10 Homemade Pantry Mixes to Save You Money

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Pantry mixes are a great thing to have on hand in case of natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, or days when you’re just too busy to cook. These easy-to-make dry mixes allow you to quickly prepare meals, gravies, seasonings, and sides without running to the store.

From a preparedness standpoint, these mixes are shelf-stable, customizable, and often far healthier than store-bought mixes. They’re ideal for off-grid cooking, emergency kits, or just having a go-to backup when you’re short on time.

These 10 recipes, shared by Seed and Sparrow Homestead, cover the essentials: broths, gravies, puddings, soup bases, and seasoning blends. They’re perfect for stocking your prepper pantry, cutting down your grocery bill, and regaining control over the ingredients in your food.

You can watch a video on how to make them below. I also typed up the recipes in case you want to print them.

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1. Homemade Chicken Bouillon Powder

A savory, herb-forward bouillon that dissolves well and works great in soups, rice, or any recipe calling for chicken broth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1½ tbsp salt
• 3 tbsp onion powder
• 3 tbsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp rosemary
• 1 tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tbsp basil

To use: Mix 1 tbsp with 8 oz hot water.

2. Homemade Beef Bouillon Powder

This plant-based bouillon has a rich umami flavor, thanks to mushrooms and tomato powder.

Ingredients:

• 8 tbsp mushroom powder
• 6 tbsp tomato powder
• 3 tbsp salt
• 4 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2½ tbsp onion powder
• 2½ tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp mustard powder
• 1½ tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1½ tsp celery salt
• 1½ tsp rosemary

To use: Mix 1 tbsp with 8 oz hot water.

3. Homemade Onion Soup Mix

A cleaner, healthier version of the classic Lipton onion soup packets — great for soups, dips, or roasts.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup beef bouillon
• ½ cup dried minced onion
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

To use: 3 tbsp equals one packet.

4. Cream of Soup Mix Base

A flexible, all-in-one base for making cream of mushroom, chicken, celery, or even broccoli soup.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dry milk powder
• 1½ cups cornstarch
• ½ cup chicken bouillon
• 4 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt

To prepare:
Mix ⅓ cup with 1 cup milk or water. Heat over medium-low, stirring until thick. Add ½ cup of desired add-ins (chicken, mushrooms, cheese, etc.).

5. Au Jus Gravy Powder

Perfect for French dip sandwiches or as a quick beef gravy.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup beef bouillon
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2½ tbsp onion powder
• 4 tsp dried chives
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp salt

To prepare:
Mix 1½ tbsp with 2 cups water. Simmer until slightly thickened. (3 tbsp = one store-bought packet)

6. Homemade Taco Seasoning

Skip the packets — this bold blend gives you full control over spice and salt levels.

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1½ tbsp cumin
• 3 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tsp paprika
• 1½ tsp oregano
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp pepper
• (Optional: 1 tsp arrowroot powder to prevent clumping)

To use: 3 tbsp per 1 lb of meat.

7. Ranch Seasoning Mix

Use this to make ranch dressing, dip, or seasoning for potatoes, popcorn, and more.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1 tsp chives
• 1 tsp dill weed
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp arrowroot powder

To use as dip: Mix 1 tbsp with 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, adjust to taste.

8. White Gravy Mix

Ideal for biscuits and gravy, country-style dinners, or topping meat and potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry milk powder
• ½ cup arrowroot powder or cornstarch
• ⅛ cup black pepper (reduce for less spice)
• 2 tsp salt

To prepare:
Melt 2 tbsp butter in saucepan, whisk in 3½ tbsp of mix. Cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in 1½ cups milk. Simmer until thickened.

9. Vanilla or Chocolate Pudding Mix

Great for dessert, pudding pies, or emergency sweet cravings.

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry milk powder
• 1½ cups cane sugar
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt

For Chocolate Pudding: Add ¾ cup cocoa powder to the base.
For Vanilla: Leave base as-is.

To prepare:
Combine 1 cup mix with 2 cups milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp butter and 1–2 tsp vanilla (adjust based on flavor).

10. Shelf Life and Storage Tips

All of these pantry mixes are shelf-stable, and many will last for months — if not years — when stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. For mixes with milk powder, follow the expiration date of the milk itself.

Use mason jars, recycled glass containers, or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for long-term storage.

Final Thoughts

Making your own pantry mixes is a powerful step toward self-reliance, whether you’re preparing for emergencies or just simplifying weeknight dinners. They’re frugal, healthy, and completely customizable — and best of all, most take just minutes to make.

These recipes were shared by Kelsey from Seed and Sparrow Homestead, and they’re a perfect example of practical, wholesome preparedness. Check out her YouTube channel for more DIY pantry staples, homesteading tips, and family-friendly meals from scratch.

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