Ever get half-way through a recipe and realize that the spice blend needed is nowhere to be found? No need to fear nor rush to the grocery store!
Use this list of go-to spice mix recipes for the most common blends, from seasonal favorites to daily delights. Also, keep them stocked in the pantry so there is no need to panic when the ingredients list calls for a certain spice mix.
So whether meal planning for two or for family and friends, save any meal with these 5-minute (or less) homemade seasoning blend recipes for every occasion.
8 Homemade Seasoning Blends & Spice Mixes
When making these homemade spice blends and seasoning mixes, use as needed then store in an airtight container. Spice jars and mason jars work great for this! Also, feel free to scale the recipe to make a big batch or just a single serving or two.
Without further ado, homemade spice and seasoning recipes to include in favorite recipes and spice cabinet!
1. Italian Seasoning Blend
Italian seasoning is perfect for Italian dishes such as baked pasta marinara, though it boosts great flavor of other delicious recipes.
Use as a poultry seasoning or into homemade salad dressings. Really, it goes great with anything that just needs a little more of that Italian zest!
Combine the following:
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 Tbsp dried marjoram
• 1 Tbsp dried thyme
• 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1 Tbsp dried sage
Add this homemade seasoning blend to:
• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Pasta or pizza sauce
• Pasta dishes
2. Curry Powder
Curry powder offers exotic flavor to lunch or dinner meals. It also has optional spices that can be omitted based on preference
The versatile blend works especially well for proteins, vegetables, seafood, and so much more!
Combine the following:
• 2 Tbsp cumin seeds, toasted
• 1 Tbsp cardamom
• 1 Tbsp ground coriander
• 1 Tbsp turmeric
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1 tsp ground white peppercorns or white pepper
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (or cayenne pepper for added spice)
Try this homemade seasoning blend with:
• Meat
• Vegetables
• Soups
• Chicken
• Shrimp
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Perfect for autumn, this spice blend brings a warm mix of seasonings and the feeling of fall (no matter what time of year it is).
Be sure to keep this mix on hand and toss it into breakfast beverages or baked goods for that perfect blend of pumpkin spice.
Combine the following:
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cloves
Add this blend to:
• Pancake or waffle batter
• Cookies
• Muffins
• Baked goods
• Coffee or cocoa
• Oatmeal
• Overnight oats
• Smoothies or smoothie bowls
• Energy bites/protein balls
4. Gingerbread Spice Mix
This warm spice mix is a special blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. (And truly smells like the holidays!)
The mix can be combined as a quick holiday gift, but also works year-round (especially when added to breakfast or dessert dishes).
Combine the following:
• 2 Tbsp ground allspice
• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp ground cloves
• 1 Tbsp ground nutmeg
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
Add this homemade spice mix to:
• Pancake or waffle batter
• Poundcake
• Yogurt bowl
• Granola
• Hot cocoa
5. Chai Spice Mix
A blend like this is great for a go-to tea, and the spices can be used whole or ground in a number of ways. It can also make for a thoughtful gift for chai-loving friends!
Combine the following:
• 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground cardamom
• 2 tsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
Add this spice blend as an ingredient to:
• Masala
• Tea lattes
• Oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Muffins
• Cakes
• Pancakes and waffles
• Breakfast bowls
• Ice cream
• Overnight chia puddings
• Overnight oats
6. Chili Seasoning
This salt-free spice mix is a flavorful blend of nine spices. Always great for chili or go-to dinner recipes, this blend is a great option to have on hand.
Combine the following:
• 3 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp ground cumin
• 2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 1 Tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp oregano
Add this seasoning to:
• Roasted vegetables
• Cauliflower
• Fish
• Roasted potatoes or fries
• Lamb
• Beef
• Tacos
• Casseroles
7. Cajun Seasoning
The great thing about this cajun seasoning is that the amount of spice can be adjusted to preference without making the blend any less delicious!
It tastes good in many meals, from breakfast bites to dinner dishes.
Combine the following:
• 2 Tbsp paprika
• 2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
Try this mix with:
• Stir-fry
• Soups and gumbos
• Eggs
• Casseroles
• Poultry
8. Taco Seasoning
Taco Tuesday, anyone?
As its name says, this spice blend is great for tacos, but also anything that could use a hint of taco flavoring. Try it out in casseroles or cooked with proteins for a crowd-pleasing blend that instantly elevates a meal.
Combine the following:
• 3 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp cumin
• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 dried oregano
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
Add this blend to:
• Ground beef
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Enchiladas
• Slow cooker meals
The taco seasoning can also be used as a fajita seasoning when in a pinch!
