Homemade Seasoning Blends – Nine DIY Recipes 
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Homemade Seasoning Blends – Nine DIY Recipes – Add great flavor to your food and save money with these simple to make homemade seasoning blends! Lower sodium and gluten free. Make great gifts too!
I love to have these spice blends on hand for adding flavor to all of our favorite recipes.  Making your own spice blends is a great way to control your sodium intake and save lots of $$!
Many store-bought spice blends include additives and MSG and a small bottle can run up to $5! I love that these recipes are totally clean and controlled by me. I can use all bulk organic spices from Thrive Market (use this link for 25% off your first purchase) or even stock up on individual spices from my local dollar store. Either way, I’m saving big money compared to the pre-made spice mixes.
I especially love the convenience of having pre-mixed blends on hand. It saves a ton of time and hassle measuring out individual spices for each recipe. It also encourages creative ways for spicing up generic foods like chicken or roasted veggies. I can easily create a different flavor profile based on what sounds good or what else I’m cooking.
Each of these homemade seasoning recipes makes approximately 7-8 Tablespoons of mix and can easily be reduced, doubled, or tripled. Make all nine or just a few of your favorites! I often replenish my stock on meal prep day based on what I’m planning for the week’s menu.
This is also a great project for kids! Set them up with bowls, measuring spoons, and spices and put their mixing and math skills to work. Add labels as desired, with cute ribbons, and you have a great homemade gift.
How to Make Homemade Spice Mixes
Decide which spice blends you want to make and how much (regular/double recipe, etc.)
Make your list and stock up on individual spices (to order from Thrive Market and save 25%, click here)
Gather up some containers for storing. Mason jars in different sizes are my favorite!
Mix and store in containers. Label your spice blends.
How Long to Store Homemade Seasoning Mixes
Most pantry spices are good for at least six months and up to one year if stored in a cool, dry place. For these homemade spice mixes, be sure to choose a storage container with an air-tight seal for maintaining maximum freshness.
How Much Spice Mix Should I Use Per Pound of Meat?
I’m often asked this question, and the answer is it’s up to you! Every recipe will be different, but I typically use 1-2 tablespoons of spice mix per 1 lb of meat, and then season to taste. For example, I use up to 3 tablespoons of chili seasoning mix in a pot of chili made with 1 lb of ground beef because I like a robust and flavorful chili. You may want to start with less and taste as you go, adding more if needed.
How to Use Homemade Spice Mixes
Use in any recipes calling for a specific seasoning blend, like these 8 Easy Healthy Chicken Marinade Recipes.
Spices will settle and sometimes clump slightly. Just give the mix a stir each time you use it to refresh the mix.
Here are a few suggestions on how to use your homemade seasoning blends:
Cajun Blend – on burgers, pork, salmon, chicken, and Cajun Sausage & Veggie Kabobs
Chili Blend – in soups/chili, on ground beef, sloppy joes, Whole30 Crockpot Chili
Jerk Blend – excellent on grilled pork, chicken, steak, and fish
Mediterranean Blend – on seafood, chicken, roasted veggies, and Garlic Herb Salmon Foil Packets with Potatoes
No Salt All Purpose Blend (my personal favorite, I use it on everything!) – roasted potatoes, veggies, scrambles, burgers, marinades, and Chicken Zucchini Poppers
Ranch Blend – in a dip, on roasted potatoes, homemade Ranch dressing, and Sheet Pan Roasted Ranch Veggies
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend – muffins, pies, baked goods, oatmeal, and Pumpkin Applesauce Blender Muffins
Italian Blend – tomato sauce, on fish or chicken, in a marinade, and Sheet Pan Summer Shrimp & Veggies
Taco & Fajita Blend – tacos, fajitas, soup, chili, grilled chicken, kabobs, or Instant Pot Taco Stuffed Pepper Soup
More Homemade Spice Mix Recipes
Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie Spice Mixes
Homemade Blackened Seasoning Mix
Homemade Greek Seasoning Blend
Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipes
Did you try any of these recipes? If you love them too, please share your rating and review below!
Homemade Seasoning Blends
Ingredients
Cajun Seasoning Blend
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Chili Seasoning Blend
- 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Jerk Seasoning Blend
- 3 tablespoons dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Mediterranean Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt Free All Purpose Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
Ranch Seasoning Blend
- 2 1/2 tablespoons parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried dill
- 2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
- 4 1/2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ginger
- 1 tablespoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
Italian Seasoning Blend
Taco & Fajita Seasoning Blend
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons coriander
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, optional (for a spicier mix)
Instructions
- For each seasoning blend, combine all ingredients together and mix well. Store in air tight container and stir before using.
