Pantry Staples to Make at Home (What’s Worth Making — and What I Buy Instead)

Cooking from scratch doesn’t mean making everything from scratch — and it definitely doesn’t mean doing it all at once. Over time, I’ve learned which pantry staples are worth making at home, which ones I make when I have the time, and which ones I’m perfectly happy to buy at the store.

This post is a practical look at pantry staples you can make at home, based on how we actually cook and eat.

As you go, I’ll share what’s worth making, what I still buy, and a few staples I want to start making myself, along with trusted recipes so you can decide what makes sense for your kitchen.

Take what fits, skip what doesn’t, and build a from-scratch pantry at your own pace.

Baking & Breakfast Staples

These are the pantry staples that make mornings and baking days easier around here. A few of them I make regularly, some I make when I’m already in the kitchen anyway, and a couple are things I’d love to start making more often.

1. Pancake Mix

I don’t actually keep a homemade pancake mix in my pantry. What works best for me is making a big batch of homemade pancakes and freezing them, so breakfast is already done and ready to grab.

That said, if you prefer having a mix on hand to quickly stir together fresh pancakes, this is a simple, reliable homemade pancake mix from Flour on My Fingers gives you the same from-scratch control without relying on boxed versions.

2. Waffle Mix

Just like with pancakes, I don’t actually keep a waffle mix in the pantry. Instead, I make a big batch of homemade waffles and freeze them so they’re ready to reheat on busy mornings.

It saves time and keeps breakfast simple.

If you’d rather have a dry mix ready to go and make waffles fresh, this homemade waffle mix from Yum Recipes is an easy option to keep on hand.

3. Cake Mix

I don’t make or buy boxed cake mixes. When we have cake, it’s usually for birthdays or special occasions, and I just make it from scratch.

We aren’t big cake eaters in this family, so it’s not something I keep stocked. If you like having a homemade “boxed” mix ready for quick cakes, though, this DIY cake mix from Gari’s Gallery is a good option to have on hand.

4. Brownie Mix

Brownies aren’t something we eat very often around here either. When I do make them, I usually bake them from scratch — or (gasp!) occasionally grab a boxed mix for convenience.

It’s not a staple I keep on hand, but if you like the idea of a homemade brownie mix ready to go, this DIY brownie mix from Savory Experiments is a good option to have in the pantry.

5. Biscuit Mix

I’ll be honest — I hate Bisquick biscuits.

Years ago, I used to keep a jar of DIY biscuit mix on hand, using a recipe from an old Family Fun Cookbook I had. But I gave that cookbook to my son a while back. I don’t use a mix anymore anyways.

These days, if I want biscuits, I just make them from scratch.

But if you’re looking for a homemade option to replace boxed Bisquick, this homemade Bisquick-style mix from The Feathered Nester is a good alternative.

6. Muffin Mix

I’ve never kept a muffin mix on hand. When I want muffins, I just make them from scratch.

It’s one of those things that doesn’t feel worth pre-mixing for me. But if you like the idea of having a basic muffin mix ready to go, this all-purpose muffin mix from A Cultivated Nest is a good option to keep in the pantry.

7. Bread

I’ve baked homemade bread on and off over the years, but it’s never been something I’ve done consistently. This year, though, my goal is to completely replace store-bought bread — everything from sandwich bread to English muffins, bagels, and tortillas.

I’m working toward homemade loaves without the bread machine, along with sourdough. But if you are new to baking bread, I’d recommend starting with the bread machine.

It’s the easiest way to get started.

I’ll share my mother-in-law’s recipe soon, but for now, this basic white bread recipe from Graceful Little Honey Bee is a good reference if you’re looking for a straightforward homemade loaf.

8. Dinner Rolls

The one and only time I ever made dinner rolls was for Christmas, years ago. They’re not an everyday staple around here, and honestly, they’re never as good as my mom’s anyways.

But if you’re looking for a dependable homemade dinner roll recipe, this one from Genuinely Jana is a great place to start.

9. Hamburger Buns

Hamburger buns are one of those things I want to make, but haven’t tackled yet. It’s on my list, especially as I work toward replacing more store-bought breads at home.

When I do start making them regularly, I want something sturdy enough to hold a good burger but still soft and homemade.

If you’re ready to start making your own hamburger buns, this recipe from Mommy’s Memorandum looks like a solid option to try.

