41 DIY pantry staples to save you money

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Gluten Free Taco Seasoning spices on a wooden spoons.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Are you tired of spending a fortune on pantry staples such as seasoning mixtures, condiments, spreads, and other dry goods? Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to homemade. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and boost your budget with these 41 incredible recipes for pantry staples that will save you money and elevate your favorite recipes too.

How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

Hand squeezing homemade marshmallows.
How to Make Homemade Marshmallows. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

No need to buy marshmallows from the store when you can make your own homemade marshmallows without cornstarch!
Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Marshmallows

Homemade Pancake Syrup

Homemade pancake syrup on spoon and in mason jar.
Homemade Pancake Syrup. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Ran out of maple syrup? Don’t worry – just make your own pancake syrup with four basic ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pancake Syrup

Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

Knife in a small mason jar of homemade mayonnaise.
Gluten-Free Mayonnaise. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

When we get too many eggs from our chickens, I make this DIY mayonnaise. No need for storebought!
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Mayonnaise

How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

How to make sourdough starter without yeast.
How to Make Sourdough Starter without Yeast. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Make your own sourdough starter instead of buying it from the store. Once you know how, you’ll be able to keep your pantry stocked with this staple.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Sourdough Starter Without Yeast

Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls

Homemade dinner roll plated with a butter pat.
Homemade soft dinner rolls. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Forget about buying packages of those tasteless, dry, expensive storebought dinner rolls. Make your own by the dozen and keep your pantry stocked.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Soft Dinner Rolls

Pickled Red Onions

Easy pickled red onions in jar.
Easy pickled red onions in jar. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life

Keep a supply of these easy pickled red onions on hand. The perfect topping for steaks, tacos, grilled meats and sandwiches, they’ll be a hit through all the seasons.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Homemade Crackers

Sourdough discard crackers in a jar.
Sourdough Discard Crackers. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

These sourdough crackers are a delicious alternative to standard grocery store soda crackers. Skip the chemicals and preservatives, use up your sourdough discard, and enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Crackers

Maple Bourbon Jam

Maple bourbon bacon jam.
Maple bourbon bacon jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life

Walk right on by that BBQ sauces aisle at the supermarket. Make a batch of this maple bourbon jam instead. Serve it on your best BBQ or use it to top crackers and enjoy the unique flavor.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bourbon Jam

Homemade Tortillas

Stack of sourdough starter discard tortillas on a wooden cutting board.
Sourdough Discard Tortillas. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Who needs packaged, expensive, tasteless tortillas when you can stock your pantry with a homemade batch? Even better, these are made with your sourdough discard so you can reduce your kitchen waste.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Tortillas

Strawberry Jam

Mason jar of homemade strawberry jam.
How to Make and Can Strawberry Jam. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Every kitchen pantry deserves to include at least a few jars of this incredible strawberry jam. When you know how to make homemade jam, you’ll never return to storebought!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Jam

Homemade Sandwich Bread

Homemade sandwich bread cooling in a loaf pan.
Homemade Sandwich Bread. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Say “no more” to flimsy, flavorless, commercial sandwich bread. Use this amazing recipe to bake batch after batch of frugal, tasty, and healthy sandwich bread. Freezes and slices very well!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sandwich Bread

Garlic Dill Pickles

Quick garlic dill pickles.
Quick garlic dill pickles. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life

Once you learn how easy it is to make these quick garlic dill pickles, you’ll stop buying commercial pickles. An easy recipe to make and add to your shelves of pantry staples. Your wallet and your tastebuds will thank you!
Get the Recipe: Garlic Dill Pickles

No-Cook Cranberry Relish

Cranberry relish on spoon.
Cranberry relish on spoon. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Who says cranberries are only for the holidays? Whip up this no-cook cranberry relish to serve with your favorite poultry recipe all year long. A unique addition to your pantry for sure.
Get the Recipe: No-Cook Cranberry Relish

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Close up of all the seasoning seeds and spices.
Everything Bagel Seasoning. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make Everything Bagel Seasoning done in minutes with only 5 spices as a perfect low sodium replacement for expensive Trader Joe’s everything bagel seasoning. Our fully low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, salt-free, and diabetic friendly garnish mix will be your seasoning on almost everything you will prepare.
Get the Recipe: Everything Bagel Seasoning

Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe

Gluten Free Taco Seasoning spices on a wooden spoons.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make super simple gluten free Taco Seasoning Recipe in the comfort of your home in just a few minutes. This sugar free seasoning is a perfect mixture of Mexican spices and great substitution for your taco sackets.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe

How To Make Sausage Seasoning Recipe

Spices for Sausage Seasoning in mini jars.
How To Make Sausage Seasoning Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn how to make Homemade Sausage Seasoning Recipe with savory spices you already have at home in just a few minutes. Fully low carb, keto, sugar-free, grain-free, and diabetic friendly, this sausage seasoning blend is so versatile you will use it for almost every recipe in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Sausage Seasoning Recipe

Enchilada Seasoning Mix

Glass bottles with spices for enchilada seasoning.
Enchilada Seasoning Mix. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Learn How To Make Easy Homemade Enchilada Seasoning Mix in just a few minutes to flavor your favorite protein, enchilada sauce, dips, and all of your Mexican dishes. Our homemade enchilada seasoning blend is filled with Mexican flavors to replace Mccormick store-bought dry enchilada spice.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Seasoning Mix

How To Make Mushroom Powder

Mushroom powder inside a dark bowl.
How To Make Mushroom Powder. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn How To Make Mushroom Powder at home for a great seasoning. Dehydrate your seasonal harvest and have the best umami always available.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mushroom Powder

Chicken Chips Jerky

Chicken Chips Jerky in a stone bowl.
Chicken Chips Jerky. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn How To Dehydrate Chicken Chips Jerky for your next backpacking or as a delicious dry and chewy snack. Drying chicken in a dehydrator makes the best high protein chips for all your needs that can be rehydrated whenever wanted.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Chips Jerky

Indian spice blend

Whole spices inside a golden bowl.
Indian spice blend. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Collect 12 Essential Spices for Indian Cooking you should have in your pantry at all times. Make your Indian spice blend for everyday use for your Indian dishes such as curry, dahl, or biryani.
Get the Recipe: Indian spice blend

How to Dehydrate Cucumbers

Cucumber slices inside brown bowls.
How to Dehydrate Cucumbers. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn How to Dehydrate Cucumbers For Chips for that extra crispy healthy snack instead of potato chips. Discover the seasoning options and how best you can use a dehydrator to make more flavorful chips.
Get the Recipe: How to Dehydrate Cucumbers

Apple pie spice

Apple pie spice in front of green apples and a baking rack with donuts.
Apple pie spice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This homemade mix brings together warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a perfect balance that screams comfort. It’s super versatile and can be used in anything from pies to oatmeal or even your morning coffee for a little extra warmth. A great staple to keep in your pantry, it’s the secret to whipping up cozy, flavorful desserts on a whim.
Get the Recipe: Apple pie spice

Pumpkin pie spice

Mason jar with pumpkin pie spice with nutmeg and a wooden spoon.
Pumpkin pie spice. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

A must-have blend of sweet and warm spices, this mix is a fall favorite that makes every recipe feel like a celebration. While it’s a no-brainer in pumpkin pie, it’s equally amazing in pancakes, lattes or roasted veggies. Keep this pantry staple on hand and you’re always ready for an instant flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin pie spice

Pork rub

Mixing the pork rub spices in a wooden bowl with a copper teaspoon.
Sweet Dry Rub. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Transform any cut of pork into a mouthwatering dish with this homemade rub. Its blend of sweet, smoky, and savory spices is the secret to next-level grilling, roasting, or slow-cooking. An essential pantry staple, it ensures you’re always ready to impress with a flavorful, tender, and juicy pork dish.
Get the Recipe: Pork rub

Harissa Paste

Low angle shot of a jar of harissa paste with a spoon.
Harissa Paste. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This homemade harissa recipe is surprisingly easy, and once you learn how to make it, you’ll find a million ways to use it in your cooking. It delivers intense heat and complex flavor.
Get the Recipe: harissa paste

Chili Oil

low angle shot of a jar of chili oil with a spoon lifting some of the oil out of the jar.
Chili OIl. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Are you addicted to chili oil or chili crisp like I am? It’s easy to make at home and you can add all your favorite flavors!
Get the Recipe: Chili Oil

