Seasoning Mix Recipes: How to Make Homemade Seasonings

If you're a long-time Savory Spice customer, you might have a favorite that isn't around any more. You might just want to start experimenting by mixing up your own seasonings. We're here to help! We have three easy ways to DIY seasoning mix and a few seasoning mix recipes to help!

You probably already have many of the spices that are commonly found in spice mixes, starting with salt, pepper, onion, garlic, herbs (like thyme), and paprika.

Customize Your Spice Mix

The first (and easiest) way to make a custom seasoning is by starting with a pre-made spice mix and then adding some ingredients to make it your own.

Extra Hot Seasonings

We intentionally make most of our spice blends with a low or medium heat level. After all, it's so much easier to add a little extra heat than it is to try making something milder (it can be done, it's just a little more complicated!) Keep a jar of Cayenne Chile Powder on hand if you like a little extra spice. Consider these "starting points" and feel free to add a little bit more if you want it extra extra hot.

Extra Hot Cajun Blackening Seasoning

• 3 cups Cajun Blackening Seasoning
• 2 tsp. Cayenne Chile Powder
• 1/4 tsp. Hot Red New Mexican Chile Powder

Extra Hot Yellow Curry

• 2 cups Medium Yellow Curry
• 1 tsp. Cayenne Chile Powder

Extra Hot Chili Powder

• 3 cups Medium Chili Powder
• 3/4 tsp. Cayenne Chile Powder
• 1 tsp. Hot Red New Mexican Chile Powder

Extra Hot Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

• 3 cups Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. Habanero Chile Powder

Add to Existing Seasonings

Sometimes, you might find that a seasoning is close to what you're looking for but you want a little something extra. Here are a few easy ways to customize the basics.

Grand Garlic Salt

• 1 cups Garlic Salt
• 1 1/2 tsp. Chives

Onion & Garlic Salt

• 1/2 cups Onion & Garlic Tableside Sprinkle
• 1/2 cups salt

Smoky Santa Maria Sea Salted BBQ Rub

• 1 cups Santa Maria Sea Salted BBQ Rub
• 1/2 cups Smoked Spanish Sweet Paprika

DIY Brining Spices

If you’re looking for a classic flavor profile for your brine, we’ve got you covered with our Brining Spice Ready Mix. This is a great all-purpose blend for brining turkey, chicken, pork, or shrimp. If you want to branch out a bit, you can easily take your brine in a different direction by making your own brining spice mix. Try them with anything from tofu to turkey!

Sweet & Spicy Brining Spice

This recipe yields about 2 Tbsp. of Sweet & Spicy Brining Spice to flavor up to 2 quarts of brine.

For 2 quarts of brine, place all ingredients in a small sauté pan and toast over medium heat until aromatic, 3 to 4 min, stirring constantly. Add toasted spices to 1½ cups (of your 2 quarts) of liquid, along with 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to a boil for 1 to 2 min. Let the boiled, spiced brine cool completely before adding it back to the remaining brining liquid.

• 2 tsp. coriander seeds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp. fennel seeds
  
• 1 tsp. yellow mustard seeds
  
• ½ tsp. allspice berries
• ½ tsp. dehydrated minced garlic
• 1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper (or more depending on desired spiciness)

Tangy Brining Spice

This recipe yields about 2 Tbsp. of Tangy Brining Spice to flavor up to 2 quarts of brine.

For 2 quarts of brine, place all ingredients except sumac and bay leaves in a small sauté pan and toast over medium heat until aromatic, 3 to 4 min., stirring constantly. Add toasted spice to 1½ cups (of your 2 quarts) of brining liquid, along with 1/2 cup salt (try using our Makrut Lime Salt for extra tang!) and 1/4 cup sugar. Add sumac and bay leaves to the seasoned brining liquid and bring to a boil for 1 to 2 min. Let the boiled, spiced brine cool completely before adding it back to the remaining brining liquid.

