One of the questions I get asked most often is how I manage to pull together meals without making constant trips to the grocery store. The truth is, it all comes down to keeping a well-stocked pantry. While fresh ingredients bring a recipe to life, it’s the pantry staples that provide the foundation for countless meals.

Over the years, I’ve learned that having a few key ingredients always on hand makes weeknight cooking easier, entertaining less stressful, and those “what’s for dinner?” moments a whole lot more manageable. These are the pantry staples you’ll almost always find in my kitchen.

Olive Oil

If I could only choose one pantry staple, it would be extra virgin olive oil. It’s the starting point for everything from sautéing vegetables to making salad dressings and marinades. I always keep a good-quality bottle within arm’s reach.

Brands I love

• Colavita
• The Olive Press (for more specialty olive oils)

Canned Tomatoes

Whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste are non-negotiables in my pantry. They’re the backbone of soups, sauces, chili, and countless comfort-food recipes.

Brands I love

• Cento
• Pomì

Pasta

Whether it’s spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne, pasta is one of my favorite pantry heroes. Pair it with garlic, olive oil, and a few simple ingredients, and dinner is practically done.

Brands I love

• DeCecco
• Rummo

Rice & Grains

I always keep rice on hand, along with a few other grains like quinoa or farro. They’re versatile, budget-friendly, and make a great base for everything from stir-fries to grain bowls.

Beans

Canned beans are one of the easiest ways to add protein and fiber to a meal. Black beans, cannellini beans, and chickpeas are staples I reach for regularly.

Chicken Stock

A good stock is like liquid gold in the kitchen. It adds flavor to soups, sauces, rice dishes, and even vegetables.

Brands I love

• Zoup!
• Kettle & Fire

Garlic & Onions

While technically not pantry items for everyone, I always keep garlic and onions stocked because they’re the flavor foundation of so many recipes.

Spices

A well-stocked spice cabinet can transform simple ingredients into something special. My must-haves include:

• Himalayan Pink salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Creole seasoning
• Garam Masala
• Curry Powder

Flour & Sugar

Even though I spend more time cooking than baking these days, I still keep all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on hand for everything from sauces to the occasional sweet treat.

Dijon Mustard

One of the hardest-working ingredients in my kitchen. It adds depth to dressings, marinades, sauces, and sandwiches.

Capers & Olives

These are my secret weapons for adding a burst of salty, briny flavor to fish dishes, pastas, and Mediterranean-inspired recipes.

Brands I love

• Mezzetta
• Flora

Breadcrumbs

Perfect for meatballs, casseroles, crispy toppings, and quick breading when needed.

A stocked pantry doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Building it little by little makes cooking easier, reduces food waste, and gives you the flexibility to create delicious meals without running to the store every time inspiration strikes. These staples have earned a permanent place in my kitchen, and I have a feeling they’ll become favorites in yours, too.

Shop My Favorites

Want to see the exact products I keep stocked in my kitchen? I’ve rounded up my favorite pantry staples in one easy place.