Homemade Hot Sauce

Bottled homemade hot sauce--one red and one green.
Homemade Hot Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This simple homemade hot sauce can be made with either red or green chilies. It’s easy and the result is totally worth it! Make a batch to add to your summer pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Hot Sauce

Quince Jelly

Jars of quince jelly and a piece of toast on a plate with quince jelly spread on top.
Quince Jelly. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quince jelly is easy to make. Just boil chopped fruit in water, mash it, strain it, add sugar and a few other ingredients, and boil until it gels.
Get the Recipe: Quince Jelly

Dehydrated Blueberries

Dehydrated blueberries on a white plate.
Dehydrated Blueberries. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Dehydrated Blueberries are a crunchy, sweet, quick dessert, healthy granola add-in, yogurt topping, or snack. This recipe gives directions for the air fryer, oven, and dehydrator.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Blueberries

Dehydrated Strawberries

A white plate of air fryer dehydrated strawberries sits on a pink marble background surrounded by fresh strawberries.
Air Fryer Strawberries. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Want to know how to make dehydrated strawberries? This recipe will teach you to make sweet, crisp strawberries in the air fryer, oven, or dehydrator.
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Strawberries

Dehydrated Orange Slices

Air fryer dehydrated orange slices on a white plate surrounded by fresh orange slices.
Dehydrated Orange Slices. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These air fried oranges slices are delicious, easy to make, and don’t require a dehydrator!
Get the Recipe: Dehydrated Orange Slices

Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon sugar on an orange plate.
Cinnamon Sugar. Photo credit: Feast + West.

Homemade cinnamon sugar is delicious sprinkled on top of baked goods, added to the rim of a cocktail or mixed into your morning coffee.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Sugar

Homemade Pickling Spice for Corned Beef + Pickled Veggies

Jar of pickling spice spilled onto plate.
Homemade Pickling Spice for Corned Beef + Pickled Veggies. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

Make this homemade pickling spice recipe and store it on the shelf for the next time you want to make pickled veggies or corned beef.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pickling Spice for Corned Beef + Pickled Veggies

Homemade Pastrami Rub

Toasting pastrami rub spices in pan.
Homemade Pastrami Rub. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

Add this homemade pastrami rub to your dry rub and homemade spices collection, so you can make great corned beef pastrami anytime.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pastrami Rub

The Best Steak Rub

Steak rub on porterhouse steak.
The Best Steak Rub. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

This steak rub with salt, pepper, spices and herbs will create the most epic crust on your next grilled or cast iron seared steak. A great addition to your pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: The Best Steak Rub

All-Purpose BBQ Rub

Spoonful of BBQ rub.
All-Purpose BBQ Rub. Photo credit: Girls Can Grill.

This is that one staple barbecue rub you need in your pantry that goes great on pork, beef, poultry and seafood.
Get the Recipe: All-Purpose BBQ Rub

Homemade Date Syrup (Silan)

jar of date syrup
Homemade Date Syrup (Silan). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

This recipe for Homemade Date Syrup, also known as Silan, is a great choice for a DIY pantry staple. Made from natural ingredients like dates and water, it offers a healthier alternative to processed sweeteners. Its versatility makes it perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to various dishes and beverages.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Date Syrup (Silan)

Schug Recipe (Yemenite Hot Sauce)

overhead view of green hot sauce in jar
Schug Recipe (Yemenite Hot Sauce). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Schug Recipe is a wonderful DIY pantry staple to have on hand. This flavorful condiment, made with fresh herbs, spices, and garlic, adds a burst of Middle Eastern flair to any dish. Its spicy and tangy taste complements a variety of foods, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Schug Recipe (Yemenite Hot Sauce)

Pepita Salsa Macha

overhead view of jar of salsa macha.
Pepita Salsa Macha. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

The Pepita Salsa Macha recipe is an excellent choice for a DIY pantry staple. This delicious Mexican condiment is made with toasted pumpkin seeds, dried chilies, and other flavorful ingredients. Its rich and smoky taste adds depth to dishes and can be used as a sauce, dip, or marinade. Having this versatile salsa on hand allows you to elevate your meals with a touch of authentic Mexican flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pepita Salsa Macha

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