Essential Items for Your Fall Pantry Checklist
As the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of cooking and baking at home. Fall is the season of hearty soups, baked goods, and warm, spiced drinks. To make the most of the season’s flavors, it’s essential to stock your pantry with the right ingredients.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through a Fall Pantry Checklist, filled with must-have staples that will help you create seasonal favorites and keep your kitchen running smoothly all season long.
1. Spices and Seasonings
Fall is the season of warm, fragrant spices that bring out the cozy flavors of the season. Be sure to have these essential spices on hand:
Cinnamon – A fall staple, cinnamon’s sweet and warming flavor is perfect for everything from apple pies and cinnamon rolls to spiced oatmeal and warm drinks like cider or hot chocolate.
Nutmeg – With its slightly sweet, nutty flavor, nutmeg is a must for pumpkin pies, custards, and spice blends. It also adds a hint of warmth to savory dishes like creamy soups or mashed potatoes.
Cloves – Known for their strong, aromatic sweetness, cloves enhance the flavor of fall desserts like spiced cookies and pumpkin bread. They’re also excellent for adding depth to mulled wine, hot apple cider, or even savory marinades.
Allspice – “is a spice made from the dried berries of a plant known as Pimenta dioica, which is a member of the myrtle family.” source: https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-allspice-p2-995556
Ginger – Whether fresh or ground, ginger adds a lovely spicy-sweet zing to everything from gingerbread and spice cakes to stir-fries and soups. Its warming quality makes it a key ingredient in fall dishes.
Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme – These earthy, aromatic herbs are essential for creating flavorful roasted vegetables, stuffing, and meat dishes. Sage adds a savory richness to poultry and pork, while rosemary and thyme are perfect for slow-cooked stews, roasted root vegetables, and breads.
2. Baking Essentials
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Fall is baking season, and whether you’re making pumpkin bread, apple pie, or spiced cookies, you’ll need a well-stocked baking section. Make sure you have:
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation for most baking recipes, from cookies and muffins to pies and breads. Keep plenty on hand for the endless fall treats you’ll be whipping up.
Brown Sugar – With its rich molasses flavor, brown sugar is a fall baking essential. It adds depth to seasonal favorites like pumpkin bread, gingerbread cookies, and spiced cakes, while also contributing to the chewy texture of cookies and crisps.
Granulated Sugar – A staple in any baking recipe, granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure to everything from cakes to pie fillings. It's also key for caramelizing fruits like apples and pears in desserts.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder – These leavening agents are crucial for helping your baked goods rise and achieve the perfect light, fluffy texture. Keep both on hand for cookies, cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
Yeast – Whether you’re making homemade bread, dinner rolls, or cinnamon buns, yeast is essential for achieving that perfect rise and fluffy texture in your fall bread recipes.
Oats – Hearty and nutritious, oats are ideal for making oatmeal cookies, apple crisps, and autumn-inspired granola. They add a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with warm spices and fruit.
Vanilla Extract – A must-have for adding depth and sweetness to cakes, cookies, muffins, and frostings. A good-quality vanilla extract can enrich even the simplest of baked goods with its fragrant aroma and flavor.
3. Canned and Preserved Goods
Canning is a time-honored method of preserving seasonal ingredients, allowing you to capture the flavors of fall for use throughout the year. Canned and jarred goods are pantry essentials that not only bring convenience but also enrich your autumn dishes with deep, preserved flavors, perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.
Be sure to stock up on these essentials:
Pumpkin Puree – The base for classic dishes like pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and muffins. It also works great in savory recipes, such as creamy pumpkin soups or as an addition to pasta sauces and risottos.
Canned Tomatoes – Whether whole, diced, or crushed, canned tomatoes are a versatile ingredient for hearty fall soups, stews, chilis, and homemade pasta sauces. Their rich flavor intensifies during cooking, making them perfect for slow-simmered dishes like Bolognese or tomato-based casseroles.
Coconut Milk – A pantry essential for adding creamy texture and subtle sweetness to soups, curries, and even fall-inspired desserts like coconut pumpkin pie or dairy-free hot chocolate. Coconut milk adds richness to a variety of dishes, making it ideal for those who want to avoid dairy while still achieving a creamy consistency.
