The Best DIY Seasoning Blends You Can Make at Home

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When it comes to elevating the flavor of your meals, seasoning is key. While store-bought seasoning blends are convenient, nothing compares to the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade seasonings. Not only do DIY seasoning blends allow you to control the ingredients and tailor them to your taste preferences, but they are also an economical and healthy way to spice up your dishes.

In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the best DIY seasoning blends you can make at home to add bold flavor to your meals. These blends are simple to prepare, versatile, and can be stored for future use. Let’s dive into some of the most delicious and practical seasoning mixes you can whip up in your own kitchen.

1. All-Purpose Seasoning Blend

An all-purpose seasoning blend is a staple in every kitchen. It can be used on almost anything, from roasted vegetables and grilled meats to soups and salads. This blend offers a great balance of savory, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a versatile go-to for many dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Stir until fully combined, or you can use a mortar and pestle to grind the mixture for a finer texture.
  3. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container, such as a glass jar or spice tin.
  4. Use it to season meat, fish, vegetables, or any dish that could use a little extra flavor.

2. Taco Seasoning Blend

No taco night is complete without the perfect taco seasoning. This DIY blend is packed with spices that bring out the bold, savory flavors of taco fillings. You can use it on beef, chicken, pork, or even vegetables for a flavorful taco or burrito filling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine all the spices and salt.
  2. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container and use about 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat or vegetables when making tacos.
  4. You can also sprinkle it on roasted potatoes, popcorn, or even grilled corn on the cob for extra flavor.

3. Italian Seasoning Blend

This blend of classic Italian herbs is perfect for everything from pasta and pizza to roasted vegetables. The aromatic combination of oregano, basil, and thyme gives this seasoning a warm and savory flavor that works wonderfully with Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried basil
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all of the herbs and spices in a bowl.
  2. Stir until evenly combined.
  3. Store in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place.
  4. Use it to season pasta sauces, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or sprinkle over pizza before baking.

4. Cajun Seasoning Blend

If you love a little spice and bold flavor, Cajun seasoning is a must-have. This DIY blend has a bit of heat but is perfectly balanced with savory spices. It’s great on everything from chicken and shrimp to vegetables, rice dishes, and even popcorn.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for desired spice level)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Store the blend in an airtight container.
  3. Use this seasoning mix to coat meats before grilling or roasting, or add it to gumbo, jambalaya, or roasted vegetables for a zesty kick.

5. Garlic & Herb Seasoning Blend

If you’re a garlic lover, this herb-packed blend is perfect for you. With the fragrant combination of garlic, parsley, and thyme, this seasoning can be sprinkled over almost anything. It’s great for chicken, potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as a seasoning for homemade bread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine all of the herbs and spices in a small bowl.
  2. Stir until fully mixed.
  3. Store in an airtight container and use it as needed.
  4. Sprinkle on roasted potatoes, roasted chicken, or use it to season pasta for a quick, flavorful dish.

6. Chili Seasoning Blend

Perfect for chili, stews, or soups, this blend adds deep, rich flavor to any dish that needs a little extra warmth. It’s packed with smoky, spicy flavors and can be adjusted to your desired heat level. It’s perfect for a cozy night in with a big bowl of chili.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Mix all of the spices in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Store the chili seasoning in an airtight jar or spice tin.
  3. Use about 2-3 tablespoons per batch of chili, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

7. Lemon Pepper Seasoning Blend

Lemon pepper seasoning is a tangy, citrusy blend that adds brightness and depth to your dishes. It pairs wonderfully with fish, chicken, and vegetables and can even be sprinkled on popcorn or pasta for a refreshing burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp lemon zest (dried)
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. If you like, add some dried thyme for extra flavor.
  3. Store the lemon pepper seasoning in an airtight container.
  4. Use this blend to season fish, chicken, roasted vegetables, or sprinkle over fresh pasta dishes for a tangy twist.

8. Pumpkin Spice Blend

Perfect for fall, this cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves can be used in baked goods, hot beverages, or savory dishes like roasted squash and sweet potatoes. It’s an essential ingredient for your pumpkin pies, muffins, and lattes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix all the spices together in a small bowl.
  2. Store the pumpkin spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
  3. Use it in your favorite fall recipes like pumpkin pie, muffins, oatmeal, or even sprinkle it on coffee for a seasonal treat.

Conclusion

Making your own seasoning blends at home is a great way to add custom flavors to your meals while saving money and avoiding unnecessary preservatives. Whether you’re making a zesty Cajun seasoning, a cozy pumpkin spice blend, or a versatile all-purpose seasoning, these DIY mixes will surely elevate your dishes to the next level. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can create seasonings that are tailored exactly to your taste. So, grab your jars and start mixing up these flavorful blends to enhance your cooking today!

Enjoy the endless possibilities with these easy-to-make seasoning blends!

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