The Contents of a Well-Stocked Pantry

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We moved a couple of years ago and are now a bit of a drive from a major supermarket. There is a small store fairly close by, which is great for emergencies, but it’s not well stocked. To save on time, gas and inconvenience, now more than ever, we find it important to have a well-stocked pantry (and fridge).

Banana Oatmeal Muffins made with pantry staples.

With some basic pantry supplies on hand, you’ll easily be able to prepare a family meal or a last-minute dinner for friends.

Chicken Parmesan made entirely from pantry staples

The list below is what I try to always keep on hand. Your list may vary a bit based on your family’s likes and dislikes. The idea is to make sure you have enough proteins, vegetables and occasionally a starch to pull together several satisfying meals and a simple dessert or two, made entirely from pantry staples.

Apple Crisp with Ice-Cream made with pantry staples.

PANTRY STAPLES

Basics

Salt
Pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Vegetable oil
Red wine vinegar
Balsamic vinegar

Baking

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Cream of tartar
Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
Chocolate and white chocolate chips
Sweetened condensed milk
Pure vanilla extract
Shredded coconut
Vanilla and chocolate pudding mixes

Sweeteners

Granulated sugar
Confectioners’ sugar
Brown sugar
Maple syrup
Honey

Drinks

Coffee
Tea
Wine
Juices

Rice and Grains

Long-grain rice
Grains: bulgur, quinoa, or couscous
Pasta: spaghetti, macaroni, rigatoni, penne, egg noodles, lasagna
Polenta
Breadcrumbs: plain, Italian or panko

Snacks and Cereals

Crackers
Tortillas
Cookies or biscuits
Pretzels
Popcorn kernels
Dried fruit: raisins, apricots or cherries
Seeds: sunflower, flax, chia or hemp
Peanut butter
Applesauce
Breakfast cereal
Old-fashioned rolled oats

Canned Goods

Chicken broth
Beef broth
Cream soup
Beans: cannellini, navy, kidney, chickpeas or black
Vegetables: corn niblets, creamed corn
Salsa
Tomatoes
Tomato paste
Tomato Sauce
Roasted red peppers
Tuna
Salmon

Dried Herbs and Spices

Bay leaves
Cayenne pepper
Chili powder
Crushed red pepper
Curry powder
Fennel or dill seed
Granulated garlic
Granulated onion
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground cumin
Ground ginger
Oregano
Paprika: sweet and smoked
Rosemary
Sesame seeds
Thyme
Whole nutmeg

Fresh Non-Refrigerated Produce

Garlic
Onions
Tomatoes: regular and grape
Potatoes: Yukon Gold, new, sweet
Bananas

REFRIGERATOR

Dairy and Eggs

Milk
Cream
Plain yogurt: regular or Greek
Butter
Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses
Cottage cheese
Parmesan (wedge)
Eggs

Fresh Produce

Carrots
Celery
Broccoli or cauliflower
Bell peppers
English cucumber
Leafy greens: spinach, kale or chard
Lettuce: romaine, Boston or mixed greens
Lemons
Limes
Apples
When possible, flat-leaf parsley, basil, and rosemary grown in pots.

Condiments

Jelly, jam or preserves
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Mustard: Dijon or whole grain
Relishes
Pickles, Olives
Hot sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Soy sauce

Freezer

Ground beef
Italian sausage
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Bacon
Beef roast or Whole chicken
Bread: Italian loaf and 12-grain sandwich bread
Vegetables: peas, broccoli, corn
Fruit: berries, peaches, mangos
Nuts: almonds, walnuts, pecans
Dough: pizza, pie, puff pastry
Vanilla ice cream

I also keep a few herbs growing in pots. The herbs I try to always have fresh are flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, basil, and rosemary. I put them in pots on the deck when the weather is warm and keep them on a deep windowsill during the colder months.

Do you keep a well-stocked pantry or do you tend to visit the stores on more of a daily basis?

What are some of your favourite “pantry” staples and what items do you ALWAYS have on hand?