The Essential Kitchen Items I Can’t Live Without
People often ask me about my favorite kitchen things. What olive oil do I use? What pans do I cook with? Where did I get that cute tote bag?
With the holidays coming up, I wanted to share all my most-loved kitchen must-haves. Some are worth saving up for. Others are budget-friendly finds that work just as well. Whether you are stocking your own kitchen or looking for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, I hope you find something new to love here!
Kitchen Must-Haves: Cookware and Accessories
I am not a fancy chef type. I do not need the most expensive cookware out there. I just want tools that make my life easier and hold up well over time. Here are the pots, pans, and gadgets I reach for almost every single day.
1. Lodge Cast Iron Rectangular Reversible Grill and Griddle
We love the taste of grilled food in the Mediterranean! I cook outside whenever I can. But what about winter? This grill pan brings that smoky flavor right to my stovetop.
I use it for everything from Grilled Cod on a rainy July day to Mediterranean Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup on a cold winter night. It holds heat beautifully. The big size means I do not have to cook in batches.
Why everyone loves it: You get grill marks and smoky flavor all year long, no outdoor grill required.
Pro tip from Ruby: One side has ridges for grilling and the other side is smooth for pancakes or eggs. It is like two pans in one!
2. Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Saute Pan
Yes, it looks pretty in my kitchen. But that is not why I love it! This pan is nonstick, nontoxic, and completely oven safe. I can sear chicken on the stovetop and pop it right in the oven without switching pans. Less dishes to wash!
It cleans up in seconds and the nonstick coating lasts for years. Mine still works like new.
Why everyone loves it: It is beautiful, nonstick, and goes from stovetop to oven without complaining.
Pro tip from Ruby: The white color is gorgeous but shows every splash. Go with a darker color if you are messy like me!
3. Lodge 7 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Want that fancy Le Creuset look without the fancy Le Creuset price? This is your pot. It is heavy, durable cast iron with a smooth ceramic coating that washes right out.
It is huge! Perfect for holiday roasts like Braised Lamb Shanks. But I also use it on random Tuesdays to make a big pot of soup and freeze half for later.
Why everyone loves it: It does everything expensive Dutch ovens do for a fraction of the price.
Pro tip from Ruby: The light colored inside makes it easy to see if you have scraped up all the browned bits for sauces. I love that!
4. HONGBAKE Baking Sheet Pan Set
People call me the sheet pan queen. So I did not take picking my favorite baking sheets lightly!
These nonstick pans are durable but not too heavy. They clean up so easily. The textured surface keeps food from sticking. My Sheet Pan Salmon with Vegetables and Feta slides right off. No scrubbing required!
Why everyone loves it: Food does not stick. They do not warp in the oven. They come in pretty colors.
Pro tip from Ruby: Get the set with three sizes. You will use the small one more than you think!
5. Cuisinart Immersion Blender
Want creamy soup without adding heavy cream? Partially blend it right in the pot! An immersion blender lets me control the texture perfectly. I can leave it chunky or make it smooth.
This one is powerful but not too aggressive. It gives me that perfect chunky texture for soups like White Chicken Chili. It also comes with attachments for chopping, whisking, and making smoothies. Even thick ones like my Tahini Date Banana Shake blend up perfectly.
Why everyone loves it: No transferring hot soup to a blender. No giant pitcher to wash. Just blend right in the pot and done.
Pro tip from Ruby: The whisk attachment whips cream in seconds. Do not sleep on that!
6. Microplane Professional Series Kitchen Grater
This tiny tool takes up almost no drawer space. But I use it constantly!
I grate Parmesan for pasta. I zest lemons and limes. I even grate garlic right into yogurt when I do not feel like mincing. It is sharp, it is fast, and it never lets me down.
Why everyone loves it: It does one thing and does it perfectly. Every kitchen needs one.
Pro tip from Ruby: Run it through the dishwasher and it comes out like new. So easy!
7. Global 8 Inch Chef Knife with Global MinoSharp 2 Stage Sharpener
You do not need a whole block of knives in every size. A really good chef knife will do almost everything.
This one is sturdy enough to chop a mountain of vegetables but not so heavy that it tires out my hand. It is stainless steel, easy to clean, and holds its edge beautifully. The sharpener keeps it in perfect shape with just a few swipes.
Why everyone loves it: One great knife beats ten mediocre ones. This is the one.
Pro tip from Ruby: A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. Seriously. Keep your blade sharp!
8. KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper
Here is a secret. Almost every yiayia, teta, and nonna I have met owns a little food chopper. Even the ones who roll their pasta dough by hand!