Broths, Soups & Cooking Bases

This is one of the easiest places to stop relying on store-bought pantry items. Homemade broths, soups, and cooking bases are simple, forgiving, and made from things you’re already using in the kitchen.

I make some of these regularly and some only when it makes sense. But once you start keeping a few basics on hand, they become the foundation for a lot of everyday meals.

1. Chicken Broth (or Bone Broth)

Whenever I have leftover chicken bones or a whole carcass, I make stock. Turkey works just as well, especially after the holidays.

It’s one of those things I don’t overthink—if the bones are there, stock is getting made. My homemade chicken stock recipe is simple, made with ingredients I usually already have on hand, and perfect for keeping in the freezer for soup season.

2. Beef Broth

I haven’t made beef broth yet, but I really should. It’s one of those pantry staples that makes so many meals better, especially soups, stews, and gravies.

If you have beef bones on hand, it just makes sense to turn them into something useful instead of tossing them.

If you want to give it a try, this homemade beef stock recipe from The Prairie Homestead is a great place to start.

3. Ham Broth (Ham Stock)

I don’t usually make ham broth on its own. If I’m making ham soup, I just start with the ham bone right in the pot with the vegetables and let it all simmer together.

That’s the broth. No extra steps, no separating it out — it works just fine.

But if you do want to make ham stock separately to keep on hand, this ham stock recipe from Make Healthy Recipes is a good option.

4. Vegetable Stock

This one is still on my to-do list. It’s a great way to use up vegetable scraps and add flavor without much effort. When I finally start making it myself, this vegetable stock recipe from Elizabeth Rider is the one I’ll be using as a guide.

5. Bone Broth

I’ve really grown to love making bone broth and just started doing it not too long ago. It’s something I plan to make more often, especially since it’s an easy way to use what we already have and add extra nutrition to everyday meals.

Once you get in the habit, it’s hard not to keep a batch going.

This bone broth recipe from A Modern Homestead is a great reference if you’re getting started or want a simple method to follow.

6. Cream of Anything Soup Mix

Cream of anything soups are just not good for you, and this is one I really want to replace with a homemade version. It’s been on my to-do list for a while because it would make casseroles and soups so much easier, without relying on canned soups.

When I’m ready to start making it regularly, this homemade cream soup mix from Little House Big Barn is the one I plan to try.

7. Gravy

I never buy gravy. I always make it from pan drippings, using my mother-in-law’s method.

It’s something I don’t even think twice about anymore. I’ll be sharing her recipe someday, but for now, if you want to make homemade gravy from drippings, this recipe from My Forking Life is a solid place to start.

8. Butter

Butter is definitely on my wish list. I haven’t made it yet, but I love that it can be done right in a stand mixer.

That makes it feel much more doable. When I’m ready to try it, this homemade butter recipe from The Duvall Homestead is the one I’ll start with.

9. Lard

This is also on my wish list. I haven’t rendered lard yet, but it’s something I really want to start doing.

Especially for baking and cooking the old-fashioned way. When I’m ready to try it, this lard rendering tutorial from Little House Big Barn is a good place to start.

10. Tallow

I really want to learn how to make tallow. I want it for cooking, but also for homemade lotion.

My daughter-in-law made lotion with venison tallow, and it was amazing. Hard to keep my feet away from the dogs, though. 😂

When I’m ready to try it myself, this tallow tutorial from Bumblebee Apothecary is the one I’ll be using.

Condiments, Sauces, and Seasonings

It’s really easy to make your own condiments, sauces, and seasonings at home. But you don’t have to.

Sometimes we only make something because we’ve run out and it’s going to be a while before we hit the store. Lately, though, we’re trying to make more than we buy.

1. Taco Seasoning

We usually buy taco seasoning in bulk from Sam’s Club because we use a lot of it. We make burritos often.

When we’ve run out, though, we’ve made it homemade, and it’s really easy to do. If you want to make your own instead of buying it, this homemade taco seasoning recipe from Hawk Point Homestead works well.

2. Chili Seasoning

This one’s the same story as taco seasoning. We usually buy it, and only make it homemade when we run out.

It’s quick to throw together and easy to adjust if you like more or less heat.

If you want to make your own, this chili seasoning recipe from Vegan in the Freezer is a good one to use.

3. Ranch Seasoning

This is one I want to start making. We use ranch seasoning often enough that it would make sense to have a homemade version on hand.

