Homemade versions of these kitchen staples are cheaper and healthier than their store-bought counterparts-and they taste much better, too.
43 Things You’ve Been Buying that You Should Make Instead
1
/
42
Crescent Dinner Rolls
These light, golden rolls have a heavenly homemade flavor and aroma. Mom never hesitates to whip up a batch of these from-scratch rolls, since they're a delightful way to round out a meal. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
2
/
42
Chocolate-Hazelnut Butter
Store varieties of chocolate-hazelnut butter just can’t compete with the homemade kind. Slather it on everything from toast and pretzels to banana chunks and shortbread cookies. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
3
/
42
Banana Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a favorite breakfast food, quick, easy and filling. I came up with this version by using some of the same ingredients from my favorite breakfast smoothie. Add bran cereal for a heartier taste and more fiber. A brown sugar substitute and soy milk also blend in well. —Jessi Rizzi, Odenton, Maryland
4
/
42
Homemade Tortillas
Beautifully browned, soft homemade tortillas are just four pantry ingredients away. Once you learn how simple this recipe is, you may never buy the store-bought stacks again!
5
/
42
Homemade Guacamole
I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
6
/
42
Canning Spaghetti Sauce
Canning spaghetti sauce is a delicious way to preserve garden-fresh tomatoes. Here's how to can spaghetti sauce in a water bath—no pressure canner required.
7
/
42
Homemade Pasta Dough
Go for it. It's easier than you think, and once you try homemade pasta, you're hooked! —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
8
/
42
Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
9
/
42
Crusty Bread
This easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
10
/
42
Cinnamon-Raisin Granola Bars
I make these chewy bars with cinnamon, raisin and maple for quick breakfast and road trip. You can use chocolate chips instead of raisins. —Kristina Miedema, Houghton, New York
11
/
42
Boston Baked Beans
For a potluck or picnic, you can’t beat this classic side that starts with a pound of dried beans. Molasses and maple syrup give it a slight sweetness. —Pat Medeiros, Tiverton, Rhode Island
12
/
42
Raspberry Lemonade Concentrate
Here's a concentrate that allows you to enjoy a refreshing summer beverage any time of year. Sweet raspberries balance the tartness from lemons. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
13
/
42
Enchilada Sauce
This chunky, mild sauce is a great way to use up abundant veggies from the garden. It tastes great on Mexican dishes and scrambled eggs. —Rebecca Schwegman, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin
14
/
42
All-Around Seasoning Mix
I always keep this all-purpose seasoning mixture on hand. It’s good on anything, especially grilled pork, chicken and vegetables. We've developed a taste for heat, and this does supply some. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
15
/
42
Canned Blueberry Jam
Summer doesn't feel complete without at least one berry-picking trip and a batch of homemade blueberry jam. Eat atop fresh scones or biscuits for maximum enjoyment! —Marisa McClellan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
16
/
42
Buttermilk Pancakes
Buttermilk pancakes have earned their reputation as a breakfast classic—especially when they're as golden and fluffy as these! We make our pancakes from scratch for a breakfast treat that's ready in only 15 minutes.
17
/
42
Roasted Salsa
Make the most of fresh tomatoes with this roasted salsa recipe. It's so hearty, you might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon!
18
/
42
Deli-Style Potato Salad
I was inspired by my grandmother to cook, and loved going to her house for Sunday dinner. She passed her cooking skills down, and today my mom and I still make this potato salad. —Sally L. Miner, El Mirage, Arizona
19
/
42
Herb-Happy Garlic Bread
You'll love the fresh garlic and herbs in this recipe. The mild goat cheese that’s sprinkled on top makes it extra rich and wonderful. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
20
/
42
Pizza Sauce
This homemade pizza sauce recipe is easy to make! Feel free to double or triple the recipe, and freeze the leftovers for all your pizza parties.
21
/
42
Quick & Easy Honey Mustard
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
22
/
42
Homemade Corn Muffins with Honey Butter
I turn classic corn bread muffins into something special by serving them with a honey butter. They're gone in a flash! —Suzanne McKinley, Lyons, Georgia
23
/
42
Spinach-Basil Pesto
Toss this rich, garlicky pesto with pasta or use as a spread. It also freezes well for fresh flavor over the winter. —Jaye Beeler, Grand Rapids, Michigan
24
/
42
Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
25
/
42
Refrigerator Jalapeno Dill Pickles
I’m passionate about making pickles. My husband is passionate about eating them. He's too impatient to let them cure on the shelf, so I found this quick recipe to make him happy. Add hotter peppers if you like. —Annie Jensen, Roseau, Minnesota
26
/
42
Sweet Tea Concentrate
Sweet iced tea is a southern classic, and this is a fabulous recipe for tea lovers or for a party. The concentrate will make 20 servings. —Natalie Bremson, Plantation, Florida
27
/
42
Hurry-Up Biscuits
When I was young, my mom would make these biscuits with fresh cream she got from a local farmer. I don't go to those lengths, but the family recipe is still a real treat. —Beverly Sprague, Baltimore, Maryland
28
/
42
Classic Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
These make-ahead mashed potatoes save me a ton of time on Christmas Day. No more frantically whipping the potatoes while hungry family and guests hang around the kitchen! —Marty Rummel, Trout Lake, Washington
29
/
42
Spicy Refried Beans
Need a quick appetizer? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
30
/
42
Roasted Chicken
This tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
31
/
42
Homemade Chicken Stock
Peppercorns and a handful of herbs add the perfect seasoning to this low-sodium stock. Browning the chicken and sauteeing the veggies gives it more flavor. —Taste of Home Test KitchenThis is exactly what you can find in store-bought chicken stock.
32
/
42
Strawberry Jam
This step-by-step strawberry jam recipe takes away any of the mystery and confusion behind jam-making, leaving you with the most glorious ruby-red, sticky-sweet canned jam.
33
/
42
Delicious Chocolate Sauce
Dressing up a dish of ice cream is especially easy with this sauce. It mixes together in a matter of minutes! The sauce serves another purpose, too. One batch yields so much, I have plenty extra to pour into pint jars and give out as gifts. —Dorothy Anderson, Ottawa, Kansas
34
/
42
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
35
/
42
Homemade Croutons
You can change up these basic homemade croutons recipe by substituting your favorite herbs and spices. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
36
/
42
How to Make Homemade Bagels, Step by Step
Once you learn how to make homemade bagels, you'll never want anything else for breakfast.
37
/
42
Homemade Peanut Butter
Learning how to make homemade peanut butter has never been easier! It's way faster than a trip to the store.
38
/
42
Spicy Ketchup
When this homemade ketchup is bubbling on the stove, the aroma takes me back to childhood. One taste and I’m home again. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
39
/
42
Easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Here's a comforting, home-style treat that never loses its appeal. Dish up big bowlfuls and wait for the smiles! —Marilee Cardinal, Burlington, New Jersey
40
/
42
Homemade Vanilla Extract
Homemade vanilla is fun to give in decorative bottles with attractive labels. Share it with special friends who like to cook or bake. —Becky Jo Smith, Kettle Falls, Washington
41
/
42
Vanilla Coffee Creamer
Flavored coffee creamer drives my husband nuts. Even so, I still make this classic vanilla one all the time. It’s better (and cheaper) than store-bought—and I know exactly what’s in it! —Shauna Sever, San Francisco, California
42
/
42