19 Things You Could Make From Scratch

From sauces and sweets to spice blends and cocktail bases, these recipes show how easy it is to make pantry staples, snacks, and condiments from scratch. Each one is simple enough for beginners but delivers results that feel anything but basic. Whether you’re layering flavors into a main dish or whipping up something small on the side, these homemade additions can change the way you cook. They’re smart to keep on hand—and even better when made fresh.

How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

A glass jar filled with shredded cabbage and carrots sits on its side on a dark wooden surface. — How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

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Bright, tangy, and slightly crunchy, this pickled cabbage adds zip to tacos, grain bowls, and sandwiches. The flavor gets better the longer it sits. You can tweak the spices to make it mild or spicy. It’s fridge-friendly and ready fast.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Easy Pickled Cabbage

How to make Balsamic Glaze

A spoonful of dark liquid, likely soy sauce or molasses, held over an open glass jar filled with the same liquid. — How to make Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: The Honour System.

This thick, glossy glaze brings deep sweetness and tang to salads, meats, and roasted veggies. It drizzles like syrup and clings beautifully to anything you pour it over. The flavor concentrates without being overwhelming. Great for plating or last-minute garnish.
Get the Recipe: How to make Balsamic Glaze

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

A plate of biscuits, a bowl of whipped cream with a spoon, and a bowl of sliced strawberries are arranged on a wooden table with a red and white striped cloth. — How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cloud-like with a rich vanilla note, this version holds its shape without feeling heavy. It works on pies, hot drinks, and fresh fruit. You can sweeten it to taste or keep it barely-there. Always best when freshly made and cold.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

How to Make the Best Negroni

Two glasses of a red cocktail with ice and orange slices, garnished with orange twists, sit on white coasters with more orange slices in the background. — How to Make the Best Negroni. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella .

Smooth, bitter, and spirit-forward, this cocktail balances herbal depth with citrus brightness. The color is bold, the flavor even bolder. A well-cut orange peel adds just the right edge. It’s a timeless drink with a grown-up punch.
Get the Recipe: How to Make the Best Negron

How to Make Chocolate Covered Almonds

A white bowl filled with chocolate-covered almonds, with a metal spoon resting inside. — How to Make Chocolate Covered Almonds. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Crunchy and rich with a smooth coating, these treats hit the sweet spot between snack and dessert. A dusting of cocoa or sea salt adds extra texture. They store well in jars and are easy to gift. Small batch or big batch, they disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Chocolate Covered Almonds

How To Make Sweeteners at Home

Five liqueur glasses are lined up, each containing a different substance: a dark liquid, a light creamy liquid, brown sugar crystals, a clear liquid, and a dark amber liquid. — How To Make Sweeteners at Home. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Custom blends let you skip the fillers and fine-tune the taste. Some dissolve well in cold drinks, others work best in baked goods. You can mix and match to suit your cooking style. A good one to keep in your back pocket for DIY recipes.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Sweeteners at Home

How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup

A glass gravy boat filled with dark soy sauce sits next to a small measuring cup of soy sauce and a bowl of milk on a white surface. — How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Glossy and pourable, this syrup brings all the flavor without the sugar rush. A little goes a long way on waffles or in cocktails. The texture holds up well even after cooling. Keeps for days and won’t crystallize.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Sugar Free Maple Syrup

How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole

A bowl of guacamole with a tortilla chip dipped in it, surrounded by more chips and a lime on a wooden surface. — How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Smooth and chunky in just the right balance, this dip brings freshness and a hint of heat. Lime and salt punch it up while letting the avocado shine. Great with chips, tacos, or straight off the spoon. Best eaten the same day.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Simple, Perfect Guacamole

How To Make Dehydrated Tomatoes At Home

A basket of fresh tomatoes next to a plate of sliced sun-dried tomatoes on a dark surface. — xr:d:DAFbZunPAsE:127,j:4625611238606331577,t:24010409