I just haven’t gotten there yet. When I do, this ranch seasoning mix from Smart Schoolhouse is the one I plan to try.

4. Garlic Powder

This one is also on my wish list. I’d love to start making garlic powder at home, especially since we use it so often.

It’s one of those staples that would be nice to make once and keep on hand. When I’m ready to try it, this homemade garlic powder tutorial from Rooted Revival is the one I’ll use.

5. Onion Powder

My husband bought onion powder from a small Amish store near us, and it was amazing. That alone convinced me we need to try making our own.

It’s something we use all the time, so having a homemade version would be really nice. When we’re ready to try it, this onion powder tutorial from Homesteading in Ohio is a good place to start.

6. Dried Herbs

We dry our own herbs, including oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, cilantro, lavender, parsley, and chives.

This was our first year doing it, and we didn’t dry nearly enough! Scott blew through our stash fast!

It was super easy, though, and way better than store-bought. We’ll definitely be doing more next year.

If you want to try drying herbs at home, this dehydrating herbs guide from A Frugal Homestead is a good place to start.

7. BBQ Sauce

Homemade BBQ sauce is one of those things I go back and forth on. My mom has a great recipe that I love, and Scott’s grandpa has one too — but neither of those are written up yet.

I’ll be honest, though, this is also something I really enjoy buying. Sweet Baby Ray’s is hard to beat.

That said, if you want to make your own BBQ sauce at home, this recipe from Simple Joy is a good one to try.

8. Stir Fry Sauce

We always make our own stir fry sauce. It’s quick, easy, and something I never buy at the store anymore. Once you start making it at home, there’s really no reason not to.

You can find our go-to stir fry sauce recipe here on Hill River Homestead.

9. Salad Dressing

I gave up ranch on my salads years ago, along with any dressing that has soy in it. I started making my own instead, and it’s so easy to do. Once you get in the habit, it’s hard to go back to bottled dressings.

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, this basic vinaigrette from Kristine’s Kitchen is a great option.

10. Ranch Dressing

I usually make homemade ranch using ranch seasoning, but because it has mayo in it — and mayo has soy — I try really hard not to use it. The only time I really use ranch now is for egg rolls. I know, I know… they have soy too. It’s a small treat every now and then. 😅

If you want a homemade ranch option, this herb ranch dressing from Longbourn Farm is a good one to try.

11. Mayonnaise

Problem solved. 😅

Homemade mayo means no soy, and that makes everything else easier. Especially ranch. I don’t make it all the time yet, but this is the fix I’ve been looking for.

If you want to try it, this homemade mayonnaise recipe from Recipe Cakes is a simple place to start.

12. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has gotten so expensive! And we go through a lot of it around here.

I add it to my chickens’ water every day as a natural dewormer, so buying it all the time just didn’t make sense anymore. That’s why I started making my own.

If you want to try it, my apple cider vinegar from scraps is super easy to get started with.

13. Vanilla Extract

I really want to try making homemade vanilla extract. My daughter-in-law made a bourbon version, I believe, and it sounded so good. It’s one of those pantry staples that feels worth doing once and keeping on hand.

If you want to try it too, this homemade vanilla extract recipe from Returning Grace is a good place to start.

Preserved Pantry Staples

These are the things that take a little more time upfront but save us so much work later.

Having jars of preserved pantry staples on the shelf means dinner comes together faster, and we’re not starting from scratch every single night. It’s one of those quiet habits that makes everyday cooking feel easier and more intentional.

1. Strawberry Freezer Jam

This is one thing I make all the time. I never buy jam anymore.

Freezer jam is quick, simple, and tastes so much better than store-bought. We still buy grape jelly for now, but I want to learn how to make that myself as well.

If you want to make your own jam, my homemade strawberry freezer jam is super easy and beginner friendly.

2. Berry Syrup

I don’t buy fruit syrups anymore either. They’re so easy to make, and we use them all the time.

Homemade berry syrup works for pancakes, waffles, drinks, and desserts. It’s one of those things that feels fancy but takes very little effort.

If you want to make your own, my mom’s recipe is the one I always use.

3. Simple Syrup

We also make our own simple syrups. My son’s strawberry syrup made from tops is one we use often, but we also make a plain simple syrup that Scott uses for drinks.

We love making mint syrup too, especially for hot chocolate and coffee.

If you want to try it, my son’s strawberry syrup is a great place to start.

