Spring Cleaning: Pantry Edition

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and rejuvenate your home, starting with one of the most essential spaces: your pantry. An organized pantry makes meal preparation more efficient and helps make the most of the ingredients you already have on hand. Whether you’re looking to clear out expired items, streamline your staples or find inspiration for new dishes, these five tips will guide you through the process. Plus, discover delicious recipes that can transform common pantry ingredients into mouthwatering meals.

1. Check expiration dates.

Start by taking everything out of your pantry and checking expiration dates. Discard anything that’s past its prime. For items that are still good but close to expiring, make a plan to use them in the next few weeks. This step helps free up space and ensures that you’re only keeping fresh ingredients on hand.

2. Get organized.

Group similar items together — grains with grains, canned goods with canned goods, spices with spices. Then, place the items you use most often at eye level or in easily accessible spots. This makes meal prep quicker and keeps ingredients from going missing at the back of the shelf.

3. Front-load older items.

When you restock your pantry, move older items to the front and place newer items behind them. This practice nudges you to use up older ingredients first, cutting down waste.

4. Know your staples.

Take stock of what you have and note any gaps in your pantry. What items are always running out? Are there ingredients that would make meal prep easier if you had them on hand? Creating a list of pantry staples can help you shop smarter and ensure you always have the basics.

5. Get creative.

Before heading to the store, challenge yourself to create meals using only what’s already in your pantry. Not only does this help clear out older items, but it also saves money and encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Ready to get cooking? Check out these recipes that make mealtime magic with things you probably have on hand!