Make your own Italian seasoning blend at home with simple pantry spices and herbs. It's fresh, flavorful, and better than anything from the store!
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💡Recipe 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
What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Spice it Up with Homemade Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is one of those no-brainer blends that makes everything taste better with zero effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to measure five different herbs but still want big flavor.
Whether you’re seasoning meat, veggies, soups, or sauces, a quick sprinkle of this mix adds instant herby goodness that works in just about any savory dish.
Plus, making my own seasoning blends is a total win - it’s way more cost-effective than buying pre-made ones, especially since I buy my herbs and spices in bulk and store them in the freezer to keep them fresh longer.
And it’s not just Italian seasoning that I use those bulk spices and herbs for. I also whip up my own dairy-free ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, and Cajun seasoning blend. These DIY mixes save me money, cut down on the number of spice jars crowding my pantry, and add tons of flavor to my meals.
What is in the Italian Seasoning?
This homemade Italian seasoning is made with basic dried herbs you probably already have, but don’t sleep on the importance of freshness—old, stale spices will give you sad, dusty results. Dried basil and dried parsley give it that classic, bright Mediterranean flavor, while dried oregano and dried thyme add depth and a little earthiness. Crushed rosemary brings in a woodsy kick, so make sure it’s actually crushed (not full-on twigs). Garlic and onion powder round it out with a solid savory base, and the crushed red pepper? Totally optional, but a tiny bit of heat never hurt anyone.
Italian Seasoning Recipe
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Mix
Combine all the herbs and spices in a small bowl until thoroughly mixed.
Step 2. Store
Transfer to a spice jar and store in the pantry.
Helpful Tips
- Crush as you mix. For a finer texture and more flavor release, lightly crush the herbs with your fingers or use a mortar and pestle when mixing. It really wakes up the dried herbs.
- Refresh older herbs. If your dried herbs have been in the pantry a little too long, give them a quick toast in a dry pan for a minute or two before mixing - just don't burn them.
- Zero-waste win. Making your own seasoning blends helps you use up those half-full jars of herbs and reduces plastic from buying pre-made ones.
- Perfect for gift jars. Spoon the blend into cute spice jars, tie with twine, and boom - thoughtful little gifts for friends who cook (or want to start!).
Troubleshooting
- Seasoning blend clumped up? Dried herbs usually don't clump unless there's moisture. If your blend has gotten a little clumpy, break it up with a fork or give the jar a good shake and add a few grains fo rice to absorb excess humidity.
Product Highlight!
Square Glass Spice Jars
If your kitchen is small like mine and pantry space is tight, these square spice jars are a total game-changer. They make the most of every inch in my spice cabinet.
💭Meal Prep like a Pro!
Double the recipe to make a full cup of Italian seasoning - just multiply each ingredient by 2. That way, you'll always have a stash ready for soups, sauces, and quick weeknight meals without pulling out a dozen jars every time.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian seasoning blend is incredibly versatile. Use it on vegetables, meats, soups, sauces, and more for a flavor boost.
Here are some ideas:
Frequently Asked Questions
Store your homemade Italian seasoning in an airtight glass spice jar or container, away from heat and direct sunlight. A cool, dark pantry or cabinet is ideal. For best flavor, use within 6 months—though it’ll still be safe to use after that, the herbs may lose some potency over time.
Technically, yes - you can freeze Italian seasoning but it's not ideal. Freezing can introduce moisture, which may cause the herbs to lose flavor and texture or even clump together. For the best flavor and shelf life, just store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like your pantry.
This blend is specifically designed for dried herbs. Fresh herbs have higher moisture content and a much shorter shelf life, so they aren’t ideal for a long-lasting seasoning mix.
Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this Italian seasoning? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
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
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, including 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, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly mixed.
- Transfer to a spice jar and store in the pantry.
Notes
- Crush as you mix. For a finer texture and more flavor release, lightly crush the herbs with your fingers or use a mortar and pestle when mixing. It really wakes up the dried herbs.
- Refresh older herbs. If your dried herbs have been in the pantry a little too long, give them a quick toast in a dry pan for a minute or two before mixing - just don't burn them.
- Zero-waste win. Making your own seasoning blends helps you use up those half-full jars of herbs and reduces plastic from buying pre-made ones.
- Perfect for gift jars. Spoon the blend into cute spice jars, tie with twine, and boom - thoughtful little gifts for friends who cook (or want to start!).
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