Keep everything you need for quick dinners and easy snacks with our favorite pantry staples.
How to Stock a Pantry, According to Our Kitchen Expert
Updated Jan. 29, 2021
Keeping the pantry stocked with everything you might need is a daunting task. One of our favorite secrets for maintaining a well-stocked pantry is to keep it simple. Look for versatile pantry staples that can double as dinners or snacks. We’ve rounded up our favorite healthy and inexpensive foods to have on hand for easy meals.
Peanut Butter
Full of protein and healthy fats, peanut butter is a staple for simple lunches and snacks. From classic PBJ sandwiches to ants on a log, there are so many quick and easy recipes for peanut butter lovers to try.
Beans
Beans provide quick protein and fiber to fill you up without requiring a long recipe or multiple ingredients. Keep a few cans in supply for a quick cowboy caviar snack or hearty slow-cooked chili dinner.
Pasta
Pasta is the ultimate pantry staple; it’s cheap, quick to prepare and makes an entire meal itself. Opt for long spaghetti noodles or short macaroni and get creative with our favorite 30-minute pasta dinners.
Rice
Brown rice or quinoa can be a nutritious side dish on its own or a hearty base for tonight’s dinner. Look for simple rice dishes like lemon chicken and rice or Spanish rice with ground beef.
Bread
Having an extra loaf of bread on hand is always a good idea for morning toast, lunchtime sandwiches or a dinner side. Upgrade your usual turkey sammie for a toasty hot sandwich tonight.
Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a versatile pantry staple that can go from pasta dish to homemade salsa. Stock up on different flavors like garlic and green chilies. We can answer the question “is canned fruit healthy.”
Potatoes
Did you know the right way to store potatoes is in the pantry? Keep a bag on the shelf for baked potatoes on busy weeknights or crispy baked fries at any time.
Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
No salad dressing? No problem. Keeping olive oil and balsamic vinegar in the pantry means you’ll have homemade salad dressing or an easy marinade anytime you need it.
Italian Seasoning
As long as you have Italian seasoning in your pantry, you can whip up a flavorful dinner in no time. Recipes using Italian seasoning like meatloaf, pasta and soup are always a hit.
Trail Mix
When the afternoon sweet tooth strikes, resist your child’s stale Halloween candy by reaching for a crunchy handful of trail mix. It’s a satisfying snack on its own, or up the wow factor with trail mix slices.
Soup
Can’t get to the grocery store and need a fast dinner? Stocking up on low-sodium soups like tomato and chicken noodle can save even the craziest day’s dinnertime conundrum.
Flour and Sugar
There’s just something about baking from scratch that calms us down and brings us back to the present moment. Keep baking staples in your pantry for those unexpected, quiet afternoons when you need a family activity.
Canned Fish or Chicken
Keeping canned fish or chicken in the house will come in handy for making a lunch salad or adding protein to a rice or pasta dish.
Baking Mix
If you’re stuck at home with the kids and can’t go out, you’ll be glad you kept that extra box of baking mix in the pantry. And shh—here’s the secret to making cake mix taste homemade.
Oats
Oatmeal is a filling, fiber-rich breakfast and so much more. Keep a container of quick-cooking oats in the pantry to be used for cookies, breading and protein balls.
Try These Recipes to Make with Pantry Staples
During last-minute menu planning, I often include this classic ambrosia salad recipe because I keep the ingredients on hand. —Judi Bringegar, Liberty, North Carolina
Take a look at these healthy canned fruit recipes.
Spanish RiceYou'll find my easy Spanish rice is better than any boxed mix in grocery stores. Best of all, it can be prepared in the same amount of time as those so-called "quick and easy" boxes. —Anne Yaeger, Washington, DC
Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Pork RagoutSavory, quickly made pork is luscious served in a delightful tomato gravy over noodles. It’s a nice change from regular pork roast. I serve it with broccoli or green beans on the side. —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware.
