Homemade Mix Recipes for Your Pantry

Homemade Pancake Mix

Homemade pancake mix is one of the easiest pantry staples to prepare. Keeping a large batch on hand means you can quickly make pancakes or waffles without buying boxed mixes. It's less expensive, easy to customize, and contains only the ingredients you choose.

Once the dry mix is prepared, breakfast comes together in just a few minutes by adding an egg, milk, oil, and vanilla. Kids can even help measure, stir, and cook the pancakes while practicing important kitchen skills.

Pantry Mix Ingredients

• 7 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons salt

Directions

1. Whisk all of the dry ingredients together in a very large bowl until evenly combined.
2. Transfer the mix to an airtight container or large glass jar.
3. Label the container with the date and recipe directions.
4. Store in a cool, dry pantry.

To Make Pancakes

• 1 cup homemade pancake mix
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk, almond milk, or water
• 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Whisk all ingredients together until just combined.
2. Pour onto a lightly greased hot griddle or skillet.
3. Cook until bubbles appear, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.

Homemade Baking Mix (Bisquick Substitute)

A homemade baking mix is one of the most useful pantry staples you can keep on hand. It works much like a boxed baking mix but costs less, contains fewer preservatives, and can be used for biscuits, pancakes, waffles, dumplings, shortcakes, and casseroles.

Mix a large batch once, then simply measure out what you need whenever a recipe calls for baking mix. It's a great way to save both time and money.

Ingredients

• 10 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/8 cup baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 1/4 cups powdered milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 pound shortening

Directions

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, powdered milk, salt, and sugar in a very large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the shortening into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender, two forks, or a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Transfer the baking mix to an airtight container or food-safe storage bucket.
4. Label with the preparation date and store in a cool, dry place for up to one month.
5. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the mix.

Homemade Brownie Mix

Keep a batch of homemade brownie mix in your pantry so warm, fudgy brownies are always just a few minutes away. This make-ahead mix saves money, reduces packaging waste, and lets you bake without reaching for a boxed mix.

Simply measure the mix, add a few fresh ingredients, stir, and bake. It's an easy recipe for kids to help prepare while practicing measuring, mixing, and baking skills.

Brownie Mix Ingredients

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 8 cups sugar
• 8 ounces unsweetened cocoa powder

Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder together in a very large bowl until well combined. Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry for up to 2-3 months.

To Bake Brownies

• 2 1/2 cups homemade brownie mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Combine the brownie mix, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla until just blended.
3. Spread into a greased 8-inch or 9-inch square baking pan.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
5. Cool before cutting into squares.

Homemade Pudding Mix

This simple homemade pudding mix makes creamy vanilla or chocolate pudding using basic pantry ingredients. Keeping a batch ready to use means you can prepare dessert in just a few minutes while avoiding many of the additives found in instant boxed mixes.

Recipe shared by Lacie • Makes about 4 batches

Pudding Mix Ingredients

• 3 1/3 cups dry milk powder
• 2 1/3 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 2/3 cups sugar

Whisk all of the dry ingredients together until evenly blended. Store the pudding mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.

Vanilla Pudding

• 1 1/4 cups homemade pudding mix
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Combine the pudding mix and water in a saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for about 2 minutes until thickened.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
5. Chill before serving.

Chocolate Pudding

• 1¼ cups homemade pudding mix
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1¾ cups water

1. Whisk the pudding mix, cocoa powder, and water together.
2. Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil.
3. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick.
4. Cool slightly, then refrigerate until set.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix

Skip the packets and make your own rich hot cocoa mix using simple pantry ingredients. Keep a container in your cupboard for quick cups of cocoa whenever you need them.

Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 3/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder

Directions

1. Whisk all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly combined.
2. Transfer the cocoa mix to an airtight container or decorative jar.
3. Store in a cool, dry pantry.

To Make Hot Cocoa

Stir 3-4 tablespoons of the cocoa mix into one cup of hot milk or hot water. Stir until completely dissolved and serve warm.

Homemade Onion Soup Mix

This homemade onion soup mix is one of the most useful pantry staples you'll make. Use it in dips, slow cooker recipes, casseroles, meatloaf, roasted potatoes, soups, and beef recipes while avoiding store-bought seasoning packets.

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons beef bouillon granules (or 2 crushed bouillon cubes)
• 8 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Whisk until evenly mixed.
3. Store in a tightly sealed jar or airtight container.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

Pumpkin pie spice is one of the easiest seasoning blends to make at home. Instead of purchasing a small jar each holiday season, mix your own using common baking spices and keep it ready for pies, muffins, pancakes, breads, cookies, and hot drinks.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Combine all of the spices in a small bowl.
2. Whisk until evenly blended.
3. Transfer to a spice jar or airtight container.
4. Label and store in a cool, dry pantry.

Homemade Cream Soup Mix

Cream soup mix is one of the biggest money-saving pantry staples you can make. It replaces canned cream soups in casseroles, slow cooker recipes, pasta dishes, and pot pies while reducing packaging and giving you more control over the ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered milk
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
• 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Whisk all ingredients together until evenly combined.
2. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry.

To Replace One Can of Cream Soup

1. Combine 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 1/4 cups cold water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Use in place of one can of condensed cream soup in your favorite recipes.

Looking for another option? Try this homemade cream of chicken soup substitute for casseroles and pot pies.

Homemade Seasoning Shaker Mix

Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, keep this all-purpose seasoning blend beside the stove. It's a simple way to add flavor to vegetables, potatoes, eggs, meats, soups, popcorn, and roasted vegetables while reducing the amount of salt you use.

Ingredients

• 5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Whisk well until evenly blended.
3. Transfer to a spice shaker or airtight jar.
4. Add a few grains of uncooked rice if using a shaker to help prevent clumping.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Skip the seasoning packets and make your own taco seasoning at home. This pantry staple costs less per batch, lets you adjust the spice level, and works in tacos, burritos, taco soup, casseroles, rice bowls, and Mexican-inspired recipes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup dried minced onion
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano
• 3 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
• 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Whisk all ingredients together until evenly combined.
2. Store in an airtight spice jar.
3. Use about 3 tablespoons to replace one packet of taco seasoning.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Make your own Cajun seasoning with a simple blend of paprika, garlic, herbs, and spices. Use less cayenne for a mild family-friendly mix or add more if you like extra heat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 3 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
• 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1. Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper to a small bowl.
2. Stir or whisk until the spices are evenly combined.
3. Transfer the Cajun seasoning to a small airtight container or spice jar.
4. Label the container and store it in a cool, dry place with your other spices.

DIY Italian Herb Seasoning

Italian seasoning combines several classic Mediterranean herbs into one convenient blend. Keep a jar in your pantry for pizza, pasta sauces, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, soups, chicken, and homemade marinades.

Want to put your seasoning to work? Try our Homemade Sauce Recipes and learn how Italian herbs transform pasta sauces, marinades, and dressings.