Make your own Italian seasoning at home using simple pantry herbs and spices. Fresh, flavorful, and far better than most store-bought blends.
đź’ˇRecipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to prep
- Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: Keto, Whole30, Paleo, GAPS, Ancestral diet
- Tools Needed: spice jar
- Skill Level: Easy
Note: “Ancestral diet” refers to traditional dietary principles emphasizing whole, minimally processed foods and nutrient-dense ingredients.
Spice it Up with Homemade Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a versatile, no-fuss blend that adds instant Mediterranean flavor to meats, vegetables, soups, sauces, and more. It’s perfect for weeknight cooking when you want bold flavor without measuring out several jars every time.
Making your own blend is economical and flexible. Buy herbs in bulk when possible, keep them fresh, and mix your own signature blend tailored to your taste.
Once you’ve made this mix you can use the same approach for other DIY blends like ranch, taco, or Cajun seasoning—saving money and reclaiming pantry space while controlling the ingredients.
What’s in Italian Seasoning?
This homemade Italian seasoning uses common dried herbs and spices you likely already have. Freshness matters—stale herbs yield weak, flat flavor. The core ingredients are:
- Dried basil and dried parsley for bright, herbaceous notes
- Dried oregano and dried thyme for depth and earthiness
- Crushed rosemary for a woodsy, aromatic kick (use crushed leaves, not whole stems)
- Garlic powder and onion powder to round out the savory backbone
- Crushed red pepper is optional if you want a touch of heat
Italian Seasoning Recipe
The full printable recipe is shown below in the recipe card. Follow these quick steps for the best results.
Step 1. Mix
Combine all herbs and spices in a small bowl and stir until evenly distributed.
Step 2. Store
Transfer to an airtight spice jar and store in a cool, dark pantry.
Helpful Tips
- Crush as you mix. Lightly crush dried herbs with your fingers or a mortar and pestle to release more flavor.
- Refresh older herbs. If herbs have lost potency, briefly toast them in a dry skillet for a minute to wake up their aroma—but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Reduce waste. Blending your own seasoning uses up small leftover jars and cuts down on packaging.
- Great for gifts. Fill small glass jars, add a label and twine, and you have a thoughtful kitchen gift.
Troubleshooting
- Clumping? Dried herb blends seldom clump unless exposed to moisture. If your mix has clumped, break it apart with a fork, shake the jar, and consider placing a few grains of rice in the jar to absorb humidity.
Product Highlight
Square Glass Spice Jars
Square spice jars maximize storage in small pantries and keep your mixes neat and accessible.
đź’Meal Prep tip: Double the recipe to make a full cup of Italian seasoning so you always have a ready stash for soups, sauces, and quick weeknight meals.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian seasoning is incredibly versatile—try it on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, soups, pasta sauces, or mixed into olive oil as a quick bread dipper.
Examples: use it to season a pork tenderloin, flavor a vegetable soup, toss with roasted potatoes, or stir a pinch into tomato sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the blend in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight. For best flavor, use within six months; the herbs remain safe longer but will lose potency over time.
Freezing is possible but not recommended. Freezing and thawing can introduce moisture, which may cause loss of flavor and texture or clogging. A sealed jar in the pantry preserves flavor and shelf life best.
This recipe is designed for dried herbs. Fresh herbs contain more moisture and will shorten the shelf life of the blend. Use fresh herbs directly in dishes rather than in a long-stored mix.
Looking for more seasoning ideas? Try homemade taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, or Cajun spice blends for quick flavor boosts.
Printable Recipe
Italian Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons crushed rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ÂĽ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly so the herbs and spices are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the blend to an airtight spice jar and store in the pantry.
Notes
This seasoning yields approximately ½ cup. A typical serving is about 1 teaspoon.
Storage: Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place. Best used within six months for optimal flavor.
Tips
- Crush herbs: Crushing herbs briefly releases oils and aroma for a more flavorful mix.
- Toast stale herbs lightly: If herbs seem dull, briefly warm them in a dry pan to revive aroma (don’t burn).
- Use small jars: Portion into small jars for gifts or for easy access in the kitchen.
Nutrition (per approx. serving)
Calories: 3 kcal | Carbs: 1 g | Protein: 0.2 g | Fat: 0.04 g
Nutrition estimates are approximate and provided for convenience only.
Recipe adapted from Prepare and Nourish. Content and photos are copyright protected; sharing is encouraged with proper attribution.