Moroccan Chickpea StewFor a 30-minute-meal that's warm and vibrant, try this hearty Moroccan chickpea stew. It's packed with squash, veggies and warm spices, and fast enough that you can whip it up on a weeknight.
Homemade Cherry CrispOur family loves this pretty, tasty dessert. It uses convenient pie filling, so you can make it in no time—and it takes mere minutes to heat in the microwave. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
Quick and Easy Vegetable PotpieThis meatless Monday superstar comes together quickly and is inexpensive as well. My 4-year-old always asks for seconds! You can substitute any canned or frozen beans for the canned lentils in this easy vegetable potpie. We also like using frozen edamame. —Maggie Torsney-Weir, Los Angeles, California
Slow-Cooker Cheese DipThis slow-cooker cheese dip is loaded with beef, sausage and creamy Velveeta. Just toss the ingredients into your Crock Pot, and you’ll have a cheesy dip ready for your next party!
Pineapple FluffPineapple fluff is a delightfully retro fruit salad—or is it a dessert?—with surprisingly delicious flavors and textures. This dish is just right for a summer picnic.
Hamburger SoupHamburger soup is a humble soup made with vegetables and ground beef. The simple ingredients come together to create a hearty and robust soup that will satisfy your comfort food cravings without weighing you down.
Pork PiperadeI like to spice up my meat dishes with peppers, and this Basque piperade—adapted from a Spanish recipe—is a family favorite. —Hyacinth Rizzo, Buffalo, New York
80 Greek Recipes Everyone Will LoveCan't get enough of your local Greek restaurant? This one's for you! Here are some incredible Greek recipes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired recipes, that are sure to satisfy.
Banana Split FluffThis pretty pink mixture, rich with yummy fruit and nuts, is sure to disappear in a hurry. It’s a sweet and speedy treat that can be served as a dessert or salad. —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Cheeseburger PastaSwitch up your usual go-to cheeseburger dinner and make it in pasta form instead!
Spicy Chicken EnchiladasCooked chicken strips and canned enchilada sauce hurry along this zesty entree. I came up with this spicy chicken enchiladas recipe shortly after I got married. It's a delicious dinner for two that's easy to double for company. &mdashAmy Dando, Apalachin, New York
Pineapple Appetizer MeatballsKaren Mellinger Baker of Dover, Ohio blends a can of crushed pineapple into her meatballs to create a taste-tempting treat. Best of all, the sweet and tangy glaze that coats this big batch of bite-sized snacks is a snap to prepare.
Bacon Cheeseburger SlidersDive into this comfort food staple: bacon cheeseburger sliders are bursting with flavor, thanks to gooey, melty cheese, loaded burger, and crispy, savory bacon. They're a mini version of your favorite bacon cheeseburger, but better.
Cherry GruntBack when I was cooking the hot lunch main dish for about 1,300 students a day, I liked to make this simple old-time dessert for my husband and sons. A scoop of ice cream is perfect.
Jalapeno Popper SpreadI've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia
Pronto Vegetarian PeppersIn the summer I love to serve these peppers with salad and a roll. At the end of summer, I freeze them for cold months when produce costs are high. For a hot meal on a cold day, I love to serve them with a side of warm pasta tossed in olive oil. —Renee Hollobaugh, Altoona, Pennsylvania
Taco BowlsAn utterly satisfying, one-dish dinner, taco bowls make for a fabulous weeknight meal with beef, black beans and an assortment of toppings. The best part is their versatility—customize with lentils, sweet potatoes, sautéed bell peppers or corn for a nutritious, filling, and family-friendly meal.
Tropical Compote DessertTo make a more adult version of this recipe, use brandy instead of the extra tropical fruit juice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pumpkin HummusThis perfectly delicious pumpkin hummus dip is a beautiful blend of creamy, decadent hummus and warm, autumnal pumpkin.
