DownloadPDF
Pantry Staples Checklist
What to keep stocked to cook (almost) anything
How to Use This Checklist
A well-stocked kitchen is the secret to fast weeknight dinners. When the basics are always there, you only need to buy a few fresh things to make a full meal.
★ = essential. Start with these.
Check monthly: tick what you have, circle what's running low, and add those to your shopping list.
Buy what you'll use. Don't stock things your household never eats.
Store well: cool, dark, dry cupboards; airtight containers; first in, first out.
Always check labels for allergens, and follow storage instructions and use-by dates on packaging.
1. Oils, Vinegars & Condiments
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Extra-virgin olive oil | ★ | For drizzling and everyday cooking |
☐ | Neutral oil (sunflower, rapeseed) | For high-heat frying | |
☐ | Red or white wine vinegar | ★ | Salad dressings, brightening sauces |
☐ | Balsamic vinegar | Salads, roasted vegetables | |
☐ | Tomato paste (tube or tin) | ★ | Depth for sauces and soups |
☐ | Dijon mustard | Dressings, marinades | |
☐ | Honey | Dressings, desserts | |
☐ | Soy sauce | Not Italian, but a great all-rounder |
2. Pasta, Rice & Grains
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Long pasta (spaghetti, linguine) | ★ | |
☐ | Short pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli) | ★ | |
☐ | Small soup pasta (ditalini, orzo) | Minestrone, pasta e ceci | |
☐ | Risotto rice (arborio, carnaroli) | ||
☐ | Everyday rice | ||
☐ | Polenta | Creamy or grilled | |
☐ | Flour (plain / "00") | ★ | Fresh pasta, thickening, baking |
☐ | Semolina | Fresh pasta, dusting | |
☐ | Breadcrumbs | ★ | Toppings, meatballs |
☐ | Oats | Breakfasts |
3. Tins & Jars
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Whole peeled tomatoes | ★ | Keep 3–4 tins |
☐ | Passata | ★ | Smooth sauces, soups |
☐ | Chopped tomatoes | ||
☐ | Cannellini beans | ★ | Soups, salads, sides |
☐ | Chickpeas | ★ | Pasta e ceci, stews |
☐ | Borlotti beans or lentils | ||
☐ | Tuna in olive oil | Quick pasta, salads | |
☐ | Anchovies | Melt into sauces for depth | |
☐ | Capers | ||
☐ | Olives | ||
☐ | Roasted peppers or artichokes in jars | Antipasti, pasta | |
☐ | Pesto | Emergency dinners |
4. Herbs, Spices & Seasonings
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Sea salt (flaky + fine) | ★ | |
☐ | Black peppercorns | ★ | Grind fresh |
☐ | Chilli flakes | ★ | |
☐ | Dried oregano | ★ | |
☐ | Bay leaves | Soups, sauces | |
☐ | Fennel seeds | Sausage dishes, roast pork | |
☐ | Nutmeg | Spinach, ricotta, béchamel | |
☐ | Dried thyme or rosemary | ||
☐ | Stock cubes or bouillon | ★ | Risotto, soups |
☐ | Garlic powder | Backup only |
5. Fridge Basics
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano (wedge) | ★ | Grate fresh; save rinds for soups |
☐ | Pecorino | Sharper, saltier | |
☐ | Butter | ★ | |
☐ | Eggs | ★ | Fresh pasta, frittata |
☐ | Milk | ||
☐ | Mozzarella | Use quickly once opened | |
☐ | Ricotta | ||
☐ | Pancetta or guanciale | Lasts a while if sealed; check dates | |
☐ | Lemons | ★ | Zest and juice brighten everything |
6. Vegetable Basket (Cool, Dark Place)
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Garlic | ★ | |
☐ | Onions | ★ | Store away from potatoes |
☐ | Potatoes | ||
☐ | Carrots | ★ | Soffritto |
☐ | Celery | ★ | Soffritto (fridge) |
☐ | Seasonal vegetable of the week |
7. Freezer
✓ | Item | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
☐ | Frozen peas | ★ | Pasta, risotto, soups |
☐ | Frozen spinach | ★ | |
☐ | Bread (sliced) | Toast from frozen for bruschetta | |
☐ | Homemade tomato sauce portions | ||
☐ | Homemade soup portions | ||
☐ | Grated Parmesan (small bag) | ||
☐ | Fresh pasta nests | Cook from frozen | |
☐ | Sausages or chicken thighs | Defrost safely in the fridge |
8. Herbs to Grow or Buy Fresh
✓ | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
☐ | Basil | Windowsill pot in summer |
☐ | Flat-leaf parsley | |
☐ | Rosemary | Hardy; lasts well |
☐ | Sage | Brown butter sauce |
9. Sweet Corner
✓ | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
☐ | Sugar | |
☐ | Dark chocolate | |
☐ | Ground coffee or espresso | Affogato, tiramisu |
☐ | Savoiardi (ladyfinger biscuits) | Tiramisu |
☐ | Vanilla ice cream (freezer) | Affogato |
What Can I Make Right Now?
If you have the ★ essentials, you can make:
Spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino (pasta, garlic, oil, chilli)
Pasta al pomodoro (pasta, tinned tomatoes, garlic, oil)
Pasta e ceci (pasta, chickpeas, garlic, tomato paste, stock)
Minestrone (soffritto veg, tomatoes, beans, stock, small pasta)
Frittata (eggs, cheese, any vegetables)
Risotto with peas (rice, stock, onion, butter, Parmesan, frozen peas)
Bean and tomato stew on toast (cannellini, tomatoes, garlic, bread)
Monthly Restock List
Running low | Quantity to buy | Bought ✓ |
|---|---|---|
☐ | ||
☐ | ||
☐ | ||
☐ | ||
☐ |
Sample product from a Fora-made demo creator page.
What you get
- 5-page PDF guide
- Oils, Vinegars & Condiments
- Pasta, Rice & Grains
- Tins & Jars