• 1 ½ tsp. minced lemon peel
• 1 tsp. coriander seeds
• ½ tsp. black Malabar peppercorns
• ½ tsp. dehydrated minced garlic
• 1 Indonesian cinnamon stick
• 2 Madagascar cloves
• ½ tsp. ground sumac berries
• 2 Turkish bay leaves

DIY Seasonings

Our labels are not only beautifully designed, they’re helpful! Have you noticed the side panels? You can find a description of the flavor profile, cooking uses, and (on spices) a recipe for a unique seasoning you can make yourself.

You'll need a bowl and whisk - make sure to mix thoroughly. Then store in a sealed jar or in a zip top bag.

Here are some tasty examples to start you off on your DIY spice blend journey. We'll start with the simplest ones, just mix up the spices, and then move to multi-step mixes.

Roasted Garlic Pepper Mix

Roasting garlic gives an incomparable depth of flavor. Pairing it with the King of Spices, Black Pepper, and a dash of herby Green Onion and Parsley for an addictive all-purpose seasoning that will earn a prized spot in your spice cabinet.

• 3 Tbsp Roasted Granulated Garlic
• 1½ Tbsp Coarse Black Malabar Pepper
• 1 tsp Minced Green Onion
• 1 tsp Parsley
• 1 tsp Fine Himalayan Pink Salt (optional)

Apple Cider Spiced Sugar

What’s better than a warm cup of spiced cider when autumn hits? Add that sweet, nostalgic flavor to everything from cookies and tea to fresh fruits and oatmeal all year round with this easy homemade Apple Cider Spiced Sugar.

• 2 Tbsp Ground Saigon Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp Vanilla Bean Sugar
• ¾ tsp Ground Jamaican Allspice
• ¼ tsp Ground Madagascar Cloves
• ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg

For these next two mixes, you'll need to crack the Fennel Seeds in a mortar & pestle, then combine all ingredients by thoroughly whisking in a bowl.

If you don’t have a mortar & pestle, try putting the whole spices in a plastic baggie and hammering with a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a heavy mug/bowl.

Paprika Herb Mix

 This paprika-forward blend has vibrant color and elegant but approachable flavor for poultry, veggies, and eggs. Notes of fennel and lavender lend it a Provençal taste, perfect for an elevated weeknight meal or special occasion.

• 2 Tbsp Hungarian Paprika
• 1 tsp Fine Pink Himalayan Salt
• 1 tsp French Thyme
• 1 tsp Greek Oregano
• 1 tsp Marjoram
• 1 tsp Ground Rosemary
• ¼ tsp Fennel Seeds (cracked)
• ¼ tsp Lavender

Mediterranean Seasoning

Our Greek seasonings like Mt. Olympus and Limnos Lamb Rub are phenomenal. But, it’s always possible that there’s a particular ingredient you’re not fond of or one you wish there was more of! Since you’re making it at home, feel free to adjust the recipe to taste.

• 2 tsp Greek Oregano
• 2 tsp Grey Sea Salt
• 1½ tsp Thyme
• 1½ tsp Rubbed Sage
• 1½ tsp Cracked Rosemary
• 1 tsp Minced Lemon Peel
• 1 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tsp Minced Onion
• 1 tsp Coarse Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Basil
• ½ tsp Parsley
• ½ tsp Fennel (cracked)

Pork Butt BBQ Rub

Ok, now we're moving to the most complex approach to DIY rubs and seasonings. For this one, you're going to toast the whole spices before grinding them yourself. Again, like the previous recipes, you'll want to use a mortar and pestle (an electric coffee grinder also works).

Toasting whole spices then grinding them yourself creates unbeatable fresh flavor. Consider this DIY Pork Butt BBQ Rub for your next tailgate and watch how impressed your friends are when you tell them you made it yourself!

• 2 Tbsp Yellow Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
• ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
• ½ tsp Fennel Seeds
• ½ tsp Thyme
• ½ tsp Ground Ginger
• ½ tsp Fine Black Pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sugar

Over moderate heat, toast Mustard Seeds, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Seeds, and Fennel Seeds until aromatic, stirring constantly (2-4 mins). Then, using a mortar and pestle, grind to a fine powder and mix with remaining ingredients in a bowl using a whisk.

