• 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

    Food for Thought: 23 Essential Pantry Staples Every Prepper Needs

    Sarita Harbour.
    Modified: May 8, 2025 by Sarita Harbour · This post may contain affiliate links·
    Share!
    XFacebookEmailFlipboardPinterest

    When it comes to prepping, having the right supplies makes all the difference. I’ve put together a list of 23 essential pantry staples that every prepper should have on hand. These items not only help you stay prepared for unexpected situations but also make meal planning easier and more efficient. With a well-stocked pantry, you’ll have the basics covered, allowing you to whip up satisfying meals anytime. Let’s explore these must-have essentials that can support your prepper goals and enhance your daily cooking.

    Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    This no-knead artisan cheese bread is a must-have in your pantry for its rich flavor and simple preparation. With just a few pantry staples, you can enjoy warm, fresh bread that’s perfect for sandwiches or served alongside soups.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe

    Chicken Jerky Recipe

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

    Chicken jerky is a high-protein snack that’s easy to make and store, making it a great addition to your essential pantry staples. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or quick meals, it’s a flavorful treat you can enjoy anytime.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Jerky Recipe

    How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

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

    Making a sourdough starter without yeast is a rewarding way to create an essential pantry staple. This simple method allows you to harness natural fermentation for delicious bread, ensuring you have a reliable starter ready for all your baking needs.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

    Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

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

    This frugal homemade sandwich bread is an essential pantry staple that saves you money and tastes better than store-bought options. It's soft and fluffy, perfect for making sandwiches or toast, and is easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: Frugal Homemade Sandwich Bread Recipe

    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

    Mason jar soup mixes are a convenient and practical choice for essential pantry staples, providing a quick meal solution anytime. Layered ingredients make for a pretty presentation and ensure you have everything ready to go for a comforting soup whenever you need it.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Mason Jar Soup Mix Recipe

    How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

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

    Making homemade marshmallows is a fun way to create a sweet treat that’s a great addition to your essential pantry staples. These fluffy delights can be used for hot chocolate or desserts, and they’re simple to whip up with just a few ingredients.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Marshmallows Without Cornstarch

    Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

    Pin
    Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

    Spicy dill pickle spears add a zesty kick to any meal, making them a fun addition to essential pantry staples. They're perfect for snacking or as a side dish, and with just a few ingredients, you can easily make a batch to keep on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Spicy Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

    Strawberry Syrup Recipe

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

    This homemade strawberry syrup is a fantastic choice for essential pantry staples, adding a burst of fruity sweetness to pancakes or desserts. Made with simple ingredients, it's an easy way to keep that fresh summer flavor on hand all year round.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Syrup Recipe

    Sourdough Discard Tortillas

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

    Sourdough discard tortillas are a clever use of essential pantry staples, providing a flavorful option for wraps and quesadillas. They're simple to make and help reduce waste while adding a unique twist to your meals.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Tortillas

    How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam

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

    Homemade strawberry jam is a delightful essential pantry staple that brings the taste of summer to your breakfast table. This easy canning recipe allows you to preserve fresh strawberries for enjoying all year long, perfect for toast or dessert.
    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 versatile essential pantry staple that can be enjoyed on its own or used in baking. This easy recipe allows you to whip up a batch with just a few ingredients, making it a great option for a quick, healthy snack.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Applesauce + Free Printable

    Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies

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

    Soft, chewy, and delicious, these oatmeal cookies are a perfect addition to your essential pantry staples. With everyday ingredients, they make for a quick snack or a sweet treat to share with family and friends.
    Get the Recipe: Best Easy Oatmeal Cookies

    Easy Texas Smoked Turkey Breast

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

    Texas smoked turkey breast is a flavorful addition to your essential pantry staples, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a main dish. It’s easy to prepare and brings a smoky richness that elevates your meals without much effort.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Texas Smoked Turkey Breast

    Sourdough Discard Crackers

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

    Sourdough discard crackers are a crunchy, flavorful option for essential pantry staples. These easy-to-make snacks are perfect for pairing with cheese or spreads, making them a great addition to your pantry.
    Get the Recipe: Sourdough Discard Crackers

    Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

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

    These condensed milk dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and a delightful choice for essential pantry staples. They’re perfect for serving at dinner or enjoying with butter as a snack, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
    Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls

    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 charming and practical option for essential pantry staples, making breakfast quick and easy. Plus, it makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family who enjoy homemade breakfasts, combining convenience with a personal touch.
    Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Pancake Recipe: Easy Homemade Gift

    Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

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

    Pickled watermelon rind is a surprising and tasty addition to your essential pantry staples. This crunchy treat adds a sweet and tangy flavor to any meal or snack, showcasing how you can make use of every part of the fruit.
    Get the Recipe: Crisp Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe

    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 crunchy, flavorful option for essential pantry staples, ideal for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking. This quick canning recipe lets you enjoy homemade pickles with bold flavors that are easy to make and store.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Garlic Dill Pickle Canning Recipe

    Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

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

    This maple bacon bourbon jam is a deliciously unique pantry staple that adds a savory-sweet touch to breakfast dishes and sandwiches. With simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet spread that impresses while being easy to prepare.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Bourbon Jam

    How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

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

    Homemade pancake syrup is an essential pantry staple that enhances any breakfast with its rich sweetness. This simple recipe allows you to whip up a batch quickly, so you can enjoy fluffy pancakes topped with your own delicious syrup.
    Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Pancake Syrup

    Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

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

    This homemade mayonnaise is a versatile and essential pantry staple that’s simple to make. With a creamy texture and great flavor, it’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, and dips, ensuring you always have a tasty condiment on hand.
    Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Mayonnaise Recipe

    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 an essential pantry staple that brings great flavor to your homemade pizzas. With an easy step-by-step guide, you’ll have dough ready to top with your favorite ingredients for a delicious family meal.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Step-by-Step Sourdough Pizza Dough Recipe

    Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

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

    Pickled red onions are a vibrant and flavorful addition to essential pantry staples. They add a zesty kick to salads, sandwiches, or tacos, and this quick recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade pickles anytime you want a burst of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions

    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.