Chewy, concentrated, and full of savory flavor, these tomatoes are great in pastas, salads, or straight from the jar. Once dry, they pack more punch than the fresh kind. They store well and travel even better. A staple for serious home cooks.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Dehydrated Tomatoes At Home

How To Make Stevia Powder Using Stevia Leaves

A small black ceramic spoon holds bright green matcha powder, with a plate of dried green leaves blurred in the background. — xr:d:DAFbZunPAsE:131,j:2649657040364077010,t:24010518

Potent and naturally sweet, this homemade powder keeps things clean and simple. It’s great for tea, smoothies, or dry mixes. No additives or mystery ingredients. Just leaves, dried and ground.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Stevia Powder Using Stevia Leaves

How to Make Balsamic Reduction

A small glass jar filled with dark liquid, likely balsamic vinegar, is placed on a light surface with some herbs and a plate blurred in the background. — How to Make Balsamic Reduction. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Syrupy and intense, this reduction adds a sweet-acidic punch to everything it touches. Drizzle over strawberries, grilled meats, or even ice cream. The thickness makes it easy to control. It’s an instant upgrade to the plate.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Balsamic Reduction

How to Make Barbeque Turkey Sliders

Turkey Sliders with cheese, red onion, avocado, and lettuce. — How to Make Barbeque Turkey Sliders. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Smoky, saucy, and easy to pull together, these mini sandwiches bring big flavor in small bites. The turkey stays moist and stacks well on soft buns. Add slaw for crunch or cheese for extra melt. A smart use for leftovers or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Barbeque Turkey Sliders

How to Make Candied Pecans

Crunchy, sweet, and spiced just right, these nuts make an easy snack or topping. They caramelize in the oven and cool into crisp little clusters. Good on salads, oatmeal, or by the handful. Store in a jar and they’ll last a while.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Candied Pecans

How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce

A jar of homemade Taco Bell Baja Sauce with a tangy and creamy texture. — How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Creamy with a citrusy kick and just enough spice, this sauce levels up tacos, wraps, and bowls. The flavor is bold but smooth, making it easy to drizzle or dip. Keeps well in the fridge for repeat meals. Use it anywhere mayo feels too boring.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Taco Bell Baja Sauce

How to Make Tomato Paste

Thick, rich, and full of slow-cooked flavor, this paste adds depth in just a spoonful. Made with only tomatoes and time. It freezes in small portions for easy access. No can opener required.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Tomato Paste

How To Make Tomato Powder

Ground red tomato powder in a small metallic bowl, surrounded by whole dried and fresh tomatoes. — How To Make Tomato Powder. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Bright and savory, this powder boosts soups, stews, and sauces with instant tomato flavor. It dissolves quickly and blends easily. A little sprinkle brings food to life. Great for camping or stocking the pantry.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Tomato Powder

How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

Whole cauliflower, a bowl of riced cauliflower, cauliflower puree in a pan with a spoon, and fresh parsley on a dark surface. — How To Make Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Creamy, smooth, and completely crave-worthy, mashed cauliflower is here to rival traditional mashed potatoes. Light, fluffy, and oh-so-good!
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

How To Make Mushroom Powder

A small black bowl filled with mushroom powder sits in front of scattered dried mushroom slices on a dark surface. — How To Make Mushroom Powder. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Learn How To Make Mushroom Powder at home for a great seasoning. Dehydrate your seasonal harvest and have the best umami always available.
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How to Make Pita Bread at Home

Two pieces of pita bread on a wooden cutting board, with a bowl of dip, lemon half, fresh herbs, and more pita bread in a cloth-lined basket nearby. — How to Make Pita Bread at Home. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Pita Bread made at home offers an authentic touch to any Mediterranean dish, with a total preparation and cooking time of about two hours. The key ingredients include flour, yeast, and olive oil, which come together to create a soft and pillowy bread with a signature pocket. Its subtle, yeasty flavor makes it ideal for scooping up hummus or wrapping around grilled meats. Freshly made, it elevates any meal with its warm, comforting presence.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Pita Bread at Home