25 Pantry Staples You Should Stop Buying and Start Making

These 25 Pantry Staples You Should Stop Buying and Start Making are easy to make and can save you a bit of money making them.

From homemade taco seasoning and ranch mix to ketchup, barbecue sauce, and even brown sugar, these easy pantry staples are simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Why making homemade pantry items works.

If you are tired of running out of the little pantry staples that make dinner happen, this roundup is for you. You may be surprised at how easy it is to make your own staples.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• From homemade taco seasoning and ranch mix to ketchup, barbecue sauce, and even brown sugar, these easy pantry staples are simple to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Using your own ingredients means that you know exactly what is going into your pantry staples.
• Not only can homemade versions save you a bit of money, they are also easy to customize and often taste even better than store-bought version.
• Whether you’re out of a packet mix or just want to skip the extra preservatives, these pantry staples are worth making from scratch

Homemade Seasoning Blends and Dry Mixes

These homemade seasoning blends and dry mixes are some of the easiest pantry staples to make at home. They’re budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect for keeping on hand when you need to season chicken, tacos, soups, or quick weeknight dinner

1

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This Homemade Taco Seasoning is incredibly easy to make and has a multitude of uses. Made with chili powder and cumin, this taco seasoning is salty, savory, and slightly spicy and smokey.

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2

Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe

This Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe is super easy to make and has a lot of possible uses. Made with common seasonings, this flavorful seasoning can make about any dip or salad taste even better.

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3

Homemade Onion Soup Mix

This Homemade Onion Soup Mix is easy to make and has a multitude of uses. Made with just five ingredients, this flavorful soup mix is is as perfect for making soup as it is as a seasoning for dip.

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4

Homemade Brown Gravy Mix

This Homemade Brown Gravy Mix Recipe takes just a few ingredients and a few minutes to put together. Made with just three ingredients, this gravy mix is easily customizable and can be used as a seasoning or as gravy for your next great tasting meal.

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5

Homemade Chili Seasoning

This Homemade Chili Seasoning can be used to season your favorite foods or to make some great tasting chili. Made with Cumin and Cayenne Pepper, this seasoning is savory and somewhat spicy. A a simple six ingredient recipe for seasoning that can be used to make chili with or use as a seasoning.

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6

How to Make Homemade Fajita Seasoning

This Homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe is really easy to make and has lot of possible uses including making homemade fajitas. Made with common seasonings, this flavorful blend can make your homemade Mexican inspired meal, dips, or marinades even better.

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7

Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning Recipe

This Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning Recipe is certainly the secret to making your own great tasting chicken at home. Made with a variety of seasonings including paprika and cayenne pepper, this seasoning is the perfect balance of savory, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.

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8

Copycat Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Recipe

This Copycat Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Recipe is easy to make and has a multitude of uses. Made with paprika, celery salt, and cayenne, this seasoned salt blend is perfect on about anything from cooked vegetables to popcorn.

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9

Homemade Adobo Seasoning,

This Homemade Adobo Seasoning is made with the perfect blend of spices that reminds us of the flavors of Mexican, Latin, and Filipino cuisine. Made with chili powder and paprika, this versatile seasoning blend is bold, savory, and somewhat spicy, making it perfect for about anything from tacos to popcorn.

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10

Homemade Southwest Seasoning

This Homemade Southwest Seasoning Recipe is made with the perfect blend of spices that reminds us of the flavors of the American Southwest. Made with paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, this seasoning is bold, savory, and somewhat spicy, making it perfect for about anything from tacos to popcorn.

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11

Carne Asada Seasoning

This Carne Asada Seasoning is the perfect dry rub for meats or poultry. Made with smoked paprika and chili powder, this homemade asada seasoning has the perfect combination of savory flavors with a bit of heat.

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12

Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning Recipe

This Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning Recipe has a multitude of uses. Made with True Lime Crystals and Guajillo Powder, this seasoning has the perfect balance of spicy heat and citrusy flavors.

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Homemade Sauces and Condiments

Skip the store-bought bottles and try these homemade sauces and condiments instead. They’re quick to mix up, packed with flavor, and perfect for burgers, pizza night, tacos, grilled meats, and dipping

13

Easy Homemade Ketchup,

This Easy Homemade Ketchup is perfect for anyone who wants to know exactly what goes into their favorite condiment and save a bit of money while doing so. Made with tomato paste, this rich homemade ketchup has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a blend of your favorite spices. A simple recipe for a favorite condiment that can be made in about 15 minutes using common ingredients

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14

Homemade Barbecue Sauce

This Homemade Barbecue Sauce is perfect for grilling, roasting, or for dipping your homemade Fries or Potato Wedges into. Made with a blend of tomato ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup, this homemade sauce has a tangy base that is perfectly balanced with both savory spices and sweet maple syrup.

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15

How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce,

This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is so easy to make using simple ingredients. Made with soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar, this versatile sauce is sweet and savory, making it perfect as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce. A quick and easy 5 minute recipe for a delicious Asian marinade, glaze or dipping sauce.

