Recipes Made with Shelf-Stable, Commonly Frozen, or Basic Refrigerated Ingredients You Can Easily Keep on Hand
~ These Pantry Staples Recipes are ones that our family adores, even when we don’t have to stockpile ingredients and meticulously plan ahead for shopping trips. But, with all the uncertainty right now, they’re especially perfect! From snacks to sides to entrees … even desserts! We’ve got plenty of nutritious, truly delicious recipes you can plan waaaaaay ahead for, keeping the ingredients on hand and ready for action anytime! ~
Like just about everybody else, right now, I’m planning my own family’s meals even further in advance than usual. I’m thinking about ingredients that might be difficult to find sometimes. And, I’m definitely trying hard to be socially responsible in limiting the number of times we’ll have to go out to the grocery store.
I realized that – unless we want to be eating ramen noodles every night for the next month (spoiler alert: we don’t!) – I needed a solid plan for how to shop and cook in the midst of the unpredictability we’re all coping with at the moment.
I mapped out a detailed Once-a-Month Grocery Shopping Plan.
And, I went back through our favorite recipes and looked at every recipe we’ve ever posted here on our site.
Yep – Every.Single.One.
It took awhile, but it was so worth it! Now I’ve got a terrific list of pantry recipes I know my family loves, that I can shop for days, weeks … in most cases, even months ahead of time.
I thought this list might be helpful for all of you, too. (And if you do find it helpful, please pass it along to anyone else you know who’s struggling to figure out how to put together grocery lists and plan meals.)
What Types of Pantry Recipes Are Included?
I debated for quite awhile about where to draw the line on which “pantry ingredients” to include. Ultimately, I decided to go with:
1) Recipes that include shelf-stable ingredients you can keep on hand for months.
2) Plus, recipes that also include freezer items like frozen fruits and vegetables, as well as ingredients that are usually purchased fresh but are commonly/easily frozen (specifically, ingredients like ground beef, chicken, overripe bananas, bread, and cheese).
One safety note here: be sure to thaw raw meats (in particular) properly and completely before using them, and remember that it’s not considered safe to use frozen meat in your crock-pot.
3) And additionally, recipes that call for slightly more perishable ingredients that are still very durable and are generally considered to be “common pantry staples.” So, I included recipes that use potatoes, onions and garlic … as well as refrigerated eggs, milk, and butter.
But to help me keep everything straight (and to help you out, too, of course!) … I’ve tried to note which types of ingredients each recipe includes.
So, if you’re looking for ONLY shelf-stable recipes, you can pick those out at a glance. Or, if you were able to snag a terrific deal on some ground beef and you’ve got a little stockpile of it in your freezer … well, then you’ll find just the right recipes for that, too. You get the idea!
Freezable Recipes
One additional thing I thought you might find useful: I’ve also noted if a recipe is freezable after you make it. That way, maybe you could make a double batch to stockpile homemade foods in your freezer that you can pull out later.
Just gives you more options and a broader array of yummy meal options that are conveniently ready to go.
(Psssst … if you’re into stocking the freezer, take a peek at the complete list of all our make-ahead, freezable recipes – although please note that many of those include ingredients beyond merely “pantry staples.”)
The Bottom Line
Right now, we’re all struggling to figure out the best way to stay healthy (which includes eating nutritious foods). And we’ve all got to find strategies for staying home more and grocery shopping less often. I hope these recipe ideas will come in handy, and maybe give you a little inspiration.
Maybe they’ll even be a bright spot in the difficult days ahead, as you have fun trying out something new, and your family enjoys digging into a delicious, homemade recipe instead of digging out another ho-hum packet of ramen noodles.
My heart goes out to so many people today, for countless reasons. I hope that, in some small way, this list will help someone, somewhere, to get through these difficult times a little bit easier.
Stay well, friends.
LUNCH and DINNER RECIPES – Main Dishes and Sides
Easy, Cheesy 5-Ingredient Pizza Pasta Bake
Super quick prep on this one –mix it all up right in the pan (and you don’t even have to precook the pasta)! So cheesy and full of great pizza flavors – your whole family will love it!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Cheese •
3-Ingredient Crock-Pot Chicken Tacos
In just 5 minutes, these delicious chicken tacos are in the crock-pot and cooking away! Ridiculously easy, and they can be served very simply just wrapped in tortillas ... or you can embellish with whatever favorite taco toppings you have on hand.
