans or lentils
Pasta: regular, whole wheat
Rice
Rolled oats

Baking Products:
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar (Confectioners’ sugar)
Chocolate chips
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
Cornstarch
Cream of Tartar
Honey
Yeast (if you bake bread)

Beverages:
Coffee
Tea
Good white and red wine (can also be used in recipes that call for wine)

Refrigerator Basics:
Butter
Cheese: sharp cheddar, feta, Parmesan, mozzarella
Large eggs
Milk
Whipping Cream
Plain yogurt
Sour Cream

Fresh Produce:
Apples
Bananas
Bell Peppers
Carrots
Celery
Lemons/Limes
Lettuce
Scallions (green onions)
Tomatoes

Freezer Basics:
Bacon
Bread
Frozen fruit: blackberries, blueberries, peaches, strawberries
Frozen vegetables: broccoli, bell pepper and onion mix, corn, peas, spinach
Walnuts and pecans
Ground Beef
Chicken (pieces, such as wings, thighs or breasts)
Vanilla Ice Cream

Storage Produce:
Garlic
Onions (red, yellow)
Potatoes
Dried fruit: raisins, apples, apricots
Nuts or seeds: almonds, peanuts, sunflower

Make sure to keep a list handy of what you use most often and what you need to replace on your next shopping trip.  If just starting out, try to add a few new items each time you go to the store. Before you know it you’ll have a well-stocked pantry (kitchen)!