16 Kitchen Staples You Can Make Yourself to Save Big

Why spend extra cash on store-bought staples when you can whip them up at home for a fraction of the cost? Not only do you get to save big, but you also get full bragging rights for mastering the art of homemade essentials. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of cutting out the middleman—and maybe even adding your own personal flair? To give you an idea, here are some of the kitchen staples you can actually make in your kitchen.

Homemade Bread

Making your own bread at home is surprisingly easy and can save a lot of money over time. Begin by mixing flour, yeast, salt, and warm water in a large bowl until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, then let it rise for an hour in a warm spot. After it has risen, shape the dough and let it rise again before baking at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. You’ll get a golden, crusty loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches or toast. Once you start baking your own bread, you might never go back to store-bought loaves.

Yogurt

Homemade yogurt is not only cost-effective, but it also allows you to control the ingredients. Heat milk to 180°F, then let it cool to about 110°F before stirring in a couple of tablespoons of plain yogurt as a starter. Cover the mixture and let it sit in a warm place for 6-8 hours, or until it thickens to the right consistency. You can add honey, vanilla, or fresh fruit for flavor. Once you realize how simple and delicious homemade yogurt is, you’ll be ditching the pricey store-bought versions for good.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is often expensive, but making your own is incredibly easy. All you need are vanilla beans and vodka. Slice open a few vanilla beans, place them in a jar, and cover them with vodka. Let the mixture sit for about two months, shaking it occasionally. The result is a rich, aromatic vanilla extract that can be used in baking or cooking. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, and you’ll always have a high-quality extract on hand.

Peanut Butter

Making peanut butter at home is a fun and cost-saving project. All you need are roasted peanuts and a food processor. Blend the peanuts until smooth, adding a pinch of salt or a bit of honey if you prefer it sweet. You can adjust the texture to be as creamy or chunky as you like. With homemade peanut butter, you avoid added preservatives and get a fresh, natural product that tastes better than any jar you can buy.

Almond Milk

Homemade almond milk is a great way to save money, and it’s free from additives. Soak almonds overnight, then blend them with water in a blender. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag to remove the pulp, leaving you with creamy almond milk. You can add vanilla or sweeteners to taste. This homemade version not only tastes better but also reduces the need for store-bought cartons filled with unnecessary ingredients.

Salad Dressing

Store-bought salad dressings can be expensive and often contain preservatives, but homemade versions are fresher and more flavorful. To make a basic vinaigrette, combine olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, mustard, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a jar. Shake it well until the ingredients are emulsified. You can adjust the seasoning with herbs and spices to suit your taste. Once you try homemade dressing, you’ll realize it’s more affordable, healthier, and tastier than anything from the store.

Pizza Dough

Making pizza dough at home is both fun and economical. Combine flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and mix until it forms a dough. Let it rise for about an hour, then roll it out and top it with your favorite ingredients. Bake at a high temperature until the crust is crispy and golden. Homemade pizza dough not only saves you money but also allows you to create customized pizzas that are better than delivery.

Granola

Homemade granola is easy to make and significantly cheaper than buying it pre-packaged. Mix oats, nuts, seeds, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup with a bit of coconut oil, then bake until crispy. You can add dried fruits or chocolate chips after it cools. This versatile snack is perfect for breakfast or as a healthy topping for yogurt. Once you’ve made your own, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the store version.

Tomato Sauce

Instead of buying jarred tomato sauce, you can easily make a flavorful homemade version. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs like basil or oregano. Let it simmer for at least an hour to develop the flavors. You can store this sauce in jars or freeze it for later use. Homemade tomato sauce is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought options, and it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or any dish that calls for tomato sauce.

Mayonnaise

Making mayonnaise at home takes only a few minutes and costs much less than the store-bought kind. Whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, mustard, and oil until the mixture thickens into a creamy, smooth spread. You can customize it by adding garlic, herbs, or spices for extra flavor. Not only is homemade mayonnaise fresher, but it also avoids preservatives. Once you taste it, you’ll find it far superior to any jarred version you’ve tried.

Hummus

Making hummus at home is incredibly easy and costs a fraction of what you’d pay at the store. Simply blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until smooth. You can adjust the flavors by adding roasted red peppers, cumin, or extra garlic for a personalized twist. Homemade hummus is not only cheaper but also fresher and more nutritious than pre-packaged versions. It’s the perfect dip for vegetables, pita bread, or crackers.

Tortillas

Store-bought tortillas often come with preservatives, but you can make fresh, soft tortillas at home with just a few ingredients. Combine flour, water, salt, and baking powder to form a dough, then divide it into balls. Roll each one out into a thin circle and cook in a hot skillet until lightly browned. The result is a batch of fresh tortillas that taste far better than anything from a bag. Once you experience how easy and delicious homemade tortillas are, you’ll want them for every taco night.

Chicken Stock

Instead of buying boxed or canned stock, you can easily make your own from leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps. Simmer the bones with carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and herbs for several hours, then strain the liquid. Freeze the stock in portions for later use in soups, stews, or sauces. Homemade stock is much more flavorful and nutrient-rich than store-bought versions. Plus, it’s a great way to use every part of the chicken, minimizing waste.

Applesauce

Making applesauce at home is simple, delicious, and much cheaper than buying it pre-made. Peel and chop apples, then simmer them with water and cinnamon until soft. Mash or blend the mixture to your desired consistency, and sweeten to taste with sugar or honey if needed. You can store it in jars or freeze it for later use. Homemade applesauce is perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a healthy baking substitute, and it’s a fun way to make the most of fall’s apple harvest.

Pickles

Making your own pickles at home is simple and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Start by slicing cucumbers and placing them in a jar with garlic, dill, and spices. Boil vinegar, water, salt, and sugar, then pour the hot mixture over the cucumbers. Let the pickles sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours to develop flavor. Homemade pickles are not only more affordable but also much fresher than store-bought ones, and you can experiment with different spices and herbs for unique batches.

Butter

Homemade butter requires just heavy cream and a little bit of patience. Whip cold cream in a stand mixer or food processor until it separates into butter and buttermilk. Strain off the buttermilk and knead the butter under cold water to remove any remaining liquid. Add salt for a savory butter, or try mixing in honey or herbs for something special. Once you taste fresh, homemade butter, you’ll never look at the grocery store versions the same way again!

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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