Applesauce – A versatile ingredient, applesauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It adds moisture to baked goods like cakes and muffins, often as a healthy substitute for oil or butter. On the savory side, it pairs wonderfully with pork chops or roasted meats, balancing out salty flavors with its natural sweetness.
Canned Beans – A quick and convenient source of protein and fiber, canned beans are perfect for fall staples like chili, soups, and casseroles. Keep a variety on hand, such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, to add heartiness to stews, salads, or even make a simple bean dip for cozy gatherings.
Broth (Chicken, Vegetable, or Beef) – Broths are the backbone of many fall recipes, providing depth and flavor to soups, stews, risottos, and gravies. Whether it’s a homemade chicken noodle soup or a hearty beef stew, having chicken, vegetable, or beef broth in your pantry makes it easy to create flavorful, warming dishes during the cooler months.
4. Grains and Pasta
When autumn comes, I usually find myself craving comfort food more than ever, and for me, grains and pasta are the heart of those cozy, satisfying fall meals. Here’s a closer look at the essential grains and pasta to stock up on for the season:
Pasta – A must-have for fall comfort dishes, pasta is incredibly versatile. Keep a variety of shapes and types in your pantry, such as elbows for creamy mac and cheese, penne or rigatoni for baked pasta dishes, and spaghetti or linguine for simple yet comforting sauces. Whole grain or gluten-free varieties are also great options for adding a bit more nutrition. Pasta dishes like lasagna, pasta bakes, or even a simple pesto pasta can become go-to meals during fall.
Rice – Rice is another pantry essential that provides endless possibilities for fall cooking. Keep a mix of varieties like:
Long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine) for fluffy pilafs or as a side dish to hearty stews and curries.
Arborio rice for making creamy risottos, a quintessential fall dish. Pair it with seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, mushrooms, or butternut squash for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Wild rice for adding an earthy, nutty flavor to soups, casseroles, and salads, making it perfect for fall dishes that feature roasted vegetables or poultry.
Quinoa and Barley – These grains are perfect for hearty grain bowls, side dishes, and soups.
Quinoa is a protein-packed option that can be used as a base for warm grain bowls topped with roasted fall vegetables, nuts, and a tangy dressing. It’s also a great addition to soups and stews, adding both texture and nutrition.
Barley is a chewy, fiber-rich grain ideal for slow-cooked stews, casseroles, and soups like a classic beef and barley stew. It absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for hearty, filling meals.
Lentils – A fall pantry staple, lentils are a protein-packed option that’s both filling and nutritious.
Red lentils cook quickly and are perfect for making creamy lentil soups or thickening stews.
Green or brown lentils hold their shape better during cooking, making them ideal for adding to salads, casseroles, and vegetable-based stews. Lentils are also a fantastic meat substitute for vegetarian chili or shepherd’s pie.
5. Oils and Fats
Oils and fats are the backbone of both cooking and baking, providing flavor, texture, and richness to your dishes. Here’s a detailed look at the essential oils and fats to keep on hand:
Olive Oil – A true kitchen staple, olive oil is essential for sautéing, roasting, and dressing your favorite fall salads.
Extra-virgin olive oil is perfect for drizzling over roasted vegetables, tossing with pasta, or making vinaigrettes for autumn salads. Its rich, fruity flavor adds depth to cold dishes and dips, like hummus or tapenade.
Light olive oil is more neutral in flavor and has a higher smoke point, making it ideal for sautéing or roasting fall vegetables like squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
Vegetable Oil – A neutral oil with a high smoke point, vegetable oil is ideal for frying and general-purpose cooking.
Use vegetable oil for making crispy fried dishes like fall fritters or fried chicken, where you need an oil that won’t overpower the flavor of the dish.
It’s also perfect for baking when you need moisture and tenderness without altering the taste, such as in quick breads, cakes, or muffins.
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil has become a popular alternative to traditional oils and is especially useful in baking.
Unrefined coconut oil imparts a subtle coconut flavor and is great for recipes like pumpkin bread, cookies, or spiced cakes, where a hint of coconut adds a unique twist.
Refined coconut oil, with its neutral taste, is versatile for cooking and baking when you want the health benefits of coconut oil without its flavor. Coconut oil also works well in vegan or dairy-free recipes as a substitute for butter.
Butter – Butter is indispensable in both cooking and baking, adding richness and flavor to your favorite fall dishes.
