When it comes to my cookware essentials, these are staples that I can’t live without. These items are just my personal list of things that I have learned along the way on my cooking journey. Being prepared in the kitchen with the right tools makes all the difference in the world, on how your food comes out, or simply just making things a lot easier while cooking.
Below are five of my most used cookware essentials. I have so many pots and pans, but by far the ones listed below are the ones that I reach for every meal. Whether you are cooking a sheet pan family meal on a busy weeknight or slow braising in the oven, these five will have you covered.
Cast Iron Skillet
Starting with the most important is my cast iron skillet, you will hear me refer to my cast iron skillet a lot throughout this blog. I cook almost everything in it and it makes the best non-stick pan and multipurpose which is amazing. Definitely an at-home chef’s dream. Whether you are cooking a skillet meal like burgers or a skillet to oven meal like a chicken pot pie, this cast iron really comes in handy, and the food comes out with such a rustic flavor because the more you use it the more seasoned it becomes. I always use this cast iron when cooking the bacon in my Smoked Cheddar & Apple Spinach Salad.
Stockpot
The next cookware essential I’m going to talk about is my large stockpot. Having one of these around is definitely a lifesaver. When I am making a large meal like corned beef and cabbage or even a large batch of homemade stock this is my go-to. You can fit just about anything in it.
There are two sizes I use the most and they are my 6-quart stockpot and my 12 quarts. The 6 quarts I use more for everyday meals, and the 12 quarts I use for making large batches of homemade stock that I store in the freezer in separate containers for easy and convenient use. Another family favorite meal in this stockpot is corned beef and cabbage. One-pot meals, who doesn’t love the convenience of that.
Dutch Oven
This next cookware essential is by far one of my most used, and that’s my dutch oven. Also is known as an enameled cast iron. They come in all different sizes, but my go-to is my 6 quart. This is a must-have in the kitchen. Perfect for meals such as braised short ribs, and my favorite risotto. What I love most about this gem is that it can go from stovetop to oven, which is perfect for braising, and making delicious comfort food.
Sheet Pans
Next are sheet pans. They make weeknight dinners a breeze. and it’s a very healthy way of cooking. I love using my sheet pans for baking chicken. and roasting vegetables. Meals come out perfect every time when using this cookware essential. I have sheet pans in all different sizes and use them all the time in my kitchen, they’re so versatile and convenient. Use them to marinate steaks or roast potatoes, these sheet pans can be used for just about anything.
Crockpot
Lastly is the crockpot. This is an important cookware essential simply because it’s simple. This is a lifesaver on those busy days when you just don’t have the time to stand at the stove preparing a meal for the family. What’s even better is it still gives that cooking all-day taste with just a small amount of prep time. I love using the crockpot for meals like pot roast, or pulled pork. Set your settings and the crockpot does all the work and the food comes out delicious and perfectly cooked every time.
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