Pantry Staples on a Budget: DIY or Buy? (Plus, Easy DIY Recipes!)

It’s time to step into your kitchen, take control of your grocery budget, and think about making your own DIY budget pantry staples.

Today, let’s talk about making vs. buying common items like bread, salad dressings, and condiments. Let’s discuss how a little bit of effort in your kitchen can lead to big savings and delicious results.

With everyone being as busy as they are, it’s easy to get caught up in convenience. We often choose to buy pre-made items at the store without considering the cost-effectiveness of making them at home ourselves.

I am guilty of buying pre-chopped onions… I mean I can do that myself and save the money – so, know I am talking to me, too.

But what if I told you that with just a little bit of time and effort, you could save money and take control of what goes into your food?

Homemade Keto Bread Recipe

Here’s how to get started:

• Stock up on ingredients and tools needed for homemade versions.
• Calculate your current expenses on store-bought items to see potential savings.
• Check out DIY recipes for staples you frequently use, starting with simple ones.
• Start with one at a time and gradually incorporate more DIY items into your routine.
• Compare the costs and quality of your DIY creations to the store-bought alternatives.
• Adjust your recipes and techniques based on personal preferences and savings goals.

Homemade Bread Recipe

Let’s start with bread.

Buying a loaf of bread at the store can be convenient, but it can also add up over time. By making your own bread at home, not only can you save money, but you can also customize it to suit your family’s needs and tastes.

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a loaf of bread rise and bake in your own kitchen. Not to mention the smell of it wafting through the house! Make sure you check out my super simple homemade butter recipe, too.

Here’s a simple bread recipe to get you started:

Homemade Bread Recipe:

– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 packet active dry yeast
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and olive oil.
3. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about an hour.
6. Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.
7. Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Let the bread cool before slicing and enjoying! Don’t forget the butter!

By making your own bread at home, you save money but and get a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction you can’t get from store-bought bread. So next time you reach for a loaf at the store, consider giving this DIY recipe a try.

Homemade Salad Dressings

Salad dressings are another staple that many of us buy without a second thought. But did you know that making your own salad dressing at home is not only cheaper but also healthier and better tasting than store-bought versions? 

Let’s start with a classic vinaigrette:

Basic Vinaigrette Recipe:

– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This basic vinaigrette is a delicious dressing that can be used on any salad. By making your own dressing at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives and preservatives you find in the store-bought versions.

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

Next, let’s whip up a creamy ranch dressing:

Homemade Ranch Dressing Recipe:

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
2. Stir in the dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

This homemade ranch dressing is perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. By making it at home, you can skip the store-bought bottles with all their artificial flavors and preservatives.

So, the next time you’re tempted to grab a bottle of dressing off the shelf, remember that making your own salad dressing at home is cheap and easy and gives your family fresh, flavorful dressing without any unwanted ingredients.

Condiments

Condiments are often overlooked when it comes to DIY vs buying, but they can be a hidden source of savings and flavor when you make them at home.

Let’s start with a household favorite: ketchup.

Homemade Ketchup Recipe:

– 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1. In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients and whisk until smooth.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Let the ketchup cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Let it cool before transferring to a jar and storing in the refrigerator.

By making your own ketchup at home, you can control the sweetness and seasonings to suit your taste, all while avoiding the high fructose corn syrup and artificial additives found in many store-bought brands.

Next up, let’s tackle another classic condiment: mustard.

DIY Mustard Recipe:

– 1/4 cup yellow mustard seeds
– 1/4 cup brown mustard seeds
– 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt to taste

1. In a small bowl, combine the mustard seeds, apple cider vinegar, honey, and water.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 12 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Add salt to taste and blend again.
5. Store the mustard in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.

Making your own mustard gives you the freedom of choosing the level of spiciness and sweetness, all while skipping the preservatives and artificial colors found in many commercial brands.

Homemade Mayo Recipe

So the next time you reach for a bottle of ketchup or mustard at the store, consider giving these DIY recipes a try. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy the fresh, authentic flavors of homemade condiments you can’t find in a store-bought bottle.

Choosing to make staples at home saves you money for sure, but you’re also making healthier choices for you and your family. So, give it a try! Bake your own bread, experiment with homemade salad dressings, and get creative with condiments. Your wallet and taste buds will thank you!

Looking for inspiration for DIY water bottle crafts? Check out these creative ideas!