Unsalted butter is essential for baking, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipes. It’s key for making flaky pie crusts, soft cookies, and tender cakes, and it adds a creamy richness to any baked good.
Salted butter is perfect for everyday cooking, where a bit of salt enhances the flavor of your dish. Use it to sauté vegetables, enrich sauces, or simply spread over warm bread fresh out of the oven. Salted butter is also perfect for making savory fall dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, or buttered rolls.
Other Specialty Oils – Depending on your cooking preferences, you may also want to keep a few specialty oils on hand for more specific uses:
Avocado oil is a great alternative to olive oil for roasting and frying, thanks to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Sesame oil adds a nutty, earthy flavor that’s perfect for Asian-inspired fall dishes like stir-fries, noodle bowls, or roasted sesame vegetables.
6. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are fall pantry essentials, adding flavor, texture, and a nutritional boost to both sweet and savory dishes. They’re perfect for baking, topping salads, or enjoying as healthy snacks. Here's how to incorporate them into your fall cooking and baking:
Walnuts and Pecans – These buttery, rich nuts are quintessential fall ingredients, perfect for adding depth and crunch to a variety of baked goods.
Walnuts bring a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients like maple syrup, honey, and cinnamon. Add them to banana bread, pumpkin muffins, or carrot cake for texture, or chop them up and sprinkle them over oatmeal or yogurt for a nutty boost.
Pecans have a naturally sweet flavor and a tender, buttery texture, making them ideal for classic fall treats like pecan pie, pecan-crusted sweet potatoes, or spiced cakes. You can also toss them in a salad with roasted butternut squash and cranberries for a seasonal touch.
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) – A staple of fall, pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of ways.
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a fantastic snack on their own, seasoned with salt, spices, or even a touch of maple syrup for a sweet-savory combo.
They can be added to homemade granola, sprinkled over warm grain bowls, or tossed into salads for extra crunch and a dose of protein and healthy fats. Pepitas also make a great garnish for soups like pumpkin or butternut squash, adding texture and a pop of color.
Almonds – One of the most versatile nuts, almonds are a great pantry staple for both sweet and savory fall dishes.
Sliced or slivered almonds are perfect for adding crunch to baked goods like apple strudel, scones, or cinnamon rolls. They can also be toasted and used as a topping for salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls.
Whole almonds make for a satisfying snack and can be incorporated into granola bars, energy bites, or spiced nut mixes. They’re also wonderful when ground into almond flour for gluten-free baking or mixed into oatmeal for added protein.
Chia and Flax Seeds – These tiny seeds are nutritional powerhouses, rich in omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to your fall pantry.
Chia seeds can be added to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal, where they absorb liquid and form a gel-like consistency. They’re also great in chia puddings or as an egg replacement in vegan baking.
Flax seeds, especially ground flax seeds, are perfect for boosting the nutritional content of baked goods like muffins, pancakes, or quick breads. Stir them into oatmeal, or use them in smoothies for added fiber. Like chia seeds, they can also be used as an egg substitute when mixed with water.
Other Nuts and Seeds – Depending on your taste and dietary needs, you might want to explore other options as well:
Hazelnuts add a wonderful nutty flavor to fall desserts like hazelnut cookies, chocolate-hazelnut tarts, or as a garnish for roasted vegetables.
Sunflower seeds are great for snacking, adding to granola, or sprinkling on top of fall salads for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.
7. Sweeteners and Syrups
To enjoy the cozy flavors of fall, it's important to have a few sweeteners and syrups in your pantry. Here's how these sweeteners can add a special touch to your fall cooking and baking:
Maple Syrup – Maple syrup is a classic fall ingredient, known for its rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the season's flavors.
It’s an obvious choice for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, and French toast, but its uses go far beyond breakfast. Try using it to glaze roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a savory-sweet side dish. Maple syrup also adds a unique depth to marinades, salad dressings, and even cocktails.
Honey – Honey is a versatile sweetener that pairs beautifully with fall’s warm spices and rich flavors.
Stir it into your morning tea, drizzle it over oatmeal, yogurt, or freshly baked bread for a naturally sweet touch. In baking, honey can replace sugar in many recipes, giving cakes, muffins, and cookies a subtle floral sweetness. It’s also perfect for glazing roasted meats like chicken or ham, adding both sweetness and moisture.
Molasses – Dark, rich, and packed with flavor, molasses is a fall baking essential that brings a distinct, slightly bitter sweetness to your recipes.
