Most people consider these cupboards useless. Here’s the right way to utilize them.

 

Most People Consider These Cupboards Useless. Here’s the Right Way to Utilize Them.

If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring at that awkward cupboard above the fridge or that weird deep corner one you can barely reach into, you’re not alone. Most people write them off as useless — too high, too deep, or just plain inconvenient.

But here’s the truth: those so-called “useless” cupboards? They’re actually prime real estate when used the right way. And believe it or not, they can play a key role in helping you stay organized, reduce food waste, and even make your go-to meals easier and faster.

Let’s talk about how to transform those forgotten spaces — and how a single recipe can help you rethink the way you stock your kitchen.

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Step 1: Turn "Dead Space" Into a Meal-Prep Station

Instead of stuffing random holiday platters up there, designate these hard-to-reach cupboards for long-term pantry storage — especially for ingredients that make up your favorite quick meals. Think:

• Canned beans or soup bases

• Dried pasta or rice

• Shelf-stable sauces (like coconut milk, soy sauce, or tomato paste)

• Baking supplies you only use occasionally

• Emergency meal kits or backup dinners (hello, ramen!)

The idea is to keep these items out of the way — but still accessible enough to pull down when you’re ready to prep a fast, reliable recipe.

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Step 2: Create a “Go-To Recipe Box” — Like This One👇

Now that you’ve got space, stock it with the ingredients for a seriously handy recipe. Here's one to get you started:

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Creamy Pantry Pasta

A one-pot wonder made almost entirely from shelf-stable ingredients

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried pasta

• 1 can evaporated milk (or full-fat coconut milk)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional, or use shelf-stable grated cheese)

• Optional: canned peas, tuna, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add olive oil and all seasonings. Stir for 30 seconds over medium heat.

3. Add evaporated milk and bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Stir in cooked pasta and cheese. Mix until creamy. Add optional ingredients if using.

5. Serve hot, with cracked pepper or herbs if desired.

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Step 3: Label & Rotate

Use a label maker or sticky notes inside the cupboard door to list what’s stored there and what recipes they go with. This not only prevents duplicate purchases, but helps you remember what you can make in a pinch — without needing to dig through every cabinet in a panic.

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Why This Works

• Maximizes overlooked space

• Supports budget-friendly meal planning

• Reduces clutter in your daily-use pantry

• Creates a backup plan for busy nights

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Final Thoughts

We all have those awkward cupboards we ignore — but it turns out, they’re not so useless after all. With a little organization and the right recipe strategy, they can become the hidden heroes of your kitchen.

So next time you’re meal prepping, stocking up, or just reorganizing your space, remember: the secret to smarter cooking might be hiding in the cupboards you forgot you had.