- Optional: For Jerk and Italian Seasoning Blends, place ingredients in a small food processor and process until finely ground. Store in an air tight container.
Notes
Nutrition
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Vegetarian
Keto Friendly
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
68 Comments on “Homemade Seasoning Blends – Nine DIY Recipes”
Do you have a 7 day menu plan? Trying to get started on eating healthy and working out. Thank you
Hi Denise, I have a free two week eating plan that is included when you sign up for newsletter updates. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Hi is minced onion fresh or dried? Yo me its fresh but cant see how it will mix well or keep? Thanks
It’s dried. I’ll be sure to update the recipe to clarify. Thanks!
Are your spices from a special source or do you buy McCormack’s from your grocery store. I usually use Penzey’s, and their combo spices are great, but would like to make your recipes without the salt.
No special source, I just try to find the best deal on organic spices available in the grocery store or Amazon. 🙂
With the taco/fajita seasoning, how much do you use per pound of meat?
Typically, I use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat. You can increase/decrease based on your preference!
Hi Nikki: What is the nutritional facts for the taco/fajita seasoning blend? These all look great thank you.
Hi Tracey, I just updated the recipe so you should be able to see the nutritional info now! Thanks!!
What kind of chili powder or do you have a recipe? I’d rather make my own.
Hey Allison, I just use regular chili powder!
These look amazing! Do you have a favorite poultry seasoning mix from scratch? Just wondering, with Thanksgiving around the corner. Thank you!
Hey Jenna, one is coming soon! It will be published and sent in my newsletter next week! 🙂
This is awesome! Making some for me and extra batches for gifts 😊
Making these for gifts. Everyone on my list is trying to eat healthier and stay away from all the processed sugar. My usual gifts were cookies and candy but not this year. I think these will be a great treat. The taco one is so versatile. I make a great soup with it.
Thanks, Judi! Happy Holidays!
What is the ratio of taco / fajita seasoning to ground meat ? Like how many tablespoons of the created recipe per pound ? I would like to try these instead of the store bought packets. Great website!
Thank you! For the taco seasoning, I usually use about 2-3 tablespoons per 1 pound of meat. You can definitely use more or less, depending on your taste!
Hi Nikki,
These recipes look really interesting but, did you mean 151 THOUSAND calories (151kcal) per recipe????
Hey Ramona, No…it’s correct, kcal and calorie are interchangeable terms…confusing, I know! If you google “what is the difference between calories and kcal” you’ll find a better explanation than what I can give!
Hi Nikki,
I tried your Garlic Salmon recipe last night with the Mediterranean Seasoning Blend and it was DELICIOUS!! I really want to use your ranch seasoning mix to make Whole30 compliant ranch dressing – do you have a recipe?
Thanks!!
Hey Sarah – Yes, I have a Whole30 Ranch dressing recipe on my site…I often substitute a teaspoon or two of the Ranch mix for the spices in this recipe!
LOVE these seasonings!!! They provide such good flavor, and it makes me so happy to know there aren’t any chemicals or processed powders in them. Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Thanks, Eva!
Love this idea! I’m going to make them up for Christmas gifts. I always make my family members a basket of homemade foods. This will be added this year!
Awesome! I love to give these as gifts too!
What size jars are in the picture or what do you recommend? I love this idea!
Hey there! I use 4 ounce mason jars – they are the perfect size for these recipes!
I’m allergic to cayenne pepper. What do you recommend in place of cayenne pepper for the recipes that call for that?
Feel free to leave it out completely if you choose. Or what about chipotle pepper powder – do you have the same reaction?
Thank you for these! I printed them out and can’t wait to make and use them to add some great flavor to my food!
I ususally buy my organic spices from Mountain Rose. They are quality and can be purchased in bulk. Unfortunately, I don’t order often as the shipping increases the cost. But compared to the cost of small amounts at Thrive they are not very expensive. You gave me an idea to have a spice mix party with friends and split the cost of the blends!
Such a great idea, how fun!!
Two years ago, my son made up jars of your salt-free all-purpose blend for family gifts. We rescued a jar from my MIL’s pantry when they were about to move, and I used it all up on roasted veggies and in quiches.
Desperate to make more, but with no source cited on his jar lids, I searched the ingredients and found you! Thank you for this wonderful list of easy-to-assemble mixes.
