Yemi Adelekan is a food writer and blogger who was a semi-finalist in the 2022 series of BBC TV’s Masterchef competition.

Every Saturday Yemi writes on the Stray Ferret about her love of the area’s food and shares cooking tips – please get in touch with her if you want her to review a restaurant, visit your farm, taste the produce you sell or even share a recipe.

We all have a kitchen pantry or cupboard though we might stock it differently. The pantry is the convenience store that requires no dress code to shop in it.

It can be a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive and come in handy for making late-night snacks that are better than calorie-laden chocolate and biscuits.

I adore my pantry because it has products from around the world and inspires me to create new dishes. 

There is something unique about the Christmas pantry as it requires items that complement the season. I believe in a Christmas pantry that’s practical, versatile, and economical. Stocking the right items ensures you can keep everyone well-fed without the stress of over-buying or running out of ideas.

Most of us are guilty of overbuying which results in food wastage but thinking ahead, we can make smarter decisions.

The festive season is full of joy, laughter, and—let’s face it—a fair bit of cooking. Whether you’re hosting family, popping over to see friends, or simply enjoying a quiet time at home, having a well-stocked pantry can make all the difference. 

It allows you to create quick, delicious meals when you’re short on time, and helps you get creative with leftovers to avoid waste.

With the right staples, you can turn leftovers into something fresh and exciting, while also stretching your budget through to January. Here’s my guide to a good Christmas pantry.

Build a solid foundation through essentials

At the core of a great Christmas pantry are ingredients that can quickly come together to create satisfying meals. The following staples are lifesavers.

Pasta, rice, couscous and noodles: These are versatile and quick to cook. Use them to turn leftover turkey into a hearty pasta bake or create a stir-fry with vegetables, noodles, and a splash of soy sauce.

Pearl couscous cooked with beetroot make a colourful side dish for left-over roasted vegetables, fish and meat.

​Tinned goods: Stock up on tinned tomatoes, beans, and chickpeas. They’re ideal for soups, stews, or quick curries that are hearty and warming during the winter. 

You can create flavoured hummus using leftover roasted carrot, beetroot, peas or peppers. Quick tomato-based pasta sauces are do-able in under 40 minutes.

​Stock cubes, stock or broth: These are essential for soups, risottos, and sauces, and they’re a brilliant way to make the most of leftover vegetables or meat. 

Bone broths are ideal for when you feel run down. I always make extra stock and freeze them ready for emergencies.

Long-life dairy alternatives: I always have coconut milk which I blend with a can of pineapples and some ginger for a spicy Pina Colada, use for Thai style curries perfect for fish and for making desserts.

Seasonal specials to stock up on

Christmas cooking is all about warmth and indulgence, so having a few seasonal ingredients in your pantry can make your dishes extra special:

Dried herbs and spices: Keep rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves stocked. They can instantly transform a dish into something festive, whether it’s a stew or a dessert.

Condiments: Cranberry sauce, mustard, mayonnaise, chutneys, and pestos are great for adding flavour to leftovers or making dips and dressings. 

I make a Swedish meatball dish which requires mustard and cream; but just because it says meatball doesn’t mean you can’t switch things up. Make the sauce with left over sausages or turkey instead of meatballs to go with pasta, potatoes, or rice.

The ultimate Christmas leftover sandwich needs mayonnaise and cranberry sauce for that sweet and umami taste.

​Nuts and fried fruits: Almonds, walnuts, raisins, and dried cranberries are versatile for snacking, adding to bakes, or sprinkling over salads for texture and flavour. Add them to melted dark chocolate for a healthier snack.

​Hard cheeses: Parmesan, cheddar, or a jar of feta in brine can elevate pasta dishes and toasted sandwiches. Shop bought readymade pastry will also come in handy to create quick dishes with leftovers.

Make the most of leftovers

Christmas leftovers can become exciting new meals with a little imagination and the right pantry items:

Tip No.1) Shred turkey or chicken into a couscous salad or a hearty soup with tinned beans and stock. Alternatively, toss it with pasta and pesto for a quick dinner. 

Tip No.2) Turn roasted vegetables into bubble and squeak, blend into soup, or add to a frittata for a light meal.

Tip No.3) Use leftover mash to make potato cakes or mix with flaked fish for fishcakes. For something fancier make potatoes dauphinois (baked scallop potatoes) or add to choux pastry to make pommes dauphinois. Diced roast potatoes and bacon will transform to breakfast hash.

Tip No.4) Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs for coatings or toss with olive oil and herbs to make croutons for salads and soups.

Tip No.5) Use any leftover cheese from your Christmas board in a rich macaroni cheese with shredded meat or melt them down into a comforting cheese fondue.

Tip No.6) After the Christmas season splurge, January can be a tight month for many, so your Christmas pantry can help stretch meals and budgets. Dried lentils and beans are affordable, filling, and versatile. T

Tip No.7) ​Tinned tuna, salmon, or sardines are quick to use in pasta, sandwiches, or simple fishcakes.

Tip No.8) A packet of oats is versatile and can be used to make savoury oats that are great for cold nights; think Nduja sausages and paprika for a spice-kick or use Harissa spice to bring in flavours of the Middle East. Make porridge or oatcakes for breakfast and healthy flapjacks for snacks.

Yemi's verdict

With the right pantry staples, Christmas cooking becomes simpler, more creative, and less wasteful. You’ll be prepared to tackle unexpected guests, make the most of leftovers, and stretch your budget into the new year.

Here’s to a stress-free, delicious, and resourceful Christmas season.