• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
An Off Grid Life
  • Off The Grid
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Off The Grid
  • Self-Reliance
  • Homesteading
  • Food
  • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Off The Grid
    • Self-Reliance
    • Homesteading
    • Food
    • SHOP
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Best Of

    21 Must-Have Pantry Staples You Can Make at Home

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 9, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
    Share!
    XFacebookEmailFlipboardPinterest

    Stocking your kitchen with must-have pantry staples is easier than you might think. I’ve pulled together 21 essentials you can make right at home. These staples save money, reduce waste, and taste better than store-bought versions. Whether you're looking to simplify your shopping list or enjoy fresher ingredients, these DIY options are a game changer. Let’s start filling those shelves with homemade goodness!

    Easy Oatmeal Cookies

    Pin
    Easy Oatmeal Cookies. Photo credit: Recipes From A Pantry.

    These easy oatmeal cookies are a must-have for pantry staples. With ingredients you likely already have on hand, they’re perfect for whipping up a quick, comforting snack.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Oatmeal Cookies

    Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

    Pin
    Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Condensed milk dinner rolls are a must-have for pantry staples. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and rely on basic ingredients you probably already stock in your kitchen.
    Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

    Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

    Pin
    Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Crisp pickled watermelon rind is a must-have for pantry staples. It’s a great way to use every part of the watermelon, turning leftovers into a tasty, tangy treat.
    Get the Recipe: Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

    Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift

    Pin
    Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    This mason jar pancake mix is a must-have for pantry staples, making breakfast easy and gift-giving even easier. The mix is simple to prepare with ingredients you likely have on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift

    Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

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

    Quick pickled red onions are a must-have for pantry staples, adding a burst of flavor to any dish. They’re easy to make and keep well in the pantry for those moments when you need something extra.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

    Pin
    Chicken Jerky Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Chicken jerky is a must-have for pantry staples, offering a savory snack that’s perfect for storing and snacking. It’s simple to prepare with ingredients you already have.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam

    Pin
    How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Strawberry jam is a must-have for pantry staples, preserving fresh fruit into something you can enjoy year-round. Canning it ensures you always have a sweet spread on hand.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam

    How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable

    Pin
    How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade applesauce is a must-have for pantry staples, turning fresh apples into a versatile snack. It’s great to keep stocked in your pantry for quick access.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable

    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Pin
    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade sandwich bread is a must-have for pantry staples, offering a soft, fresh loaf that’s perfect for everyday use. Baking your own bread means you’ll always have some on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Pin
    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    A sourdough starter is a must-have for pantry staples, especially when yeast isn’t available. It’s the foundation for homemade bread and easy to keep going once you start.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Quick and Easy Garlic Dill Pickle Canning Recipe

    Pin
    Quick and Easy Garlic Dill Pickle Canning Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Garlic dill pickles are a must-have for pantry staples, offering a tangy, crunchy snack that’s easy to can and keep. Perfect for adding flavor to sandwiches or salads.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Garlic Dill Pickle Canning Recipe

    Texas Style Smoked Turkey Breast

    Pin
    Texas Style Smoked Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Eat Your Beets.

    Smoked turkey breast is a must-have for pantry staples, adding rich, smoky flavor to your meals. It’s a versatile option that works for sandwiches, salads, or main dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Texas Style Smoked Turkey Breast

    Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

    Pin
    Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Gluten-free mayonnaise is a must-have for pantry staples, providing a creamy, homemade spread that’s easy to whip up when you’re out of store-bought options.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

    How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

    Pin
    How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade marshmallows are a must-have for pantry staples, offering a fluffy, sweet treat you can make with basic ingredients. Great for snacking, baking, or hot cocoa topping.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

    Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

    Pin
    Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Maple bacon bourbon jam is a must-have for pantry staples, delivering a savory and sweet spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or adding to a charcuterie board.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

    Chicken Schnitzel

    Pin
    Chicken Schnitzel. Photo credit: Veena Azmanov.

    Chicken schnitzel is a must-have for pantry staples, providing a crispy, golden dish that’s quick to prepare with ingredients you already have. Perfect for an easy dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Schnitzel

    How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

    Pin
    How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Homemade pancake syrup is a must-have for pantry staples, offering a sweet addition to your breakfast table. It’s easy to make and saves you a trip to the store.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

    Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Pin
    Strawberry Syrup Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Strawberry syrup is a must-have for pantry staples, adding fruity sweetness to your breakfast or desserts. With just a few ingredients, it’s a simple way to elevate your dishes.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Sourdough Discard Tortillas

    Pin
    Sourdough Discard Tortillas. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sourdough discard tortillas are a must-have for pantry staples, turning leftover sourdough starter into fresh, homemade tortillas. They’re perfect for wraps, tacos, or snacking.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Tortillas

    Sourdough Discard Crackers

    Pin
    Sourdough Discard Crackers. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sourdough discard crackers are a must-have for pantry staples, offering a crunchy snack made from your sourdough starter. They’re great for pairing with cheese or enjoying on their own.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Crackers

    Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Sourdough pizza dough is a must-have for pantry staples, providing a simple and delicious base for your homemade pizzas. With just a few ingredients, it’s an easy way to make a crowd-pleasing dish.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

    Share!
    XFacebookEmailFlipboardPinterest

    Primary Sidebar

    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.

    Learn more here →

    Popular

    • A brown glass dropper bottle of mullein garlic oil for ear aches sits between two heads of garlic, with dried herbs and a blue-striped cloth nearby on a white surface.
      Homemade DIY Mullein Garlic Oil for Ear Aches
    • my 2020 autumn off grid reading list: 5 books on my shelf text overlay on paperback titles
      Autumn Off Grid Reading List for 2025
    • Unique brand five-burner propane cooktop.
      Off Grid Appliances
    • A glass mason jar filled with amber liquid sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by whole and sliced apples, apple peels, and a peeler.
      How to Make Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    Privacy Policy

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions

      Newsletter

    • Sign Up Here
    • Sponsorship

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit
    • FAQs

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Harbour Content Development Inc.

    We improve our products and advertising by using Microsoft Clarity to see how you use our website. By using our site, you agree that we and Microsoft can collect and use this data. Our privacy policy has more details.