More often than not, the “secret ingredient” that makes your favorite restaurant entree perfect is the specific spice blend used when preparing the dish. With the prices of seasoning only increasing in the past few years, it’s a good thing that TastyThin has released this easy-to-make list of Homemade Seasoning Blends to prepare the next time you want to spice things up in the kitchen.

The reason more and more are concocting their own spice blends nowadays is simply due to the fact that the all-too-easy store-bought spice blends are often found to be overpriced and abound with MSG. If taking a little extra time, attention, and care to make your own blends can ensure that you’re saving money or peace of mind, then be sure to add one, several, or all of the following seasoning blends to the preparation list on your next meal prep Sunday afternoon.

Blend Recipes:

Each of the following recipes for homemade seasoning below is set to make approximately 7-8 tablespoons of mixes, and each can be reduced or doubled depending on your preferences.  

Italian Seasoning Blend

• 4 teaspoons each of basil, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, thyme, and ground savory
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder

Ranch Seasoning Blend

• 2 ½ tablespoons of parsley
• 2 ½ teaspoons each of onion powder and garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons each of dried dill and dried minced onion
• 1 ½ teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Fajita Seasoning Blend

• 4 teaspoons of cumin
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• 2 teaspoons each of coriander and sea salt
• 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder (optional)

Cajun Seasoning Blend

• 2 ½ tablespoons of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon each of oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder

Mediterranean Seasoning Blend

• 2 tablespoons each of kosher salt, oregano, and basil
• 1 tablespoon each of parsley flakes and dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Chili Seasoning Blend

• 2 ½ tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and paprika or smoked paprika
• ½ tablespoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon each of sea salt and black pepper

Jerk Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons of dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon each of thyme, black pepper, and allspice
• 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of sea salt

Directions:

1. A lot of the making of specific spice blends is not only deciding which ones you’d like to make but also looking at the base set of ingredients above and deciding how much of each you’d like to make. Since the recipes for each are generally simple, as they consist of specific proportions of household seasonings and spices, you’re certainly encouraged to double, triple, or multiply the recipes for whichever you see yourself using more often.
2. Though, if making a double or triple recipe, it’s extra important to ensure that you are keeping your proportions balanced and evenly doubled. Do a little research using a measurement calculator or similar online tool to ensure that you’re not over-salting your taco and fajita seasoning just because you decided to “wing it.”
3. An additional tip for buying spices in bulk is to visit a wholesaler, kitchen supply shop, or international food market since after all, every grocery store shopper knows the audacity of the over-priced jar of black pepper found on the seasoning aisle shelf. Outside of spices, you’ll also want to procure an affordable, reusable, and environmentally-conscious, air-tight container for your mixtures. That’s where mason jars are supreme due to their durability and variety in sizes.
4. For each seasoning blend, be sure to closely measure your ingredients and combine them all together in a small container. Store in an air-tight kitchen container, label the outside with the name of the blend and date mixed. Before serving, be sure to stir or thoroughly shake the container.
5. Optional step: For both the Jerk and Italian Seasoning Blends, you can place your ingredients in a small food processor beforehand, processing them until they are finely ground for a stronger consistency amongst the herbs.

For more delicious recipes, click here.