If youβre new to cooking from scratch, you donβt need a complicated system or a pantry full of specialty ingredients.
You just need a few reliable mixes that turn everyday staples into real meals β without starting from zero every time you cook.
These are the five pantry mixes I keep stocked in my own kitchen. Theyβre simple, practical, and flexible enough to use in many different ways. Start with one, add more as you go, and let your confidence build naturally.
βΈ»
1. Biscuit Mix
This is the mix I reach for most often β and the one I recommend starting with.
A good homemade biscuit mix replaces store-bought baking mixes and gives you a foundation for:
β’ Fluffy biscuits
β’ Dumplings for soups and stews
β’ Pot pie topping
β’ Breakfast sandwiches
Once you have this mix on hand, fresh bread stops feeling like βextra workβ and becomes part of everyday cooking.
π [Link to Biscuit Mix Recipe]
βΈ»
2. Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning is one of the easiest ways to cut back on processed ingredients while keeping weeknight meals fast.
This mix is perfect for:
β’ Tacos and taco bowls
β’ Burritos and quesadillas
β’ Taco soup
β’ Seasoned ground beef or chicken
Keeping this seasoning ready means dinner can be on the table in minutes β without relying on packets.
π [Link to Taco Seasoning Recipe]
βΈ»
3. Cream of Chicken Soup Mix (dry)
This is one of the most useful mixes in a from-scratch pantry.
A homemade cream of chicken soup base replaces canned soup and can be used for:
β’ Casseroles
β’ Skillet meals
β’ Soups and pot pies
β’ Slow cooker recipes
Itβs a simple blend that turns basic ingredients into comforting meals and gives you more control over what goes into your food.
π [Link to Cream of Chicken Soup Mix Recipe]
βΈ»
4. Brown Gravy Mix
This mix quietly saves dinner more often than people realize.
A homemade brown gravy mix is perfect for:
β’ Roast beef or pork
β’ Salisbury steak
β’ Meatballs
β’ Mashed potatoes and rice
Having this on hand means you can turn simple cuts of meat into hearty, satisfying meals without extra steps.
π [Link to Brown Gravy Mix Recipe]
βΈ»
5. Ranch Seasoning
Ranch seasoning isnβt just for dressing β itβs a versatile blend that adds flavor to everyday foods.
Use it for:
β’ Roasted or air-fried vegetables
β’ Chicken and pork
β’ Potato dishes
β’ Dips and spreads
This is one of those mixes that helps make simple food taste really good, especially on busy nights.
π [Link to Ranch Seasoning Recipe]
βΈ»
Where to Go Next
You donβt need to make all five of these at once.
Choose one mix to start with. Make it. Use it a few times. Then add another when youβre ready.
From-scratch cooking isnβt about doing everything β itβs about building habits that make your kitchen work better for you.
If youβre just getting started, I recommend beginning with the biscuit mix and working your way down the list.
Youβre in the right place. Take it one recipe at a time.
Looking for more simple, from-scratch recipes using pantry staples? Browse the From-Scratch Basics section to keep building with confidence.
Comments
42 responses to “Start Here: 5 Pantry Mixes That Make From-Scratch Cooking Easier”
Thank youβ€οΈ
you are so welcome! π
Iβm so excited to use your recipes!! Thank you!
I hope that you enjoy them! You’re welcome! π
Do you make homemade white bread or cinnamon rolls?
yes I do! I have recipes for both that I will be sharing π
Thank you so much for these starter recipes. I truly appreciate them.
You are so welcome! I am happy you like them π
Thank you! Iβve already used the Taco seasoning recipe!
I am so happy you find them useful! <3
Thank you
you are so welcome!
What does the cornstarch do in these dry mixes like the Hot Cocoa? Please and thanks!
π
cornstarch acts as a thickening agent in most of the mixes π
You completed various nice points there. I did a search on the subject and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
thank you π
Thank you so much!
you are so welcome <3
This is awesome! Thanks so much. Canβt wait to use β€οΈ
thank you! π I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Thank you! Me and my family have really enjoyed all of your recipes! β€οΈ Do you have a homemade mayo recipe please?
you are so welcome! I am so happy that you and your family are enjoying them π I do! I will be blogging one very soon
I am so ready for this journey. Thank you for sharing this with us.
I am excited for you! Let me know which recipes you enjoy <3
Thank you for your mixes. I have used simalar in the past. Really like yours.
thank you so much! I am happy you are enjoying them <3
Thank you for your recipes.cant wait to start trying them.
I hope that you enjoy them π
I’m so grateful for your FB page. I’m not a beginner, I’ve been cooking for 54 years but all of a sudden I really hate it. We don’t even eat dinner a lot of nights simply because I just can’t make myself pretend to be interested anymore.
I hope that these recipes can help inspire you and give you hope in the kitchen again <3
Thank you so much Cassie! Iβm excited to try all of these!!
I hope that you enjoy each and every recipe! π
Thank you so much! I just found you and I’m loving everything so far! Looking forward to many more!
I am so happy that you are enjoying the recipes! π that is wonderful <3
If you didnβt want to add the crisco or lard right away (thinking I wouldnβt have space to keep in fridge or freezer) could you add it later? If so, how much? Thanks!
you can add it later- and you would use 1/4 cup of lard or crisco per 2 cups of biscuit mix π then 3/4 c of buttermilk
Thank you, I didn’t want to have to keep in the fridge/freezer as well. I love this option.
you are so welcome, I am happy these could help! π
Thank you!!
you are so welcome! π
Thank you for offering this information for free. Canβt wait to start taking back my house.
im so happy you can use the recipes π