16 DIY Seasoning Mixes That Will Make You Ditch Store-Bought Forever
It’s surprisingly simple to make your own custom seasonings and spice mixtures. Not only does this save money by letting you buy some key ingredients in bulk, it also lets you control exactly what goes into your blends. These seasonings are quick to put together and fun to experiment with as you create your own BBQ dry rubs and more. These make great DIY food gifts too.
Italian Seasoning
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Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
Instructions: Mix all herbs together. For a finer texture, pulse in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Sprinkle over pizza, stir into pasta sauces, or blend with olive oil for a bread dip.
Recipe to try it with: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Usage Ideas: Season ground meat for tacos or fajitas, sprinkle on roasted vegetables, or mix into bean dishes.
Recipe to try it with: Old-Fashioned Leftover Ham Bone Soup With Beans
Smoked Herb Salt Blend
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup smoked sea salt
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions: Mix all the dried herbs and pepper with the smoked sea salt in a bowl until well combined. For a more uniform texture, you can pulse the mixture in a spice grinder. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for rubbing on meats before grilling, adding a smoky depth to roasted vegetables, or enhancing simple dishes like scrambled eggs or avocado toast with a complex flavor profile.
Recipe to try it with: EASY Smoked Tomatoes (and learn how to make your own smoked salt here: Smoked Salt Recipe)
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Adjust cayenne and red pepper flakes for desired spiciness.
Usage Ideas: Great for seasoning chicken, shrimp, or “dirty” rice. Adds a kick to soups and stews.
Recipe to try it with: Roasted Green Tomato Soup With Pesto
Curry Powder
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
Instructions: Mix all spices. Store in an airtight container away from light.
Usage Ideas: Use in curries, soups, and marinades, or sprinkle over roasted vegetables for a flavor boost.
Recipe to try it with: EASY Butter Chicken Meatballs {From Scratch}
Greek Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Perfect for Greek salads, marinades for chicken or lamb, and seasoning for grilled vegetables.
Recipe to try it with: Greek Grilled Octopus {Traditional Mediterranean Recipe}
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions: Mix all ingredients together. Store in a sealed container.
Usage Ideas: Sprinkle on baked breads, avocado toast, or mix into cream cheese for a flavorful spread.
Recipe to try it with: Asparagus on Toast
Ranch Dry Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions: Mix herbs and spices. For a finer texture, pulse in a grinder. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Stir into sour cream for a dip or dressing, season chicken wings, or sprinkle over popcorn.
Recipe to try it with: Blitva | Croatian Chard & Potato Side Dish
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions: Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Add to pumpkin pie, lattes, or oatmeal for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Recipe to try it with: Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake or Warm Vanilla Custard Milk Drink
BBQ Rub
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup paprika
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Rub on ribs or chicken before grilling, sprinkle over potatoes before roasting, or stir into baked beans for extra flavor.
Recipe to try it with: Dry-Brined + Smoked Turkey {Step-by-Step}
Jerk Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Adjust cayenne pepper for heat preference. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Marinate chicken or pork before grilling, season fish fillets, or add to rice dishes for a Caribbean flair.
Recipe to try it with: Traeger Smoked Trout
Chinese Five Spice
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons ground star anise
- 1 tablespoon ground fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon ground Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions: Mix all the spices until well combined. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Ideal for seasoning duck, pork dishes, or incorporating into stir-fries for a deep, aromatic flavor.
Recipe to try it with: Oven Roasted Crispy Whole Duck & Figgy Orange Glaze
Herbes de Provence
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons dried savory
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers
- 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
Instructions: Mix all herbs together. For a finer blend, pulse in a spice grinder. Store in an airtight jar.
Usage Ideas: Sprinkle over roasted chicken, mix into vegetable stews, or use to season grilled fish.
Recipe to try it with: Sataraš {Croatian Stewed Tomato & Pepper Side Dish}
Moroccan Ras el Hanout
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions: Combine all spices in a small bowl, mixing well. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Use to flavor tagines, couscous, or roasted vegetables for an authentic Moroccan taste.
Recipe to try it with: Sheet Pan Curried Chicken & Tahini Dressing
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup dried lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons coriander seeds
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon salt
Instructions: Grind the peppercorns, lemon zest, and coriander seeds together, then mix with the onion and salt. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Season chicken or fish before cooking, sprinkle on salads, or add to pasta for a zesty kick.
Recipe to try it with: Garlicky Mussels In a Red Wine Tomato Sauce With Pancetta
Shawarma Spice Blend
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until combined. Store in an airtight container.
Usage Ideas: Rub on chicken, beef, or lamb before grilling for a Middle Eastern flavor, or sprinkle over roasted vegetables.
Recipe to try it with: Smoked Onions {Perfectly Caramelized}
More Homemade Pantry Staples
Learn More: 24 Pantry Staples That Are Healthier & Cheaper Homemade
Homemade Salad Dressings
Learn More: 11 Homemade Salad Dressings Better Than The Bottled Stuff
