This Recipe for Italian Seasoning is packed full of flavour and makes the perfect seasoning for things like chicken or potatoes. It’s easy to make, comes together in under 5 minutes and uses basic pantry spices you might already have on hand!
I’m not sure if it has anything at all to do with my very Italian background (and I’m proud of it…OK?!?!) but Italian seasoning has seriously got to be one of my all time favourite spice blends. I just love how you can achieve such a huge flavour profile with just one spice. Generally speaking, Italian seasoning is a fine mix of some of my favourite dried herbs such as rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme and parsley. Annnnd also has my two favourite spices thrown into the mix – onion and garlic powder. So, really, I guess it’s a no brainer why I love this spice so much. It seriously has the perfect balance of flavours, goes good with so many things and IMHO, is a spice that should ALWAYS be stocked up in everyone’s pantry. So, why not make it yourself from scratch at home?!
My love for making things from scratch has been a huge part of my cooking journey and one of the things I love most about being in the kitchen. I love figuring out ways to make my favourite sauces or spice blends from scratch and honestly, 9 times out of 10 (unless I’m being reeeeeal fancy) it just so happens to be so much easier than I may have ever thought. That’s why I always aim to challenge myself to try making something first before adding it to my grocery list.
This week, when I was whipping up a fresh batch of my diner style home fries, I realized I was out of Italian seasoning. In what world?!?! So, in classic lazy AF Andrea fashion, the absolute LAST THING I wanted to do was change out of my pajamas and head to the grocery store. No, not me. Not today, sista. So, what did I do instead? Sure, I could have used homemade taco seasoning or otherwise. But why?! When whipping up a batch of homemade Italian seasoning is just as easy as it is going to the store to get it. Let’s do it!
WHAT YOU’RE GONNA NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE FOR ITALIAN SEASONING
If you’re anything like me when it comes to spices, you likely already have all of these ones on hand. Did you know that throwing them altogether would give you the best, easiest, quickest and tastiest homemade Italian seasoning evvvver?! Well, now ya do! Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need in a little bit more detail down below:
- Oregano: A common herb used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Adds a robust and slightly bitter flavour to the seasoning.
- Basil: A classic herb in Italian cooking. Offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavour to this recipe for Italian seasoning.
- Thyme: Provides a subtle earthy and slightly minty flavour.
- Rosemary: Has a distinct pine-like aroma and a robust, savoury flavour.
- Parsley: Adds a fresh, mild, and slightly peppery taste to this homemade Italian seasoning.
- Garlic Powder: Introduces a pungent, savoury flavour without the texture of fresh garlic. Enhances the overall savoury profile of the seasoning.
- Onion Powder: Provides a sweet and savoury onion flavour. Adds depth to the seasoning without the moisture of fresh onions.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavour of the seasoning. PRO TIP: Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.
- Pepper: Adds a pungent and slightly spicy element. Adjust to your preferred level of pepperiness.
HOW TO MAKE ITALIAN SEASONING FROM SCRATCH (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make this quick and easy recipe for Italian seasoning in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Opt for fresh and high-quality dried herbs and spices. This will significantly enhance the flavour of your seasoning. Remember, spices tend to lose their potency/freshness over time so starting with fresh ones will really make a difference in your homemade seasoning.
- Ensure all of the ingredients are well combined. You want all of the herbs and spices evenly distributed throughout the seasoning for best results.
- Adjust to taste. Taste the seasoning as you mix it, and feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal preferences. It’s easier to add more than to try to balance an overpowering flavour. EXTRA TIP: Play around with the ratios of herbs and spices. If you have favourites or specific flavours you enjoy, customize the blend accordingly.
- Store your Italian seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness. Avoid storing it near the stove or in direct sunlight, as heat and moisture can degrade the quality. EXTRA TIP: Add and shake your spices directly in the jar you plan to store it in. Hooray for less dishes!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Italian seasoning is typically a blend of dried herbs and spices that are commonly used in Italian cuisine. While there is no strict recipe for Italian seasoning, common ingredients include oregano, basil, rosemary, parsley and thyme. The exact combination and proportions of these ingredients can vary, and you can customize the blend to suit your taste preferences. Homemade versions may also include additional herbs like thyme, fennel seeds, or even dried lemon peel for added complexity. The goal is to create a versatile seasoning that can enhance the flavours of a variety of Italian dishes.
Well, I’m guessing you may have stumbled upon my recipe for homemade Italian seasoning for a reason! If you don’t have any on hand, you can create a makeshift blend using individual dried herbs and spices commonly found in Italian cuisine. You can find the full ingredients with their measurements in the recipe card down below. Feel free to customize this blend to suit your preferences or based on what you have available. If you’re missing a specific herb, you can leave it out or replace it with a similar one. This makeshift Italian seasoning substitute can work well in pasta sauces, marinades, dressings, and a variety of Italian-inspired dishes.
To maintain the freshness and flavour of your homemade Italian seasoning, proper storage is crucial. Transfer the Italian seasoning to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and air from affecting the quality of the herbs and spices. Store the container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Exposure to light and heat can cause the herbs and spices to lose their potency. However, while it’s essential to keep the seasoning in a cool place, avoid storing it in the refrigerator. The moisture inside the refrigerator can affect the quality of the dried herbs.
If you store your homemade Italian seasoning properly, it can stay fresh for up to 6 months.
RECIPE FOR ITALIAN SEASONING
This Recipe for Italian Seasoning is packed full of flavour and makes the perfect seasoning for things like chicken or potatoes. It's easy to make, comes together in under 5 minutes and uses basic pantry spices you might already have on hand!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tbsp Dried Basil
- 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tbsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, combine all the dried herbs and spices. Shake or mix well until evenly blended. Store the Italian seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Play around with the ratios of herbs and spices. If you have favourites or specific flavours you enjoy, customize the blend accordingly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 13Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 63mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.
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