When you’re new to homesteading, it’s easy to feel like you’re standing at the bottom of a very tall mountain. Sourdough starters, gardens, chickens, canning shelves—it can all feel like a lot before you’ve even begun. My biggest encouragement is this: you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with a few simple swaps that gently change the rhythm of your home and kitchen. These three from-scratch basics are where I always recommend beginning.
1. Homemade Sandwich Bread
Bread is one of those everyday staples that quietly shapes our meals. Toast in the morning, sandwiches for lunch, something warm alongside supper. Making sandwich bread from scratch is a beautiful place to start because it’s both practical and deeply satisfying. The ingredients are simple, the process becomes familiar quickly, and the result is something your family will actually notice.
There’s something so comforting about kneading dough, watching it rise, and pulling a golden loaf from the oven. It feels like home. I have a favorite sandwich bread recipe that I use again and again, and I’ll be linking it here so you can find it easily over on our Instagram. Check for “White Bread” in our highlights for a step by step tutorial. If you’re nervous about bread, start here—it’s forgiving, dependable, and worth every minute.
https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17875190418078644/
2. Tomato-Based Sauces
Tomato sauces are another wonderful beginner-friendly from-scratch habit. Pizza sauce, marinara, and pasta sauce all follow the same simple idea: a good tomato base and seasonings you love. You don’t need a garden or fresh tomatoes to get started. Canned tomatoes from the store—crushed, sauce, paste, or whole—work beautifully year-round.
This is where cooking intuitively really shines. Add garlic, onion, basil, oregano, salt, or a pinch of sugar if your family prefers it. Simmer until it smells like comfort. You’ll quickly learn what flavors your household loves most. Once you’re confident, you can make larger batches to freeze or can for later. Homemade sauce has a way of making even the simplest meal feel intentional and nourishing.
3. All-Purpose Cleaner
Homesteading isn’t just about what we eat—it’s also about how we care for our homes. Making your own all-purpose cleaner is one of the easiest and most practical changes you can make. It’s quick, inexpensive, and removes a surprising amount of clutter from under your sink.
In a 16-ounce jar or spray bottle, combine ½ cup isopropyl alcohol, 4–5 drops of castile soap, and 8–10 drops of your favorite essential oils. Fill the rest of the jar with water and gently swirl to combine. That’s it. This cleaner can be used on nearly any surface in your home, and it smells fresh without being overwhelming. Making it yourself feels like a small act of care—for your home and your family.
Homesteading doesn’t need to be loud or extreme. It can be quiet, steady, and rooted in love. Start with a loaf of bread, a pot of sauce, or a simple cleaner mixed at your kitchen counter. Small steps, done consistently, create a home that feels nourishing, capable, and deeply yours.