10 Pantry Staples Not Being Used To Their Full Potential

Your pantry is stocked with essentials that make cooking easier, but are you using them to their full potential? Some pantry staples are more versatile than you think, and you might be missing out on how to use them in more ways. By using these pantry staples creatively, you can unlock new flavors and textures in your cooking.

Olive Oil

The Mistake: Only using it for cooking.
Olive oil is often reserved for sautéing or frying, but it’s a flavor powerhouse that can be used in many other ways.
How to Use It Correctly: Use olive oil as a finishing drizzle over salads, pastas, or roasted vegetables to enhance flavor. You can also mix it with balsamic vinegar for a quick dressing or use it in baking for a moist texture and subtle richness.
Related recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Canned Beans

The Mistake: Only using them as a side or in soups.
Canned beans are nutritious, but often they’re just heated up and served plain.
How to Use It Correctly: Mash beans into spreads for sandwiches, add them to smoothies for protein, or toss them into salads and grain bowls for added texture. You can even blend them into soups for creaminess without cream.
Related recipe: Santa Fe Salad

Rice

The Mistake: Only serving it as a side dish.
Rice is often viewed as just a side to pair with main dishes, but it has so much more potential.
How to Use It Correctly: Use rice to make veggie-packed fried rice, turn it into rice pudding for dessert, or use it as a stuffing for peppers. Leftover rice also works great in soups or as a base for grain bowls.
Related recipe: Crab Fried Rice

Canned Tomatoes

The Mistake: Only using them in pasta sauces.
Canned tomatoes are typically thrown into pasta sauces, but they can do much more.
How to Use It Correctly: Use canned tomatoes in soups, stews, and casseroles. Roast them to intensify their flavor, or blend them into a homemade tomato juice or cocktail sauce.
Related recipe: Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Breadcrumbs

The Mistake: Only using them for breading.
Breadcrumbs are often used to coat fried foods, but they’re more than just a crunchy topping.
How to Use It Correctly: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on casseroles for a crispy finish, mix them into meatballs or veggie burgers for structure, or toast them with herbs for a flavorful pasta topping.
Related recipe: Sweet and Sour Turkey Meatballs

Flour

The Mistake: Only using it for baking.
Flour is commonly reserved for baked goods, but it’s much more versatile than that.
How to Use It Correctly: Use flour to thicken soups, sauces, and gravies. You can also coat proteins like chicken or fish before pan-frying for a light, crispy crust.
Related recipe: Honey Butter Fried Chicken

Soy Sauce

The Mistake: Only using it for Asian dishes.
Soy sauce is often associated with stir-fries and sushi, but its umami flavor can enhance all kinds of dishes.
How to Use It Correctly: Add a splash of soy sauce to soups, marinades, and salad dressings for depth. It works especially well in stews, sauces, and even in scrambled eggs for a savory boost.
Related recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Loin

Vinegar

The Mistake: Only using it in salad dressings.
Vinegar is often limited to vinaigrettes, but its acidity can brighten up a wide range of dishes.
How to Use It Correctly: Add vinegar to soups, sauces, or braised dishes to balance rich flavors. It can also be used to tenderize meat in marinades or add tanginess to pickled vegetables.
Related recipe: Easy Pickled Red Onions

Peanut Butter

The Mistake: Only using it for sandwiches.
Peanut butter is often spread on toast or made into PB&J sandwiches, but it can do so much more.
How to Use It Correctly: Stir peanut butter into sauces for noodles or curries, blend it into smoothies for extra protein, or use it as a base for energy balls and granola bars.
Related recipe: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats

Spices

The Mistake: Only using a pinch of your spices.
Most people don’t use spices to their full potential, often adding just a small amount for flavor.
How to Use It Correctly: Don’t be afraid to be generous with spices. Toasting them before using can intensify their flavor, and mixing different spices together can create layers of taste. Use spices to improve the flavor of roasted vegetables, soups, meats, and even desserts.
Related recipe: Vegan Vegetable Ratatouille