Italian Seasoning – The Food Blog
Italian seasoning is one of the most versatile seasoning blends for any kitchen. This flavorful homemade Italian seasoning blend is perfect for flavoring pasta sauces, marinades, dressings, and more.
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Store-bought spice blends are expensive. Why not save cash and make it yourself with ingredients you probably already have in your spice cabinet? You won’t believe how easy it is to make your own Italian seasoning mix at home.
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Why make your own Italian seasoning blend?
- Easy: It couldn’t be any easier to make your own homemade spice blends with simple ingredients that you probably have in your spice drawer already. Just stir everything together and you’re done!
- Versatile: This easy Italian seasoning recipe can be used on everything. I use it in my pasta sauces, to make my roasted vegetable lasagna or kale and sausage pasta. It’s also great in soups, like this chicken minestrone soup, and even baking (try sun-dried tomato loaf).
- Convenient: Having a seasoning blend in your spice cupboard means you don’t have to measure out individual spices; and there’s no guess work about the amount of each spice to use.
- Customizable: Creating your own homemade Italian seasoning allows you to customize your own blend according to your preferences. I’m sharing my own favorite personal blend here, but you can adjust the spice level and flavor to your own preference.
- Healthier: When you make your own seasoning blends you aren’t getting any anti caking agents or MSG that are often found in a store-bought blend, and this homemade version is always gluten-free. You also get to control the amount of sugar and sodium in your recipes.
- Economical: Store-bought seasoning blends are expensive. Save money by making homemade seasoning blends. (Next, you may want to try these other flavor packed homemade seasonings: Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, jerk seasoning, or garam masala).
Ingredient Notes
To create the perfect Italian Seasoning, you’ll need a combination of the classic Italian herbs commonly used to flavor Italian food. Full ingredient quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Red Pepper Flakes
How to make this homemade Italian seasoning recipe
- Place all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk together until evenly blended.
- Transfer to a jar with a tight fitting lid.
Top tips
- Spices: Dried herbs are great to have on hand for convenience and when you don’t have fresh herbs available. However, dried spices, over time, will lose their flavor. Make sure that the spices you use to make your own seasoning mixes are fresh. If they’ve been in your spice rack for ever, it may be time to get fresh ones. (For this reason, it’s best to buy spices in small quantities).
- Storage: Store your homemade Italian spice blend in an airtight container like a small glass jar with a lid, like a small mason jar. I don’t recommend plastic containers for storing homemade spice blends, or any spices. Plastic is porous, allowing air to enter, which causes the spices to stale faster. Store your homemade Italian seasoning blend in a cool dry place, like your pantry or spice cabinet. If it’s properly stored and fresh spices were used as ingredients, it should keep for up to a year. Once you notice the flavors have dulled, it’s time to make a new batch!
Variations
This versatile spice blend can be easily customized. Here are some additions you may want to make your own homemade Italian seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder: I usually use fresh garlic or add the garlic powder separately to recipes, but feel free to add it to your homemade spice blend. I would start with one teaspoon for this recipe.
- Onion powder: Like garlic, I tend to use fresh or add onion powder separately. But do add onion powder if you prefer. Start with one teaspoon.
- Parsley: Add a tablespoon of dried parsley for an extra fresh flavor and pop of green color.
- Red pepper flakes: The amount of red pepper flakes in this recipe gives it just a little hint of spice. You can omit it, or add more if you like it spicy.
How to use your Italian Seasoning Blend
Of course, this homemade Italian seasoning mix goes great in all of your favorite Italian recipes, like classic lasagna, or chicken lasagna, and other pasta dishes like kale and sausage rigatoni. And don’t forget risotto. Try mushroom risotto, or seafood risotto.
Use your Italian seasoning to make a delicious Italian dressing. Just mix with olive oil and lemon juice.
Don’t stop with Italian recipes, though, because this versatile seasoning blend is perfect for lots of your other favorite recipes, too. Use it for seasoning roast chicken or Cornish hens, as well as veggies like roast zucchini or sautéed green beans. Appetizers like stuffed mushrooms or sausage stuffed mini peppers can also be elevated with a pinch of Italian seasoning. I always use it in meatloaf, too!
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important! Thank you for visiting The Food Blog!
Recipe
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Homemade Italian Seasoning Blend
This flavorful homemade Italian seasoning blend is perfect for flavoring pasta sauces, marinades, dressings, and more.
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Servings: 6 tablespoons
Calories: 8kcal
Notes
- Spices: Dried spices are great to have on hand for convenience and when you don’t have fresh herbs on hand. However, spices, over time, will lose their flavor. Make sure that the spices you use to make your own seasoning mixes are fresh. If they’ve been in your spice rack for ever, it may be time to get fresh ones. (For this reason, it’s best to buy spices in small quantities).
- Storage: Store your homemade Italian spice blend in an airtight container like a small glass jar with a lid. I don’t recommend plastic containers for storing homemade spice blends, or any spices. Plastic is porous, allowing air to enter, which causes the spices to stale faster. Store your homemade Italian seasoning blend in a cool dark place, like your pantry or spice cabinet. If it’s properly stored and fresh spices were used as ingredients, it should keep for up to a year. Once you notice the flavors have dulled, it’s time to make a new batch!
Nutrition
Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 131IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 2mg
