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Say goodbye to bland dinners and hello to bold, fragrant Italian flavor! Made with a curated blend of savory dried herbs, this homemade Italian seasoning is about to become your pantry’s secret weapon to something magical. Fresher, more flavorful, and totally customizable—with zero mystery ingredients, this spice mix is the ideal way to bring crave-worthy flavor to everything from pastas and pizzas to popcorn, veggies, and beyond!
“Just made this for a second time and it’s by far the best recipe I’ve found online. About to try your greek seasoning next. Thanks!”
– MR. KAL
Update: This recipe was originally published in May 2019. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making homemade Italian seasoning blends at home.
Table of Contents
- About this homemade Italian seasoning
- Italian seasoning ingredients
- Chef expert tips for perfect results every time
- FAQs: frequently asked questions
- What does Italian spice taste like?
- Is Italian blend the same thing as herbes de Provence?
- Can I use this seasoning in place of store-bought Italian blends?
- How can I tell if my dried herbs are still good?
- What if I only have some of the dry herbs?
- Can I add salt to this blend?
- Can I use fresh herbs instead?
- How much Italian spice mix do I use?
- Using this Italian Seasoning Mix
- Storing leftovers
- More international seasoning recipes!
- Homemade Italian Seasoning
About this homemade Italian seasoning
Savory, earthy, aromatic, and wildly delicious—this Italian blend is your secret weapon for upgrading your kitchen seasoning game.
Made with a delicious blend of common pantry staples, like dried oregano, basil, and thyme—and no fillers—this blend packs real flavor. Boldy herby and bursting with garden fresh flavors, this multi-purpose Italian seasoning blend will turn everything from pasta sauce to popcorn into pure Italian magic.
The best part of all? You’ll need just about 5 minutes to make it. Whether you’re tossing Italian salads, whipping up Italian sausage soup recipes, roasting a whole chicken, or layering a lasagna, this recipe for homemade Italian seasoning is the fastest way to bring a taste of Italy straight to your dinner table. One batch and you’ll never go back to the bland store-bought blends again!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfectly Flavorful. This homemade Italian spice brings ALL the Tuscan taste – it’s the perfect way to add deeply savory, earthy, herby flavor to your favorite dishes.
- Basic Pantry Staples and 5 minutes. This versatile blend literally comes together in minutes and it’s made with common dry spices and herbs you probably already have on hand in your pantry, especially if your kitchen pantry is stocked.
- Make it Your Own. Store-bought seasoning mixes are definitely convenient. However, they also contain undesirable preservatives and can be overly salty. Making your own spice blends at home allows you to control all the ingredients. Add heat, go salt-free, punch up the garlic, and more. Your blend, YOUR way.
- Any Season, Any Occasion. This spice mix is my most used herb blend in the kitchen because it literally tastes delicious on practically anything and everything–from scrambling eggs in the morning, to whipping up a soup or salad at lunch, and using to roast chicken, pork, potatoes, and veggies at dinner.
- Chef Developed Recipe. Tired of getting your recipes from untrained “home cooks”? With this step-by-step recipe—from a trained culinary professional—you’ll be mastering the art of making your own Italian seasoning blend in no time!
If you’re looking for more flavorful homemade seasonings, be sure to try these reader favorites next: DIY Taco Seasoning, Best Seasoning for Hamburgers, Barbecue Seasoning Rub Recipe, Recipe for Cajun Seasoning Mix, Everything But Bagel Spice Mix, Ranch Spice Recipe, and Old Bay Spice Recipe,
Italian seasoning ingredients
- Dried Oregano. Earthy and peppery, oregano is the backbone of any great Italian spice mix.
- Dried Basil.Fragrant and slightly sweet, basil lends that signature Italian aroma.
- Dried Thyme. Provides subtle lemony notes.
- Dried Rosemary. Woody and piney, rosemary brings robust flavor to the blend.
- Dried Sage. Earthy, woody, and a little citrusy, sage brings a savory aroma.
- Dried Marjoram. Milder than oregano in flavor, marjoram lends depth and complexity to the homemade blend.
Optional ingredients
If you’re looking for a homemade Italian seasoning that brings the flavor, I recommend adding the following spices to the blend:
- Dried Parsley. Mild and grassy flavor, perfect for savory dishes.
- Onion Powder. Adds a slightly sweet, savory, umami flavor.
- Garlic Powder. Lends a savory warmth and pungent depth of flavor.
Recipe variations
- Spicy Twist. Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix if you prefer a gentle kick of fiery flavor.
- Garlic Lover’s Blend. Double up the garlic powder for a punchy mix.
- Zesty Citrus Mix. Add 1/2 tsp of lemon zest right before using for a bright and refreshing twist.
- Kosher Salt Addition. Clean and lighter in taste than regular table salt, kosher salt will help bring out flavor and enhance the taste of food. I always add at least a ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to this recipe for homemade Italian seasonings.
Chef expert tips for perfect results every time
Follow the simple tips and tricks below to ensure you get the most out of your Italian blend:
- Use Fresh Spices and Seasonings. Double check your dried herbs and spices for expiration dates. Old seasonings are much weaker in flavor and will make your Italian spice mix taste flat. If your bottles of herbs and seasonings have been sitting around for a year, toss them out.
