Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
This mildly flavored Italian Seasoning is a must-have in everyone’s kitchen. When it comes to homemade seasonings, this is one of my favorites, and it takes just a few minutes to make. As a restaurant owner, I keep all the best herbs on hand, and this one is among my favorites. It instantly elevates 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 is such a simple recipe with big potential that you can make it in five minutes or less. Just gather all the herbs, measure them, combine them, and pour them into a container. After that, use it to easily add flavor to your homemade meals, such as Minestrone soup, baked juicy chicken, and classic Penne alla Vodka pasta.
Table of contents
Making it at home is super easy and budget-friendly. In addition, you can control ingredient quality and adjust it to your liking. This seasoning has only seven ingredients, but they are seven of the most aromatic Italian herbs. First, oregano, you smell it as soon as you walk into any Italian restaurant or pizzeria. It has a warm, earthy flavor enough to accent a sauce and take it from bland to stellar. Other herbs include sweet dried basil, rich marjoram, grassy thyme and parsley, peppery rosemary, and aromatic sage.
Why you will love this recipe
- Easy to make: You can make it in five minutes, and it will last for a few months.
- Use it on all sorts of dishes: This Italian seasoning blend is great in so many dishes, from appetizers and snacks to meat, fish, and even sprinkled on freshly baked pizza.
- It is budget-friendly: I like frugal recipes, and this is one of them.
- Hostess gift: All my friends love this seasoning mix, and it makes a great hostess gift for when they come around.
What you will need
- 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 – The sweet, lemony, and tart flavors are a perfect addition to this recipe’s tangy profile.
- Parsley – I like parsley because it has a mild flavor when used fresh. But when dried, it has a grassy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
- Marjoram – It is similar to oregano but has a more complex flavor and is sweeter.
- Rosemary – For a sweet note and a peppery, sharp, piney flavor.
- Sage – the last ingredient, an evergreen herb with a peppery taste, is perfect for this seasoning.
How to prepare
Chop: If the dried herbs are not ground or chopped, I add them to a food processor and pulse a few times.
Store: The seasoning mix can be stored in a dark space for up to a year, but I recommend using it in a few months, as it will become a bit less aromatic if stored for too long.
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 items in it for a long time. And these are some strong scents. The oregano scent may never come out of a plastic container. Also, plastic absorbs flavors, so it may leach them from your seasoning. Plastic is also porous, allowing air to enter and making your spices deteriorate over time. This is a quick way for herbs and spices to lose flavor.
Metal is not a great choice because it can react with certain spices, causing 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 reduce its potency and flavor. But if you keep them in the cabinet as I do, you should have no problem. Your herbs and spices will last up to a year, depending on the type.
More tips to consider:
- 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 by hand.
- Your seasoning will last up to a year, but replace it after six to eight months for the best flavor.
Recipe variations and add-ins:
- Spicy version: Add some red pepper flakes to make it spicy for chili, hot sauce, and to add aroma to Mexican dishes.
- Italian taco seasoning: Add taco seasoning for a unique blend of flavors.
- Lemon: Add some dried lemon zest for a lovely citrus touch.
- Garlic and onion: Add dried garlic and onion to your Italian seasoning 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 and everything. Obviously, I would start with my perfect spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce. I also like to use it to season garlic bread or homemade breadsticks for serving with Italian meatball soup. I always add some to my homemade juicy meatloaf and to this Italian chicken and rice recipe.
Of course, the Italian seasoning blend is perfect in pasta dishes, and great on chicken, turkey, pork, and even fish and seafood. It makes this Cacciatore chicken taste like a restaurant-worthy dish. Also, it makes stuffed peppers so much better and so much more flavorful. Adding some to this cheesy chicken and spinach lasagna is a must; you will smell and taste the difference!
How to store:
- Refrigerate: Do not refrigerate. Store in a glass container in a cool, dark space, such as a cabinet, for up to a year.
- Freezing: No need to freeze.
Frequently asked questions
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 as many fresh herbs to achieve the same potency as dried herbs. So, wait for your herbs to dry or dry them yourself quickly in the microwave before grinding or chopping them for this recipe.
Not necessarily. I would say that although most of the herbs and seasonings are the same, the amounts used for each are different, and some add or omit 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.
Ground spices and mixes like this Italian seasoning will last up to a year in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, like a cabinet. However, they lose flavor and aroma after about 6-8 months, so they will not have the initial pronounced taste.
More dishes to use Italian seasoning in:
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Homemade Italian Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
Instructions
- If needed, chop the herbs in a food processor. Whisk all dried herbs in a small bowl until combined.
- Use immediately or store in a sealed container.
Video
Notes
Glass, metal, or plastic jars for herbs and spices
Glass jars are best for several reasons. First, plastic absorbs odors, especially when you store items in it for a long time. And these are some strong scents. The oregano scent may never come out of a plastic container. Also, plastic absorbs flavors, so it may leach them from your seasoning. Plastic is also porous, allowing air to enter and making your spices deteriorate over time. This is a quick way for herbs and spices to lose flavor. Metal is not a great choice because it can react with certain spices, causing 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 reduce its potency and flavor. But if you keep them in the cabinet as I do, you should have no problem. Your herbs and spices will last up to a year, depending on the type.More tips to consider:
- 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 by hand.
- Your seasoning will last up to a year, but replace it after six to eight months for the best flavor.
LOVE knowing exactly what is in the blend. There are so many uses. I am making a list now.
Thanks for the idea! Will definitely try making this soon! Thanks for sharing
Such a great idea!! Can’t wait to try it!!
Love how easy this is and perfect to have on hand! Saving me a trip to the store, indeed!
I love how easy this is to make and that I have ALL of the ingredients! Perfect!
This is so easy! Definitely a must-make!
Easy to do, and had all ingredients!
So easy to make and will never have another italian seasoning again!
Love making my own seasonings like this one. Tasted amazing in my stuffed shells too.
This seasoning is already became a staple in my kitchen! I’ve been using it on everything from pasta dishes to roasted vegetables! It’s made a huge difference in my cooking, a true kitchen must have!
So glad to find this recipe! I love italian seasoning and I used a lot of it in almost everything! Knowing how to make it at my own kitchen is amazing!
I love that this is so easy to make! Homemade spice blends are the BEST.
This is going to be something I keep in my spice cabinet! I love making homemade spice mixes, you get to adjust them to your own taste! Great recipe!
Delishious