From Scratch, Fast: Homemade Staples That Beat Store-Bought

Make Your Own. It will be less expensive, healthier and better tasting!

Sometimes it’s not about cooking a full meal — it’s about having the right basics ready to go.And here’s the thing: a lot of the “convenience” items you buy at the store aren’t really convenient. They’re loaded with preservatives, cost more per serving, and don’t taste nearly as fresh as something you can make in minutes at home.

The good news? You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen. With a few simple recipes and a little weekend prep, you can stock your fridge and pantry with homemade staples that taste better, save you money, and put you in control of what you’re eating.

1. Salad Dressing

Bottled dressing is one of the easiest items to replace. Most have long ingredient lists full of stabilizers — but you can make your own in under two minutes.

Basic Vinaigrette Formula

• 3 parts oil (olive or vegetable)

• 1 part vinegar (red wine, apple cider, or balsamic)

• Pinch of salt & pepper

• Optional: mustard, honey, garlic, or herbs

Shake in a jar, taste, adjust. Done.

2. Pancake & Waffle Mix

Boxed mixes are mostly flour, sugar, and leavening agents — all things you already have. Making your own lets you control the sweetness and skip unnecessary additives.

Basic Mix (for ~8 servings)

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tsp salt

Store in an airtight jar. When you’re ready, mix 1 cup of this blend with 1 cup milk, 1 egg, and 2 tbsp melted butter or oil.

3. Bread Crumbs

Instead of buying a $4 container, turn old bread into fresh, flavorful crumbs in minutes.

• Toast bread slices until dry (or use stale bread).

• Pulse in a food processor or crush in a bag with a rolling pin.

• Season with Italian herbs, garlic powder, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

• 
  

4. Pasta Sauce

Jarred sauce can be a lifesaver — but homemade can be just as fast and way fresher.

Quick Tomato Sauce

• 1 can crushed tomatoes

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt, pepper, oregano, and basil

Sauté garlic in oil, add tomatoes and seasonings, simmer 10 minutes.

5. Instant Oatmeal Packets

Flavored oatmeal packets are often loaded with sugar and cost much more than bulk oats.

• Mix ½ cup quick oats with a pinch of cinnamon, a spoon of brown sugar, and dried fruit or nuts.

• Store in snack-size bags or jars.

• Add ¾ cup boiling water or milk when ready.

Bottom line:You don’t have to give up convenience to eat well on a budget. By making these staples yourself, you’ll get fresher flavor, save money, and know exactly what’s going into your food. Plus, once you get the hang of it, you might never go back to the store-bought versions again.