Top 10 Pantry Baking Projects
If you're tired of baking the same old biscuits, but you don't want to waste emissions or time (or infect others with COVID-19) by going to the grocery store, fear not. In this post, I've compiled my top 10 favorite baking projects that call for only pantry staples.
Grandma's Blueberry Muffins
What you need: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk of choice, egg, vanilla extract, a neutral oil, fresh or frozen fruit
Time: 30 minutes
Although these are called "blueberry" muffins, you can replace the blueberries with any fruit you have on hand. This recipe sticks to the absolute basics and yields muffins that look darling and taste amazing. What’s not to like?
Molasses Cornmeal Drop Biscuits
What you need: all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, baking soda, ground spices, butter, milk of choice, molasses
Time: 20 minutes
As someone who adores cornbread, this is one of my very favorite recipes. These biscuits are hearty, yet soft, and spiced to perfection. If you don't have molasses, you can easily use maple syrup in its place.
100% Whole Wheat Bagels
What you need: whole wheat flour, salt, yeast, water, honey or barley malt, baking soda
Time: 3-4 hours
If you're looking for a more time-consuming baking project, look no further than these whole wheat bagels adapted from Peter Reinhart. The ingredient list could not be simpler and the methods are just challenging enough to help you pass the time in quarantine.
Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
What you need: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, baking soda, butter, buttermilk
Time: 30 minutes
If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast that's restaurant-quality (ah, the good old days), then this is the recipe for you. These biscuits are luxurious, simple and will use up that buttermilk in the back of your fridge before it goes bad.
Honey Whole Wheat Rolls
What you need: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, whole milk, 2 eggs, butter, honey
Time: 3-4 hours
Another one of my favorite baking projects, these rolls are delicious and can make any dinner feel special. You can make and bake the rolls in one day, or make the dough one day and bake the rolls the next day.
Toaster Corncakes
What you need: all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, milk of choice, butter
Time: 30 minutes
My readers have been sleeping on this toaster corncake recipe, but it's time to wake up. They are lightly sweet, cornbread-y and perfect for popping in the toaster at breakfast. Better yet, the ingredients and methods could not be simpler.
Baked Plum Oatmeal
What you need: old-fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, milk of choice, maple syrup, eggs, butter or neutral oil, vanilla extract, 3 cups fruit of choice
Time: 1 hour
Never underestimate the power of baked oatmeal. It's hearty, flavorful and super simple. Feel free to use any fruit in place of the plums for a scrummy breakfast treat.
Pumpkin Spice Cornbread
What you need: pumpkin puree, milk of choice, olive oil, maple syrup, eggs, cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, spices, butter or neutral oil
Time: 45 minutes
We all have cans of pumpkin puree that have been sitting in the back of our cabinets since fall. Now's the time to put them to good use. This cornbread is a slight twist on an old classic that makes for a great breakfast or side dish.
Cinnamon Sugar Tea Rings
What you need: milk, butter, sugar, salt, eggs, yeast, water, all-purpose flour, cinnamon
Time: 4 hours
Although I traditionally bake tea rings around the holidays, they taste amazing at any time of year (duh). This recipe is perfect if you're looking to pass the time with a more substantial baking project. This recipe also yields a double batch, making it perfect for (contactless) delivery to friends and neighbors.
Wheat(ish) English Muffins
What you need: whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, bread flour, yeast, salt, whole milk, warm water, butter, honey or maple syrup, cornmeal
Time: 17-30 hours
If you really want to up your baking game, these English muffins are the way to go. The methods are slightly more advanced than the other recipes in this list and they're made over the course of two days. The finished product is perfect for breakfast, brunch, snack time and beyond.