40+ Pantry Staple Meals, Homemade Condiments & Desserts

I don’t think of myself as a homesteader or a survivalist. I’m just a lady who likes to know how food is made. Turns out in a case like this, my obsession with homemade condiments, easy meals and simple staples is working to my benefit!

collage of pantry staple food and recipes


 

Here are my top recipes made with pantry staples, minimal fresh ingredients, frozen items AND homemade basics like mayonnaise, butter and bread. The only thing we don’t have is milk… because we don’t own a cow (joke).

We even have easy desserts made with pantry staples that we’ve been debuting in our Facebook LIVE series cooking with my 2-year old daughter, Vivian.

And also make sure to check out our common ingredient substitutions in case you are missing an ingredient and how to freeze food to make the most of what you have.

Easy dinner ideas, sauces, staples and desserts with just a handful of ingredients!

Dinners Made with Pantry Staples

overhead of 15 bean soup in a bowl with bread and cheese

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup

4.63 from 61 votes
This easy 15 Bean Soup Recipe goes from dry beans to deliciously magnificent in just an hour using out two chef-approved secret ingredients.
See The Recipe!
scoop of tuna casserole on wooden spoon

Fancy Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

4.72 from 42 votes
Fancy Tuna Noodle Casserole comes packed with bow tie pasta, seasoned panko, fresh vegetables and sun dried tomatoes! 
See The Recipe!
Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta is an easy and healthy shrimp pasta recipe. It's great for busy weeknights but full of flavor and sure to impress guests! #shrimppasta #shrimpmeals #shrimppastarecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta

4.50 from 16 votes
Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously easy and healthy shrimp pasta recipe. It’s full of flavor but quick and simple to make!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of mexican ground beef casserole in pan

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

4.62 from 26 votes
Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole is an easy weeknight recipe using ground beef, taco seasoning and other easy ingredients for a one dish meal your whole family will love! 
See The Recipe!
close up overhead shot of chicken bruschetta pasta

One Pot Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Recipe

4.93 from 38 votes
One Pot Chicken Bruschetta Pasta is uses only one dish and a handful of ingredients to make dinner for the whole family. Tomatoes, fennel, Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese make this a winning dish! 
See The Recipe!
A long hot dog on a bun covered in toppings

How to Boil Hot Dogs

You can’t get outside to grill? No problem! Throw everything you know about throwing a dog in water out the window because they are gourmet boiled hot dogs!
See The Recipe!
buttered noodles in a serving dish

Seasoned Butter Noodle Recipe

4.47 from 71 votes
A pasta side dish doesn't get any more delicious than this Seasoned Buttered Noodles recipe. With only 4 ingredients, this recipe couldn't be easier!
See The Recipe!
Close up peas and onions

Seasoned Peas and Onions

4.24 from 71 votes
Easy side dish recipes don't get much better than this Seasoned Peas and Onions recipe! You can't beat a dish that only requires four ingredients!
See The Recipe!
taco meat with tacos

Crockpot Taco Meat

4.78 from 22 votes
Making taco meat for a crowd has never been easier than this Crock Pot Taco Meat recipe! Only 3 ingredients, set it and forget it!
See The Recipe!
Instant Pot Chicken Paella is based off the traditional Spanish dish. Flavorful & ready in just minutes, this will be your go-to chicken and rice recipe. #chickenpaella #instantpotchickenrecipes #chickenandricerecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Instant Pot Chicken Paella

4.79 from 38 votes
Instant Pot Chicken Paella is based off the traditional Spanish dish. Flavorful & ready in just minutes, this will be your go-to chicken and rice recipe. 
See The Recipe!
This Franks and Beans recipe, aka Beanie Weenies, is made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version. Perfect as a quick and easy lunch or a classic camping food! #franksandbeans #homemadebeanieweenies www.savoryexperiments.com

Franks and Beans

4.66 from 52 votes
This Franks and Beans recipe is made with real beef hot dogs and less sugar than the canned version. Perfect as a quick and easy lunch or a classic camping food! 
See The Recipe!
wooden toothpick in a cocktail meatball

Cocktail Meatballs with Grape Jelly

4.21 from 127 votes
Grape Jelly Meatballs are easy to make with only THREE ingredients! Perfect for throwing into the crockpot as a party appetizer! 
See The Recipe!
overhead of pasta and peas recipe in a bowl

Pasta and Peas

4.11 from 19 votes
Pasta and Peas is an easy pasta recipe that the whole family will love. Only one pot and 10 ingredients to a family friendly meal!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of hearts of palm cakes on a platter with dipping sauce

