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15 Homemade Seasoning Recipes to Transform Your Cooking

Simple meals become extraordinary with fresh, homemade seasoning blends tailored to your taste. Make a few batches of these flavorful mixes to keep on hand for weeknight dinners, weekend cooking projects, or any time you want to skip expensive store packets and control ingredients. These mixes let you boost flavor, reduce additives, and make healthier swaps while saving money.

Small wooden measuring spoon and larger wooden spoon containing seasoning mixture with seasoning on surface and wooden bowl with seasoning in background

Why I Make Homemade Seasonings

  • Convenience – Homemade blends are quick to mix from pantry staples and cut down on last-minute shopping. Keep a few jars ready so you can assemble meals quickly whether you’re meal planning or cooking on the fly.
  • Health benefits – Store-bought seasoning packets often contain additives, preservatives, or extra sodium. Making your own lets you avoid unwanted ingredients like MSG and control salt or sugar levels to suit dietary needs.
  • Budget savings – Buying spices in bulk and mixing your own blends is often far cheaper than purchasing single-use packets. If your family loves a particular flavor, homemade mixes provide consistent taste at a lower cost.
  • Customization – Homemade seasonings are easy to tweak. Prefer more heat, more smokiness, or less salt? Adjust proportions to suit your palate and create blends that match your cooking style.

Homemade Seasonings Best Practices

Best spices to use

You don’t need an expert spice collection to get started, but choose the freshest spices you can. Check expiration dates and replace older jars; fresher spices yield stronger flavor and extend the shelf life of your mixes. Buying organic or quality bulk spices can improve the final results.

Best way to store homemade seasonings

Store blends in airtight containers, ideally glass to avoid flavor transfer from plastic. Keep jars in a cool, dark, dry place to preserve potency. Use dry, clean measuring spoons to portion out mixes so you don’t introduce moisture or contaminants.

Shelf-life for homemade seasonings

When you begin with fresh spices and store blends correctly, they typically stay flavorful for 3–6 months. For frequently used mixes, make larger batches so you always have them ready.

Tip: Make double or triple batches for the blends you use most often so you can save time during busy weeks.

15+ Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Easy Pot Roast Seasoning Recipe

A savory pot roast blend you can mix ahead and use whenever the slow cooker calls. Control the salt, spice, and sweetness to match your family’s preference.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon celery salt
Easy Pot Roast Seasoning Recipe in jar with spoon inside
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning

A flexible taco blend perfect for chicken, but great on many proteins and vegetables. Easy to mix and simple to customize.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons onion powder
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground pepper
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning in mason jar with tsp inside
Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe

An herb-forward mix that turns plain tomato sauce into a fragrant, restaurant-style pasta sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Seasoning shaker with Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning
Easy DIY Southwest Spice Blend

A smoky, savory blend that’s great on meats, vegetables, soups, and more.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
Southwest Spice Blend spilled on counter with spoonful
Easy Homemade Steak Seasoning

A robust steakhouse-style mix that also works well on other meats and hearty vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Steak Seasoning coming out of mason jar tipped over on counter
Homemade Beef Brisket Dry Rub

A sweet-and-smoky rub designed for slow-cooked brisket or on the grill. It balances brown sugar with smoky spices and a touch of warmth from cinnamon.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Variety of spices and seasonings mixed together in clear mason jar
Homemade Garlic and Herb Seasoning

A simple, versatile herb blend that brightens roasted vegetables, chicken, and other everyday dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground marjoram
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
small glass jar of seasonings with wooden spoon stirring
Homemade Creole Seasoning Recipe

A lively Creole blend to bring Cajun-inspired flavor to slow cooker meals, rice dishes, and more.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup paprika
  • 1 tablespoon thyme
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon basil
  • 1 tablespoon parsley
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Glass jar with creole seasoning next to black tablespoon
Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Quick + Easy)

A quick fajita blend for sizzling meats and peppers—simple to mix and store for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons onion powder
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cilantro
fajita spices in a mason jar open on top
Best Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

A simple, four-ingredient chili seasoning that’s perfect for bulk mixing and versatile enough for soups, stews, and chilis.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chili powder
  • ½ cup ancho chili powder
  • ¼ cup cumin
  • ¼ cup salt
chili seasoning in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon inside
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

A classic taco blend that replaces boxed packets and works across tacos, casseroles, dips, and more.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons onion powder
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 3 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
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Homemade Curry Seasoning Recipe

A fragrant curry blend that adds depth to meat and vegetable dishes with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoons turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
tiny bowls filled with spices to make curry seasoning on a blue backdrop
Easy Homemade BBQ Rub Recipe

A sweet-and-savory BBQ rub that enhances pork, chicken, and beef with balanced flavor and texture.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
small glass mixing bowl with spices for bbq rub
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Recipe

A pantry-friendly ranch mix for dressings, dips, and recipes. Make it dairy-free by omitting the buttermilk powder.

Ingredients

Homemade Ranch Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • 1 tablespoon dried chives
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup dried buttermilk powder (optional for creamy version)

Homemade Ranch Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo recommended for a healthier option)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons dried ranch seasoning mix (1 tablespoon if dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon water, add more by tablespoons to reach desired consistency
blue bowl filled with seasonings for ranch mix and tiny black spoon
Homemade Cajun Seasoning

A seven-ingredient Cajun blend that adds bold flavor to chicken, fish, pasta, and more.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon herb and garlic seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
homemade cajun seasoning in a jar
Moroccan Spice Blend

A bright, aromatic Moroccan blend to add zest and vibrance to slow-cooked dishes in just minutes.

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup cumin
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 4 teaspoons turmeric
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon allspice
tablespoon full of moroccan spice blend
Homemade Blackening Seasoning

A smoky, peppery blend with a hint of coffee to produce a flavorful charred crust on fish, poultry, or beef.

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp sweet paprika
  • 1 Tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne
  • ½ tsp instant espresso or finely ground coffee
wooden bowl with small amount of seasonings, white glass container tipped over with seasonings on surface and wooden spoon

More Recipes Made with Homemade Seasonings

  • Slow Cooker Ranch Potatoes
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
  • Slow Cooker Pot Roast With Gravy
  • Chickpea Curry in the Slow Cooker
  • Slow Cooker Jambalaya