What to Keep in a Well-Stocked Kitchen Pantry Cabinet

Having your kitchen pantry cabinets well-stocked can save you time and money. Time because you don't have to wonder if you have enough of a certain ingredient, and money because you won't waste gas going to the store or replacing items you already have in abundance.

Beyond the Basics

The following checklist consists of a few basic items you'll always want to have on hand. They'll come in especially handy when you're down to the wire. You can always add to them. And, with a little preparation, you may never have to call peanut butter toast dinner again -- unless that strikes your fancy. Here are the items that every kitchen pantryshould have:

Your Kitchen Full of Flavor

Basics

Kosher salt Fine salt Black peppercorns Apple cider vinegar Red wine vinegar Balsamic or sherry vinegar Unseasoned rice vinegar

Baking

Flour: all-purpose, pastry or whole wheat Baking soda Baking powder Cream of tartar Unsweetened cocoa powder Chocolate: chips or bar Evaporated milk Pure vanillaÂ extract

Canned Goods

Chicken broth Beans: cannellini, navy, chickpeas or black Vegetables: hominy, corn or green beans Capers or olives Chiles: chipotles in adobo or pickled jalapenos Salsa Tomatoes Tomato paste Roasted red peppers Tuna Anchovy fillets or paste

Drinks

Coffee Tea

Grains

Long-grain white rice Brown rice Grains: bulgur, quinoa, couscous or farro Pasta: standard, whole grain, rice noodles or egg noodles Polenta Breadcrumbs: plain or panko

Sweeteners

Granulated sugar Confectioners' sugar Brown sugar Maple syrup Honey Agave syrup

Snacks and Cereals

Crackers Tortillas Cookies or biscuits Pretzels Marshmallows Popcorn kernels Dried fruit: raisins, apricots or cherries Seeds: sunflower, flax, chia or hemp Peanut butter or almond butter Applesauce Breakfast cereal Old-fashioned rolled oats

Dried Herbs and Spices

Bay leaves Cajun seasoning Cayenne pepper Chili powder Crushed red pepper Curry powder Fennel or dill seed Granulated garlic Ground cinnamon Ground cloves Ground cumin Ground ginger Oregano Paprika: sweet and smoked Rosemary Sesame seeds Thyme Whole nutmeg