These are the pantry staples I actually use—the kind that make cooking easier, better, way more flavorful, and that I always have a backup of.
🍅Specially Selected Marinara (Aldi) – My favorite store-bought sauce. Great quality, great price, and I refuse to pay $8 for a jar of tomato sauce.
🍝Specially Selected Bronze Cut Italian Pasta (Aldi) – Made in Italy with amazing texture and a very reasonable price point. Perfect for any pasta dish.
🍞Bread Flour (King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill) – Not just for bread—think pizza dough, pretzels, naan, bagels, and even extra chewy cookies.
🌽Cornstarch – Great for thickening sauces, soups, and gravy, plus breading and baking. You should always have this on hand!
🫒Terra Delyssa Olive Oil – One of my favorites. I usually grab it when it’s on sale at Kroger. It is my everyday cooking oil.
🍗Chicken Bouillon – Instant broth with just water, plus a flavor enhancer for sauces, soups, and pastas.
🌶️Rotel – A must in a queso-loving house. I especially love the Mexican Style or Hot with Habanero varieties. Also great for chili and soups.