Discontinued Savory Spice Seasonings

From time to time, we have to discontinue a particular seasoning or spice blend. Sometimes we have sourcing issues, sometimes we just need to make way for something new. But we know that there are people out there who love and miss these spices.

Good news! Our Test Kitchen has recreated these classic Savory Spice flavors and we now have recipes for you to make your favorites at home.

Ghost Pepper Curry Powder Spice Blend

Ghost Pepper is all about the heat and we know it's too hot for some people to enjoy. But this seasoning isn't just about the heat. The other ingredients in Ghost Pepper Curry Powder Spice Blend contribute a sweetness and licorice and subtle floral and citrus notes that add complexity and dimension. For a curry paste, mix equal parts spice, water, and oil. Add 1-2 T paste to 1 cup coconut milk, yogurt, or water to make a sauce. Double the spice for an extra hot version.

Cambridge Celery Seasoning Spice Blend

We think Celery Salt is great. But if you're looking for a more herb-forward version that packs a little extra punch, you'll want to whip up this Cambridge Celery Seasoning Spice Blend. Formerly known as Cambridgeshire
Celery Seasoning, we think this seasoning is perfect for tomato juice or Bloody Marys. It's also excellent for hamburgers, steaks and pork chops. Use it as your secret ingredient for cole slaw, or just add 1 tbsp. to sour cream for a zesty veggie dip. Go Behind the Seasoning to learn more about the key ingredient in this seasoning, shallots.

South Fork Italian Sausage Spice Blend

The great thing about these spices is that they can replicate the flavor of Italian sausage - even in vegetarian recipes. So you don't have to use meat to get the distinctive salty-sweet, fennel flavor that Italian sausage imparts...although South Fork Italian Sausage Spice Blend is also great for making your own Italian sausage.

• Try adding 1 tbsp. per pound ground pork, chicken, or turkey to make patties or links.
• Great for making meatballs or adding excellent flavor to tomato based sauces.
• For a spicier sausage, add a ¼ -½ tsp of crushed red pepper per pound of meat. 

Frying Pan Pork Sausage Spice Blend

Similar to the seasoning above, this gives you a specific "meaty" flavor without actually having to use meat. It might be surprising but Poultry Seasoning is the secret ingredient that gives this herby blend its flavor. You can also use it to make your own breakfast sausage. Just add 1 Tbsp. of Frying Pan Pork Sausage Spice Blend per pound of meat, then make sausage patties or links.

• For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken.
• For a vegetarian option, try with T.V.P. or seitan.

Spiced Honey Ham Rub Spice Blend

Originally known as Brown Sugar and Spice Honey Ham Rub, this sweet and peppery seasoning is great for holiday glazed ham, as well as pork and chicken. Spiced Honey Ham Rub Spice Blend is also equally good for sweet potatoes and yams. For a classic ham glaze use: 2 cups apple juice, 2/3 cup of this rub, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup maple sugar.

Oregon Trail Juniper Berry Spice Blend

Inspired by the flavors and ingredients common in the Pacific northwest, this rub is fantastic on game meat. Oregon Trail Juniper Berry Spice Blend can be used to flavor sausage, mix 3 T with 1 lb. ground pork, 1 T Rubbed Sage, 1 t salt, and 1 T vegetable oil. It's also great for use on steaks, pork, and chicken. 

Table Mt. All-Purpose Seasoning Spice Blend

This paprika-based seasoning can be used on just about everything. Try adding Table Mt. All-Purpose Seasoning Spice Blend to mashed potatoes or toss quartered red potatoes in olive oil and this spice mix before roasting on high heat. Table Mountain can be used on more than just vegetables; it also works great on chicken, fish and pork. It stands up well in stews, soups and roasts. Formerly known as Table Mountain All-Purpose Seasoning, it's also great in hamburgers. Simply sprinkle or rub on before grilling, roasting or pan-frying.

Have you experimented with making your own spice blends at home? Was this article helpful? Let us know - email us at savory@savoryspiceshop.com.