This dishwasher safe chopper saves me on busy nights when I am too tired to chop onions and garlic. I also use it to whip up salad dressings when I do not feel like whisking. For bigger jobs, I pull out my full size food processor. But for small jobs, this little guy is perfect.
Why everyone loves it: No tears from chopping onions. No minced garlic stuck to your fingers. Just push a button and done.
Pro tip from Ruby: It is the perfect size for making fresh breadcrumbs from leftover crusty bread.
9. Bayou Classic Rectangular Cake Pan
This casserole pan is worth every penny. It is made of cast iron, so it holds high heat beautifully.
Everything gets a gorgeous golden crust. My Cranberry Chicken comes out caramelized and sticky. My Greek Honey Cake gets that perfect crispy edge. It is heavy and it is not cheap, but it will last forever.
Why everyone loves it: Cast iron performance in a convenient rectangular shape. Perfect for casseroles and sheet cakes.
Pro tip from Ruby: Use it for cornbread. The crust gets incredibly crispy and delicious.
10. Pyrex 3 Piece Measuring Cup Set
I mix salad dressings and marinades right in my measuring cups. Why dirty a mixing bowl?
These extra large Pyrex cups are perfect for measuring, mixing, and pouring. The sturdy glass does not stain or hold smells. The red lettering is easy to read, even when my kitchen lighting is dim. I reach for these almost every single day.
Why everyone loves it: Glass does not absorb odors or colors. Tomato sauce rinses right out. No plastic stains!
Pro tip from Ruby: The 4 cup size is perfect for making Ladolemono dressing. Mix, pour, serve, done.
Kitchen Must-Haves: My Most Used Ingredients
The Mediterranean Diet is all about taking simple ingredients and making them sing. The secret is big, bold seasonings. Here are the spices and pantry staples I cook with most often.
11. Za’atar Spice Blend
Za’atar is tart, earthy, nutty, and completely addictive. It has tangy sumac, fragrant wild thyme, and buttery sesame seeds.
I sprinkle it on everything. My morning eggs. Popcorn. Spinach Pasta. Breaded Chicken. There is no limit to what za’atar can do. Once you start, you will find yourself putting it on absolutely everything.
Why everyone loves it: It is bright, tangy, and totally unique. Nothing else tastes like za’atar.
Pro tip from Ruby: Mix za’atar with olive oil and brush it on pita bread before toasting. Instant za’atar chips!
12. Aleppo Pepper
People often compare Aleppo pepper to regular crushed red pepper. But there is really no comparison.
Regular chili flakes just give you heat. Aleppo pepper gives you mild, slow building warmth with a fruity, almost raisiny finish. It is bright red and incredibly versatile. I sprinkle it on Grilled Mango. I rub it on Broiled Lobster Tail. I put it in pretty much everything.
Why everyone loves it: It adds warmth without burning your face off. You can actually taste the pepper, not just the heat.
Pro tip from Ruby: Buy the big jar. You will go through it faster than you think.
13. Everyday EVOO Bundle
I cannot spend 30 seconds in my kitchen without reaching for extra virgin olive oil. I bake with it. I sauté with it. I fry with it. I drizzle it on absolutely everything. Olive oil is not just an ingredient. It is the heart of Mediterranean cooking.
This bundle has four different oils. Peppery Spanish. Rich Greek. Fruity Italian. Buttery Arbequina. Each one brings something different to the table. Try them all and find your favorite!
Why everyone loves it: You get to taste the difference between regions. It is like a little olive oil education.
Pro tip from Ruby: The Arbequina is so buttery and mild. Perfect for when you want olive oil flavor without the pepper kick.
14. Extra Spicy Harissa Paste from Kartago
I am completely obsessed with this Tunisian harissa. One tablespoon brings deep smoky heat with bright citrusy notes.
I use it to make Baked Salmon. I stir it into Quinoa Lunch Bowls. I make Mediterranean Sweet and Spicy Chicken. A little goes a long way! If you prefer milder heat, try the Moroccan version.
Why everyone loves it: It is smoky, spicy, tangy, and complex. Way better than any harissa you can make at home.
Pro tip from Ruby: Stir a spoonful into Greek yogurt for an instant spicy crema. So good on tacos!
15. Sumac
We love tart flavors in the Mediterranean. Lemon and lime go on everything. But sumac is our secret weapon.
Sumac is a dried berry that brings intense, lemony tang without any liquid. It is slightly tannic and totally delicious. Add it to pickled onion brine. Sprinkle it on salads. Rub it on Grilled Chicken Thighs. It lifts heavy, rich dishes and makes everything taste brighter.
Why everyone loves it: It gives you lemon flavor without lemon juice. No seeds, no squeezing, no mess.
