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    Home » Recipes » How-To

    How to make Homemade Seasonings

    Published on June 8, 2022 by Chef Rodney - Leave a Comment - This post may contain affiliate links.

    10 shares
    It's very easy to make your own homemade seasonings with spices you already have in your pantry. No skill required!
    Quick Links
    • Taco Seasoning
    • Fajita Seasoning
    • Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
    • Italian Seasoning
    • Old Bay Seasoning
    • Cajun Seasoning
    • Tri-Tip Seasoning

    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.

    spices for seasoning

    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.

    taco seasoning
    QtyIngredient
    2 TbspChili Powder
    1 ½ TspPaprika
    2 TspGround Cumin
    ½ TspOnion Powder
    ½ TspGarlic Powder
    ½ TspCayenne
    2 TspSalt
    ½ TspGround Black Pepper
    ¼ TspDried Oregano
    Ingredients for Taco Seasoning

    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.

    fajita seasoning
    QtyIngredient
    1 TspChili Powder
    2 TspPaprika
    2 TspGround Cumin
    1 TspOnion Powder
    2 TspGarlic Powder
    ½ TspCayenne
    ½ TspKosher Salt
    ½ TspGround Black Pepper
    1 TspWhite Sugar
    Ingredients for Fajita Seasoning

    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?

    pumpkin pie spice blend
    QtyIngredient
    3 TbspGround Cinnamon
    2 TspGround Ginger
    2 TspGround Nutmeg
    1 TspAllspice
    1 TspGround Cloves
    Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Spice

    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.

    italian seasoning
    QtyIngredient
    4 TbspBasil
    ½ TbspOnion Powder
    1 TbspGarlic Powder
    2 TbspRosemary
    1 TspSage
    1 TspMarjoram
    2 TbspDried Oregano
    2 TbspThyme
    Ingredients for Italian Seasoning

    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.

    old bay seasoning
    QtyIngredient
    1 TbspPaprika
    1 TspOnion Powder
    1 TspGarlic Powder
    1 TspCayenne
    2 TbspCelery Salt
    1 TspGround Black Pepper
    ¼ TspMustard Seed
    ⅛ TspGinger
    ⅛ TspAllspice
    ⅛ TspGround Nutmeg
    3Ground Bay Leaves
    Ingredients for Old Bay Seasoning

    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.

    cajun seasoning
    QtyIngredient
    2 ½ TbspPaprika
    1 TbspOnion Powder
    2 TbspGarlic Powder
    1 TbspCayenne
    2 TbspSalt
    1 TbspGround Black Pepper
    1 TbspOregano
    1 TbspThyme
    Ingredients for Cajun Seasoning

    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.

    tri-tip seasoning
    Tri-Tip Seasoning with Mustard Binder
    QtyIngredient
    ¼ CupBrown Sugar
    1 TbspKosher Salt
    ½ TbspGround Black Pepper
    ½ TbspGarlic Powder
    1 TspGround Cloves
    1 TspGround Ginger
    Ingredients for Tri-Tip Seasoning

    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.

    seasoning for lentil tacos
    Seasoning for Lentil Tacos

    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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    Chef Rodney Headshot

    Hi! I'm Rodney and welcome to my blog. I am a foodie and self-taught cook. After years of experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to share some of my favorite recipes with you. Read More →

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