- Use Dried Herbs. Make sure you use dried herbs, and not ground, as ground are much more potent.
- Perfect Consistency. Run the spice blend through a spice grinder or food processor for a perfectly uniform, fine texture ideal for mixing into dressings and sauces.
- Make it Your Own. Everyone’s tastebuds are different, so be sure to taste and adjust the Italian spice after mixing. If you want it garlicky, add garlic powder. Prefer more savory depth? Add more onion powder. Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Or if you’re wanting a robust “seasoned” taste, add more oregano or thyme. Your seasoning blend, your rules!
- Label and Date. To keep track of when it’s time to make a new batch of homemade seasoning blend, label and date the jar, then use within 6 months to 1 year.
- Proper Storage. Store the Italian spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dark place away from heat and light to preserve flavor. Your pantry or a kitchen cabinet are perfect. And keep your mixture clump-free by avoiding moisture from wet measuring spoons.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
What does Italian spice taste like?
The exact flavor of Italian spice blends can vary slightly depending on the exact herbs used and the ratio of each herb. However, traditionally, the taste is savory, earthy, and piney with a very subtle hint of sweetness.
Is Italian blend the same thing as herbes de Provence?
While Italian seasoning and herbes de Provence are similar, they are not identical.
- Herbes de Provence comes from Provence, a region in France, and swaps out basil for lavender flowers which lends a strong floral taste.
- Italian seasoning, despite the name, is an American creation, and it contains zero lavender.
Can I use this seasoning in place of store-bought Italian blends?
Absolutely! This homemade Italian spice is simply a fresher, cleaner, more flavorful alternative with zero fillers or preservatives. You can use this Italian seasoning in a 1:1 swap ratio.
How can I tell if my dried herbs are still good?
Take a small amount of the dry herbs between your fingers and rub them together. If the aroma smells strong, you’re good to go. However, if the aroma is faint or dusty, it’s time to restock.
What if I only have some of the dry herbs?
Don’t fret. You can still make a seriously delicious homemade seasoning blend with what you have. Most of that classic Italian flavor comes from basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. However, this blend is forgiving, so use what you have and be sure to taste and adjust it.
Can I add salt to this blend?
You can absolutely add kosher salt to this spice mix. And, I do in fact add about half a teaspoon of salt to mine. However, if it’s your first time making blends at home, I recommend just leaving the salt out. This will keep the Italian seasoning versatile and lets you control the saltiness of individual recipes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead?
Spice blends are designed for dried herbs, so unfortunately you can’t swap in fresh herbs. Why? Well fresh herbs have a shorter shelf life, most need to be refrigerated, and they’re a third as flavorful as dried.
How much Italian spice mix do I use?
You should always use seasonings or any dry spice mis to your own personal taste. However, below you’ll find a general guideline on how much Italian seasoning to use in various recipes:
- 1 pound of meat = 1 tablespoon of seasonings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs = 2 teaspoons seasonings
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes = 1-3 teaspoons of seasoning. (Note: the exact amount will depend on how flavorful you like your sauce and what other ingredients you are adding, like onions, peppers, et cetera.)
More than just a spice blend, this homemade Italian seasoning recipe is your golden ticket to big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this little jar of joy is about to become your favorite way to enhance flavor in a variety of recipes. Just be sure to make a double batch, because you’re going to want to add this Tuscan blend to all the things!
Whip up a batch and don’t forget to share your Italian creations in the comments—I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!
Until next week, friends, cheers!
Cheyanne
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More international seasoning recipes!
Homemade spice mixes are the easiest way to elevate the flavor of any dish. Try these family favorite recipes next:
Homemade Italian Seasoning
Equipment
- 1 Small Bowl, Food Processor, or Spice Grinder – for mixing together the spices
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Dried Basil
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 tablespoon Dried Sage
- 1 tablespoon Dried Marjoram
Optional, to Customize Your Own Blend
- 2 teaspoons Dried Italian Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Collect Dried Herbs and Spices: Gather and measure all the dried herbs, along with any optional spices you'd like to use in the blend. Next, dump the measured ingredients into a bowl, small food processor, or spice grinder.
- Mix Ingredients: If using a bowl, grab a spoon or fork and mix the ingredients vigorously together until fully combined. If using a food processor or spice grinder, cover the machine and blend or pulse until you reach a fine consistency.
- Use or Store Italian Seasoning: Use as a dry rub on meats, flavorful seasoning in Italian recipes, or combine with oil to use as a marinade or salad dressing. Alternatively, transfer the Italian seasoning blend to a sealed container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months to 1 year.
Notes
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Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
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Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
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Recipe Yield: Heaping 1/3 Cup
Nutrition
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Mr Kal
Just made this for a second time and it’s by far the best recipe I’ve found online. About to try your greek seasoning next. Thanks!
Cheyanne Holzworth
Hi Mr Kal,
I’m honored you’ve made this recipe for Italian spice blend more than once and thrilled to hear you enjoy it! Thank you so much for coming back and leaving a review.
Cheers and warmest wishes for a lovely day,
Cheyanne
Mercatore
My Italian recipe is very close to what you have there and I encourage everyone to try the mix as one needs to try It to understand the difference it makes when used.
Kyle
Smells like Italian right through the screen, I wish! What a fabulous mixture of these spices to make the PERFECT blend!