I’ve found that making certain foods from scratch isn’t as hard as it seems. Sometimes, it just takes a little extra planning and some simple ingredients to create something fresh and satisfying at home.
The great thing is that many everyday foods you buy can actually be made easily from scratch, saving money and often tasting better. It’s a satisfying way to take control of what goes into your meals without spending all day in the kitchen. For me, this kind of cooking makes eating at home more enjoyable and less stressful.
For more details on easy homemade foods, check out this list of 6 Easy Foods You Should ALWAYS Try to Make From Scratch.
Homemade hummus
I love making hummus at home because it’s simple and quick. All you need are a few basic ingredients like chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
I usually toss everything in my blender and blend until smooth. It takes about 10 minutes, and the result is creamy and fresh.
Sometimes, I like to switch it up by adding spices or roasted veggies for extra flavor. Making hummus from scratch saves money and tastes better than store-bought versions. If you want to try different ideas, there are plenty of recipes that show creative twists on classic hummus. Check out some easy homemade hummus recipes for reference.
DIY vanilla extract
Making vanilla extract at home is simpler than you might think. I just use two ingredients: vanilla beans and vodka. You split the beans and soak them in vodka for a few weeks.
The longer it sits, the more flavorful it gets. I like to make several batches so I always have some on hand for baking or adding to coffee.
It’s also a great, low-cost way to upgrade your recipes. If you want the full details, you can check out how to make vanilla extract at home.
Easy sourdough bread
I used to think sourdough bread was complicated, but it’s actually pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. With just a few ingredients—flour, water, salt, and a sourdough starter—you can make a tasty, crusty loaf at home.
The key is to be patient with the fermentation and give the dough some time to develop flavor. I like recipes that don’t require constant kneading or complicated steps, making the process relaxed and enjoyable. If you want a simple guide to start baking your own, check out this easy sourdough bread recipe that is foolproof.
From-scratch taco seasoning
I love making taco seasoning from scratch because it’s quick and lets me control exactly what goes in. It takes just a few basic spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Mixing these up takes less than five minutes and tastes way fresher than store packets. Plus, it’s cheaper, and I avoid all the extra preservatives and salt.
I use this seasoning not just for tacos but also on veggies, soups, or even grilled shrimp. You can easily tweak the blend to make it mild or spicy to fit your taste. If you want to try it, check out this easy homemade taco seasoning recipe.
Simple chicken broth
I find making chicken broth from scratch way easier than most people think. Just toss some chicken parts like wings or a carcass into a big pot with onions, carrots, and celery.
Cover everything with water and let it simmer gently for a few hours. The result is a flavorful broth that’s way better than store-bought options.
Sometimes I add simple herbs or peppercorns to boost flavor, but the basics work just fine for soups and sauces. If you want to try this yourself, check out this easy chicken broth recipe for a straightforward method.
Quick homemade croutons
I love making my own croutons because they’re super easy and flavorful. All you need is some day-old bread, a little oil or butter, and your favorite seasoning. I often go with garlic and herbs for a classic taste.
It only takes about 15 minutes to bake them until crispy and golden. They’re perfect for tossing on salads or soups, and I even crush them up for breadcrumbs sometimes. Making croutons from scratch is a simple way to avoid wasting bread and upgrade your meals. You can find a great method for quick homemade croutons here.