While we always recommend cooking from scratch when possible, there are certain instances where it just makes more sense to rely on store-bought ingredients. Commercial brands have spent years perfecting their recipes and honing their techniques, using specialized equipment and quality control measures that can be difficult to replicate at home. The result is consistent flavors and textures that can help you whip up pro-level dishes with less effort.
Whether you’re putting together a holiday spread or quick weeknight meal, these pantry staples and ingredients truly shine when they’re purchased ready-made.
Rotisserie Chicken
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, store-bought rotisserie chicken is tough to beat. Professional equipment helps lock in moisture and flavor, creating the most buttery, delicious chicken that’s great for incorporating into a variety of dishes.
Pasta Sauce
Skip the hours of simmering—high-quality store-bought sauces deliver rich, complex flavors straight out of the jar. These sauces are perfect for pasta bakes, homemade pizzas, and quick weeknight dinners of all kinds.
Chicken Nuggets
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, store-bought chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly favorite. Achieving the texture of store-bought nuggets at home can be tricky, so there’s no shame in keeping them bagged in the freezer for quick grabbing when needed.
Condiments
Ketchup, mayonnaise, and peanut butter are staples that taste great straight from the jar, with the ideal texture for using as condiments or adding into your favorite dishes. They save prep time and offer consistent flavor every time.
Pumpkin Puree
Yes, you could make your own pumpkin puree from scratch. But if you’re deep in holiday prep and looking for a shortcut, you’ll be happy to know that canned pumpkin typically outranks homemade in terms of texture and flavor. Opt for our favorite brand to ensure consistent cooking and baking results every time.
Chips
Could you fry up your own chips? Absolutely. But is it worth it when you’re just trying to grab a tasty snack from the pantry? Store-bought options are available in such great variety, there’s a healthy or indulgent chip option no matter what you’re looking for.
Bread
While this may be a controversial choice, if you’re anything like us, you go through a lot of bread every week. While you could crank out loaf after loaf over a weekend, sometimes it’s better to grab a pro-made loaf or batch of rolls when you need them and save yourself the headache.
Puff Pastry
This dessert staple can help you whip up pro-level desserts, breakfast pastries, and more in no time, without the hours of rolling and folding needed to prepare it from scratch.
Marshmallows
Homemade marshmallows are a lovely treat during the holiday season (particularly when paired with a cup of homemade cocoa), but if we’re making cereal treats throughout the year, you know we’re grabbing store-bought.
Ice Cream
Of course you should dive into making your own ice cream, but store-bought options are always there for you in a pinch, letting you satisfy specific cravings instantly with endless flavors and super creamy textures.
Smart Shopping Tips
Just because you opt for store-bought doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice that homemade flair. Upgrade convenience items with simple touches, like spreading garlic butter onto rolls, or adding fresh basil and roasted garlic to jarred pasta sauce. Make sure to choose high-quality brands, which will offer that same level of care and flavor you’d look to create at home.