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Chicken •
5-Minute Easy Rice and Beans
Whip up this easy side dish in just minutes (you can even prep it ahead). With our tips and suggestions, you can adapt the flavors to match whatever main course you’re making!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Onion •
Crock-Pot Chicken Stew
This comforting stew features tender chicken breasts and veggies in a rich and savory, tomato-based sauce. A longtime family favorite at our house!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Frozen Ingredients and Freezable Chicken •
Crock-Pot Crazy Pineapple Chili
This recipe makes a nice, big batch of contest-winning chili! But this is no ordinary chili – it's got a craaaa-zy (and amazing) flavor twist that people go ... ahem ... crazy over! NOTE: Freezable After Cooking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Sausage • Onions and Garlic •
Sheet Pan Chicken and Potatoes with Honey-Balsamic
A delicious, gourmet-tasting meal (with the easy cleanup of a sheet pan dinner)! Baked chicken and red potatoes are elevated with a cheesy, sun-dried tomato topping and a drizzle of honeyed balsamic. You won't feel like this meal was born out of a pantry stockpile, that's for sure!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Chicken • Cheeses • Garlic and Potatoes
Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This soup is deliciously filling, nutritious, and super-easy. And it's brimming with yummy Mexican flavors! Simply toss everything in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a scrumptious dinner that's ready when you are!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Chicken • Cheese • (the optional toppings are not necessarily pantry staples)
Easy Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Properly stored, potatoes can be kept in the pantry for weeks – perfect for making this simple but surprisingly delicious side dish recipe anytime!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Potatoes •
Crock-Pot Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder
Dump the ingredients in your slow cooker and walk away – so very easy with basic ingredients and pantry staples! Mmmmmmm ... a creamy, satisfying soup with the sweetness of corn and just a hint of smoky bacon. So comforting and absolutely delicious! NOTE: Freezable After Cooking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Frozen Ingredients and Freezable Chicken • Milk •
5-Minute Pepperoni Pizza Quesadillas
These take just minutes to throw together but are loaded with fiber-filled whole grains and lots of protein. All the delicious flavors of a pepperoni pizza – without calling for pizza delivery!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Cheese •
Easy Mexican Ravioli Lasagna (Just 5 Ingredients and No Thawing or Boiling!)
Just mix together the super-quick sauce, then layer everything in your pan. You don’t even have to thaw or pre-cook the ravioli ... and you can prep it all hours ahead!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Frozen Ingredients • Cheese • (the optional toppings are not necessarily pantry staples)
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Hand Pies
All the homestyle goodness of comforting, traditional chicken pot pies ... but more nutritious and totally portable! NOTE: Freezable After Cooking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Cooked Chicken • Milk • Onion •
One-Pot Mexican Rice Skillet Dinner
This recipe is so simple, withmostly hands-off cooking time! And you can enjoy it with just the basic ingredients ... or dress it up with taco toppings like lettuce and tomatoes if you happen to have some.
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Frozen Ingredients and Freezable Ground Beef • Cheese • Onions and Garlic •
Sweet and Sour Chicken Flatbread Pizza
Craving takeout sweet and sour chicken ... or pizza ... but don't want to leave the house? This is kinda like your favorite Chinese sweet and sour chicken, combined with a barbecue chicken pizza … allon top of a trendy flatbread crust! And you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Freezable Cooked Chicken • Cheese • Onion •
Pepperoni Pizza Burgers
Everyone’s favorite flavors of pizza ... and hamburgers ... combined into one juicy, flavorful, satisfying meal! Quick and easy –with make-ahead tips, too! NOTE: Freezable Before Cooking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Cheese • Freezable Ground Beef and Buns •
A comfort food classic gets a fun little kick – satisfyingly delicious without being too spicy. Loaded with sunshiny sweet corn flavor, plus southwestern flair from pantry staples like salsa, black beans and green chiles. So easy –simply mix everything together right in your slow cooker! NOTE: Freezable After Cooking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Frozen Ingredients and Freezable Chicken • Milk •
No-Bake Fruit "Pizzas"
This is a fun idea for keeping the kiddos busy with a little project ... and also getting a healthy meal into them! Let them decorate their own "pizza" any way they please!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients (depending on which toppings, such as nuts and dried fruit, you select) •
BREAKFAST, SNACK and "ANYTIME" RECIPES
Crunchy Granola Snack Bites (+ all our other beloved Energy Ball recipes)
Just like all our no-bake energy balls, this Crunchy Granola Snack Bites recipe relies on a few shelf-stable pantry staples. And, they're VERY easy to make! Our energy balls are filled with protein and whole grains to keep you full and power you through your day! NOTE: All Snack Bites Recipes Are Freezable After You Make Them (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
Also be sure to check out all our other energy ball recipes:
• Quick and Healthy Snack Bites (the "Originals!)
