Hey, hey Wednesday!
Today’s post has been a long time coming 😉 .
Over the years, so many of you have asked me to create one big list of my Top Kitchen Essentials. Now, this isn’t food essentials (another list for another day), but the tools/gadgets/essentials I think are a must to create easy meals and baked goods.
I get asked all the time by brides to be what they should register for/have on hand/buy when stocking their new homes, and I always want to help, but I’ve never really gone down to my kitchen and created my ultimate list…until today.
I have one list for you (that you could print!) of all the essential items I need when making my meals year around. Now, I tried to be as specific as possible (you’ll notice that some of them are no-brainers!), but also as complete as possible. I also really stood in my kitchen and thought long and hard about which items I always pull out and really use (unlike my stand mixer which I never use).
So, in no particular order, I have my list. For those of you who have asked in the past, I hope this helps! xx
If you’re looking for some easy recipes to try with minimal pots, pans and tools, here are some of faves:
2 Ingredient Pineapple Muffins
Fresh Corn, Sausage & Parm Pasta
Cheesy Ranch Taco Rice
Easy Weeknight Frito Pie
French Onion Roast
Easy Fruit Crumble
Spicy Chicken & Corn Tacos
Fresh Peach Trifle
Elspeth says
This is so helpful! Thank you for sharing!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Julie says
I love this! I think the only thing I don’t have is a hand mixer. I always! think over the idea of getting one, but typically would just use the Kitchen Aid. Do you find it’s better to use a hand mixer? I guess it’s easier to store? I also recently got rid of our toaster oven and replaced it with a plain old shiny toaster. I think my husband/kids miss the oven to re-heat leftovers, but I love just having a plain old pretty shiny metal toaster. Do you have a toaster oven?
Colleen McTeague says
I love all the kitchen things so this list makes me happy! I think it would be cool if you showed us those items in your kitchen on IG stories today? 🙂 Maybe??? I’m also shocked to see potato masher made the list haha I have never used mine, is there another use for it? Thanks Shay!
Mix and Match Mama says
Great idea!!!
Lydia says
Same! We always use the immersion blender or hand mixer.
Kerry says
What hand mixer do you use? I have a Kitchen-aid that is not near strong enough for my liking so I resort to the stand mixer. Help!
Mix and Match Mama says
A normal ole kitchen aid hand mixer!
Emily R says
Would it ever be too much trouble to list your favorite brands for some of these essentials-like the mixer or knives etc? After following your blog for awhile, I know you would know which ones are the best.
Mix and Match Mama says
I could do that more often! Totally!
Amy says
What are your favorite cutting boards and do you change them out, if so how often? Also, what is your favorite cheese grater? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
They’re plastic and dishwasher safe. I don’t know the brand of the boards or the grater because they’re super old.
Terri says
hi shay!!! GREAT list!!! found some things i can add to my stash!! but me being the resident spell-checker #16 has measuring misspelled. i’m sorry to point it out but i want to help you fix it before some mean person says a nasty comment to you b/c i love ya!! have a great day and thank you again for the excellent kitchen essentials list 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
oh no! I”m so happy you caught it! I will correct it right now! THANK YOU!
Lisa says
This is a great list for everyone, but I’m printing it off for my girls just settling into new apartments! One thing I’m wondering about is baking sheets. I have full and half sheets that I use almost daily. Do you use something else (for cookies, pizza, sheet pan meals, etc) that I’m missing on your list?
Mix and Match Mama says
I forgot that on my list! I almost always use a half sheet because it fits in the dishwasher 🙂 .
MelanieL says
I love this list/post! It is perfect for those setting up a kitchen for the first time, and really the only things you’ll need ever! 🙂
Joan says
If you like to make soup, an immersion blender is a must have item.
Laura DeStefano says
I thought coffee pot would be number one! LOL!
Kristen Smith says
I would add blender to this list along with cookie sheets/baking sheets. I love using parchment paper sheets to line the baking pans – definitely decreasing washing dishes!