Put your own spin on typically store-bought foods with these recipes!
Making homemade versions of the foods we find at the store can be a great way to save money and have fun cooking! When you make food from scratch, you can customize flavors to your liking and dietary needs, and have the benefit of knowing exactly what’s in the recipe.
Creating your own pantry staples from scratch also gives you the opportunity to flex your creativity as you experiment with ingredients and cooking methods to make the recipes your own.
Here are some creative recipes to get you started on homemade versions of store-bought favorites:
- Homemade sauces
- Fresh-baked bread
- Jams and spreads
- Tortillas
- Flavored oatmeals
- Salad dressings
- Granola
- Fresh pasta
Let’s get cooking and learn about these creative recipes you can create from scratch below!
Homemade sauces
Jarred sauces may be convenient, but when it comes to flavor, it’s hard to beat homemade. Making your own sauces can be surprisingly easy, and you can customize the flavors to your taste. Start with a basic tomato sauce with diced tomatoes and herbs such as basil and oregano, or try a pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil.
And we’re not just talking pasta sauce here! You can make Asian-style sauces for stir-fries, red pepper spread for sandwiches, herb-based and cashew sauces, etc. Check out: these recipes for sauces that make everything better.
Fresh-baked bread
When you walk into a bakery and get a whiff of all that fresh-baked bread, don’t you wish your house smelled like that? Well, it can! Making your own bread doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can make a delicious, crusty loaf in your own kitchen with a few simple ingredients. To get started, try a basic no-knead bread recipe, which requires only active dry yeast, all-purpose flour, salt, and water.
Jams and spreads
Store-bought jams and jellies can have a lot of added sugar and preservatives, so why not try your hand at making them yourself? You can create homemade raspberry jam with fresh or frozen raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. You can also make creamy, flavorful nut butters with your favorite nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.), plus spices and flavorings like cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg.
Tortillas
Imagine rolling up a burrito or wrap inside a soft, fresh flour tortilla: heaven! Making tortillas at home can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience with the right ingredients. To make a simple flour tortilla, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, water, and vegetable oil. If you want, you can add herbs or spices right into the tortilla dough.
Flavored oatmeals
If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option, try making your own flavored oatmeal. Start with rolled oats and add in flavorful ingredients like vanilla, almond extract, or cocoa powder. You can also add nuts, seeds, and spices like cinnamon for additional flavor and texture. Top with fruit and maple syrup! Learn how to make a ton of different oatmeal variations here.
Salad dressings
Making your own salad dressings can help reduce the amount of preservatives and added sugars in your diet. To make a basic vinaigrette, you’ll need an oil (e.g., olive or avocado), vinegar (balsamic, red wine vinegar, etc.), and seasonings of your choice (garlic, lemon juice, herbs, just about anything you can think of!). Explore these 18 other types of dressings, and you’ll never have a boring salad again!
Granola
Homemade granola is a great snack or breakfast option that you can customize however you want. All you need is rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, and any combination of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Add extra flavor with cinnamon, coconut chips, or even a little dark chocolate.
Fresh pasta
If you’re looking to elevate your pasta game and impress your dinner guests, try making fresh pasta at home! It’s a delightful culinary experience: the flavor and texture of fresh pasta are worlds apart from store-bought varieties. All you need for simple homemade pasta is semolina flour, water, and salt. You can roll out your pasta into sheets and cut the ribbons as thick or thin as you want. Then, serve it with one of your fresh new homemade sauces from above!
Looking for more cooking inspiration to make your meals more nutritious? Check out more creative recipe ideas and tips here!
