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    Home » Best Of

    17 Make-It-Yourself Pantry Recipes to Stretch Your Food Budget

    Modified: May 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · Published: Feb 12, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links and Amazon links

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    Stocking your kitchen with make-it-yourself pantry recipes ensures you always have essential staples on hand without relying on store-bought versions. From bread and condiments to baking mixes and snacks, homemade alternatives save money, reduce preservatives, and let you control the ingredients. These simple, practical recipes help build a well-stocked pantry with fresh, reliable options for everyday meals.

    Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

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    Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Pickling red onions at home ensures you always have a tangy, crunchy topping ready for sandwiches, tacos, and salads. A quick soak in vinegar, salt, and a bit of sweetener transforms sliced onions into a bright, flavorful addition to your meals. Making them yourself means skipping store-bought versions packed with preservatives. These onions last for weeks in the fridge and take just 10 minutes to prepare. Keeping a jar in your pantry adds convenience and a fresh pop of flavor without last-minute grocery runs.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

    Easy Creamy Homemade Nutella Spread Recipe

    A spoonful of chocolate hazelnut spread being lifted from a glass jar, with a bagel covered in the spread in the background.Pin
    Easy Creamy Homemade Nutella Spread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Skip store-bought jars and make your own chocolate hazelnut spread with just a handful of pantry staples. Roasted hazelnuts blend smoothly with cocoa powder, a touch of sweetener, and a bit of oil for a creamy, spreadable result. This homemade version avoids unnecessary additives and lets you control the ingredients. Perfect for toast, pancakes, or stirring into oatmeal, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Keep a jar on hand to enjoy a rich, nutty spread without relying on the supermarket.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Creamy Homemade Nutella Spread Recipe

    Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

    A knife spreads creamy mayonnaise from a jar on a wooden surface, with oranges and a striped cloth nearby.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making mayonnaise at home ensures you always have a fresh, preservative-free option without relying on store-bought jars. With just a handful of pantry staples like eggs, oil, and lemon juice, this recipe comes together in minutes using a blender or whisk. The creamy texture and rich flavor work well in sandwiches, salads, and dressings. Without artificial additives or stabilizers, homemade mayonnaise tastes fresher and allows you to control the ingredients. Keeping a batch in the fridge means never having to run to the store for a simple condiment.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

    Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Three glass jars filled with red jam, each with a silver lid and a red-and-white striped ribbon, are placed on a white cloth.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade strawberry syrup uses real fruit and simple ingredients to create a sweet, versatile topping without relying on store-bought bottles. Fresh or frozen strawberries simmer with sugar and water to form a thick, pourable syrup perfect for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. Unlike commercial syrups loaded with artificial flavors and corn syrup, this version keeps things simple and natural. It stores well in the fridge, making it a great addition to breakfast or dessert any time. Keeping a jar on hand ensures you always have a homemade option ready without depending on the supermarket.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

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    Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This no-knead artisan cheese bread delivers a crisp crust and soft, cheesy interior with minimal effort. Mixing basic pantry staples with cheese and letting the dough rise overnight creates a rich, flavorful loaf without the need for kneading. Unlike store-bought bread, this version contains no preservatives and offers a fresher, homemade alternative for soups, sandwiches, or snacking. Baking a batch ensures you have a hearty, homemade bread ready without needing a special trip to the bakery. Keeping a loaf on hand means always having a fresh, flavorful option for your meals
    Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

    Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

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    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These soft, fluffy dinner rolls use condensed milk for a rich texture and slightly sweet flavor. With a simple mix of pantry ingredients, they come together easily and bake to a golden brown, making them perfect for meals or sandwiches. Unlike store-bought rolls, this homemade version contains no unnecessary preservatives and offers a fresher, more flavorful alternative. Baking a batch ensures you always have homemade bread available without needing to rely on supermarket options. Keeping a few on hand means a warm, homemade side is always ready to complement any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

    Stovetop Homemade Sourdough English Muffins Recipe

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    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These stovetop sourdough English muffins cook up soft on the inside and crisp on the outside, perfect for breakfast sandwiches or toasting. Using sourdough discard or starter, this recipe skips commercial yeast while developing a deep, natural flavor. Cooking them on the stovetop means no need for a special oven setup, making them a practical choice for any kitchen. Unlike store-bought muffins with additives, this homemade version offers a fresher, more wholesome alternative. Keeping a batch in the freezer ensures you always have a ready-to-go breakfast option without relying on packaged varieties.
    Get the Recipe: Stovetop Homemade Sourdough English Muffins Recipe

    Sourdough Discard Crackers

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    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Turn extra sourdough discard into crunchy, flavorful crackers that store well for weeks. With just a few basic ingredients, these crackers bake up quickly, making them a practical way to reduce food waste while stocking your pantry. Their sturdy texture makes them perfect for pairing with cheese, spreads, or soups. Unlike store-bought crackers that often contain preservatives and oils, these use simple, whole ingredients from your kitchen. Keeping a batch on hand means having a homemade snack ready without relying on packaged options.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Crackers

    Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift

    A jar with a red ribbon, a whisk, and a bottle of syrup are placed in a wooden bowl next to a patterned kitchen towel.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This pancake mix in a mason jar makes a thoughtful, practical gift while ensuring you always have a homemade breakfast option ready. Layered dry ingredients create a visually appealing presentation, and adding fresh eggs and milk transforms the mix into fluffy pancakes in minutes. Unlike store-bought mixes, this version contains no unnecessary preservatives and can be customized to suit your preferences. It stores well in the pantry, making it a convenient, make-ahead option for busy mornings. Keeping a few jars stocked means you’ll always have a quick, homemade breakfast or a last-minute gift on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift

    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

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    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This mason jar soup mix makes it easy to prepare a warm, homemade meal with simple pantry ingredients. Layering dried beans, seasonings, and grains in a jar creates a shelf-stable mix that only requires water or broth to turn into a hearty soup. Unlike pre-packaged soup mixes, this version contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Keeping a few jars stocked ensures you always have a quick, homemade dinner option ready when needed. It also makes a practical, thoughtful gift that provides a homemade meal without extra effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

    Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

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    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This sourdough pizza dough recipe makes it easy to create fresh, homemade pizza with a crisp crust and rich flavor. Using sourdough discard or active starter, this dough ferments naturally, developing a depth of flavor that store-bought crusts can’t match. The step-by-step process ensures a reliable result, whether baking in a standard oven or on a pizza stone. Keeping a batch ready in the fridge or freezer means homemade pizza night is always an option without needing a trip to the grocery store. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dough makes homemade pizza both easy and rewarding.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

    Sourdough Discard Tortillas

    A stack of homemade flatbreads on a wooden cutting board, with a rolling pin in the background.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    These homemade tortillas make great use of sourdough discard, turning it into soft, flexible wraps without waste. Simple ingredients like flour, water, and oil create a sturdy yet pliable tortilla perfect for tacos, burritos, or wraps. Unlike store-bought tortillas that often contain preservatives and stabilizers, this version stays fresh with basic pantry ingredients. Cooking them in a skillet takes just minutes, making them a quick, homemade alternative. Keeping a stack ready ensures you always have fresh tortillas on hand without a grocery trip.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Tortillas

    How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

    A hand squeezing a piece of soft white homemade marshmallows.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Making marshmallows at home allows you to skip store-bought versions that often contain cornstarch and artificial additives. With simple ingredients like gelatin, sugar, and vanilla, this recipe creates soft, fluffy marshmallows perfect for hot cocoa, s’mores, or snacking. The process takes just a short time, and the result is a fresher, homemade treat without unnecessary fillers. Unlike packaged marshmallows, these store well and can be customized to different flavors or shapes. Keeping a batch on hand means always having a homemade option ready for special treats or holiday baking.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

    How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

    A glass jar filled with pancake syrup on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.Pin
    Homemade pancake syrup made with brown sugar. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade pancake syrup comes together with pantry ingredients, creating a smooth, pourable topping without artificial flavors. A mix of sugar, water, and optional flavor additions like vanilla or maple extract provides a rich taste without preservatives. Unlike store-bought syrups, this version avoids corn syrup and unnecessary additives. It stores well in a jar, making it easy to have a homemade option ready for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Keeping a batch stocked means never having to rely on a store-bought bottle.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    An open jar of creamy sourdough starter on a wooden table with a metal whisk nearby.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This method for making a sourdough starter relies on natural fermentation, skipping commercial yeast altogether. With just flour and water, this process captures wild yeast from the air, developing into a strong, active starter in about a week. Unlike store-bought yeast packets, a homemade starter allows you to bake fresh, naturally leavened bread anytime. Once established, it can be maintained indefinitely, eliminating the need to depend on grocery store yeast supplies. Keeping a healthy sourdough starter ensures you can always bake homemade bread without relying on store-bought ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    A loaf of golden-brown baked bread sits in a metal pan, resting on a dark surface.Pin
    Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This homemade sandwich bread costs less than store-bought loaves while offering a fresher, preservative-free option. With just a few pantry staples, it bakes up soft and sturdy enough for sandwiches, toast, or French toast. Making it at home ensures control over ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives found in packaged bread. It stores well and slices easily, making it a practical choice for everyday meals. Keeping a homemade loaf on hand means never running out of bread when you need it.
    Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

    A jar of dill pickles is surrounded by various spices on a countertop.Pin
    Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    These homemade spicy dill pickle spears provide a crisp, tangy crunch with a kick of heat. A simple brine of vinegar, salt, and spices ensures they pickle quickly, making them a great alternative to store-bought versions. Without preservatives or artificial stabilizers, these pickles offer a fresher option that can be adjusted for spice level. Keeping a few jars in your fridge means you’ll always have a homemade, flavorful snack or side ready. Making them at home ensures you never run out when craving something crisp and tangy.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

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    About Sarita Harbour

    Sarita Harbour is a long-time freelance writer, blogger, and homesteader who has been creating online content for over 15 years. She’s the founder of An Off Grid Life, where she shares practical advice on self-reliance, homesteading, off-grid living, and homeschooling based on her 11-year adventure living in Canada’s remote Northwest Territories.

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    Sarita Harbour.

    I'm Sarita. My family and I lived off the grid for 11 years in Canada's far north. If I did it, you can too.

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