It’s a must for traditional gingerbread cookies, spiced cakes, and molasses-based pies. Molasses also adds depth to baked beans, barbecue sauces, and other savory dishes, making it a great addition to fall stews or marinades. Its thick consistency and robust flavor make it ideal for adding a layer of complexity to both sweet and savory creations.
8. Fall Fruits and Vegetables
While fruits and vegetables aren’t usually considered pantry staples, having a selection of fall produce is important for enjoying the season's flavors. Autumn offers a bounty of hearty vegetables and sweet fruits that add richness, warmth, and nutrition to your meals. Here are the key fall fruits and vegetables and how to use them in your cooking:
Apples – One of the most iconic fall fruits, apples come in many varieties, each offering different levels of sweetness, tartness, and texture.
Crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith are excellent for baking, as they hold their shape well in pies, tarts, and crisps. They’re also great for making homemade applesauce or apple butter.
Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Gala are perfect for snacking, adding to salads with walnuts and blue cheese, or slicing into oatmeal for a burst of flavor. For a cozy treat, try sautéing them with butter, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar for a quick apple compote to serve over pancakes or yogurt.
Pears – Juicy and fragrant, pears bring a subtle sweetness to both sweet and savory dishes.
Bosc and Anjou pears are ideal for baking, as their firm texture holds up well in tarts, cakes, or poached desserts. Pears can also be roasted with honey and spices or added to spiced cakes and breads for a hint of sweetness.
For a savory twist, roast pears alongside root vegetables or incorporate them into salads with goat cheese, pecans, and a balsamic vinaigrette. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with roasted meats like pork or chicken, adding a caramelized, rich flavor.
Butternut Squash – A fall staple, butternut squash is versatile and can be used in a variety of comforting dishes.
Its natural sweetness shines when roasted with olive oil and herbs like rosemary or thyme. Roasted butternut squash can be served as a side dish, tossed into salads, or pureed into creamy soups.
Butternut squash soup, often flavored with ginger, nutmeg, or curry, is a warming fall favorite. It can also be used in casseroles, mixed with pasta, or even turned into a mash as a substitute for sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potatoes – Packed with nutrients and naturally sweet, sweet potatoes are a fall essential, offering endless culinary possibilities.
Roasted sweet potatoes can be seasoned with savory spices like cumin, cinnamon, or smoked paprika for a delicious side dish. They’re also great mashed with butter and a hint of maple syrup, or sliced thinly and baked into crispy sweet potato fries.
Sweet potatoes are also a key ingredient in hearty dishes like sweet potato casserole, where they can be topped with marshmallows or pecans for a holiday-ready side dish. For a healthier option, they can be used in soups, grain bowls, or stuffed with beans, quinoa, and vegetables for a complete meal.
Pumpkins and Other Squashes – In addition to butternut squash, fall brings an abundance of pumpkins, acorn squash, and other winter squashes.
Pumpkins are perfect for making classic pumpkin pies, breads, and muffins, but they can also be used in savory dishes like pumpkin risotto or roasted pumpkin soup. Don’t forget to save the seeds to roast for a crunchy snack.
Acorn squash and spaghetti squash are great for stuffing with grains, meats, or vegetables, creating a hearty and nutritious meal. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor works well in casseroles or simply roasted with herbs and spices.
A well-stocked pantry is your best friend when it comes to fall cooking. With the right ingredients on hand, you can easily whip up hearty soups, baked goods, and seasonal favorites that capture the essence of autumn. Use this Fall Pantry Checklist to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy a season of cozy, flavorful meals.
Fall Cooking Made Easy with Our Sourdough Starter and Canning Kits
To fully embrace the flavors of fall, you’ll need the right tools in your kitchen. Our Sourdough Starter Kit makes it easy to bake fresh, tangy sourdough bread right at home—perfect for pairing with hearty soups or as a base for fall-inspired focaccia. It includes everything you need to get started, from a live sourdough starter to easy-to-follow instructions.
Preserving the bounty of the season is another fall tradition, and our Canning Kit is the ideal companion for storing your homemade jams, sauces, and pickles. With durable jars, lids, and a user-friendly guide, this kit helps you savor autumn’s harvest all year long. Perfect for stocking your pantry with home-canned goods or creating thoughtful, homemade gifts for the holidays!
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