7 Homemade Seasoning Blends That Will Spice Up Any Meal
The secret to making your meals taste next-level is in your spice cabinet!
It doesn’t matter if you have the juiciest, thickest slab of steak or the most tender cut of pork; without the right seasonings, even perfectly cooked courses can fall flat. If you’ve ever taken a bite of a plain, boiled chicken breast, you know how essential—and transformative—spices are when cooking your favorite recipes. Seasoning blends can take so many dishes from bland and boring to delicious and memorable. Even a simple shake of salt and pepper can do wonders!
While store-bought seasonings are convenient, homemade alternatives are fresher, often more affordable, and arguably even tastier. Plus, mixing up your own blends at home is so easy to do; it takes no more than a few minutes to throw together and uses ingredients that you likely have in your spice cabinet. Most seasoning recipes are also customizable, so you can adjust the measurements of each spice according to your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to jazz up taco recipes, fajitas, or a big roast turkey, there’s a seasoning blend on this list for you. Make a big batch to keep on hand, and you’ll have an instant flavor boost at your disposal for months on end!
Fajita Seasoning
With a bold smokiness, a spicy kick, and a subtle sweetness, this seasoning blend will take any fajita dish to the next level. Sprinkle it on sizzling shrimp, juicy steak, tender chicken, or sautéed veggies, and you’ll never use the store-bought version again!
Get Ree’s Fajita Seasoning recipe.
Steak Rub
Ree Drummond calls this blend a “game-changer” for steaks—so much so, that it has her rethinking her usual salt-and-pepper seasoning! The perfect fusion of sweet and savory, this mix brings out the natural flavors of a seared steak, but it’s just as tasty on chicken or pork chops.
Get Ree’s Steak Rub recipe.
Turkey Seasoning
We think this seasoning blend needs to be a part of your Thanksgiving turkey prep, but it’s also divine on a big roast chicken year-round. Thyme and sage bring an earthy warmth, garlic powder and lemon pepper add a zesty flair, and brown sugar turns the skin crispy and caramelized.
Get Ree’s Turkey Seasoning recipe.
Taco Seasoning
Looking to upgrade Taco Tuesdays? Toss ground meat in this homemade seasoning blend, and you’ll never prepare tacos the same way again! It’s filled with warming spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, plus crushed red peppers for some heat.
Get the Taco Seasoning recipe.
Old Bay Seasoning
This Old Bay seasoning tastes like summertime and it’s such a versatile blend to have on hand. Use it to doctor up shrimp, corn on the cob, roasted potatoes, even salad dressing! It’s a summer staple, especially for cookouts, picnics, and potlucks.
Get the Old Bay Seasoning recipe.
Chicken Rub
If you’re searching for new ways to whip up your weeknight chicken, give this homemade seasoning blend a try. It’s smoky, spicy, earthy, and garlicky, and tastes incredible paired with a honey-vinegar glaze. Cook it on the grill to get that smoky charred flavor.
Get the Chicken rub recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Finish off all your favorite fall treats with the cozy, warming flavors of a homemade pumpkin pie spice! This one features five comforting spices that taste and smell like autumn. Add a dusting to your morning oatmeal, stir it into muffin batter, or toss it with roasted sweet potatoes.
Get the Pumpkin Pie Spice recipe.
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