Ahem, let me set the scene for you: You’re standing at the fridge, zoning in on the half loaf of bread left in there and that random container of grated parm and pecorino mix for a hot sec, and then you close the fridge. You tap your heels together three times and open up the fridge again. Woof, there’s no food to eat. Close it again. Lather, rinse, repeat. Sound familiar? Well, I’m here to help you from screaming, “BUT I HAVE NOTHING TO EAT AT HOME!” into the abyss.
Yeah, sure, melted parm and pecorino on toast is a pretty dope makeshift grilled cheese idea when you *truly* only have that in your fridge (bookmarking that, BRB), but let’s get real. We both know that the food in your kitchen right now has so much more potential. Close that GrubHub tab and take another peek in your fridge—imagine what your mother would say if she could see you now!
Without further ado, here are 15 actually bomb meals you can throw together with a handful of pantry staples. Pro tip: These all are paired best with being curled up on the couch under a blanket and Bravo on in the background. Bon appétit, ma chérie!!
1. Buttery, gooey grilled cheese
As mentioned before, this is always a tasty option when there’s nothing else to make, especially since it’s a good canvas for other random ingredients you may have in the fridge. These Salsa Cheddar Grilled Cheese sandwiches from Spabettie are perfect for a super-lazy night. Bonus points if it’s below freezing outside because this sh*t will warm you right up.
2. PB&J because duh
It is easy and filling and actually tastes like second grade and your Powerpuff Girls lunchbox. Plus, you can add stuff like bananas and waffles if you want to zhuzh it up a bit. Make PB&J Banana Waffle Sandwiches from Liv Life and go watch That’s So Raven on Disney+ for a good-ass time.
3. Tuna melt tostadas
It’s a truth most universally acknowledged that the tuna melt is the world’s most perfect sandwich. Still not convinced? Okay, three words: tuna melt tostadas. Make Tuna Melt Tostadas yourself from The Weary Chef. I promise, they’ll change your life and make that canned tuna sitting in your pantry look sooo much less boring.
4. Pancakes! Pancakes!
Hi, while you may be craving your beloved hometown diner’s stacks of luscious pancakes right now, I have a money-saving alternative that requires all but three ingredients!! This recipe from Food Network requires only (1) a banana, (2) two eggs, and (3) some butter or oil for greasing up that pan. Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips, blueberries, or, dare I say, ~rAiNbOw SpRiNkLeS~ for a fun time.
5. Scrambled eggs
Ah, yes, another great option for breakfast. Just grab eggs and add in whatever you happen to have lying around—cheese, veggies, meat, whatever! Even these fancy North Indian–Style Scrambled Eggs from A Brown Table use ingredients you probably have in your cupboard right now.
6. Waffles
Well, what I’m really proposing here is: waffles for dinner. Yes, be the Leslie Knope you want to see in the world. Pretend your kitchen is JJ’s Diner with this simple recipe for waffles from This Week for Dinner. K, now go conquer Pawnee that mountain of clean laundry on your bed.
7. A Hagrid-size bowl of cereal
Did you really think we wouldn’t put this on the list? Your already opened box of Honey Nut Cheerios on top of your fridge is about to go stale!
8. Spaghetti carbonara
True story: Spaghetti carbonara is a Leo. And this Easy Spaghetti Carbonara from This Week for Dinner is truly a simple delight that tastes anything but. Go ahead, twirl that creamy, eggy, peppery spaghetti around your fork for your Instagram Story. Make Nonna proud.
9. Lemon garlic pasta
Lemon Garlic Pasta from Wonky Wonderful is another super-flavorful option with literally just seven ingredients that you definitely have stocked in your pantry.
10. Pasta with tuna
Yes, Italian + canned tuna is a thing—especially in Europe. Who’s a world traveler now, Karen?! This Tuna Marinara Pasta from Jeanette’s Healthy Living is a little more dressed up but still uses super-basic ingredients.
11. Chicken piccata
If chicken piccata is not one of your favorite go-to dinners, than I don’t think I want to be friends with you—seriously. I always have chicken in the freezer and lemon juice in the fridge, and it’s the best thing—especially this Chicken Piccata from This Week for Dinner.
12. Motherf*cking quesadillas
Got cheese? Got tortillas? Then you have quesadillas. This recipe for Kitchen Sink Quesadillas makes them even tastier and filling with just a few canned ingredients from your cupboard.
13. Breakfast tacos
These Breakfast Tacos With Fire-Roasted Tomato Salsa from Cooking Classy are as perfect as they come. But just like with the quesadillas, add whatever your hungry little heart desires!! This meal is so versatile. You have one link of chicken apple sausage left? Cut it up and throw that in! What about an avocado? Yep, that too! Not a fan of beans? Okay, leave those out. All you’ve gotta do is stick it in a tortilla and dramatically say, “Mmmmmmmygod.”
14. Chicken fajitas
The sound of a sizzlin’ skillet is so sensual. This 30-minute recipe from Delish is also so damn easy. Feel free to substitute whatever you actually don’t have in your pantry. But as long as you’ve got your chicken, peppers, onion, and appetite, it’s all good.
15. Pasta with white beans and broccoli pesto
Another ::chef’s kiss:: recipe from Delish, this Pasta and White Beans With Broccoli Pesto is so much simpler to make than you think. Plus, you probably aren’t growing fresh basil in your backyard if you’re here reading this post.
Sarah is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers food, home, health, career...basically all the things you love to love — follow her on Instagram.
