Kitchen Basics

Kitchen Basics

18 Staples You Should Always Have in Your Pantry

Posted by Paula Cilia on September 7, 2016

Having a well-stocked pantry is key to making quick and easy meals. You may be surprised at how a few choice ingredients can go a long way.

  • Canned Tomatoes
     
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    Canned Tomatoes

    <p>Canned tomatoes (homemade or store-bought) are a versatile pantry staple; whip up a quick pasta or pizza sauce, add it to a chili or make it the base of a soup.</p> <p>Try this recipe for <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/meat-balls-in-tomato-sauce/5689/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meat Balls in Tomato Sauce</a></strong></p> <p>Does your pantry need a refresh? Get inspired with this <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/home-tours/videos/colourful-pantry-makeover/83625c48-00c0-11ea-a9fc-e6da4f8f1881/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">colourful pantry makeover</a>.</p>
  • Dried Fruit
     
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    Dried Fruit

    <p>Perfect for snacking or for baking recipes, dried fruit should be a regular in your cupboard. Add it to your oatmeal, favourite cookie mix, or simply munch on it on its own.</p><p>Try making a <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/blue-cheese-and-dried-fruit-terrine/9073/">Dried Fruit Terrine</a></strong></p>
  • Dijon Mustard
     
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    Dijon Mustard

    <p>Added to salads or used plain, Dijon mustard is a great flavour booster to keep around the kitchen.&nbsp;</p><p>Learn how to make a basic vinaigrette <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/archives/blog/making-a-basic-salad-vinaigrette/10739/">here</a></strong></p>
  • Crackers
     
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    Crackers

    <p>If you're out of breadcrumbs or panko, crackers make an equally tasty breading alternative. They also make a quick and easy snack for kids.</p><p>Try substituting it in this <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/farfalle-with-shrimps-and-garlic-breadcrumbs/9442/">Farfalle with Shrimp and Garlic Breadcrumbs</a></strong> recipe&lt;/p
  • Canned Tuna
     
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    Canned Tuna

    <p>If you're in a pinch for a quick lunch look no further! Canned tuna is a quick and easy (and not to mention yummy) lunch option.</p><p>Check out these <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/11-creative-ways-to-use-canned-tuna/#!c52daa3fe9414831fb5a8288a551f5a9">11 creative ways to use canned tuna</a></strong>.</p>
  • Pasta
     
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    Pasta

    <p>Since dry pasta has a&nbsp;super long shelf life, there are no limits to how many bags you can keep on hand. Pasta is a great weeknight meal in a pinch; paired with your stocked tomato sauce you'll have dinner in no time!</p><p>Try making <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/penne-with-basil-pesto/13252/">Michael Smith's Penne with Basil Pesto</a></p>
  • Ketchup
     
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    Ketchup

    <p>This popular condiment can be used for more than just a tasty sauce for your hot dogs and fries. You can also use it for curries, too!</p><p>Try this <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/lamb-curry-with-sweet-coconut-rice/13358/">Lamb Curry with Sweet Coconut Rice recipe</a></strong></p>
  • Maple Syrup
     
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    Maple Syrup

    <p>Syrup is not something you want to run out of just before sitting down for pancakes or waffles. It also makes a sugar substitute for many baking recipes.</p><p>Try making this <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/maple-cookies-with-maple-glaze/14926/">Maple Cookies with Maple Glaze recipe</a></strong></p>
  • Oatmeal
     
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    Oatmeal

    <p>A breakfast must-have or a quick baking addition, rolled oats should always be on your pantry list.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/raisin-pecan-oatmeal-cookies/17440/"><strong>Ina Garten's Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies</strong></a></p>
  • Jam
     
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    Jam

    <p>Keep a selection of jams in the pantry for days you're craving a different flavour. Jams are also great to have on hand for baking especially during the holiday season.</p> <p>Get the recipes for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/blog/how-to-make-strawberry-jam/29687/" target="_blank"><strong>Strawberry Jam</strong></a>
  • Quinoa
     
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    Quinoa

    <p>This grain sits somewhere in between the beans and rice. It' a great weeknight side dish or the star of a main salad.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/farmers-market-quinoa-salad-with-squash-blossoms/18166/" target="_blank"><strong>Farmers Market Quinoa Salad with Squash Blossoms</strong></a></p>
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
     
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    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    <p>Olive oil is great for anything and everything! Stock up when it's on sale so you'll never run out!</p> <p>Try making <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/michael-smiths-olive-oil-cake/10448/">Michael Smith's Olive Oil Cake</a></strong></p>
  • Chicken Stock
     
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    Chicken Stock

    <p>Whether you want to whip up a quick soup or throw together a rice dish, chicken stock is a must-have staple in the kitchen.</p><p>Try making <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tyler-florences-chicken-noodle-soup/17387/">Tyler Florence's Chicken Noodle Soup</a></strong></p>
  • Rice
     
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    Rice

    <p>The possibilities are endless with this grain. Whether as a meal or a side dish, rice is a multipurpose staple that you can build your recipes from.</p><p>Try making a <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-shrimp-and-pineapple-fried-rice/16360/">Spicy Shrimp and Pineapple Fried Rice</a></strong></p>
  • Beans
     
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    Beans

    <p>Beans can be the best weeknight side dish or added to a salad or stew. Run through the food processor, and you can make a great dip! Keep a variety stocked so you'll never run out of options. </p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/black-bean-beet-hummus/18609/">Black Bean Beet Hummus</a></strong></p>
  • Coffee
     
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    Coffee

    <p>Make sure to include this staple on your shopping list; if you're keeping extra stashes in the cupboard be sure not to break the seal to ensure optimal freshness.</p> Try making a <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chai-coffee-cake/11479/">Chai Coffee Cake</a></strong></a></p>
  • Flour
     
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    Flour

    <p>Whether you prefer whole wheat, white, spelt or gluten-free, flour comes in handy for a variety of recipes, including sauces, bakes and homemade pancakes.</p><p>Try making a basic <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/basic-bechamel-sauce/8326/">Bechamel Sauce</a></strong></p>
  • Canned Fruits and Vegetables
     
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    Canned Fruits and Vegetables

    <p>From soups and stews to a shepherd's pie, canned vegetables make a great backup when you don't have time to get to the store.</p><p>Try making <strong><a target="_self" href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/shepherds-pie-with-squashed-potatoes/9157/">Shepherd's Pie with "Squashed" Potatoes</a></strong>
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