Sometimes you don’t have the box, the can, or the packet – but you still need dinner on the table. These Pantry Fixes are simple homemade substitutes for everyday ingredients, from seasoning blends to sauces and pantry bases. Perfect for when you’re trying to avoid a trip to the store.
Save this page-this list is updated regularly as new recipes are added. If you run out of something, check here first.
Liquids, Dairy and Baking Staples
Homemade dairy and liquid substitutes and baking staples when you’re out of the carton, bottle or a key ingredient.
Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk – A quick homemade sweetened condensed milk made with powdered milk.
Seasonings
Simple spice blends that replace store-bought packets and mixes.
Homemade Taco Seasoning – A simple blend of pantry spices that makes a flavorful replacement for store-bought taco seasoning packets.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning – This easy fajita seasoning mix adds bold Tex-Mex flavor to chicken, beef, or vegetables.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix – A classic ranch flavor made from herbs and spices that works great for dips, dressings, and seasoning roasted vegetables.
Homemade Onion Soup Mix – A simple pantry seasoning blend that replaces store-bought onion soup packets and works perfectly in dips, meatloaf, casseroles, and slow cooker meals.
Sauces and Bases
From scratch pantry staples that stand in for canned or boxed shortcuts.
Cream Soup Base – A simple homemade base that replaces canned cream soups in casserole and sauces.
Cream of Chicken Soup (No Can Needed) – A pantry-friendly version with rich, savory flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup (No Can Needed) – Made with mushrooms and simple ingredients – no can required.
Cream of Celery Soup – A simple homemade version with fresh celery and pantry ingredients, perfect for casseroles, sauces, and everyday meals.
Spanish Rice – A pantry friendly alternative to boxed Spanish rice using simple spices and tomato base.
Ranch-style Beans – A from scratch version of canned ranch beans, perfect for casseroles and Tex-Mex dishes.
Copycat Manwich Sloppy Joe Recipe – This homemade Manwich-style sloppy joe recipe recreates the sweet and savory flavor using simple pantry ingredients.