• Tropical Snack Bites with Almonds and Chia
• Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Snack Bites
• Peanut Butter Cup No-Bake Snack Bites
• No-Bake Almond Joy Snack Bites
• No-Bake Maple-Walnut Oatmeal Snack Bites
10-Minute Almond Joy Oatmeal
Love Almond Joy candy bars? Then you've gotta try this quick and easy breakfast recipe! It's got sweet coconut and crunchy almonds, with just a hint of creamy chocolate … mmmmmmm!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Milk •
Easy Candied Pecans
If you've got 5 minutes (and 4 basic pantry ingredients), you can make one of our all-time most popular recipes! A fun little snack that will definitely disappear in a flash! (For a different flavor twist, try our Pumpkin Pie Spiced Candied Pecans, too! They're also made with completely shelf-stable ingredients.)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
Mom's Best Whole Wheat Waffles
A few healthier swaps yield a waffle recipe that's just as yummy as "typical" versions, but is better for you, too!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Eggs and Milk •
Easy, Healthy Applesauce Granola
It's easy to make granola at home, using basic pantry staples! Even better? Granola doesn’t need lots of butter or oil to be delicious – this healthy and really flavorful granola proves it!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
Perfect Microwave Popcorn
Plain 'ol popcorn kernels keep well in the pantry, for a loooong time! After LOTS of testing, we’ve discovered the tips and secrets to help you make super-fast microwave popcorn without any oil, butter, or extra appliances … using just a simple paper bag! (If you wanna get fancier, take a peek at our list of Popcorn Toppings and Seasonings!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
DESSERT RECIPES and SWEET TREATS
Kentucky Derby Chocolate-Pecan Cookie Bars
This bar cookie adaptation of the hugely popular Derby Pie is an easy dessert you can whip up from basic pantry ingredients you probably always have on hand! It's filled with whole grains, but so fabulously decadent that my son requested it for his birthday!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Egg •
Easy Tropical Angel Food Cake with Pineapple and Toasted Coconut
Grab a few ingredients from your pantry, and you can throw together this amazingcake in just moments! Way beyond plain angel food cake, this one's jam-packed with juicy pineapple, crunchy almonds and toasted coconut. It's quick and simple, yet really delicious!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
4-Ingredient (No Butter!) Chocolate Fudge with Coconut
With only 5 minutes of prep, you'll get wonderfully creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge! Bonus: it's so much healthier, too, since you don’t have to dump in loads of extra sugar or sweetened condensed milk (like with most fudge recipes).But don't worry – no one will ever guess that this deeply, darkly chocolaty fudge is actually better for them. It's got all the yumminess with none of the guilt!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
No-Bake Blueberry-Almond Oatmeal Bars with White Chocolate
These bars are seriously addictive, filled with crunchy almonds, sweet-tart dried blueberries and creamy white chocolate. Nutrient-rich (healthy enough for snacking, too), and so quick to make! NOTE: Freezable After Making (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
Peppermint-White Chocolate Chickpea Blondies
Surprise! These amazingly delicious bars get a big nutritional boost from shelf-stable chickpeas (but nobody will ever guess)! Dense, moist, crumbly and chewy like a “normal” blondie recipe, but these are secretly lower in fat, and higher in protein and fiber! Or, if you prefer cookies instead of bars, try our Chickpea Cookies, too. NOTE: Freezable After Baking (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients • Eggs and Butter •
3-Ingredient Chocolate Lava Dip
A decadent treat to lift your spirits – ready in less than 10 minutes using entirely shelf-stable, pantry ingredients! Serve it with luscious fresh fruit if you have it, or with shelf-stable graham crackers!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
No-Bake Gingerbread Date Balls
Theseeasy little treats combine sweet, nutritious dried dates with cozy gingerbread flavors. No guilt in these bite-sized indulgences! NOTE: Freezable After Making (Stock Up!)
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
No-Bake Chocolate-Coconut Peanut Butter Bars
Super-easy dessert bars that need just a few shelf-stable ingredients! So nutritious, but they still taste completely indulgent!
Recipe Includes: • Shelf-Stable Ingredients •
