I keep jars of homemade seasoning blends in my spice cabinet at all times. After more than 16 years of developing recipes and photographing thousands of dishes, I have learned that a well-balanced homemade blend is one of the fastest ways to turn ordinary chicken, steak, potatoes, shrimp, or vegetables into something people actually ask for again.
Store-bought packets and jars often contain fillers, anti-caking agents, or more salt than flavor. When you mix your own, you control every ingredient, the salt level, the heat level, and the freshness. These blends use spices most home cooks already own, come together in minutes, and last for months when stored properly.
Below you will find 20 of the seasoning mixes I reach for most often, grouped by how I actually use them in my kitchen. Each one has been tested across multiple recipes, so you know the ratios work.
Why Homemade Seasoning Blends Work Better
- The same blend can move from chicken one night to roasted vegetables or popcorn the next.
- You know exactly what is in the jar.
- You can lower the salt, increase the herbs, or dial the heat up or down for your family.
- Freshly mixed spices taste brighter than blends that have sat on a store shelf for a year.
- One batch usually costs less than a single packet and yields enough for many meals.
1. Best Chicken Seasoning
This homemade chicken seasoning is one of my go-to blends for adding big flavor to chicken, vegetables, and more. I use it in my Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken Thighs, and even readers who don’t usually love BBQ flavors enjoy how much flavor it adds.
2. Steak Seasoning
This homemade steak seasoning is an easy way to add bold, savory flavor to steaks, burgers, and more. I also use it in my Steak Fajita Sliders, where it helps give every bite plenty of delicious flavor.
3. Hamburger Seasoning Mix
This homemade hamburger seasoning is a simple blend that brings out the best flavor in burgers. Try it in my Rodeo Burger or Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger for a juicy, flavorful burger everyone will love.
4. Potato Seasoning
This homemade potato seasoning is the perfect way to add savory flavor to all your favorite potato dishes. I love using it on my Crispy Potato Wedges for a side that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor.
5. Shrimp Seasoning
This homemade shrimp seasoning is a simple way to add incredible flavor to shrimp, whether you are cooking it on the grill, in the air fryer, or on the stovetop. Try it in my Surf and Turf Kebabs, Air Fryer Shrimp, or Shrimp Tacos with Mexican Street Corn Slaw for an easy meal full of flavor.
6. Salmon Seasoning
Make weeknight salmon feel a little more special with this homemade Salmon Seasoning. This simple blend adds a flavorful crust to the fish, bringing out its natural flavor and making it taste like something you would order at a restaurant. I use it on my One Pan Smoky Salmon and Crispy Potatoes, and it turns out perfectly every time!
7. Vegetable Seasoning
This homemade vegetable seasoning makes it easy to add incredible flavor to any veggie dish. I use it in my Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables for a simple side dish that turns everyday vegetables into something everyone wants to eat.
8. Homemade Italian Seasoning
Skip the store-bought blend and make your own Homemade Italian Seasoning with herbs you probably already have in your pantry. It is an easy way to add classic Italian flavor to chicken, pasta, soups, sauces, roasted vegetables, and so much more. I love it in my Tuscan White Bean Soup! Once you have a jar on hand, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time!
Taco Night & Tex Mex Seasonings
Whether it’s taco night or a quick weeknight dinner, these homemade seasoning blends make it easy to add bold Tex-Mex flavor to your favorite recipes. Keep a batch on hand for tacos, fajitas, chili, and so much more.
9. Homemade Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning is a pantry staple that adds bold, savory flavor to so much more than tacos. Try it in my Taco Pasta Salad, One Pot Taco Spaghetti, or Slow Cooker Taco Dip for an easy, flavorful meal or appetizer.
10. Fajita Seasoning
This homemade fajita seasoning is packed with bold spices that bring classic fajita flavor to chicken, steak, and vegetables. I love using it in my Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas for an easy dinner that’s full of flavor.
11. Homemade Chili Seasoning
This homemade chili seasoning is an easy way to build rich, hearty flavor in your favorite chili recipes. I use it in my Grandma’s Homemade Chili, where it adds just the right blend of spices to every bowl.
12. Elote Seasoning Mix
Love the flavors of Mexican street corn? This homemade Elote Seasoning Mix brings smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavor to corn, potatoes, popcorn, chicken, and more. Inspired by my Mexican Street Corn Slaw and Creamy Street Corn Chicken Skillet, it comes together in just minutes!
Bold Flavor Seasonings
When you want to turn up the flavor, these homemade seasoning blends deliver. From smoky and spicy to savory and herb-filled, they’re perfect for adding a little something extra to your favorite meals.
13. Cajun Seasoning
This homemade Cajun seasoning brings the perfect balance of savory spices with just a little kick. It is easy to adjust to your preferred spice level, making it simple to customize for any recipe. Try it in my Cajun Shrimp and Rice, Cajun Potato Soup, or Cajun Cowboy Butter for bold flavor in every bite.
