How to Stock a Complete Pantry

Here at Allrecipes, we refer to "pantry staples" a lot. But what exactly does that mean? What are the essential items that every home cook needs to keep on hand for spur-of-the-moment meals and baked goods? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, you're not alone! That's why we've put together this comprehensive list of ingredients for a fully stocked pantry. Plus, get our best tips and tricks for shopping and organization:

Before You Start

You might be eager to start stocking, but wait! There are a few things you need to do (and ideas to consider) first:

Take Inventory

Don't go grocery shopping until you take stock of what you already have. Get rid of what you won't use and keep what you will. This is also a great way to familiarize yourself with what ingredients you use frequently (buy more of these!) and which ones just collect dust on the shelf (go ahead and cross these off the list – there's no use in buying more of something you don't like).

Make a Plan

If you don't already have an organizational system for your pantry, now's the time to make one. (Check out our entire collection of Pantry Storage and Organization Ideas for inspiration.) Even if things move around down the line, you can come back to this as a roadmap when it's time to tidy up.

Know Thyself

Regard the below list as a guide. These are general suggestions, not absolute requirements. Every cook and palate is different, and so you'll likely make a few adjustments to the broad list. For instance, if you don't like the taste of paprika, then just cross it off the list and buy what you know you'll enjoy. There's no sense in wasting money on items you won't use.

Essential Pantry Ingredients

Without further ado, here's our complete shopping list for a perfectly stocked pantry:

Oils and Vinegars

Cooking oil is among the more frequently reached-for ingredients in most kitchens – use it for deep-frying, sauteing, and so much more. Vinegar, meanwhile, is great for a variety of purposes, from household cleaning to balancing fat and sugar in a dish.

• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Coconut oil
• Avocado oil
• Toasted sesame oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Red wine vinegar
• Rice vinegar
• Cooking sherry

Related:

• What to Look for When Buying Olive Oil
• What Is Neutral Oil?
• The 8 Vinegars Every Home Cook Needs in the Pantry

Canned and Jarred Goods

Fresh ingredients are great, but you should always keep an array of canned and jarred goods at your disposal for quick and easy cooking and flavor-boosting solutions.

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chicken or vegetable stock or broth
• Nut butter
• Canned beans
• Unsweetened coconut milk
• Oil-packed anchovy filets

Related:

• 4 Foods You Shouldn't Feel Bad Buying Canned
• A Basic Guide to Canned Tomato Products
• 24 Recipes That Start with Canned Tuna

Grains and Starches

When you've got a few boxes of prepared grains (such as rice, pasta, and quinoa), you're just a few other ingredients away from thousands of satisfying dinners.

• Rice
• Short pasta (such as penne or shells)
• Long pasta (such as spaghetti or angel hair)
• Quinoa
• Old-fashioned oats
• Barley
• Dried beans

Related:

• 8 Delicious Rice Recipes for Beginners
• 27 Types of Pasta and Their Uses
• 7 Grains That Are Just as Easy to Prepare as Rice

Baking

A fully stocked baking cabinet is a beautiful sight to behold. Whether you're in the mood to bake a cake, a batch of cookies, or a fresh loaf of bread, so many of your favorite recipes call for only basic ingredients.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Light or dark brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract
• Active dry yeast
• Almond extract
• Corn syrup

Related:

• 30 Easy Baking Recipes With 5 Ingredients or Less
• How to Measure Flour Correctly
• 9 Essential Ingredients Every Baker Needs

Spices, Herbs, and Seasonings

Spices, herbs, and seasonings can make or break your meal. When you always have these basics on hand, you can season almost any dish to flavorful perfection.

• Kosher salt
• Red pepper flakes
• Bay leaves
• Ground cayenne pepper
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cumin
• Curry powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Flaky salt
• Garam masala
• Cardamom
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric

Related:

• When You Add Salt During Cooking Matters — Here's Why
• 7 Spices for Perking Up Pantry Meals
• 8 Food Seasoning Mistakes That Are Keeping You From Enjoying the Tastiest Meals Possible

Condiments and Sauces

The right condiments and sauces can take tons of basic recipes from good to great. Whether you prefer things sweet, spicy, or a little bit of both, these essential sauces are perfect for fans of flavor.

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Hot sauce
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Gochujang
• Worcestershire sauce
• Thai curry paste
• Harissa
• Tahini
• Fish sauce

Related:

• Five New Condiments to Save Your Sad Desk Lunch
• How Long Do Opened Condiments Last?
• The Best Recipes for People Who Absolutely Love Ketchup

Produce

From onions and potatoes to lemons and limes, these are the fruits and veggies you should always keep in your pantry for last-minute meals.

• Onions
• White potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Garlic
• Lemons
• Limes
• Peppers
• Shallots

Related:

• What's the Difference between White, Yellow, and Red Onions?
• Super Spuds: The 8 Types of Potatoes to Know
• A Guide to Garlic Types

How to Organize Your Pantry

The best way to organize a pantry depends entirely on the person doing the organizing. If you want to go full Pinterest perfection, go for it! There are few things more satisfying than magazine-worthy shelves full of glass containers, matching labels, and baskets. But, if you don't think you can maintain that level of organization, that's perfectly valid. Find what works for you and try your best to stick to it. If you're in need of a little inspiration, we've got you covered. Check out our comprehensive pantry organization guide for our best tips, tricks, and products.

Related:

• 30 Pantry-Friendly Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less
• 15 Essential Pantry Ingredients for Effortless Summer Dinners
• Chefs and Food Pros Reveal the 12 Pantry Staples They Love