"Homemade seasoning blends are more than just spices in a jar—they're whispers of creativity, pinches of love, and sprinkles of personality that transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences." - Joys of Homemaking
Hello, homemaker!
I still remember the first time I made my own chili seasoning. I had run out of the store-bought packet mid-recipe, and in a moment of culinary desperation, I threw together a mix of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, some dried herbs, and a dash of cayenne. To my surprise, it turned out even better than what I’d been using for years—bold, fresh, and just the right amount of heat. From that day on, I was hooked on homemade seasoning blends.
Crafting your own seasoning mixes isn't just about convenience or control—it's about adding your personal touch to every dish. You decide what goes in, customizing flavors to suit your family’s tastes while avoiding unnecessary preservatives and excessive sodium. Plus, there's an undeniable pride in knowing your dishes reflect your creativity and care.
Ready to spice up your meals and culinary adventures? Below, I've gathered 20 deliciously versatile homemade seasoning mixes, complete with ingredient lists, simple instructions, and handy storage tips to keep each blend fresh and flavorful.
Quick & Easy Homemade Dry Mixes Stock Your Pantry
1. Taco Seasoning
A zesty blend perfect for tacos, burritos, and more.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 3 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
2. Ranch Seasoning
Creamy and herby, ideal for dressings and dips.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dry buttermilk powder
- 2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill weed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
3. Italian Seasoning
A classic mix for pasta sauces and Mediterranean dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Storage: Store in a sealed container away from light and heat for up to 6 months.
4. Cajun Seasoning
Spicy and bold, great for meats and seafood.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
5. Greek Seasoning
Herby and aromatic, perfect for grilled meats and veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon dried lemon zest
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
6. BBQ Spice Rub
Sweet and smoky, ideal for ribs and grilled meats.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
7. Chili Seasoning
Robust and hearty, perfect for chili con carne.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
8. Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Bright and zesty, great for chicken and seafood.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon dried lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
9. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Warm and comforting, perfect for fall desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
10. Herbes de Provence
A fragrant blend for French-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried savory
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender flowers (optional)
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
11. Garam Masala
A staple in Indian cuisine, adds warmth to curries.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
12. Jerk Seasoning
Spicy and sweet, perfect for Caribbean dishes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
13. Curry Powder
A warm and aromatic blend inspired by Indian cuisine. Perfect for curries, stews, rice dishes, and even roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 ½ tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Storage: Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve its vibrant color and potency.
14. Fajita Seasoning
Smoky and savory with a hint of citrus—ideal for seasoning chicken, steak, or veggie fajitas.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional for balance)
Storage: Keep in an airtight container or small spice jar in a pantry or spice rack, away from heat and moisture. Use within 6 months for optimal flavor.
Make-Ahead Soup Mixes You Can Prep in Minutes
15. Cream of Anything Soup Mix
A versatile base for creamy soups.
Ingredients
- 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup instant chicken bouillon granules
- 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
To Use: Mix ⅓ cup of dry mix with 1 ¼ cups of water. Cook and stir until thickened.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
16. Dry Onion Soup Mix
Great for soups, dips, and seasoning meats.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup dried onion flakes
- 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions: Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
To Use: Use 4 tablespoons of mix per recipe or to taste.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
17. Minestrone Soup Mix
A hearty Italian soup mix.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried red beans
- ½ cup dried white beans
- ½ cup dried green split peas
- ½ cup small pasta shells
- ¼ cup dried onion flakes
- 2 tablespoons dried carrot flakes
- 2 tablespoons dried celery flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions: Layer ingredients in a jar or mix together and store in an airtight container.
To Use: Combine mix with 10 cups of water and 1 can of diced tomatoes. Simmer until beans are tender.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
18. Chicken Noodle Soup Mix
Classic comfort in a jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup dried carrot flakes
- ¼ cup dried celery flakes
Instructions: Layer ingredients in a jar or mix together and store in an airtight container.
To Use: Combine mix with 8 cups of water. Simmer until noodles and vegetables are tender.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
19. Split Pea Soup Mix
A simple and nutritious soup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried green split peas
- ½ cup dried onion flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
Instructions: Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
To Use: Combine mix with 8 cups of water. Simmer until peas are tender.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
20. Beef Barley Soup Mix
A hearty and satisfying blend—perfect for chilly nights. Just add water and beef for a nourishing, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pearl barley
- ¼ cup dried onion flakes
- ¼ cup dried carrot flakes
- ¼ cup dried celery flakes
- 2 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions: Combine all ingredients and store in a mason jar or zip-top bag.
To Use: In a large pot, combine the dry mix with 8 cups of water and 1 lb of cubed beef (optional). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 60–90 minutes, or until barley is tender.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Label with instructions and date for easy use.
There you have it—20 homemade dry mix recipes you can start preparing today for your family. Trust me, once you experience the freshness and flavor of making your own seasoning blends, you'll never look at store-bought mixes the same way again.
Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect recipe—only the perfect blend for you and your loved ones.
Joys of Homemaking
Feel free to experiment, adjust ingredients, and create seasonings uniquely tailored to your taste. After all, cooking is like life: the joy comes from trying new things, learning as you go, and embracing creativity along the way.
As Julia Child famously said, "Learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all, have fun!"
Happy seasoning, homemaker!
