As you probably already know, cooking is easier when you have some staples on hand. And if you’re gluten-free, this applies just as much.
Having items that will round out your meals and keep you on track and gluten-free is important and super helpful in your everyday. Stock your kitchen with these gluten-free items and you will be able to make lots of great sides and enjoy them, too.
Since I’m gluten-free, this is literally an extensive list of the stuff I have in my pantry. This is a great start to any gluten-free kitchen, just get the items and keep them stocked!
Dry Goods
It’s important to have dried items on hand. You can make things out of foods like beans and lentils, sometimes with no more than some water or stock. How easy is that?
- Oatmeal (make sure it says gluten-free)
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Lentils
- Dried Beans
- Pasta (gluten-free)
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chia seeds
- Dried fruit
And if you want to bake, making gluten-free items can be difficult, but not impossible. Find some recipes, do some experimenting, and see what you can do. It’s easier than you may think! (Just don’t expect gluten-free ingredients to react the same as conventional ingredients, because they won’t)
- Almond Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Tapioca Powder (in place of cornstarch)
- Chocolate (or other flavored) chips
Oils, Vinegars, and Sauces
These items really make your dish, and are easy to get and even easier to keep on hand.
- Oils like avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and toasted sesame oil. (Side note: toasted sesame oil is the “taste” that makes Chinese food taste like Chinese food.)
- Vinegar (make sure it’s gluten-free)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coconut Aminos (replacement for soy sauce)
- Honey
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Peanut butter
- Salsa
Herbs and Spices
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These ingredients can top your foods or be mixed in. You can use them fresh or dried, and they will flavor your dishes perfectly.
- Sea salt
- Coarse pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried rosemary
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Dried oregano
- Crushed red pepper
- Cinnamon powder
- Curry powder
- Chili powder
Canned Goods
Having canned items in your pantry can be the difference between eating at home or having to order out. They are great for all meals, from breakfast to dinner, and snacks, too.
- Tomato products: paste, sauce, and diced
- Coconut milk
- Chicken and Beef Stock
- Tuna (in water)
Boxed Goods
Easy, fast, and delicious sides are great for dinner or even to make a quick lunch. And plus, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Because I do.
- Mac and cheese (gluten-free)
- Rice sides (check to be sure they’re gluten-free!)
- Rice and quinoa sides (check this too, you never know what may be added in)
- Pasta sides (gluten-free)
- Crackers (gluten-free)
- Tortilla chips (should be gluten-free always, but check anyhow)
You need dried and canned foods, and also fresh foods on hand to always make a balanced meal. Here are some good things to have.
Refrigerator
- Eggs
- Butter
- Plain Yogurt
- Grated parmesan
- Milk (I like Almond Milk.)
- Salad
- Vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, green beans etc)
- Berries
Freezer
- Chicken breasts
- Vegetable mixtures
- Peas
- Ground beef
- Various chicken pieces
- Bacon
- Fruits (for protein shakes or smoothies)
- Overripe bananas
These things are great to have around so you can always have tasty, fresh dinners and healthy, delicious foods, that are ready to cook, and eat!
Try out this list and decide what you want and don’t want for your own kitchen. Things will always change and that’s good, and good tasting.
This list is a good start, but try it out and see what works best for you. Cooking can be fun and easy. You will have leftovers and lots of stuff that’s ready to eat and homemade. Good luck!