Hearts of Palm Cakes Recipe

4.62 from 81 votes
Hearts of Palm Cakes are crunchy cakes made with hearts of palm, artichokes, garlic and panko served with a zesty garlic aioli.
See The Recipe!
angle of ham salad sandwich

Ham Salad Recipe

4.47 from 28 votes
The best Ham Salad Recipe using leftover ham, minced vegetables, hard boiled egg and a lightly seasoned creamy mayonnaise base. Serve with crackers or as a sandwich. 
See The Recipe!
Homemade Sloppy Joes are so easy to make! Use my special sweet heat sloppy Joe sauce recipe with ground pork, beef, chicken or even turkey! #homemadesloppyjoes #sloppyjoesauce #sloppyjoerecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Homemade Sloppy Joe Recipe

4.86 from 7 votes
Homemade Sloppy Joes are so easy to make! Use my special sweet heat sloppy Joe sauce recipe with ground pork, beef, chicken or even turkey! 
See The Recipe!
A close up of food on a plate, with Meatloaf and Onion

French Onion Meatloaf with Onion Gravy

4.28 from 44 votes
French Onion Meatloaf uses a blend of spices with caramelized onions and a savory onion gravy. The ultimate comfort meal.
See The Recipe!
A close up of a french dip sandwich

Garlic and Onion Roast Beef Sandwiches

5 from 3 votes
Garlic and Onion Roast Beef Sandwiches is one of our favorite lunch meals. Tender roast beef with caramelized onions, roasted garlic and a whipped horseradish cream sauce on buttery brioche rolls.
See The Recipe!
straight on shot of scoop taken out of breakfast casserole

Hashbrown and Sausage Casserole

4.41 from 161 votes
This Sausage Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole is loaded with delicious breakfast sausage, hash browns, and lots of cheese. One of the best breakfast casserole recipes for holiday breakfasts, Sunday brunch, or any other occasion.
See The Recipe!
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole combines layers of crispy tater tots with homemade sloppy Joe mix, cream cheese and cheddar for the ultimate quick meal or party food! #tatertotcasserole #sloppyjoes www.savoryexperiments.com

Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole

4.91 from 11 votes
Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole combines layers of crispy tater tots with homemade sloppy Joe mix, cream cheese and cheddar for the ultimate quick meal or party food! 
See The Recipe!
angle view of chicken in piccata sauce

Chicken Piccata Recipe

4.76 from 57 votes
Classic Chicken Piccata is an easy Italian recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes and explodes with flavors of lemon, caper and shallot.
See The Recipe!
salmon pattie with white creamy sauce on top

Southern Salmon Croquettes Recipe

4.22 from 985 votes
Salmon Croquettes are a southern classic! Full of salmon, peppers, onions and seasoning, this versatile dish is sure to be loved by all!
See The Recipe!
Crispy Baked Chicken is a melt-in-your-mouth oven fried chicken with tongue-tingling flavor that will leave you craving more. #crispybakedchicken #ovenbakedchicken #bestovenfriedchicken www.savoryexperiments.com

Crispy Baked Chicken

4.70 from 13 votes
Crispy Baked Chicken is not your typical modified version of Southern fried chicken. Instead, it uses a vinegar-based marinade for a tongue-tingling flavor to create the best oven fried chicken you’ll ever taste.
See The Recipe!
This semi-homemade Pulled Pork Sandwich is a quick and easy kid friendly option! It's an easy pulled pork recipe that will be ready in just 15 minutes! #pulledporksandwich #semihomemade #easypulledporkrecipe www.savoryexperiments.com

Easy BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich Recipes

5 from 4 votes
This semi-homemade Pulled Pork Sandwich is a quick and easy kid friendly option! It’s an easy pulled pork recipe that will be ready in just 15 minutes!
See The Recipe!
Mushroom Chicken and Rice Skillet is an easy one dish meal with loads of flavor like peas, mushrooms, shallots, sage and garlic.