Pro tip from Ruby: Sprinkle sumac on avocado toast. Life changing.
16. Greek Oregano
Of all the Mediterranean spices, oregano is the queen. You know its lemony, earthy, aromatic flavor from every Greek dish ever made. Horiatiki salad. Souvlaki. Everything.
But not all oregano is the same. Cheap oregano tastes like dust. This Greek oregano is grown and harvested in Greece. It is potent, fragrant, and absolutely worth seeking out. If you cook Mediterranean food, you need good oregano.
Why everyone loves it: Real Greek oregano smells like sunshine and mountains. The flavor is completely different from grocery store oregano.
Pro tip from Ruby: Rub dried oregano between your palms before adding to food. It releases the oils and wakes up the flavor.
17. Organic Tahini by Soom
Tahini is just ground sesame seeds. But it is magic.
It is the base for creamy, dreamy Hummus. Whisk in garlic and lemon juice and you have Tahini Sauce. I put that sauce on Falafel, on roasted vegetables, on literally everything. Tahini also adds dairy free creaminess to soups and salad dressings. Keep a jar in your fridge at all times.
Why everyone loves it: It is nutty, creamy, and makes everything taste richer. Vegan, gluten free, and delicious.
Pro tip from Ruby: Stir your tahini well before using. The sesame paste separates from the oil. Really get in there with a spoon!
Other Kitchen Must-Haves and Gifts
Here are a few more favorites. Some are treats for myself. Some make great gifts for the food lovers in my life.
18. The Mediterranean Dish Cookbooks
Of course I have to include my cookbooks! Writing them was my passion project. Blood, sweat, tears, and so many recipe tests.
I wanted to create simple, flavorful recipes that people would actually make on repeat. No fussy techniques. No impossible to find ingredients. Just good food that brings joy to your kitchen.
I am so humbled and honored that both books made the New York Times Best Seller List. Thank you for cooking from them, tagging me, and writing to me. It means everything!
For a sneak peek, try these recipes from my latest book Simply Dinner: White Chicken Chili with Chermoula, Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, and Flourless Chocolate Cake with Cardamom.
Why everyone loves it: Beautiful photos, clear instructions, and recipes that actually work the first time.
Pro tip from Ruby: The dinner party chapter will make you look like a hero with very little effort.
19. Market Tote
I love making little gift baskets with this tote as the basket. But I also use it for everything else.
Farmers market runs. Grocery shopping. Trips to the gym. Quick weekend getaways. Picnics in the park. It is sturdy, roomy, and honestly just really cute.
Why everyone loves it: It is not just a tote. It is a reusable gift bag, grocery bag, beach bag, everything bag.
Pro tip from Ruby: Fill it with olive oil, spices, and a cookbook for the perfect housewarming gift.
20. BBQ Vertical Skewer
I do not usually recommend single use tools. But this DIY spit contraption is the exception.
It is the only way I have found to make real Grilled Chicken Shawarma on the Spit at home. It looks so festive and impressive. Everyone gathers around when I fire this thing up. Is it a need or a want? Fine, it is a want. But I have zero regrets. Nobody has ever complained about juicy, charred chicken shawarma on a sunny day!
Why everyone loves it: It is fun, it is festive, and the chicken comes out incredibly juicy and flavorful.
Pro tip from Ruby: This is the perfect gift for the backyard BBQ person in your life who already has everything
21. Olive Oil Pour Spout
This seems so small. But we sell out of this simple pour spout constantly!
It is made from high quality stainless steel. It lasts forever and never affects the taste of your oil. The tapered shape gives you that perfect, controlled drizzle. No more glugs. No more sticky bottles. No more oil running down the side.
Why everyone loves it: It costs almost nothing and makes your olive oil bottle look and work so much better.
Pro tip from Ruby: These make excellent stocking stuffers. Buy a whole pack and gift them to everyone.
22. Mediterranean Diet Starter Kit
New to Mediterranean cooking? This kit has everything you need to get started.
Greek olive oil. A blend of seven warm spices. Creamy tahini. All the pantry essentials to start eating the Mediterranean way. It also makes a wonderful gift for anyone starting their wellness journey.
Why everyone loves it: Everything you need in one beautiful package. No guessing. No shopping around.
Pro tip from Ruby: The spice blend alone is worth it. I use it on chicken, vegetables, rice, everything.
Conclusion
I hope you found some new kitchen favorites here! Whether you are treating yourself or shopping for someone special, these are the tools and ingredients I truly cannot live without.
Remember, you do not need a perfect, fancy kitchen to cook delicious food. You just need a few good things that work well and bring you joy.
Happy cooking and happy gifting!
