If you are new to the world of gluten-free, it can be intimidating. Not to mention expensive. Who knew removing ingredients could add so much to the cost? That’s why I’ve created this list of 4 Gluten-free pantry staples that should be in every gluten-free kitchen. They’ll save you time and money. And, who doesn’t want that?
4 Gluten-Free Pantry Staples
- Use cornstarch. This is a great thickening agent that can be substituted in recipes that call for flour. It can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, puddings, and more. Note: You can not substitute cornstarch for the flour used in baked goods.
- Use Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour. When I first began cooking Gluten-free, baking used to intimidate me. Recipes for bread, pies, and cakes called for four to five types of flour plus several different types of thickeners, like arrowroot or xantham gum. Then, I discovered the joy of 1 to 1 Baking Flour.
- Use it to replace flour in the exact same measurements. If a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, substitute 2 cups of 1-to-1 Baking Flour. Not only does it keep my kitchen from becoming cluttered with different types of flours, which must be used quickly, but it is also cheaper than purchasing all those flours and mixing them together.
- Even better, it’s easy to find, unlike some of the other flours. You can usually find it on the same shelf as the flour in many grocery stores or big box stores or in their gluten-free section. Use 1-to-1 Baking flour in recipes like these Gluten-Free Tea Cakes.
- Use Gluten Free Cake Mix. Remember the baking hiatus I just talked about? I thought my kids would never be able to have desserts again. Then, I attended a Gluten-Free Trade show and sat in on a session on saving money when cooking gluten-free. She suggested using a boxed cake mix.
- Having tried boxed Gluten-Free cake mixes in the past, I knew some brands didn’t meet my cake-making standards. Then, she suggested “doctoring” the cake mixes by adding ingredients to make them tastier. I came home and experimented with a cake mix and used it to create my “Basic Vanilla Cake recipe.” No one can tell it’s not gluten-free!
- I also use cake mix in recipes that call for cake mix as toppings, like these Lemon Raspberry Gooey Cake Bars, or to make cookies using cake mix as a base.
- Use Gluten-Free Baking Mix. Think you will never have quick bread, pancakes, waffles, or muffins again? The Gluten-Free Baking Mix is the answer. It can be substituted in recipes that call for Bisquick, although the texture is denser than traditional recipes.
- I usually swap it out on an equal basis. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of Baking mix, I substitute one cup of Gluten-Free Baking Mix. It’s also easy to find, usually located near the traditional baking mixes and Bisquick or in the gluten-free section.
Want to know other tips for stocking your gluten-free kitchen? Check out our list on Gluten-Free Freezer Foods and Perishable Staples.
What are some of the gluten-free staples that you keep in your kitchen?
Have you seen our new Gluten-Free Meal Plan Cookbook? It is available now. You can purchase a copy here.
I’ve been having weird reactions to gluten lately so this post came right on time because I was wondering what in the world I was about to do. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thanks for these suggestions! It’s not easy at all to eat gluten free!
One of my friends cannot eat gluten, he’ll love these options!
We have no family member that has gluten allergy. But this list of recipe is very mouthwatering and I would wanna try it.
These are all great things to keep around the house. I want to pick up some cake mix, I have a craving.
So informative. Thanks for mentioning cornstarch. I love having this on my pantry
I am not GF but I have used that 1 to 1 GF flour to make some baked items for friends. I love it! I couldn’t taste the difference.
I pretty much use the 1 to 1 flour in all of my GF cooking, including baked goods.
Oh cool. I need to share this with my gluten free friends. It’ll come in handy!
I’m going to share this with my friend in my book club. She is recently GF.
I am learning more about gluten free diets, so this information is perfect, thank you!
Great list. I need to pass this along to my GF friends!
These are awesome tips, especially for people who have just found out they have to go gluten-free. I can only imagine how intimidating it can be.