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16

10 Minute Homemade Pizza Sauce

This 10 Minute Homemade Pizza Sauce is full of delicious tomato flavor. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, this Neapolitan style sauce is naturally sweet and slightly chunky making for a delicious sauce to use on your next pizza. Simple and delicious sauce recipe made in the Neapolitan style with San Marzano tomatoes.

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17

5 Minute Copycat Big Mac Sauce

5 Minute Copycat Big Mac Sauce, a simple one bowl condiment recipe for a creamy and tangy sauce for burgers or dipping into. This recipe for 5 Minute Copycat Big Mac Sauce is irresistibly good and somewhat addictive.

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18

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

This Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce is easy to make and has a multitude of uses. Made with white wine vinegar and light soy sauce, this red colored sauce is a versatile balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy goodness. A simple condiment and versatile or dip recipe that is sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy.

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19

This Homemade Salsa Roja Recipe

This Homemade Salsa Roja Recipe takes about 15 minutes to put together. Made with fresh tomatoes and two kinds of chilis, this robust homemade salsa is bold, rich, and smoky, making it perfect as a dip for your next gathering or as a topping on your favorite meal.

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20

Homemade Salsa Verde Recipe

This Homemade Salsa Verde Recipe is perfect as a dip or as a sauce. Made with tomatillos, jalapeño pepper, and garlic, this green colored salsa is savory, spicy, and somewhat tangy. A simple and flavorful Mexican inspired green dip or sauce made with tomatillos, jalapeño pepper, and garlic.

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21

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

This Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe takes about 10 minutes to put together. Made with fresh parsley and oregano in a garlicky vinaigrette, this versatility sauce is bright green with a slightly chunky texture. A simple 10 minute condiment or sauce recipe made with fresh ingredients in a garlicky vinaigrette.

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Dressings, Dips, and Pantry Basics

A few homemade dressings and pantry basics can go a long way in the kitchen. These recipes are especially helpful when you’re out of the bottled version but still need something fast for salads, dips, baking, or meal prep.

22

Copycat Olive Garden Italian Dressing

This Copycat Olive Garden Italian Dressing tastes just like the original. Made with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, this simple salad dressing is tangy, savory, and slightly creamy.

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23

Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dip

This Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing and Dip has a multitude of uses. Made with buttermilk and seasonings this classic recipe is creamy and tangy, making it perfect for about anything.

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24

10 Minute Poppy Seed Dressing

This 10 Minute Poppy Seed Dressing has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Made with apple cider vinegar, dried minced onion, and mayonnaise, this simple dressing is slightly creamy and savory, making it perfect for dressing your next salad or dipping your fresh fruit into.

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25

How to Make Brown Sugar

This is for those of us who have often asked How to Make Brown Sugar. Made with just two ingredients, this homemade brown sugar tastes just like the store-bought stuff, sweet and near carmel-like.

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Tips for Making and Storing Pantry Staples

Making pantry staples at home is simple, budget-friendly, and a great way to use ingredients you already have on hand. These helpful tips can make it easier to mix, store, and use homemade seasonings, sauces, dressings, and dry mixes.

1. Label everything clearly. Store homemade pantry staples in jars or airtight containers and label them with the name and date so they are easy to find and use.
2. Start with small batches. When trying a new seasoning blend, sauce, or mix, make a smaller amount first so you can adjust the flavor if needed.
3. Use fresh spices for the best flavor. Homemade seasoning blends taste best when your spices are fresh and flavorful.
4. Store dry mixes in airtight containers. Dry pantry staples like seasoning blends and soup mixes keep best in a cool, dry place.
5. Refrigerate sauces and dressings. Homemade sauces, condiments, and dressings should usually be stored in the refrigerator in sealed containers.
6. Adjust flavors to fit your taste. One of the best parts of making pantry staples at home is being able to control the salt, sweetness, and spice level.
7. Double your favorites. Once you find the pantry staples you use most often, make a bigger batch to save time later.
8. Check each recipe for storage details. Since homemade pantry staples can vary, always follow the individual recipe’s storage and shelf life instructions for the best results.
9. Think about convenience Keep homemade seasoning blends in small jars near the stove for easy weeknight cooking
10. Keep it fresh. Always label dry mixes with the date so older spices don’t lose flavor
11. Store correctly.
    Use each recipe’s storage instructions because sauces and dry mixes keep differently

Final Thoughts

If you are tired of running out of the little pantry staples that make dinner easier, these homemade recipes are a great place to start. From seasoning blends and dry mixes to sauces, dressings, and pantry basics, making your own can save money and help you use ingredients you already have on hand. Bookmark this roundup so you will always have easy homemade pantry staples ready whenever you need them.

25 Pantry Staples You Should Stop Buying and Start Making. From taco seasoning to pizza sauce these easy recipes are budget-friendly and tasty