There’s something so satisfying about making your own spice blends at home. You can customize the flavors to suit your family’s preferences. From taco seasoning to warming curry powder, these are easy to make, store, and use in a variety of dishes. I’ve gathered some of my favorite homemade spice blends along with simple tips for how to use them in your everyday cooking.
The basic idea
What I’m providing here is quantities of ingredients for one recipe serving four to six people. Simply combine the ingredients together in a small bowl and add them to your recipe. For blends that you’ll use often, consider making larger quantities and storing it in a bigger container. A good rule of thumb is to multiply the recipe by 3 to 5. That way, each jar contains enough to last several weeks or a few meals. Most dry spice blends store well for 6–12 months in airtight containers, so making a bigger batch at once is convenient.
Table of homemade spice blends
| spice blend | ingredients | quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Taco Seasoning | 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp oregano ½ tsp salt | Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or fajitas. |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tsp basil 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp ground thyme 1 tsp rosemary ½ tsp marjoram | Great for pasta, pizza, quiche, or roasted vegetables. |
| Cajun Seasoning | 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder ½ tsp cayenne ½ tsp oregano ½ tsp ground thyme | Excellent on chicken, shrimp, or roasted potatoes. |
| Curry Powder | 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp coriander ½ tsp ground ginger ¼ tsp mustard seed pinch of cinnamon | Use in soups, stews, or stir-fries. |
| Chili Seasoning | 1 tbsp chili powder 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder pinch of cayenne | Just like taco seasoning, but with extra chili powder and a few minor changes. |
| Herbes de Provence | 1 tsp thyme 1 tsp rosemary 1 tsp basil ½ tsp tarragon ½ tsp savory pinch of lavender | Delicious on roasted meats, potatoes, or vegetable dishes. Add a bay leaf when cooking. |
| Garam Masala | 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp coriander ½ tsp cardamom ½ tsp ground cinnamon ¼ tsp ground cloves pinch of nutmeg ½ tsp black pepper | Great for curries and soups. |
| Ranch Seasoning | 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp dill 1 tsp parsley ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper | Mix into sour cream or yogurt for dips, or sprinkle on roasted potatoes. |
| Lemon Pepper | 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tsp black pepper ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp onion powder ½ tsp salt | Great on chicken, fish, or vegetables. I would use this one right away because of the zest. |
| BBQ Rub | 1 tbsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp chili powder ½ tsp dry mustard ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper | Use on grilled or roasted meats. |
Tips for using and storing your homemade spice blends:
- Custom blend tip: Create your own signature blend by mixing a base spice (like paprika, cumin, or garlic powder) with two or three additional spices. Label it with a fun name and adjust the amounts to your taste.
- Starter spice kit: Keep these essentials on hand so you can make multiple blends without extra trips to the store: basil, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, chili powder, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, coriander, ground cumin, dill, garlic powder, culinary lavender, marjoram, dry mustard, mustard seed, nutmeg, onion powder, oregano, paprika, smoked paprika, parsley, tarragon, ground thyme, rosemary, salt, savory, and brown sugar. This list of dried herbs works for all of the blends listed in the table, plus a lemon for zesting.
- Storage tip: Store blends in small glass jars or airtight containers, labeled with the name and date. Most dry blends stay fresh for 6–12 months if kept in a cool, dry place.
- Quick use ideas: Sprinkle blends on roasted veggies, mix into sauces and soups, or use as a rub for meats.
- Gift idea: Make a few blends, put them in small jars with labels, and give them as gifts. You could even include a little card with suggested uses.
Homemade spice blends are an easy way to add flavor, aroma, and a personal touch to your meals. Once you start making your own, you will probably want to experiment with more flavors. Try a few of these blends, adjust them to your taste, and keep them handy in labeled jars for quick weeknight cooking or thoughtful gifts.
Which homemade spice blend will you try first? I’d love to hear about your favorites in the comments!
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Fondly,
Crysti