Mushroom Chicken and Rice Skillet Recipe

5 from 2 votes
Mushroom Chicken and Rice Skillet is an easy one dish meal with loads of flavor like peas, mushrooms, shallots, sage and garlic.
See The Recipe!
Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are the best way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Mixed with cheese, eggs and a few other ingredients, you load them into a muffin tin and poof, you've got finger food mashed potatoes! #mashedpotatoes #mashedpotatocups www.savoryexperiments.com

Mashed Potato Cups

4.45 from 61 votes
Loaded Mashed Potato Cups are the best way to use leftover mashed potatoes. Mixed with cheese, eggs and a few other ingredients, you load them into a muffin tin and poof, you’ve got finger food mashed potatoes! 
See The Recipe!
Peach Chicken Picante is a quick dinner recipe using chicken, peaches and salsa! This delicious flavor combination will give you a sweet and spicy dish! #chickenbreastrecipes #easychickenrecipes #healthychickenrecipes www.savoryexperiments.com

Peach Chicken Picante Recipe

3.50 from 4 votes
Peach Chicken Picante is a quick dinner recipe using chicken, peaches and salsa to get a sweet and spicy dish. Serve over rice for a one dish meal!
See The Recipe!
close up of American goulash

Beef Goulash

4.63 from 8 votes
Classic goulash doesn't get any better than this Beef Goulash recipe! The perfect comforting meal for any weeknight!
See The Recipe!
Creamed Spinach Shells and Cheese uses creamed spinach as a sauce for an amazingly quick pasta dish, that you won't be able to get enough of! #spinachcreamsauce #creamedspinachrecipes www.savoryexperiments.com

Creamed Spinach Shells and Cheese

5 from 4 votes
Creamed Spinach Shells and Cheese uses creamed spinach as a sauce for an amazingly quick pasta dish, that you won’t be able to get enough of!
See The Recipe!
A close up of a sandwich on a plate, with Chicken and Salad

Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

4.65 from 14 votes
I've finally made the best chicken salad recipe! With grapes, celery, onions and walnuts, this Classic Chicken Salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch.
See The Recipe!
Pan fried pork chops plated

Brine Pork Chops Recipe

4.36 from 45 votes
This step-by-step guide will show you how to brine pork chops, tips for a juicy pork and the best pork brine recipe!
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of pan of authentic carbonara

Easy Authentic Carbonara Recipe

4.13 from 39 votes
Authentic Carbonara is an easy Italian pasta recipe using eggs, cheese and bacon. This is an easy carbonara recipe that any home cook can feel confident in making! 
See The Recipe!
close up of wooden spoon full of hamburger helper skillet

Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe

5 from 17 votes
Homemade Hamburger Helper Skillet is a  great ground beef recipe with cheddar cheese, seasonings and tomatoes all ready in 20-minutes! 
See The Recipe!
close up of chicken and rice soup

20-Minute Chicken Wild Rice Soup

4.50 from 8 votes
This 20-Minute Wild Rice Chicken Soup is an incredibly easy but flavorful 20 minute meal made with two kitchen hacks that will make your life so much easier! It’ll become a winter soup staple in your home!
See The Recipe!

Homemade Condiments and Staples

spreading knife in bowl of butter

How to Make Butter from Heavy Cream

4.27 from 234 votes
This Homemade Butter Recipe is ready in just 5 minutes using your blender, heavy cream, ice water and salt. You’ll wonder why you never made butter at home before! 
See The Recipe!
Blender Mayonnaise Recipe - Make mayonnaise in your blender in just 3 minutes! No additives or preservatives, use your favorite type of oil and control the salt. Use it in salad dressings, aioli and any recipe that calls for mayo! www.savoryexperiments.com

Blender Mayonnaise

4.67 from 9 votes
Do you know how easy it is to make homemade mayonnaise? SO EASY! Make my blender mayonnaise with 3 ingredients and 3 minutes today! 
See The Recipe!
pickled vegetables on a wood counter

How to Quickly Pickle Vegetables

4.33 from 40 votes
Step-by-step instructions on how to quickly pickle vegetables for salads, sides and any dish that needs a little pick me up. Plus ideas for the best vegetables to pickle! 
See The Recipe!
slices of no yeast 2 ingredient bread

No Yeast Bread Recipe

4.57 from 32 votes
This 2-Ingredient No Rise No Yeast Bread is perfect for those days when you need a loaf and can’t get to the store. Just a few ingredients and 40 minutes to delicious homemade bread!
See The Recipe!
overview angle of pickled red onion in a small glass jar

Quick Pickled Red Onion Recipe

4.60 from 10 votes
Quick Pickled Red Onion will quickly become the only pickled onions you ever make, with just 3 ingredients and limited prep time! 
See The Recipe!
overhead bowl of garlic aioli with lemons and crostini

Quick Garlic Aioli

4.39 from 34 votes
Quick Garlic Aioli is one of the easiest ways to punch up any dish or meal. Make this simple sauce in less than 5 minutes!
See The Recipe!
bread in a loaf pan

Cheddar Beer Bread

4.54 from 13 votes
Rich, buttery and cheesy, this easy to make Cheddar Beer Bread only requires 5 ingredients and NO RISING TIME!
See The Recipe!
Close up of pizza dipping into Garlic Butter Sauce

