Why You Should Always Have A Box Of Crackers In Your Pantry

Pantry staples are must-have items everyone needs in their kitchen. Whether you're ravaging the cupboard in search of a snack or seeking that last ingredient for a recipe, staples are essential. A well-stocked pantry ensures you have those unsung foundational elements for most recipes.

"What's for dinner?" won't feel so arduous when you know your pantry is full of the necessary elements to whip up a tasty last-minute meal (via Food Network). Pantry staples range from canned soups and veggies to pasta, rice, oatmeal, cereal, crackers, nuts, peanut butter, and dried fruits. Among the necessities are baking essentials and spices such as baking soda, flour, salt, pepper, sugar, oil, cinnamon, and corn starch (via Out of Milk). Sweeteners, coffee, tea, grains, snacks, herbs, spices, and condiments are also excellent for storing in your pantry.

Today we discuss crackers and why they are one of your pantry's most useful food items.

Crackers are amazingly versatile, so storing a box in your pantry is ultra-important when it comes to snacking and cooking. In fact, The Spruce Eats says that a box of crackers is a must-have pantry staple everyone needs in their home. Crackers are shelf-stable and make a great quick snack, accompany soups, salads, and top casseroles, so they rarely go to waste.

Delish describes saltine crackers as "under-appreciated." The site says there are many creative ways the square soda crackers can be used in sweet and savory recipes. For instance, they recommend using saltines to make s'mores and mini pizzas. Crackers can also be used to top macaroni and cheese, incorporated into pie with a saltine crust, or crumbled as a breading for fish, pork, or chicken. The salty, crunchy composition of saltines is also perfect for making Old-Fashioned Cracker Dressing (via All Recipes) and spicy seasoned Fire Crackers (via Food).

Pantry staples are essential for keeping on hand when you're in a time crunch for an appetizer. Whip up a quick charcuterie for guests or peanut butter and jelly crackers for an after-school snack (via Food). Crackers are an inexpensive item that every pantry should foster; their possibilities are endless.