4. Dill Pickles

We always make dill pickles, as long as we have cucumbers coming in from the garden. It’s one of those things that just makes sense to do ourselves when we can.

Homemade dill pickles are simple, reliable, and so much better than store-bought.

If you want to make your own, my mother-in-law’s dill pickle recipe is the one we always use.

5. Relish

We’ve never had an abundance of cucumbers, so we’ve never canned relish in bulk. Most of the time, we just buy it. But when we’ve run out, Scott has made it homemade, and it works just fine.

If you want to make your own, this dill relish recipe from The Prairie Homestead is a good option to try.

6. Salsa

There are so many good salsa recipes. I love salsa. I make fresh salsa, corn salsa, and canned salsa. I’ve even made a copycat Village Salsa, and it was delicious.

I don’t have any of those recipes ready for the blog yet, but if you want to try making your own, this homemade salsa recipe from Excelite Host is a good one to start with.

7. Stewed Tomatoes

I usually make stewed tomatoes every year. I didn’t get them done this year — and if you’re on my email list, you already know my tomato story. 😆 Even so, they’re one of my favorite things to have on hand.

Stewed tomatoes are so useful for hotdishes, quick meals, and soup. When I do get them canned, they get used fast.

If you want to make your own, this stewed tomatoes recipe from Lady Lee’s Home is a great place to start.

8. Corn (Canned or Frozen)

We can and freeze corn every fall. It’s one of those staples that’s always worth the time. Having it on hand makes soups, hot dishes, and quick meals so much easier.

If you want to put some away yourself, my guide on how to freeze corn walks you through it step by step.

9. Green Beans

I never buy green beans. We always can them. They’re our biggest staple by far and something we rely on all year long.

Having jars of green beans on the shelf makes meals so much easier, especially in the winter. If you want to do the same, my guide on how to can green beans walks you through the process.

Snacks & Convenience Foods

This is one area where homemade just makes sense. A lot of snacks and convenience foods are surprisingly easy to make at home, and they’re usually much better for you than what you’ll find at the store.

We don’t make every snack from scratch all the time, but we do try to replace more store-bought options when we can.

Sometimes it’s because we ran out. Sometimes it’s because the ingredients are already in the pantry.

But most of the time, it’s simply because the homemade version is better.

1. Homemade Bread Crumbs

If you have extra bread sitting around and it’s starting to get stale, turning it into homemade bread crumbs is such a simple way to use it up. We don’t throw bread away around here if there’s still something useful it can become.

This homemade bread crumbs recipe from The Wooden Skillet is an easy one to follow and works great for keeping a small jar of bread crumbs on hand for casseroles, meatballs, and breading.

2. Homemade Croutons

I don’t eat croutons very often, but my boys love them on their salads. And just like bread crumbs, making homemade croutons is another great way to use up bread before it goes bad.

If you want to try it, this homemade croutons recipe from Worldly Plate is simple and easy to make, and you can season them however your family likes.

3. Trail Mix

I love making trail mix because you can make a big batch and customize it exactly how you want. Sometimes store-bought trail mix just doesn’t have enough of the good stuff. Or it has too much of the stuff no one really wants.

Making your own lets you control the mix and keep it simple. If you want to try it, this homemade trail mix recipe from Katherine Recipes is a great place to start.

4. Granola

Granola is another really easy thing to make at home, and it tastes so much better than store-bought. You can make it any way you want, depending on what you like and what you have on hand.

If you want to try it, this homemade vanilla granola recipe from Breathtaking Recipes is a good place to start.

5. Crackers

You can make all kinds of crackers at home, and I honestly never knew that. Once I found out, of course it went straight on my list to try. It’s another one of those pantry items that seems complicated but really isn’t.

If you want to give it a try, this homemade saltines recipe from Little House Living is a great place to start.

Pantry Staples I Still Buy

Even with a well-stocked homemade pantry, there are a few things I still buy — and that’s okay.

For me, this isn’t about doing everything from scratch or proving a point. It’s about choosing what makes sense for our home, our time, and this season of life.

Some items are things I haven’t learned to make yet, some are just more practical to buy for now, and a few are simply staples we use enough that keeping them on hand makes life easier.

A homemade pantry should support your kitchen, not make it harder to use.

1. Flour

I really want to grind my own flour. The only thing holding me back is the upfront investment in a home mill, but it’s definitely on my very soon list.

