Homemade Pantry Mixes

Easy homemade pantry mixes to save time and money in the kitchen. Create better for you pantry staples in just minutes!

Making homemade pantry mixes and seasoning blends is a perfect way to save money in your kitchen. When making your own mixtures using ingredients purchased in bulk you are able to control the flavor and quality of ingredients. There are no need to use preservatives or mystery ingredients when making your own easy homemade pantry mixes!

I have included some of our families favorite homemade pantry mixes, and the ones common in many households. I had a hard time choosing just a few though, so be on the lookout for another post with more of my favorite DIY baking and cooking staples. Printable recipe cards can be found at the bottom of the post. Be creative and customize the spice mixes to your families taste.

• Ranch dressing
• Seasoned salt
• Brownie mix
• Taco seasoning
• Pancake mix
• Enchilada sauce

Taco Seasoning

DIY taco seasoning made with bulk spices is much cheaper than the store-bought packets. Taco seasoning can be customized to your family’s preferences. The spice amounts can be adjusted according to taste. Add cayenne if you like it spicy, or use smoked paprika for a smokey change-up on taco night. 3 tablespoons of mix will equal one packet.

To use taco seasoning mix, add 3 tablespoons of mix to browned meat, plus 3 tablespoons water. Simmer until thickened. For a delicious tortilla chip dip, mix taco seasoning and sour cream and allow flavors to blend in fridge for 30 minutes. Yum!

Chili powder

Cumin powder

Salt

Black pepper

Dried onion flakes

Paprika

Garlic powder

Dried oregano leaves

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional)

Ranch Dressing Mix

Homemade ranch dressing mix tastes a million times better than store bought, and is missing all the extra, unnecessary ingredients of store bought. This dressing mix is perfect for salad dressing, dips, and as a seasoning for all your favorite foods. Try it on popcorn, French fries or burgers. I make a triple batch because we use it so often.

Dried parsley

Dried dill

Onion Powder

Garlic Powder

Salt

Black Pepper

To make ranch dressing, mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce and 2 teaspoons seasoning mix. Add milk to thin to desired consistency. Allow to sit in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to blend.

Brownie Mix

This brownie mix tastes better than those boxes of store bought mix and is completely customizable! Add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Top with ice cream and chocolate sauce for a delicious brownie sundae. I often double the recipe to make a 9×13 pan because they are eaten up so quickly. Make up a few mixes while you have the ingredients out and you’ll have brownie mix at the ready whenever a gooey chocolate cravings hits!

Sugar

All-purpose flour

Cocoa powder

Salt

Baking powder

To make a pan of brownies, add 2 Eggs, 1/2 Cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix in a large bowl until combined.  Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes in a greased 8 x 8 pan. I would advise you to wait until they have cooled to slice, but a fresh, warm, gooey brownie is hard to resist!

Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce made from scratch is deep in flavor and can be as spicy as you wish. I like my sauce thicker than the cans of store bought, so I make sure to cook mine until it’s nice and thick. I find a thicker sauce makes for less soggy tortillas. Feel free to add cayenne pepper to taste if you want the sauce extra spicy. Salt is optional, if you are going to use a salted stock or broth you will want to salt to taste at the end. I have not tried using gluten free flour but I assume that would work well in this recipe. Be sure to give your spices time to toast before adding the broth, this step really deepens the flavor of the sauce. This sauce makes a delicious pan of enchiladas or pot of enchilada soup.

Flour

Chili powder

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Cumin

Salt *can leave out if using salty stock or broth

Dried oregano

To make enchilada sauce, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan. Add 1/4 cup spice mixture. Cook for one minute until spices become fragrant. Slowly add 2 cups vegetable or chicken stock. Continue stirring until thickened. Salt to taste.

Seasoned Salt

Seasoned salt is a favorite in our house to use as an all-purpose seasoning. We use it atop eggs, hamburgers, French fries, and so many more dishes. I choose to make my own instead of buying the blends with anti caking agents and “natural” flavor additives. Feel free to customize this blend to suite your tastes, or even add additional ingredients such as celery salt. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Salt

Black pepper

Sugar

Cornstarch or arrowroot powder

Paprika

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Turmeric

Pancake Mix

All-purpose flour

Baking powder

Baking soda

Salt

Brown sugar

To make pancakes, in a large bowl combine 1 cup mix, 1 egg, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Cook on buttered griddle or frying pan until bubbly, flip and finish cooking until golden. This recipes makes 5 pancakes. This mix can also be used to make waffles.

Which homemade pantry mix will you make first?

Making homemade pantry mixes using ingredients purchased in bulk will save you money. By making large batches at one time, you will save yourself time and help to avoid ingredients you don’t want to feed your family. Check out this post for more tips on ways to save money on groceries.

Comment below what are some of your favorite homemade pantry staples, or which of these recipes you will be making first!