Penne with Veggies and Black BeansChock-full of zucchini, tomatoes, sweet pepper and carrots, this hearty pasta dish puts your garden harvest to good use. For variety, I sometimes add one-half cup of salsa or one-half cup of thickened teriyaki sauce. —Vickie Spoerle, Indianapolis, Indiana
Simmered Turkey EnchiladasI discovered a different way to serve economical turkey thighs. I simmer them in tomato sauce, green chiles and seasonings until they're tender and flavorful, then serve them in tortillas with our favorite fresh toppings. —Stella Schams, Tempe, Arizona
Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump CakeLooking for a super quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This easy dessert will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Aurora, Colorado
Hearty Pasta FagioliHere's a convenient spin on a classic Italian favorite. Spaghetti sauce and canned broth form the flavorful base. —Cindy Garland, Limestone, Tennessee
Chili-Stuffed Poblano PeppersFor an updated version of an old favorite, try these chili-stuffed poblano peppers. They're loaded with hearty meat and chili, plus a few extra tasty ingredients for good measure!
Chicken and Swiss Stuffing BakeI love to cook but just don't have much time. This casserole is both comforting and fast, which makes it my favorite kind of recipe. I serve it with a green salad. —Jena Coffey, Sunset Hills, Missouri
Mexican Bean SoupThis Mexican bean soup recipe is healthy, hearty and perfect for a busy day, as it comes together in about 20 minutes. A helping of queso fresco on top makes this dish extra delish!
Jalapeno Mac and CheeseMany years ago after I had had knee surgery, a friend brought me a big casserole of mac and cheese along with the recipe. I have fiddled with the recipe over the years, most recently adding jalapenos at the request of my son. What an awesome spicy twist! —Teresa Gustafson, Elkton, Maryland
Frosted Pumpkin Cranberry BarsWith tangy dried cranberries tucked inside and a creamy brown butter frosting, these mildly spiced pumpkin bars are doubly delightful. It's a good thing the recipe makes lots, because once you taste one, you won't be able to resist going back for more!
-Barbara Nowakowski, Mesa, Arizona
Tex-Mex Bean Bake with Cornbread ToppingI frequently cooked this dish when I was on the cross-country team in college. We loved this veggie-packed bake so much I would have to make two! For a meaty version, substitute shredded chicken for half of the potato. —Samantha Westveer, Kentwood, Michigan
One-Skillet LasagnaThis is hands-down one of the best skillet lasagna recipes our testing panel has ever tasted. And with classic flavors and cheesy layers, it’s definitely kid-friendly. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Red Pepper ChickenChicken breasts are treated to black beans, red peppers and juicy tomatoes in this Southwestern supper. We love it served with rice plumped up in chicken broth. —Piper Spiwak, Vienna, Virginia
Slow-Cooked Peachy SpareribsCanned peaches make a delightful addition to my flavorful sparerib sauce. Served over rice, the sweet-tangy ribs make a sensational meal any time of the year. —Jeanne Brino, Woodbury, Minnesota
Ham & Cheese Potato CasseroleThis recipe makes two cheesy, delicious casseroles. Have one tonight and put the other on ice for a future busy weeknight. It's like having money in the bank when things get hectic! —Kari Adams, Fort Collins, Colorado
Frito PieCrunchy, salty Fritos corn chips are the star ingredient of Frito pie. Make this cheesy Tex-Mex favorite for dinner or game day.
Bratwurst SoupI came up with this recipe one day when I had some leftover bratwurst. It has been a favorite of my husband's ever since and is requested whenever the guys are hanging out. —Anna Miller, Churdan, Iowa
Creamy Turkey CasseroleI sometimes make turkey just so I have the extras for this casserole! —Mary Jo O'Brien, Hastings, Minnesota
Citrus Cornmeal CakeCornmeal adds a rustic quality to this delicate dessert flavored with citrus and almond. It makes a great holiday party hostess gift and is sure to be a staple in your recipe collection. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Grandmother’s Orange SaladThis orange salad dessert is slightly sweet and tangy, too. It adds beautiful color to any meal and appeals to all ages! —Ann Eastman, Santa Monica, California
Quickpea CurryThis colorful curry is a nice change of pace for a busy weeknight. I like to substitute fresh peas for frozen when they're in season. —Beth Fleming, Downers Grove, Illinois
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken FajitasFor our fajitas, I combine chicken and pineapple for a different flavor. These fajitas are more on the sweet side, but my family loves them! —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Chicken Broccoli CasseroleWhen you're looking for comfort and ease, this chicken broccoli casserole is the answer to your dinner dreams.
