5 Homemade Seasoning Mixes to Make Instead of Buying

If you’re still buying little seasoning packets at the grocery store, you might be surprised at how easy they are to make at home!

Keeping homemade seasoning mixes stocked in my pantry is one of my favorite ways to make everyday cooking easier. Instead of searching for a packet when it’s time to make dinner, I can grab a jar, measure out what I need, and keep moving.

Most of these mixes use ingredients I already buy in bulk, and making them myself means I can adjust the flavors to suit our family.

These five homemade seasoning mixes are some of my favorites to keep on hand. From taco night to homemade ranch dressing, they’re simple pantry staples that get used again and again.

Why Make Your Own Seasoning Mixes?

There are a few reasons I love keeping homemade seasoning blends in my pantry.

• Convenience: Having a full jar ready to go is easier than keeping track of individual packets.
• Budget-friendly: Buying spices in bulk and mixing your own blends can save money over time.
• Control over ingredients: Adjust the salt, sugar, and seasonings to fit your preferences.
• Easy to customize: Prefer more garlic or less heat? You can make adjustments to suit your family.
• Great for bulk cooking: Make a larger batch once and use it for multiple meals.

And the best part? Most seasoning blends only take a few minutes to mix together!

1. Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is one of those pantry staples that gets used constantly in our kitchen.

Instead of buying individual packets, I keep a jar of homemade taco seasoning ready for tacos, burritos, taco salads, and other easy dinners.

This blend starts with chili powder and combines familiar pantry spices for a flavorful, versatile mix.

How to use it: Start with approximately 2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef, adjusting to taste.

Get the Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

2. Homemade Seasoned Salt

This homemade seasoned salt has become a favorite in our house, especially with my kids!

It’s a versatile, all-purpose blend that works on everything from potatoes and vegetables to chicken and other meats.

One thing I love about making seasoned salt at home is being able to control exactly what’s in it.

My recipe includes optional sugar to help recreate the flavor of some familiar store-bought blends, but you can absolutely leave it out if you prefer.

How to use it: Sprinkle over roasted potatoes, French fries, vegetables, chicken, or burgers. Start with a little and adjust to taste.

Get the Homemade Seasoned Salt Recipe

3. Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix

Ranch seasoning is so much more versatile than just making salad dressing!

I love keeping this homemade blend on hand because it can be used for ranch dip, dressing, and seasoning all kinds of foods.

It’s especially convenient when you want to throw together a quick dip for fresh vegetables or make homemade ranch dressing without reaching for a packet.

And because you mix it yourself, it’s easy to adjust the herbs and seasonings to your liking.

How to use it: Mix into sour cream for a simple dip, combine with your favorite dressing ingredients, or use it to season chicken and potatoes.

Get the Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix Recipe

4. Homemade Fajita Seasoning

If fajitas are part of your regular dinner rotation, this is another seasoning mix worth keeping stocked.

Homemade fajita seasoning brings together the spices you need for a flavorful skillet of chicken, beef, peppers, and onions.

I particularly love how easy it makes dinner when the vegetables and meat are already prepped. Just add the seasoning and cook!

Making a larger batch also means you can skip measuring out individual spices every time fajitas are on the menu.

How to use it: Start with approximately 2 tablespoons per pound of meat, adjusting to taste. Add colorful bell peppers and onions for an easy fajita dinner.

Get the Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

5. Homemade Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning is one of those simple blends that I reach for all the time.

It’s a great way to keep a variety of dried herbs ready to use without pulling out several individual jars every time you’re cooking.

From pasta sauces and soups to roasted vegetables and chicken, this versatile blend has so many uses.

It’s also a wonderful way to use dried herbs from the garden!

How to use it: Add to pasta sauce, soups, roasted vegetables, marinades, or homemade bread.

Get the Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe

Tips for Storing Homemade Seasoning Mixes

Once you’ve mixed your seasonings, proper storage helps keep them fresh and flavorful.

Here are a few simple tips:

• Use airtight containers. Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work beautifully.
• Keep them away from heat and sunlight. Store spices in a cool, dry cabinet rather than directly beside the stove.
• Label your jars. Include the name of the seasoning and the date you made it.
• Use dry measuring spoons. Moisture can cause seasoning blends to clump.
• Make practical batch sizes. Bulk batches are convenient, but dried herbs and spices gradually lose flavor over time.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Because these recipes use different ingredients, always follow the storage recommendations on the individual recipe pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to make your own seasoning mixes?

It often can be, especially if you already keep common spices on hand or purchase them in bulk. Making larger batches also reduces the need to buy individual seasoning packets.

How long do homemade seasoning mixes last?

Most blends made entirely from dried spices and herbs can maintain good quality for several months when stored properly. Their flavor gradually fades over time, so it’s best to make amounts you’ll use regularly. Always check the individual recipe for any special storage considerations.

Do homemade seasoning mixes need to be refrigerated?

Most blends made entirely with shelf-stable dried spices and herbs don’t require refrigeration. Store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Mixes containing ingredients that require special storage should follow their individual recipe instructions.

Can I adjust the salt in homemade seasoning mixes?

Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages of making your own blends is controlling the ingredients. You can adjust the salt in many seasoning recipes to suit your family’s preferences, though changing it may affect how much seasoning you’ll want to use.

A Pantry Stocked with Simple Ingredients

One of my favorite things about making pantry staples from scratch is how many different things you can do with the same basic ingredients.

Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs can become an entire collection of seasoning blends with just a few minutes of work.

You don’t need to make everything from scratch to enjoy the benefits of a well-stocked pantry. Start with one or two seasoning mixes your family uses regularly, and add more as you go.

These five blends are a great place to begin.

Save this collection for the next time you’re stocking your spice cabinet, and don’t forget to check out the individual recipes for exact measurements and instructions!

More Homemade Seasoning Mixes

• Homemade Chili Seasoning
• Homemade Burger Seasoning
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning
• Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
• Homemade Italian Dressing Mix
• Homemade Onion Soup Mix
• Homemade Au Jus Mix
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Homemade Apple Pie Spice
• 5 Grocery Store Staples You Can Stop Buying

Your Pantry Can Do More.