18 Spices Everyone Should Keep In Their Kitchen
If you prepare even the most basic meals, you’ll quickly realize you need spices. Eclectic collections of spices are found in nearly every kitchen. Whether they live in a spice rack, cabinet, or drawer, these small bottles of flavor are undeniable kitchen essentials. While everyone knows spices are important, far fewer know exactly the most important spices to have within arm's reach.
Some spices every kitchen should have include various salts, black peppercorns, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, and thyme. Some essential baking spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. For those who like to add a bit of heat and spice, cayenne pepper, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and chili powder are all fantastic additions to the spice rack. Other spices worth including are rosemary, garlic powder, and sage.
Whether you cook every day or only on special occasions, it’s smart to have a diverse array of spices to choose from. Just a dash of some of these ingredients can elevate and transform a dish from bland to exciting. If you've recently moved into a home or feel overwhelmed each time you pass through the spice aisle, then keep reading. Below is a list of spices that should be in every kitchen.
18 Essential Spices That Every Kitchen Should HaveÂ
1. Salt(s)
There is no spice or flavor more important than salt. This ingredient was long ago so coveted, that some people were paid with salt instead of money. Every kitchen needs salt, but one can argue a home chef needs multiple salts.
There are dozens of different salt varieties to choose from. To be safe, choose an everyday salt like kosher salt, a flaky finishing salt, and whatever flavored salts you think you may use.
2. Black PeppercornsÂ
Right after salt, black pepper is widely considered the most popular kitchen spice. This is why you find salt and pepper on nearly every dining table and in homes throughout the world. It adds an inoffensive yet distinct spice to just about any savory dish.
When you purchase black pepper for a spice rack, consider buying whole peppercorns rather than already ground pepper. Whole peppercorns stay fresh longer than ground pepper. All you need is a grinder to ensure you have fresh-tasting black pepper whenever you need it.
3. Bay Leaf
Bay leaves are a spice that you use in soups, sauces, and other dishes. One leaf from the bay leaf plant goes a long way. This leaf has a very unique flavor, which means there is really no substitute for it. They are also a spice that stays fresh for a long time when properly stored, which means one bottle can last you a year or longer.
Bay leaves are used in French, Mediterranean, and various Asian cuisines as well, making this spice one you can use in savory dishes from around the world.
4. Cinnamon
Of all the baking spices, cinnamon is arguably the most popular. It’s a staple in various holiday cuisines and an essential ingredient in any spiced dessert. You can sprinkle it on top of hot chocolate and cappuccino, and use it as a garnish for pies and other desserts.
If you love baking, consider having ground cinnamon and whole cinnamon sticks in your spice rack.
5. Crushed Red Pepper
Suppose you love pizza (and who doesn’t), then you have surely encountered plenty of crushed red pepper flakes. Red pepper flakes go hand-in-hand with Parmesan cheese as an accompaniment for most Italian dishes.
In addition to using this spice in Italian food, crushed red pepper flakes are a great spice to add a bit of heat to any sauce, dressing, or soup.
6. Paprika
Paprika is another spice that adds a lovely heat to various dishes, from goulash to deviled eggs. This spice has a unique smoky taste that is found in tons of recipes, making it a bottle of flavor that every kitchen should have.
In addition to its nuanced flavor, paprika is also used to add a lovely dash of red color to dishes, making it a versatile spice you’ll use more often than you might think.
7. Oregano
Oregano is a bold herb found in many Greek, Italian, and other Mediterranean dishes. You can add it to pasta and pizza sauce, salad dressings, and even use it in meat rubs and marinades. This versatile spice is even found in several medicinal teas and several natural remedies. If you love Mediterranean cuisine, then you need oregano in your spice rack.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is a finely ground red pepper spice that you can use to boost the heat in just about any dish. What makes this spice so incredible is that it can be used in just about any savory dish, no matter what type of cuisine you prepare. It is also touted for its various health benefits.
9. CuminÂ
Cumin has a very distinct flavor, and no other spice can replicate it. It is used to create the unique flavors found in chilli, taco seasonings, and other popular dishes that are served around the world. If chili and taco night are staples in your home, then cumin should live in your spice rack.
10. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another commonly used baking spice. While you might not use nutmeg every day, it becomes a staple around the holidays. Nutmeg is used in various cakes and pies, as well as spiced beverages, including eggnog. If you love baking, especially around the winter holidays, then ensure you have nutmeg in your kitchen.
11. Thyme
Thyme is an herb found in all sorts of rustic cuisine, from American dishes to European fare. It has minty and citrus notes, and is an herb that even in dry form, adds zest to bland dishes. It’s also an herb known for its natural remedies and potential health benefits.
12. Ginger
While whole ginger packs a punch and is fantastic in many savory dishes, ground ginger is a great spice to have in your spice arsenal, especially if you bake. You can’t make gingerbread without ground ginger. It’s also an important ingredient in other holiday fare, including pumpkin pie and spiced cookies.
13. Curry Powder
While not everyone loves curry, if you do, then you need at least one curry powder in your spice rack. This is a powerful and truly distinct spice, often distinguishable by its smell and vibrant orange color. Curry is an essential ingredient for various cuisines, especially Indian, Thai, and other Asian dishes.Â
14. Cloves
Cloves have been a coveted spice for centuries due to their strong and unique flavor and long-lasting potency. Cloves have a lovely aromatic quality that can be used in sweet and savory dishes. They taste great in sweets, mulled wine, and are even delicious when added to meats, stews, and other savory dishes.
15. Chili Powder
Chili powder is another powdered spice that can help boost the heat and flavor of many savory dishes. It is an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine, including tacos, enchiladas, and chili. It’s also commonly added to stews and sauces to add a flavorful heat to bland dishes.Â
16. Sage
Sage is an earthy herb known for its medicinal and healing benefits. It can also add a rustic and nuanced flavor to various dishes. Dried sage is commonly used to flavor meats like sausage and chicken, and it can also be used to make a lovely herb butter, and added to salad dressing to give it an extra zing.
17. Garlic Powder
While fresh garlic is preferred in most recipes, garlic powder is more essential than you might think. The powdered form has a lovely roasted essence and is a great substitute for fresh garlic when you’re in a bind. Furthermore, it’s a great way to liven up roasted potatoes, garlic bread, and even popcorn.
18. RosemaryÂ
Rosemary is an herb you can easily grow in your garden and then dry it yourself. This spice retains much of its piney and rustic flavor, even after it’s dried. This herb is fantastic as a rub on meats like chicken and pork loin, and can be added to soups and sauces to give them a unique twist.
Wrapping Up The Top Spices To Include In Your Spice Rack
Spices make boring food exciting and help turn bland dishes into delicious ones. Every home chef needs spices to ensure every dish you create is memorable. Some of the most essential spices that every spice rack needs include salt, black peppercorns, cumin, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. To add heat to your food, you should also have cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, and chili powder. For those who bake, you should have cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and cloves readily available.
Related Guides:
- Do Spices Go Bad? Tips For Keeping Your Spices Fresh
- Herbs And Spices You Should Store In The Freezer
- 11 Sugar Alternatives You Should Store In Your Kitchen Pantry
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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