5 Must-Have Spices To Keep in Your Spice Cabinet
Spices help to add more flavor and character to different meals and dishes. Here are five essential spices to keep in your kitchen cabinet.
Whether you’re a talented chef or an occasional cook, you can benefit from the added flavor of spices in your dishes and meals. Having a designated area for all of your spices is one of the clever kitchen cabinet ideas for your home.
But what spices should you keep in your kitchen at all times? Here are five must-haves to keep in your spice cabinet.

Garlic Powder
The first spice you will want in your cabinet is garlic powder. This flavorful spice is diverse and useful in a variety of dishes from around the world.
You can use garlic powder by itself to liven up your food, or you can use mix it into your own spice blend to create a delicious addition to various meals.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another staple item to keep in your kitchen cabinet.
Cinnamon is a must-have if you’re a fan of warm drinks in the morning, like coffee or tea. This spice also pairs well with sweet desserts, like cakes and pies.
However, you can also use cinnamon in more savory dishes, like chili or sauces, by adding a pinch.
Oregano
The next must-have spice to keep in your cabinets is oregano. This spice is an herb from the mint family and works well as an ingredient in all kinds of foods.
For example, Italian, Mexican, and Greek dishes pair wonderfully with a dash of oregano. You can also add it to sauces to bring out the flavor.
Ground Cumin
Ground cumin is another necessity for your kitchen cabinet.
Indian, South American, and African cuisine use ground cumin to take meals to the next level. Because of its earthy, smoky taste, cumin is one of the best ingredients for spicy foods.
Paprika
The fifth spice you’ll want in your kitchen is paprika. This pepper-based flavor works as a flavorful garnish for meats and other foods.
Paprika can range from mild to hot, depending on the type of peppers someone uses to make it. Nonetheless, it tastes delicious and adds a little character to every dish it encounters.
Now that you know the five spices essential for any kitchen cabinet, you can add them to yours today.
Don’t be afraid to try out new things when you’re cooking because you might find your new favorite food in the process.
Recipes to Try:
- Hummingbird Cake
- Cardamom Chocolate Cake with Chai Flavored Buttercream
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Caramel Popcorn Balls Recipe

Stacey is a Southern girl with a taste for travel, thriving on the discovery of the world through food. After spending many years traveling and living overseas, she’s now back home in her beloved deep south enjoying life with her three little ones and loving the adventure. She’s a food stylist and food photographer, as well as, the creative behind Little Figgy Food, where she loves to inspire others to try new flavors and foodie techniques.