10 Homemade Spice Blends

Why Make Your Own?

Store-bought spice blends often contain fillers and anti-caking agents. Making your own means fresher flavor, customizable heat levels, and significant cost savings over time.

Everyday Taco Seasoning

Mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Store in an airtight jar.

Classic Italian Seasoning

Combine 2 tbsp dried basil, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tbsp dried thyme, and 1 tbsp dried marjoram. Perfect for pasta sauces, roasted vegetables, and homemade focaccia.

Warm Pumpkin Pie Spice

Whisk together 3 tbsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground ginger, 2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp ground allspice, and 1 tsp ground cloves. Essential for autumn baking and lattes.

Mild Yellow Curry Powder

Blend 2 tbsp ground turmeric, 1 tbsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp mustard powder, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Great for stews and roasted chickpeas.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

Mix 2 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp white sesame seeds, 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, and 1-2 tsp flaked sea salt. Delicious on avocado toast or eggs.

Smoky BBQ Dry Rub

Combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Perfect for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork.

Herbes de Provence

Mix equal parts dried savory, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, with a small pinch of dried lavender buds. Use it for roasting chicken or vegetables.

Spicy Cajun Seasoning

Blend 2 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp oregano, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tbsp black pepper. Great for blackened fish or chicken.

Middle Eastern Za'atar

Combine 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 2 tbsp sumac, and 1/2 tsp salt. Serve with olive oil and warm flatbread.

Garam Masala

Toast and grind 1 tbsp cumin seeds, 1.5 tsp coriander seeds, 1.5 tsp cardamom seeds, 1.5 tsp black peppercorns, 1 stick cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, and 1/2 tsp nutmeg.