Slow-Cooker Italian Sloppy JoesThese tasty sloppy joes with plenty of mass appeal are perfect for a gathering. If you're taking them to an event, simplify things by cooking the beef mixture and stirring in other ingredients the night before. Cool the meat sauce in shallow bowls in the fridge, then cover and refrigerate them overnight. The next day, transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker to keep it warm for the party. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Southwestern Chicken Tortilla SoupThe spices really liven up this filling chicken tortilla soup. I often double the recipe, freezing leftovers for future dinners or quick lunches. —Anne Smithson, Cary, North Carolina
Pineapple ChickenBreak out of a humdrum chicken dinner routine with this simple, sweet pineapple chicken recipe.
Sausage Tortilla Breakfast BakeThis casserole combines spices of the Southwest with the comfort of a hearty breakfast that is perfect for brunch. You can spice it up by adding cayenne and hot peppers, or mellow it out by replacing the tomatoes and green chiles with mild salsa. It’s versatile and easy—no wonder it’s a longtime family favorite. —Darlene Buerger, Peoria, Arizona
Penne and Smoked SausageThis pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Tropical MuffinsI entered these muffins at our county fair and won the grand champion award for baked goods. They're so moist, they don't need butter. —Sylvia Osborn, Clay Center, Kansas
Cajun Corn SoupI found this recipe years ago and substituted Cajun stewed tomatoes for a bolder taste. Now I prepare this dish for out-of-state guests who want to taste some Cajun food. Everyone who tries it gives it high marks. Plus, it's easy to prepare. —Sue Fontenot, Kinder, Louisiana
Best Ever Beans and SausageWhen my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Spanish SpiralsI usually cook for only me and my husband, so I try to scale down most recipes. But I make this dish just the way it is because my husband loves the leftovers.—Sandy Pelfrey, North Canton, Ohio
Mexican Stuffed PeppersThis nutritious yet economical summer meal makes the most of my home-grown peppers. I like to top it with sour cream and serve with tortilla chips and salsa, but it’s wonderful on its own, too. —Kimberly Coleman, Columbia, South Carolina
Chicken and Wild Rice CasseroleThis chicken and wild rice casserole is the perfect dinner for when you need something easy, balanced and friendly for the whole family. Precooked chicken and rice make it even quicker.
Peach Cobbler Dump CakeHomemade peach cobbler dump cake uses shortcut ingredients—canned peaches and a cake mix—to deliver a cozy, tender cake that's impossible to serve without a scoop of ice cream.
Air-Fryer Mini ChimichangasMy family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the beefy snacks are guaranteed to liven up the party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
Ambrosia Fruit SaladThis contest-winning ambrosia fruit salad recipe is the perfect side for any holiday. All you have to do is stir everything together and chill it in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Easy!
Southwest Vegetarian BakeThis veggie-packed casserole hits the spot on chilly nights. It's a healthy canned vegetable recipe that's perfect any time I have a taste for Mexican food with all the fixings. —Patricia Gale, Monticello, Illinois
Roasted ChickpeasCrispy chickpeas will become a favorite when you need something crunchy on your salads and bowls. An added bonus? They're vegan!
Slow-Cooker Pork PozoleI make this heartwarming stew with pork ribs and hominy often. It's a filling recipe of lightly spiced comfort. —Genie Gunn, Asheville, North Carolina
Double-Duty Layered Enchilada CasseroleHere's a heap of cozy comfort. The Taste of Home Test Kitchen took my recipe for chili without beans and turned it into a scrumptious enchilada casserole. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio
Beef ‘n’ Biscuit BakeThis recipe is quick, easy and satisfying. With its beef and corn combo, it's cozy cuisine at its best! —Erin Schneider, St. Peters, Missouri
White Turkey ChiliHere's proof that chili doesn't have to be tomato-red. This white turkey chili makes delicious use of leftover turkey meat.