14. Blackened Seasoning
This homemade blackened seasoning is a bold blend of spices that adds incredible flavor to chicken, steak, seafood, and more. I use it in my Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo and Blackened Chicken Rigatoni for a delicious, restaurant-inspired meal at home.
15. Tuscan Seasoning
This homemade Tuscan seasoning is a flavorful blend of herbs and spices that brings a warm, Italian-inspired flavor to your favorite dishes. I love using it in my Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta for easy meals packed with flavor.
16. Cowboy Butter Seasoning
Cowboy Butter Seasoning is a bold blend of herbs and spices that adds big flavor to just about anything. Stir it into melted butter for homemade Cowboy Butter, mix it with mayonnaise for Cowboy Mayo, or blend it into softened cream cheese for my Cowboy Cream Cheese spread. It is also delicious sprinkled on steak, vegetables, potatoes (check out my Cowboy Mayo Roasted Potatoes!), and more.
Ranch & Snack Seasonings
These ranch and snack seasonings are all about adding big flavor with just a few simple ingredients. From homemade ranch seasoning to popcorn toppings and savory dips, these blends are easy to keep on hand for whenever you need a quick flavor boost.
17. Ranch Seasoning
Once you make your own Ranch Seasoning Mix, you may never go back to the store-bought packets! Use it to make my homemade Ranch Dressing, stir it into dips, or season everything from roasted potatoes to chicken. I also love using it in my Cheesy Ranch Chicken Casserole and Chicken Ranch Macaroni and Cheese (plus many more!) for an easy way to add big ranch flavor.
18. Cowboy Ranch Seasoning
If you love bold, savory flavors, this Cowboy Ranch Seasoning is one to keep on hand. It takes classic ranch seasoning and gives it a smoky, flavorful boost that is delicious on chicken, potatoes, vegetables, and more. I especially love sprinkling the seasoning mix on popcorn, roasted nuts, or homemade potato chips for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
19. Blackened Ranch Seasoning
Blackened Ranch Seasoning brings together two favorites, homemade ranch seasoning and bold blackened seasoning, for one flavorful blend. It adds just the right balance of creamy, herby flavor with a little kick of spice. Try it on my Blackened Steak and Shrimp Alfredo or use it to season chicken, vegetables, french fries, and more.
20. White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning
Skip the store-bought seasoning and make your own White Cheddar Popcorn Seasoning at home! I love knowing exactly what goes into it, and it adds a cheesy, savory flavor to popcorn in just a few shakes. It is also delicious sprinkled over fries, roasted vegetables (I love it on my roasted Brussels sprouts!), or even homemade potato chips.
How to Store Homemade Seasoning Blends
Store each blend in a clean, airtight jar or container away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. A cool, dark pantry or cupboard is ideal. Most blends stay at peak flavor for about 6 months. After that the potency slowly fades, though they remain safe to use. Label every jar with the name and the date you mixed it. Smaller batches are often better than large ones if you do not use a particular blend frequently.
Tips for Best Results
- Start with fresh spices. Old, dull spices make dull blends.
- Toast whole spices lightly before grinding when a recipe calls for them; the flavor difference is noticeable.
- Mix thoroughly so every spoonful is consistent.
- Taste and adjust. Some families prefer more garlic, more smoked paprika, or less salt.
- Keep a small notebook or note on your phone of the exact ratios you settle on so you can recreate them.
- These blends work as dry rubs, as seasoning mixed into ground meat, or stirred into sauces, dressings, and compound butters.
FAQs
Why make homemade seasoning blends instead of buying them?
You control the ingredients, the salt level, and the freshness. Most homemade versions taste brighter and contain no unnecessary additives.
How long do homemade seasoning blends last?
About 6 months for best flavor when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The spices do not spoil quickly, but the aromatic compounds gradually weaken.
Can I make these blends salt-free or low-sodium?
Yes. Simply reduce or omit the salt and adjust other seasonings upward if needed. Many of these recipes still taste excellent with less salt because the herbs and spices carry the flavor.
How much seasoning should I use?
A good starting point is 1 to 1½ teaspoons per pound of meat or a generous sprinkle on vegetables. Taste and adjust. For ground meat, mix the seasoning in thoroughly before cooking.
Can I double or triple the recipes?
Absolutely. Just keep the ratios the same and store the extra in airtight jars.
Do these work in an air fryer or Instant Pot?
Yes. The blends perform well with dry heat methods (oven, grill, air fryer, skillet) and can also be used to season ingredients before pressure cooking or slow cooking.
Make These Blends Part of Your Everyday Cooking
Having a few of these jars ready removes one more decision on busy nights. Season the chicken, toss the potatoes, or stir a spoonful into a quick sauce and dinner suddenly tastes deliberate instead of thrown together.
Pick three or four that match how you already cook, mix a small batch of each, and keep them where you can reach them. Once you get used to the flavor difference, it is hard to go back to the generic jars.
Save this page or print the ones you use most. The next time you open the spice cabinet, you will already have better flavor waiting!
