How to Make Homemade Seasoning Mixes

Discover how to make homemade seasoning mixes with this fun and engaging guide. Learn why homemade is better, and explore bagel seasoning, taco seasoning, Italian herb mix recipes, and more. Find out how to save money and enhance your cooking with homemade seasoning blends.

Have you ever run out of your favorite seasoning mix in the middle of dinner? I certainly have! As a large family, we go through a lot of seasoning when making dinner, and I quickly learned that pre-packaged seasoning mixes contain additives you don't need. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Making your seasoning mixes is not only easy but also incredibly satisfying. During my prep days, I make pint-sized jars of our favorite seasoning mixes to last us through a month of meals. No more running out of taco seasoning on taco night! Let's dive into homemade seasoning mixes and explore why they're essential in every kitchen.

What is in Premade Seasoning Mixes?

When you pick up a packet of seasoning mix from the store, it's crucial to be aware that it often contains more than herbs and spices. Many pre-packaged mixes can include:

Additives and Fillers: These can include anti-caking agents, preservatives, and other chemicals to extend shelf life and maintain texture.
Excess Salt: Commercial mixes often contain high amounts of salt, which can harm those watching their sodium intake.
Sugar and MSG: Some mixes contain added sugars or monosodium glutamate (MSG) to enhance flavor artificially.
Artificial Colors and Flavors: These are added to make the mix look more appealing and taste more intense.

By making your own seasoning mixes, you gain complete control over what goes into them, ensuring you only use pure, natural ingredients. This guarantees a healthier option and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking.

Why Should You Make Your Own at Home?

Control Over Ingredients: You know what you're putting in when you make your seasoning mixes. You can adjust the salt, skip the sugar, and avoid unwanted additives.
Customization: Homemade mixes can created to your taste preferences. Love garlic? Add more! Not a fan of cumin? Leave it out. The possibilities are endless.
Cost-Effective: Buying individual spices in bulk and mixing them yourself is often cheaper than purchasing pre-made packets.
Freshness: Homemade mixes can be made in small batches, ensuring your spices are always fresh and potent.
Convenience: By preparing your mixes in advance, you can save time during meal prep and avoid the last-minute scramble when you realize you're out of a crucial ingredient.

My Favorite Seasoning Mixes:

I have a range of favorite seasoning mixes that I always keep on hand. These are not just versatile but bursting with flavor and perfect for various dishes. Get ready to elevate your cooking with these exciting blends. Here are a few highlights:

Everything Bagel Seasoning is a delightful blend perfect for sprinkling on bagels, avocado toast, or even roasted vegetables.
Taco Seasoning: This mix is ideal for taco night but also great in chili or as a rub for grilled meats.
Italian Herb Mix: This fragrant blend can be used in pasta sauces, on pizzas, or as a seasoning for roasted chicken.
Cajun Seasoning: A spicy mix that adds a kick to seafood, chicken, or veggies.
Chicken Seasoning: is a versatile blend that is great for seasoning chicken breasts, thighs, or even whole roast chicken.
Pork Seasoning: A savory mix for pork chops, ribs, or pulled pork.
Venison Seasoning: A robust blend perfect for enhancing game meat's flavor.

These mixes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. My "Back to Basics" ebook shares my favorite family pantry staple recipes for seasoning mixes.

How to Make Your Own:

Making your seasoning mixes is straightforward and doesn't require any special equipment. Here's a general guide on how to get started:

Gather Your Ingredients: Start with high-quality dried herbs and spices. You can find these at your local grocery store, specialty spice shop, or online. Buying in bulk is often more economical and ensures you have enough for multiple batches.
Measure and Mix: Use spoons to measure the spices according to your recipe. Combine them in a bowl and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Preserve the Freshness: Transfer your seasoning mix to an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Remember to label the jar with the name of the mix and the date it was made.
Use as Needed: Keep your homemade mixes in a cool, dark place like a pantry or spice cabinet. Use them as you would store-bought mixes, adjusting the quantity to taste.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

This seasoning mix is a must-have in our house. It's incredibly versatile and adds flavor to so many dishes.

Here's how I like to use it:

On Bagels: Sprinkle on homemade or store-bought bagels before baking for that classic "everything" flavor.
On Avocado Toast: A generous sprinkle on top of avocado toast takes it to the next level.
On Vegetables: Toss veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes in olive oil and everything bagel seasoning before roasting.
In Dips: Mix into cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus for a flavorful dip.

Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is a staple in our house. We use it for more than just tacos:

Tacos and Burritos: The obvious choice, but it also works great in burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Chili: Add a couple of tablespoons to your chili for a flavor boost.
Grilled Meats: Rub onto chicken, beef, or pork before grilling or roasting.
Veggies: Toss with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini before roasting or sautéing.

Italian Herb Mix

An Italian herb mix is incredibly versatile and can be used in so many ways:

Pasta Sauces: Add to marinara or Alfredo sauce for a boost of flavor.
Pizza: Sprinkle on homemade pizza or add to the dough.
Roasted Chicken: Rub onto the chicken before roasting for an Italian twist.
Salads: Mix into salad dressings or sprinkle on top of salads.

Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick to a variety of dishes:

Seafood: Rub onto shrimp, fish, or scallops before grilling or frying.
Chicken: Use as a rub for grilled or blackened chicken.
Vegetables: Toss with veggies like okra, bell peppers, or potatoes before roasting.
Gumbo and Jambalaya: Add to these classic Cajun dishes for authentic flavor.

Chicken Seasoning

A good chicken seasoning mix can elevate your poultry dishes:

Roast Chicken: Rub onto a whole chicken before roasting for a flavorful, crispy skin.
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Season chicken pieces before grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Chicken Soup: Add to chicken soup for a depth of flavor.
Salads: Use chicken for salads or wraps.

Pork Seasoning

This seasoning mix is perfect for all your pork dishes:

Pork Chops: Rub onto pork chops before grilling or baking.
Ribs: Use as a dry rub for ribs before smoking or grilling.
Pulled Pork: Add to pork shoulder before slow-cooking for pulled pork.
Bacon: Sprinkle onto bacon before cooking for an extra layer of flavor.

Venison Seasoning

For those who enjoy game meat, a venison seasoning mix is essential:

Venison Steaks: Rub onto venison steaks before grilling or pan-searing.
Roasts: Use as a rub for venison roasts before slow-cooking or roasting.
Stews: Add to venison stews for a hearty, flavorful dish.
Ground Venison: Mix into ground venison for burgers or meatballs.

Making your seasoning mixes is a game-changer for any home cook. Not only does it allow you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking, but it also saves money and ensures freshness. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about reaching for a jar of homemade seasoning mix you created yourself.

Whether you're making everything bagel seasoning for your morning toast, taco seasoning for a weeknight dinner, or Italian herb mix for a Sunday sauce, homemade seasoning mixes are a simple way to elevate your cooking.

My favorite seasoning mix recipes, including those mentioned here, can be found in my "Back to Basics" ebook. It's packed with family pantry staple recipes to help you create delicious, wholesome meals from scratch.