Cashew Chicken CasseroleI especially like this dish because I can get it ready the day before I need it. It's easy to whip up with common pantry items, including macaroni, canned soup and saltine crackers. —Julie Ridlon, Solway, Minnesota
Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked ChiliThis chili may be already chock-full, but we love to build it up even more with toppings like pico de gallo, red onion, cilantro and cheese. —Mallory Lynch, Madison, Wisconsin
Easy Chicken EnchiladasWith a few staple ingredients, these easy chicken enchiladas are so quick to make, dinner will be on the table before you know it.
Butternut Squash ChiliOur contest-winning butternut squash chili adds nutrient-rich squash to a classic beef-and-bean chili for an impressive flavor combination that will warm up even the coldest days. Who knew chili could be even more delicious and nutritious?
Seafood CasseroleThis baked seafood casserole is simple to put together. Shrimp, crab, vegetables and rice are combined in a single dish, bathed in a rich sauce and topped with crunchy, golden bread crumbs.
Chicken & Cheese Noodle BakeThis is the recipe my daughters and I often make for new parents when they come home from the hospital. With its creamy spaghetti filling and melted cheese topping, this casserole holds a nice cut and comforts hungry tummies. —Fancheon Resler, Bluffton, Indiana
Italian CasseroleA hearty casserole is always a good choice for a family meal or a potluck, and this Italian casserole is no exception! Packed with ground beef, sausage, noodles, cheese and olives in a tomato sauce, it's comforting any time you make it.
Easy Chicken Corn ChowderWhen I haven’t planned for dinner, I often play around with ingredients in my pantry instead of running to the store. This recipe was a happy experiment. Cut some fat by omitting the bacon—it’s still tasty. —Barbara Banski, Fenton, Michigan
Chili Mac CasseroleThis cheesy casserole uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a leafy salad for a complete meal. —Marlene Wilson, Rolla, North Dakota
Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone needs a chicken noodle casserole recipe in their repertoire. This one is a simple version that produces a creamy, comforting dish that you can make ahead for busier days.
White Bean Soup with EscaroleThis escarole and bean soup recipe is tasty enough to make everyone forget how healthy it is. Better yet, it's quick and easy.
Chicken Burrito SkilletWe love Mexican night at our house, and I love to re-create dishes from our favorite restaurants. This burrito-inspired dish is ready for the table in almost no time! —Krista Marshall, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fluffed Fruit SaladI like this recipe since I can prepare it in advance when entertaining. Even people who don't care for cranberries usually like this treat.—Christine Halandras, Meeker, Colorado
Chicken Noodle CasseroleEveryone who tries this comforting cheesy chicken casserole asks for the recipe. It's so simple to make that sometimes I feel as if I'm cheating! —Kay Pederson, Yellville, Arkansas
Crunchy Almond Turkey CasseroleA special cousin shared the recipe for this comforting casserole. The almonds and water chestnuts give it a nice crunch. —Jill Black, Troy, Ontario
Black Beans with Bell Peppers & RiceMy meat and potatoes husband goes for this cheesy, hearty black beans and rice recipe, and the kids gobble it up. For extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce. —Stephanie Lambert, Moseley, Virgina
Vegetarian Stuffed PeppersThese vegetarian stuffed peppers are a fresh, filling dinner for meatless Monday (or any other night of the week). They're endlessly adaptable and quick to mix together. Plus, they can be cooked in a slow cooker or baked in the oven to gooey perfection.
Chicken Tortilla CasseroleChicken tortilla casserole is a favorite comfort food dinner. The lasagna-like recipe is super versatile, too!
Originally Published: March 16, 2020
