Pantry From Scratch: 5 Cozy Staples I Make Every Winter

Why Winter Is My Favorite Pantry Season

Winter is when my kitchen slows down — and gets busier at the same time.

We cook more at home, rely less on fresh produce, and reach for familiar, comforting foods again and again. Over the years, I’ve learned that winter feels easier when a few basics are already made and waiting in the pantry or fridge.

These aren’t complicated prep projects or “do it all in one weekend” plans. They’re the five cozy pantry staples I make every winter because they save time, reduce waste, and make everyday meals feel steadier — especially when energy is low.

What I Aim for With Winter Pantry Staples

When I choose what to make from scratch in winter, I look for things that:

• get used often

• store well

• turn into multiple meals

• feel nourishing without being fussy

If a staple only gets used once, it doesn’t earn its place.

1. Homemade Bone Broth

Bone broth is the backbone of my winter kitchen.

I use it for soups, cooking grains, quick lunches, and even sipping in a mug on cold afternoons. It adds depth and nourishment without requiring extra effort once it’s made.

I usually make a large batch using bones, vegetables, and herbs, then freeze it in portions so it’s always ready when I need it.

If you want the full method, I walk through exactly how I make it here:
How to Make Nourishing Homemade Bone Broth

Why it earns its place:
Bone broth stretches meals, supports digestion, and makes simple foods feel more complete.

I usually make mine in a large stockpot or slow cooker, depending on the day.

2. Garlic-Infused Oil (Short-Term, Fridge-Stored)

This is one of those small things that makes cooking feel easier.

I use garlic-infused oil for roasting vegetables, sautéing greens, and adding flavor to soups without chopping garlic every time.

Simple Garlic-Infused Oil (Fridge Method):

Ingredients:

• 1 cup olive oil

• 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, peeled and lightly crushed

Instructions:

1. Gently warm the olive oil and garlic together over very low heat for 10–15 minutes. Do not simmer or brown.

2. Remove from heat, let cool, and strain.

3. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 weeks.

Why this matters:
Keeping this oil refrigerated and using it short-term keeps it safe and simple.

3. Simple Homemade Baking Mix

This is one of my favorite quiet time-savers.

Instead of measuring flour, salt, and leavening every time, I keep a basic baking mix ready for biscuits, quick breads, and pancakes.

Basic Winter Baking Mix:

• 6 cups flour

• 1 tbsp salt

• 3 tbsp baking powder

Whisk together and store in an airtight glass jar or container.

To use, follow your favorite recipe and add fats and liquids as needed.

Why it earns its place:
It speeds up baking on busy evenings and makes homemade food feel more doable.

4. Honey-Sweetened Lemon Ginger Syrup

This is the jar we reach for all winter.

I stir it into tea, drizzle it on pancakes, and add it to warm water when someone’s throat feels scratchy.

Honey Lemon Ginger Syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw honey

• ½ cup fresh ginger, sliced

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Simmer ginger and lemon zest in ½ cup water for 10 minutes.

2. Strain and let cool slightly.

3. Stir into honey and add lemon juice.

4. Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Why it earns its place:
It replaces multiple store-bought syrups and feels like a little comfort in a jar.

5. A Simple Winter Herbal Tea Blend

Keeping one go-to tea blend mixed and ready makes evenings calmer.

This is a gentle, family-friendly blend we use throughout winter.

Simple Winter Tea Blend:

• 2 tbsp chamomile

• 2 tbsp lemon balm

• 1 tbsp spearmint

Mix and store in a small glass jar.

Steep 1–2 teaspoons per cup of hot water.

Why it earns its place:
This blend supports calm digestion, gentle immune comfort, and smoother evenings — without caffeine or strong flavors.

The Pantry Tools I Actually Use

Nothing fancy — just a few basics that make from-scratch pantry work feel lighter:

• Wide-mouth glass jars for storage-(my link for Azure Standard. They are my favorite jars and prices!)

• Labels so nothing gets forgotten

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Stockpot or slow cooker

These keep things organized and visible, which matters more than perfection.

If You’d Like a Simple Way to Keep This Organized…

The Winter Herbal Staples Mini-Bundle is designed to help you keep up with the pantry and herbal basics you rely on most during winter — without relying on memory or turning it into a big project.

Instead of teaching new recipes, this bundle focuses on tracking, rotation, and restocking the staples you’re already using, so bone broth, tea blends, syrups, and infused oils stay made, used, and refreshed throughout the season.

It’s a calm, printable system for winter kitchens — especially helpful when energy is low and routines feel heavier.

Final Thought

Winter pantry work doesn’t have to be a big project.

A few well-chosen staples — made slowly and used often — can carry you through the cold months with less stress and more warmth.

Sometimes the most nourishing thing we make is the system itself.

Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share tools and ingredients I genuinely use and trust.