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If you often use seasonings when cooking you know the cost can really add up over time. So why not make your own homemade seasonings and save a bit of money. Besides preservatives and some additives, most commercially available seasonings contain spices that we already have in our pantry.
Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is most often used to season beef or turkey when making tacos. If you've never used Taco Seasoning before, you don't know what you are missing. Simple to make and you only need a handful of spices.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 Tbsp | Chili Powder |
| 1 ½ Tsp | Paprika |
| 2 Tsp | Ground Cumin |
| ½ Tsp | Onion Powder |
| ½ Tsp | Garlic Powder |
| ½ Tsp | Cayenne |
| 2 Tsp | Salt |
| ½ Tsp | Ground Black Pepper |
| ¼ Tsp | Dried Oregano |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Some of my favorite recipes that use Taco Seasoning are my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken, Corn Burritos with Red Sauce and my Easy Beef Tostadas.
Fajita Seasoning
While very similar to Taco Seasoning, Fajita Seasoning is usually less spicy and contains less chili powder. I love to use this seasoning when I make Chicken Fajitas.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 Tsp | Chili Powder |
| 2 Tsp | Paprika |
| 2 Tsp | Ground Cumin |
| 1 Tsp | Onion Powder |
| 2 Tsp | Garlic Powder |
| ½ Tsp | Cayenne |
| ½ Tsp | Kosher Salt |
| ½ Tsp | Ground Black Pepper |
| 1 Tsp | White Sugar |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the fajita seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
Pumpkin Pie Spice is often used to make those delicious desserts during the fall. Sure you can buy it at your local grocery store but why not make it at home for pennies on the dollar?
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 Tbsp | Ground Cinnamon |
| 2 Tsp | Ground Ginger |
| 2 Tsp | Ground Nutmeg |
| 1 Tsp | Allspice |
| 1 Tsp | Ground Cloves |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the Pumpkin Spice ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
With this awesome seasoning, you can make my Pumpkin Pie Mousse Dip and my Bourbon Spiced Pumpkin Pie.
Italian Seasoning
If you cook a lot of Italian food you know how important it is to have Italian Seasoning on hand. Save yourself a few bucks and make your own at home.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 Tbsp | Basil |
| ½ Tbsp | Onion Powder |
| 1 Tbsp | Garlic Powder |
| 2 Tbsp | Rosemary |
| 1 Tsp | Sage |
| 1 Tsp | Marjoram |
| 2 Tbsp | Dried Oregano |
| 2 Tbsp | Thyme |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the Italian Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Some of my favorite recipes that call for Italian Seasonings are my Italian Style Mac and Cheese and my BBQ Chicken Stromboli. Super easy to make and delicious!
Old Bay Seasoning
I use Old Bay Seasoning when I make my Dill Pickle Soup. I know it sounds like a weird recipe but everyone that I have served it to absolutely loves it! This is one soup recipe you need to try.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 Tbsp | Paprika |
| 1 Tsp | Onion Powder |
| 1 Tsp | Garlic Powder |
| 1 Tsp | Cayenne |
| 2 Tbsp | Celery Salt |
| 1 Tsp | Ground Black Pepper |
| ¼ Tsp | Mustard Seed |
| ⅛ Tsp | Ginger |
| ⅛ Tsp | Allspice |
| ⅛ Tsp | Ground Nutmeg |
| 3 | Ground Bay Leaves |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the Old Bay Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Cajun Seasoning
I don't use Cajun Seasoning very often but I really should. One of my favorite recipes to make with Cajun Seasoning is my Confetti Salmon Steaks recipe. I also think it would be great in a Mac & Cheese so will have to try that pretty soon since I love a good Mac & Cheese.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 ½ Tbsp | Paprika |
| 1 Tbsp | Onion Powder |
| 2 Tbsp | Garlic Powder |
| 1 Tbsp | Cayenne |
| 2 Tbsp | Salt |
| 1 Tbsp | Ground Black Pepper |
| 1 Tbsp | Oregano |
| 1 Tbsp | Thyme |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the Cajun Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
Tri-Tip Seasoning
Probably one of my favorite pieces of meat to grill or smoke is Tri-Tip. Popular on the west coast, you can often buy it Santa Maria style which is tri-tip marinated in a sauce and spices. Personally I like to buy my tri-tip unseasoned and use this seasoning.
| Qty | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| ¼ Cup | Brown Sugar |
| 1 Tbsp | Kosher Salt |
| ½ Tbsp | Ground Black Pepper |
| ½ Tbsp | Garlic Powder |
| 1 Tsp | Ground Cloves |
| 1 Tsp | Ground Ginger |
INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all the Tri-Tip Seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.
When using a dry rub or seasoning like this, it's important to use a binder to help the seasoning "stick" to the meat. I often use yellow mustard as the binder and sometimes add a little horseradish for a little kick. If you are looking for a good rub for smoking your tri-tip, this recipe is for you!
As with any homemade seasoning, you will want to store them in an airtight container for maximum shelf life.
In addition to these homemade seasonings, we also have an assortment of dry rubs like our Cowboy Dry Rub for Beef, Easy Steak Seasoning and our Chili Dry Rub for Pork Ribs.
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