I love the idea of having fresh, whole grain flour on hand and knowing exactly where it comes from.

If grinding your own flour is something you’re curious about too, this guide on grinding flour at home from Becca Brighton does a great job explaining how it works and what you need to get started.

2. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is another pantry staple I want to start making myself. I’ve heard it’s incredibly easy, and honestly, I’m getting tired of the grocery store only having either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar — never both. 😆

If you want to try making it at home, this homemade brown sugar tutorial from AndiAnne is a great place to start and shows just how simple it really is.

3. Honey

I have no desire to harvest honey myself. My cousin has her own bees and harvests it, and she even put me in a bee suit once so I could see it up close. 😆

I was nervous, but it was really interesting.

For now, this is one pantry staple I’m happy to buy from someone I know. If you’re curious about how honey is harvested, this post from Boreal Bloom Homestead gives a great look at the process.

4. Maple Syrup

My cousin taps her own trees and makes maple syrup too. I’m curious about it and maybe someday I’ll try it, but it honestly sounds like a lot of work.

That said, maple syrup is so good — and so expensive — that I can definitely see why people do it.

If you want to learn more about the process, this post from Into the Rustic walks through tapping trees and making maple syrup step by step.

5. Pasta

My sister-in-law makes her own pasta, and I’m honestly so jealous. It’s another skill I really want to learn, but my wish list is already pretty long, so this one will have to wait a bit.

If you want to try making pasta at home, this homemade pasta guide from Cooking and Beer is a great place to start and breaks it down step by step.

6. Soy Sauce

This is something I’d like to make one day. Especially since my daughter-in-law is gluten free and soy free. Having a homemade option that works for her would be really nice.

It’s not something I’m doing yet, but when I’m ready to try it, this homemade soy sauce recipe from Little House Living is the one I’ve saved.

7. Worcestershire Sauce

This is another one I might try making someday. It’s not something I’m ready to tackle yet, but it’s on my radar.

If you want to try it yourself, this homemade Worcestershire sauce recipe from The Kitchen Magpie is a good place to start.

8. White Vinegar

This is one I didn’t realize you could even make until recently. White vinegar is something we use all the time for cleaning and cooking, so the idea of making it at home is really interesting to me. It feels practical, not fussy.

I’m not making it yet, but when I’m ready to try, this guide from The Nature of Home explains how to make white vinegar from scratch and why it matters.

9. Specialty Vinegars

This is one of those categories I’d like to experiment with over time. Things like wine vinegar, herb-infused vinegar, or small-batch gourmet vinegars feel doable and practical, especially when you’re already making your own apple cider vinegar.

I’m not making these yet, but when I’m ready to try, this guide from Simplify Live Love is a great introduction to making specialty vinegars at home.

How to Start Making Pantry Staples At Home

If this list feels long, that’s okay. You don’t need to do all of this — or even most of it — to start building a from-scratch pantry.

The easiest way to begin is to pay attention to what you already use the most. When you run out of something and realize you can make it at home with ingredients you already have, that’s a great place to start.

Try one thing. See how it goes. Keep what works, skip what doesn’t.

Some things will become regular staples. Others might be once-a-year projects or “someday” goals.

That’s the beauty of it — this isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about slowly building a pantry that fits your family, your time, and your season of life.

Start small. Learn as you go. And remember — every little thing you make yourself is one less thing you have to buy. 😉

Slow Down and Savor It…

Building a from-scratch pantry isn’t about proving anything or doing it all. It’s about learning, trying, and slowly figuring out what makes sense for your home.

For us, it’s always been tied to self-sufficiency and being mindful with money. When you know how to make things yourself, you’re less dependent on store shelves and less at the mercy of rising prices.

You don’t have to do everything — but knowing you could brings a quiet kind of confidence.

Some seasons you’ll make more. Other seasons you’ll buy more. Both are okay.

What matters is that you’re paying attention, choosing intentionally, and building skills that stretch your budget further and serve your family well.

This list isn’t meant to be a checklist — it’s a reference. Come back to it when you run out of something, when you feel curious, or when you just want to try one new thing.

Little by little, it adds up.

More Homemade Pantry Ideas

Strawberry Rhubarb Freezer Jam

How to Freeze Apple Pie Filling

Ragu Copycat Spaghetti Sauce

Crockpot Applesauce

Homemade Cranberry Juice