Homemade Dry Mix Recipes for Your Pantry

Stocking your pantry with versatile, homemade dry mixes is a game changer for busy households. Not only are these mixes convenient, but they also save money, reduce waste, and eliminate the preservatives and additives often found in store-bought versions.

Whether you’re whipping up pancakes, or biscuits, or seasoning a quick dinner, having these homemade blends on hand makes cooking faster and easier.

7 homemade dry mix recipes to keep your pantry well-stocked:

1. Homemade Pancake Mix

Nothing beats fresh, fluffy pancakes on a lazy weekend morning. With this dry mix on hand, all you’ll need to do is add eggs, milk, and a little oil for instant homemade pancakes.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and whisk well.
2. Store in an airtight container. To use, combine 1 cup of mix with 1 egg, ¾ cup of milk, and 1 tablespoon of oil or melted butter.

2. Taco Seasoning Mix

Forget store-bought taco seasoning packets filled with sodium and additives. This DIY taco seasoning blend is perfect for spicing up your taco meat, veggies, or even soups.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar.
2. Use 1-2 tablespoons of mix per pound of meat or to taste. Store the rest for later use.

3. Bisquick-Style Baking Mix

This versatile mix can be used for biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or even dumplings. With just a few ingredients, you can make a big batch and store it for quick, homemade baking projects.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months. Use in recipes as you would store-bought baking mix.

4. Ranch Dressing Mix

This dry mix can be used to make ranch dressing, seasoning for popcorn, or even as a marinade for chicken. Say goodbye to processed dressings and hello to a flavorful homemade version!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar or airtight container.
2. For ranch dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1 cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of sour cream, and ½ cup of milk. Store remaining dry mix for future use.

5. Chili Seasoning Mix

Perfect for cozy nights or quick meals, this homemade chili seasoning adds depth and warmth to any pot of chili.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
2. Use 2-3 tablespoons per batch of chili, or adjust to taste. Store the rest in a cool, dry place.

6. Hot Chocolate Mix

Treat yourself to a comforting cup of homemade hot chocolate. This dry mix can be stored for months and provides a rich, chocolatey taste without artificial flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cocoa powder
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 ½ cups powdered milk
• 1 cup powdered creamer
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
2. To serve, stir 2-3 tablespoons of the mix into a cup of hot milk or water.

7. Oatmeal Packet Mix

Create your instant oatmeal packets with this dry mix. Customize it with your favorite flavors like cinnamon, dried fruit, or nuts for a quick, hearty breakfast.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup powdered milk
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Blend 2 cups of the oats into a fine powder, then mix with the rest of the oats and dry ingredients.
2. Store in individual portions or a large container. To serve, add hot water and your choice of toppings.

Benefits of Homemade Dry Mixes

Homemade dry mixes offer numerous advantages for those who enjoy cooking, meal prepping, or saving time in the kitchen. Here are some key benefits:

Cost-Effective: Making your dry mixes is often much cheaper than buying pre-made ones. You can purchase ingredients in bulk, which reduces the overall cost per serving.

Control Over Ingredients: Homemade mixes allow you to control the quality of ingredients. Avoid preservatives, additives, and excess salt or sugar often found in store-bought products. This is particularly beneficial for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Customizable Flavors: You can adjust the flavor profile of your mixes according to your taste preferences. Want more spice in your taco seasoning or less sugar in your baking mix? Homemade mixes make this possible.

Healthier Options: Using whole grains, organic ingredients, or reducing the amount of processed elements, homemade dry mixes can offer a healthier alternative to commercial products.

Convenience: Once you’ve made a batch of your favorite mixes, you have them on hand for quick and easy meal prep. This saves time on busy days when you don’t want to measure multiple ingredients.

Less Packaging Waste: Making dry mixes at home means less reliance on single-use packaging, reducing waste and contributing to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Versatility: Homemade dry mixes can be used in a variety of dishes. From pancakes and muffins to soups and sauces, having these on hand simplifies your cooking process.

Long Shelf Life: When stored properly in airtight containers, homemade dry mixes can last for months, allowing you to prepare meals efficiently without worrying about spoilage.

By making your dry mixes, you can save time, and money, and create healthier, tastier meals while reducing waste.

Final Thoughts

Having a well-stocked pantry with homemade dry mixes is like having your convenience store at home. Whether you need a quick meal, snack, or dessert, these mixes will save time, money, and effort in the kitchen while still allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade food.