Homemade Italian Seasoning
Making Homemade Italian Seasoning has never been easier! This recipe is a blend of dried Italian herbs and spices that are all pantry staples. You will love the depth of flavor it adds to your favorite savory dishes; like chicken, shrimp, fish, lasagna, pasta, meatloaf, and so much more! Best of all, it only takes 5 minutes to mix together.
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Some of my favorite recipes use Italian seasoning for delicious savory flavor and there’s also many recipes that call for an Italian seasoning packet. But have you read the ingredients in those? All kinds of weird stuff. So I decided to make my own blend. After just a couple of tries, I came up with an easy, tasty recipe, and it’s a total game changer! It’s basically a Good Seasons Zesty Italian Copycat. So good! I use it all the time to season roasted veggies, soups, pasta sauces, potatoes, shrimp, pork and chicken! So much yummy flavor in this little jar!
Trust me, once you make your own Italian seasoning blend, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Why? Well, this delicious mixture is loaded with wonderful flavor that will take your recipes to the next level! It’s herby, earthy, savory, and rich. It also contains no sugar, so it works great if you’re following a Keto, low carb, or Whole30 way of eating. And feel free to leave the salt out for a lower sodium recipe.
Be sure to try my homemade taco seasoning too!
Ingredients needed
There are many Italian seasoning recipes and I’m sure they are all slightly different, but this one has the best flavor profile. So tasty! And don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient, just leave it out and this seasoning blend will still be super tasty! Here’s what you need:
- Onion powder. Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor that enhances the overall profile of the blend.
- Garlic powder. Has a natural sweetness that balances the herbs and spices.
- Dried oregano. A key ingredient in Italian seasoning, it has a strong, warm, and slightly bitter flavor with earthy undertones.
- Salt. Helps to balance the flavors, countering any bitterness from herbs and providing a well-rounded taste.
- Dried basil. Provides a sweetness that complements the other herbs and adds a bright, fresh quality.
- Dried parsley. Has a mild, fresh flavor with slightly peppery notes.
- Black pepper. Brings a noticeable kick that can elevate the overall taste of dishes.
- Dried thyme. Adds a warm, earthy flavor with subtle minty notes.
- Dried rosemary. Possesses a strong, aromatic flavor with woody, pine-like notes.
- Red pepper flakes. In addition to heat, red pepper flakes contribute a slightly fruity and smoky flavor. We’re only adding a small amount, but feel free to omit it if you don’t want the added spice.
Flavor variations
Feel free to vary the ingredients to customize the flavor to suit your preferences or to complement specific dishes. Here are some ways to modify the blend:
- Adjust herb ratios. Change the proportions of the herbs to highlight specific flavors. For example, if you love basil, increase the amount of dried basil while reducing the oregano.
- Add other herbs and spices. Try mixing in sage or cumin for a warm, earthy flavor or introduce a smoky flavor with smoked paprika. For a light, citrusy note, ground coriander is a good option.
- Make it spicier. Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
How to make this recipe
Making your own homemade Italian seasoning is simple and allows you to customize the blend to your taste preferences. Here’s how:
Step 1: Measure. To make this seasoning blend, simply grab your measuring spoons and measure out all the herbs and spices.
Step 2: Mix spices. Add them to a small bowl or dish and stir to combine them. Alternatively, you can add them straight to the jar and shake vigorously to blend.
Step 3: Store. Then, transfer the Italian seasoning substitute to an airtight container or jar.
Substitute an Italian seasoning packet
This recipe is totally a copycat for Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing and Recipe Mix! 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix is equal to one packet.
Expert tips
- Double it. If you tend to use Italian seasoning often, make a double or tripe batch, so that you always have it in your kitchen.
- Use fresh herbs and spices. Dried herbs and spices don’t last forever! The flavor will diminish over time. For the tastiest blend, use herbs and spices that have been purchased within about the last 3 months.
- How to use. The uses for Italian seasoning are endless! I use it all of the time to season chicken, steak, fish, sauces, dressings, roasted veggies, and even on pizza.
- Seasoning packet alternative. 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix is equal to one store-bought Italian seasoning packet.
Ways to use
This made from scratch seasoning blend is a great multi-purpose seasoning blend. Substitute this blend 1:1 in any recipes that call for Italian seasoning. You can even use this as a replacement for recipes that simply call for oregano or basil.
- To make Italian Salad Dressing. Mix 2 tablespoons of this mix with ¼ cup red wine vinegar, two tablespoons water, and ½ cup olive oil.
- For a tasty chicken rub. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with about 1/4 cup seasoning mix and brush over chicken. Works great for breasts, tenders, thighs, or drumsticks.
Frequently asked questions
Italian seasoning is a mix of dried herbs used to season Italian dishes. It usually includes oregano, basil, thyme, parsley and rosemary for an aromatic and flavorful mix. Sometimes you will also see marjoram and sage in the ingredients list. For extra flavor, our recipe also contains onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Italian seasoning has some similarities to Greek seasoning and herbs de Provence.
Basil and oregano are the two primary ingredients in Italian seasoning, and they will provide the closest flavor substitute. They are also two of the most common spices to have at home. If you don’t have all the spices needed to make your own Italian seasoning you can make this simplified version.
For the best taste, use within a year, unless the expiration on any of the individual spices comes before that. After about a year, it’s best to freshen with new spices.
Storage recommendation
Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container, spice jar, small mason jar or ziplock bag. Store it at room temperature with all your other spices. This seasoning will last 6 months to 1 year in a jar with a lid stored in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight. Italian seasoning does not need to be refrigerated. We like to keep spices in small mason jars, labeled with the date it was made, and readily accessible in the pantry.
Use this blend in these delicious recipes
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Homemade Italian Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a jar or another airtight container.
- Shake to combine.
Notes
- To substitute an Italian seasoning packet. This recipe is a copycat for Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing and Recipe Mix. 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix is equal to one packet.
- To make Italian Salad Dressing. Mix 2 tablespoons of this mix with ¼ cup red wine vinegar, two tablespoons water, and ½ cup olive oil.
- For a tasty chicken rub. Mix 1/4 cup olive oil with about 1/4 cup seasoning mix and brush over chicken. Works great for breasts, tenders, thighs, or drumsticks.
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Thanks for the great recipe!!
So glad you enjoyed!