What are good staple foods to have for cooking?

Question

I am looking for foods that I can use in many different dishes and combine in many different ways.

Answer 1

Rice, potatoes, onions, sugar, flour, eggs butter, brown sugar, baking soda and baking powder, Salt, cooking oil, raisins, oatmeal, bread crumbs, spices like garlic, oregano and basil, tomato paste, diced canned tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, canned mushrooms etc.

Answer 2

Great job on sugar pies list. I would add celery and bell peppers to the fresh. If you have celery, onions, carrots and peppers you can make anything in the soup or stew category in a pinch. I would also add a chicken base and a beef base. They can be used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, make your own gravy, etc. I can't get by without mine. I also like to have bread crumbs, I find them more valuable to have on hand than cornmeal. Diced tomatoes can also be made into a quick sauce, added to chili, a quick salsa, etc. Ground beef and boneless chicken breasts are always in my freezer, I can do pretty much any kind of dish with either. I also keep potato flakes for a quick supper when I don't feel like peeling potatoes or don't have the time. Pasta and rices, all different kinds and shapes.

Answer 3

Hoo boy, where do I start?! ;-)

DRY PANTRY:
rice
pasta
canned tomatoes
canned stocks/broths
canned beans (red, white, black)
ready to use spaghetti sauce
flour
sugar
cornmeal

FRESH:
milk
cheese
eggs
carrots
broccoli
onions
potatoes (baking and red-skinned)

SPICES:
salt
peppers
dry thyme
dry bay leaf
dry rosemary
garlic powder
onion powder
tabasco
worcestershire sauce
EVOO
good vinegars for salad dressings & marinades

FREEZER:
assortment of frozen veggies
boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders
bacon (bought on sale)
bread loaves (buy on sale, too)
ground meat in 1-1¼ lb. packages
beef stew meat
smoked link and breakfast sausage

Answer 4

rice
canned beans
canned refried beans
salt, pepper, paprika
head of lettuce
carrots
wraps
lemons
mustard
yogart
chicken
pizza dough
canned whole peeled tomatoes
onions and garlic
potatoes
tomato paste
frozen veggies