This made my day! Thank you for taking the time to leave a rating and review! 🙂
Hello. Some of your recipes call for dried minced onion and some call for onion powder. What is your reason for choosing one over the other in a recipe? Â Freshness? Taste? I find all minced garlic to taste bitter and burnt. Thank you.Â
I like to use the dried minced onion in recipes for an extra boost of onion flavor.
Do you have a sodium/salt free seasoning to make homemade instant ramen noodles seasoning mix…I have noodles need seasoning recipe…thank you.
I don’t but this is a great idea! I will work on it!
How long to these seasonings stay?
Keep them in a an air tight container (I use small mason jars) and they will keep for several months. If they start to clump, just give a stir before using!
Hi, I would like to make the salt free seasoning for some older folk that are avoiding salt. Could this mix be put in a salt shaker to use on top of a cooked meal or does the mix need to be added during cooking? Some older folk get their meals cooked for them and can be pretty bland, I thought this would be a good way to include flavour.
Thank you
Hey Patricia – you could absolutely use this on your food after cooking. Think of it as a seasoned salt without the salt!
This is fantastic and so under rated, thank you very much! You did a great job with your seasonings & website.
I have already made a quart size jar of taco seasoning. We used the small batch tonight and love it! I made 3 half pint jars of the taco meat to can for the winter. Tomorrow, I will be putting together other ones as well, to try. Thank you for this list!!
I love your website!
It’s so much fun to get to be in the kitchen… making your spice blends are an adventure and I am always needing them for my cooking. So much less expensive when you use refillable mason jars and better for our planet as well.
Thank you so much, Sally! So glad to hear you are enjoying the site and recipes!
Do you add water when using the taco seasoning?
Where are you getting the calorie count for your salt-free seasoning? I thought these dried herbs had no significant calories. None of my dried herbs have any nutritional values listed on the bottle.
Hi there! In the notes, I mention that the nutritional info is for one batch of Salt Free Seasoning. This is about 8 tablespoons total, so only about 18 calories per tablespoon. I use an online tool that calculates nutritional info, so there will be some variation depending on individual ingredients used (especially packaged.) You’re right, there is very little to no calories in most dried herbs!
Thanks!!!
Thanks for this wonderful list. I’m looking for a recipe for the seasoning for Pot Roast to match what I get from McCormick. Could you suggest the measurements for each of those seasonings?
Hi Nikki!
I love to make my own seasoning blends & yours sound Wonderful, especially the Salt-Free All-Purpose Seasoning, Ranch seasoning, & Taco & Fajita Seasoning Blends! I can’t wait to make them! Thank you for sharing these tasty recipes!! I just have one question though–I find that most, if not all, purchased chili powder has salt in it…so thinking of your salt-free blend I am wondering about salt content for those who are on sodium-restricted diets. Wouldn’t that make your recipe contain salt?? Please give folks some type of warning so they don’t mess up their diets since it could effect their health. Thank you!!! <3
Thanks for mentioning that, Kathy! I have found several organic brands that do not contain salt. But always best to check labels. Salt and sugar are sneaky ingredients in so many things!
I would like to know how to make a sweet spice cake seasoning.
I love the taco/fajita spice! I adjusted the salt and removed smoked chili. But its the best recipe I’ve ever found and I use this on a regular basis! I mean I am fixing the seasoning every month at least! Thank you for sharing!
Would you use 2-3 tbsp’s of the Chili seasoning mix per pound of hamburger meat same as for taco seasoning?
Yes, exactly..but feel free to adjust to your taste!
Do you have a Bavarian seasoning blend recipe ?
Love all your other mixes !
Not currently, but I’ll add it to the list for future recipes! 🙂
How do you make ranch dressing out of the ranch mix?
I have a recipe for Homemade Ranch on the site! It’s delish! You could also add the seasoning mix to Greek yogurt and thin it with some almond milk.
Nice
I love that these are all in one place, thank you! How much seasoning do you use per pound of meat for the chili?
I typically use 2-3 tablespoons but feel free to modify to your taste!
Hi!!!  I’ve made 6 of these, but only see Nutrition Value listed at end  – is this the same for each mix?  I’m doing Keto and need spices to add flavor, but need to keep within Carbs/Fat/Protein. Please let me know.Â
The nutrition info listed is for the All Purpose seasoning mix. Sorry, I’m only able to calculate for the one recipe. The others will be very similar with minimal to no effect on your macros.