Garlic Butter Sauce for Pizza

Since you are eating frozen pizza instead of delivery, you’ll need to make your own homemade garlic butter dipping sauce!
See The Recipe!
no yeast potato bread in baking dish

No Yeast Potato Bread

4.35 from 46 votes
Thick and chewy No Yeast Potato Bread is an easy and quick homemade bread recipe perfect for deli sandwiches and more!
See The Recipe!
slice of homemade mozzarella cheese

Homemade Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

4.53 from 21 votes
Make fresh, homemade mozzarella cheese for a fraction of the cost with no added preservatives or additives.
See The Recipe!
whisking ingredients for yum yum sauce

Yum Yum Sauce Recipe (Easy!)

4.46 from 543 votes
Yum Yum Sauce is an easy sauce for seafood and vegetables.  Now you can make your favorite pink sauce at home!
See The Recipe!
butter basting no yeast bread

No Yeast Roasted Garlic Bread

4.72 from 14 votes
A spin-off of my most popular bread recipe, this one is laced with butter and roast garlic. No yeast and no rise time and only 6 ingredients!
See The Recipe!
chipotle ranch dressing pouring on to a salad

Chipotle Ranch Dressing

4.53 from 48 votes
Add some zing to your homemade ranch with this Chipotle Ranch Dressing recipe! Made with only 4 simple ingredients.
See The Recipe!

Desserts Made with Pantry Staples

overhead of edible cookie dough

Edible Cookie Dough Recipe (Easy!)

4.41 from 623 votes
Edible Cookie Dough is the perfect single serving cookie dough to satisfy your cravings without using eggs.
See The Recipe!
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a moist chocolate cake in a 9x13 pan with chocolate buttercream frosting. One of my favorite recipes from Grandma! #chocolatemayonnaisecake #chocolatecake #sheetcakerecipes #chocolatecakefromscratch www.savoryexperiments.com

Grandma’s Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake

4.27 from 61 votes
Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake is a moist chocolate cake in a 9×13 pan with chocolate buttercream frosting. One of my favorite recipes from Grandma!
See The Recipe!
oatmeal raisin cookies

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

4.75 from 8 votes
Chewy on the inside and crispy edges, these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are going to blow your mind!
See The Recipe!
overhead of cookies on a cooling rack

Copycat Crumbl Chocolate Chip Cookies

4.46 from 22 votes
These Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe. Giant bakery style cookies with chunks of chocolate.
See The Recipe!
Five Ingredient Banana Cupcakes are a fabulous alternative to making banana bread with overly ripe bananas. This easy cupcake recipe will blow your mind! #easycupcakerecipes #bananacupcakes #bananarecipes www.savoryexperiments.com

Banana Cupcakes

4.70 from 39 votes
Five Ingredient Banana Cupcakes are a fabulous alternative to making banana bread with overly ripe bananas. This easy cupcake recipe will blow your mind with flavor and ease! 
See The Recipe!
Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect easy homemade chocolate cupcakes for when you just NEED a cupcake but not an entire batch! Makes just 6 cupcakes! #smallbatchcupcakes #homemadechocolatecupcakes www.savoryexperiments.com

Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes

4.62 from 18 votes
Made using a few baking hacks, these Small Batch Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect easy chocolate cupcakes for when you just NEED a cupcake but not an entire batch!
See The Recipe!
Stack of Flourless Black Bean Brownies with a glass of milk

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

4.84 from 25 votes
Black Bean Brownies are delicious, rich gluten free brownies. Since they’re flourless brownies and the black beans are full of fiber, this is actually a healthy brownie recipe!
See The Recipe!
peanut butter cookies on a cooling rack

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

5 from 3 votes
Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies are gluten-free and easy to make! A twist on classic peanut butter cookies.
See The Recipe!
Stack of four classic no bake cookies

Classic No Bake Cookies

4.58 from 28 votes
If you’ve always thought oatmeal no bake cookies were difficult, this classic no bake cookie recipe will change your mind. With these tips, you’ll end up with the perfect peanut butter no bake cookies every time!
See The Recipe!
A close up of peanut butter cookies

Soft Peanut Butter Cookies

4.75 from 20 votes
Soft and chewy Peanut Butter Cookies made from scratch with a few pantry essentials.
See The Recipe!
stack of avocado brownies

Flourless Avocado Brownies

4.70 from 10 votes
Easy Avocado Brownies are made in the blender and ready in just 30 minutes. No flour and honey instead of sugar!
See The Recipe!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

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