Pantry Staples That Will Save You When Last-Minute Guests Show Up for Dinner
Hosting last-minute dinner guests doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right pantry staples on hand. Here’s a list of versatile items that will help you pull together a meal everyone will love without breaking a sweat. Which is good, because you’ll already be exhausted from running around the house shoving clutter in cupboards and closets. Maybe that’s just me.
1. Marinara Sauce & Penne Pasta
One of the simplest and most delicious meals you can make is pasta with marinara sauce. Penne pasta makes for an easier cleanup than spaghetti, making it a great go-to option for unexpected guests. I also, have orzo, macaroni and bow tie noodles readily available. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad, and you have a meal that looks and tastes intentional. For a heartier dish, toss in some veggies, ground beef, or frozen meatballs.
2. Taco Supplies (Shells, Seasoning, Beans)
Taco night is a fun and flexible way to feed a crowd. Keep taco shells, seasoning, and canned beans in your pantry, and you can throw together a taco bar in no time. Add meat you have on hand, ground beef, a rotisserie chicken or steak. Pair with rice and sautéed onions, and let everyone customize their tacos with whatever you have on hand, from cheese and salsa to sour cream, cilantro and avocado.
3. Chips and Salsa
Chips and salsa are not only great for appetizers but can also double as part of your taco meal. For a late night snack throw some cheese on top of the chips and broil them for a quick batch of nachos.
4. Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are the ultimate comfort food duo, and they’re incredibly versatile. Cook up some seasoned rice, add canned beans, and you’ve got a great base for burrito bowls or sides for tacos. Both items are filling and full of nutrients, so they’re ideal for feeding a crowd on short notice. Beans are a great substitute for meat.
5. Potatoes & Onions
Potatoes are a pantry staple that can be transformed in many ways. You can roast them, mash them, or make potato wedges as a side dish. The mini potatoes can be baked with olive oil, salt and pepper. Onions add depth of flavor to almost any dish, whether you’re sautéing them for pasta, tacos, or rice dishes or baked with vegetables. These two ingredients can be used in so many different ways that they’re must-haves for quick, flavorful meals.
6. Chocolate Chips
End the meal on a sweet note by whipping up some classic chocolate chip cookies. With just a few basic baking ingredients—flour, sugar, butter, and eggs—you can have warm, freshly baked cookies ready to serve in less than an hour. It’s a simple way to add a little something extra to the meal without too much effort and can easily be made as you visit with your guests.
By stocking these essentials, you’ll always be prepared to whip up something delicious, no matter how unexpected the dinner guests are. With a little creativity, these pantry staples can turn a potentially stressful situation into a fun and effortless meal.
