Italian Seasoning Recipe

Italian Seasoning is a blend of seven various dried herbs and spices whisked together and ready in less than a few minutes. As a chef, having all the best herbs handy is essential, and this one is among my favorite mixes. It’s a handy homemade seasoning to make all sorts of things taste better. You can add it to soups, sauces, meats, and salads. It is also perfect for meatloaf, lasagna, and pizza. This seasoning is so versatile that you can put it on almost anything!

This mildly-flavored Italian Seasoning is a must-have in everyone’s kitchen. When it comes to homemade seasonings, this is one of my favorite recipes. I use it all the time because it has a nice combination of herbs that can be used on various dishes. 

Making it at home is super easy and budget-friendly. In addition, you can control the quality of the ingredients, and you know exactly what goes into it. Also, you can adjust the ingredients based on your liking, and alter the herbs per your desire. And if you do not have handy one or two of the herbs, it will work as well. 

This seasoning has only seven ingredients, but they are seven of the most important Italian herbs. First, oregano is the most well-known Italian herb. You smell it when you walk into any Italian restaurant or pizzeria. It has a warm, earthy flavor that can be strong enough to numb your tongue or just enough to accent a sauce. It is related to marjoram, which is also in this recipe. It tastes similar but with a delicate floral hint.

This is such a simple recipe that you can do it in five minutes or less. Just gather all the herbs, measure them, add them to a dish, whisk them up, and pour them into a container. Make sure you mark the container so you know what it is. Sure, you may remember next week or next month, but what about three months from now? Just label the jar so you know exactly what is in there.

That is one great thing about making your seasoning. It may be easier to buy it from the store, but you have no idea what additives and preservatives they put in there—salt, sugar, and things I cannot even spell or pronounce. Making it at home means you know exactly what you are putting in your body.

Why you will love this recipe

• You can make it fast: This is so easy; you can make it in five minutes.
• Use it on all sorts of things: This Italian seasoning is great for many dishes, from savory to sweet.
• It is inexpensive: You can make this for just a few bucks.
• It lasts a long time: It will stay fresh for up to a year. 

What you’ll need to make homemade Italian seasoning

Special items:

• Bowl – To mix the herbs.
• Food processor – To chop the herbs, if needed.
• Container – To store your seasoning.

Ingredients:

• Oregano – A bold scent and flavor, a bit spicy with an earthy background.
• Thyme – This also has a pleasant earthy taste with a grassy, minty undertone.
• Basil—Basil can be sweet, lemony, and tart, the perfect blend for this recipe’s tangy addition.
• Parsley – I like parsley because it has a mild flavor when used fresh. But when dried, it has a grassy taste that blends nicely with the rest of the ingredients.
• Marjoram – while it is similar to oregano, it has a more complex flavor and its sweeter.
• Rosemary – For a sweet note and a peppery, sharp, piney flavor.
• Sage – As the last ingredient, it is an evergreen herb with a peppery taste, perfect for this seasoning.

How to make Italian seasoning?

1. Chop: If your dried herbs are not ground or chopped, chop them in the food processor.
2. Whisk: Then, put them all in a bowl and whisk them before pouring them into a jar.
3. Store: You can store them in a dark space for up to a year.

Expert tip

Glass, metal, or plastic jars for herbs and spices

Glass jars are best for several reasons. First, plastic absorbs odors, especially when you store them for a long time. And these are some strong scents. The oregano scent may never come out of a plastic container. If you plan to reuse it for something else, it will have to have oregano in it. Also, plastic absorbs flavors, so it is possible that it can leech the flavors from your seasoning.

Plastic is also porous, allowing air to enter and making your spices deteriorate over time. This is a quick way for your herbs and spices to lose flavor quickly. Metal is not a great choice because it can react with certain spices and cause corrosion or other reactions. Also, it transfers heat and will “cook” your spices, causing them to lose their flavor over time.

The only drawback with glass is the light. You must keep it out of the light because it will make them lose their potency and flavor. But if you keep them in the cabinet like I do, you should have no problem. Your herbs and spices will last for up to a year, depending on what they are.

Recipe variations and add-ins:

• Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes to make it spicy for chili, hot sauce, and to use in Mexican dishes.
• Italian taco seasoning: Add taco seasoning for a unique blend of flavors.
• Lemon: Add some dried lemon zest for a dish with a lovely citrus touch.
• Garlic and onion: Give your Italian seasoning some garlic and onion flavor for an authentic Italian taste.
• Italian ranch seasoning: You could also add ranch seasoning for a tangy mix of flavor.   

Serving suggestions:

You can use Italian seasoning on just about anything you like.

• It is perfect for making pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce.
• You can also use it to season your garlic bread, or homemade breadsticks to serve along with your pizza.
• Italian seasoning goes on more than just Italian dishes. Try it in this homemade juicy meatloaf.
• Another way to use it is in this Italian chicken and rice recipe.
• Of course, the homemade seasoning is perfect for making pasta dishes, and great on chicken, turkey, or pork.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Dried herbs have a more potent flavor and can be ground into a finer texture. This makes them better for making Italian seasoning. If you only have fresh herbs, give them time to dry. If you were using them in a recipe, the ratio is three to one, with fresh being three. In other words, you need three times the fresh herbs to get the same potency as dried. So, wait for your herbs to dry or dry them yourself quickly in the microwave before grinding or chopping them for this recipe.

Is all Italian seasoning the same?

Not necessarily. I would say that although most of the herbs and seasonings are the same, the amounts used for each one are different, and some add or leave out other ingredients. Sometimes, onion powder or garlic powder is included in the mixture. Often, it contains salt and pepper. It can also include celery seeds, fennel seeds, and bay leaves. I have even had Italian seasoning called Italian herb mixed with red pepper flakes.

How long do herbs and spices last?

Whole herbs and spices like peppercorns, cloves, cardamom, and cumin can last up to four years as long as you store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Ground spices and mixes like this Italian seasoning will last up to a year in an airtight container like a cabinet in a cool, dark place. However, they are not like milk or meat. They do not spoil. They lose potency, so they do not really “go bad” per se; they just do not have such a pronounced taste.

How to store:

• Refrigerate: Do not refrigerate. Store in a cool, dark space like a cabinet for up to a year.
• Freezing: No need to freeze.

More dishes to use Italian seasoning in:

Recipe tips:

• Make several different versions. One can be spicy, one sweet, one with extra rosemary, and one light on the oregano, depending on your needs. 
• Use a food processor to get the most from your dried herbs. If you do not have a food processor, use a blender or coffee grinder or chop them up with a knife.
• Dried herbs are best. If your herbs are fresh, wait for them to dry or dry them yourself.
• It is best to store your seasoning in a glass jar. Plastic allows air through and absorbs odors, and metal “cooks” your herbs.
• Your seasoning will last up to a year, but replace it after six to eight months since it is so easy and inexpensive.