One of the questions I get most often isn’t actually about a recipe. It’s about what I use to make them.
Whether it’s the olive oil I drizzle over salads, the flaky sea salt I finish almost everything with, or the kitchen tools that make prep so much easier, there are a handful of products that show up in my kitchen again and again. So I finally put them all in one place.
These are my everyday favorites—the pantry staples and kitchen essentials that help me create restaurant-inspired meals at home. They’re products I genuinely use, love, and recommend because they’ve earned their spot in my kitchen.
1. Castillo de Canena Spanish Olive Oil
If there’s one ingredient I never compromise on, it’s olive oil. A great extra virgin olive oil can completely transform a dish—from a simple salad to a beautiful appetizer spread. I use this one almost daily because it’s smooth, rich, and lets fresh ingredients shine. Perfect for salad dressings, finishing roasted vegetables, bread dipping, pasta, dips and other appetizers.
2. Amora Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is one of those ingredients that quietly makes everything better. It adds depth to vinaigrettes, creamy sauces, marinades, and even homemade dressings without overpowering the other flavors. Whenever a recipe needs a little brightness or complexity, this is what I reach for.
3. Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Finishing salt makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Those delicate flaky crystals add texture, crunch, and little bursts of flavor that elevate everything from roasted potatoes to grilled steak.
My favorite ways to use it: Steak, roasted potatoes, eggs, and avocado toast
4. Simply Organic Herbes de Provence
This blend instantly gives dishes that classic French countryside flavor. It’s one of my favorite shortcuts when I want something to taste elegant without using a dozen fresh herbs. You can use this for roast chicken, potatoes, vegetables, butter, and grilled meats.
5. Villa Jerada Aleppo Chile Flakes
Aleppo pepper has a gentle warmth that’s more flavorful than fiery. It’s one of my favorite finishing spices because it adds complexity without overpowering a dish. Sprinkle it on eggs, ricotta, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and dips.
6. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Stockpot
This is one of the hardest-working pots in my kitchen. Whether I’m simmering a rich braise or making broth-based Japanese comfort food, it’s the pot I reach for first.
7. KitchenAid Knife Block Set
A sharp knife makes prep faster, safer, and honestly more enjoyable. Thin slices, perfect dice, and clean cuts all start here.
8. Zulay Lemon & Lime Squeezer
Fresh citrus makes such a difference, and this is one of those inexpensive tools I use constantly.
9. Microplane Premium Zester
I probably use my Microplane more than any other small kitchen gadget. Fresh Parmesan, lemon zest, garlic—you’d be surprised how often it comes out.
10. SmarTake Parchment Paper
Cleanup is easier, roasting is more reliable, and nothing sticks. I almost always line my sheet pans with parchment before baking.
11. Glass Olive Oil Dispenser
Keeping olive oil in a countertop dispenser means I’m actually using it every day—for roasting, finishing, dressings, and marinades.
12. Beast Portable Blender
This is my go-to whenever I need something silky smooth in seconds. It makes homemade sauces, marinades, dressings, and dips incredibly easy.
Loved these kitchen favorites?
Here are a few recipes to put them to good use:
Easy Weeknight Dinners
- Japanese Beef Enoki Rolls
- Sticky Teriyaki Beef Scallion Rolls
- Easy Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Restaurant-Inspired Favorites
- Restaurant-Style Ribeye with Mushroom Demi-Glace
- Cipriani-Inspired Beef Carpaccio
- Restaurant-Style Beef Gyudon
Perfect for Entertaining
Side Dishes Worth Repeating