3 Homemade Seasoning Blends
Make Once. Enjoy for Months.
These three homemade seasoning blends are staples in our kitchen! I love making them in big batches so they're always ready when I need them. They're simple to put together, easy to keep on hand and wonderful for sharing in little jars as gifts.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This is one of those kitchen staples I love making in a big batch. It's so convenient to have a jar ready to go for taco nights, soups, chili, or anything that needs a little extra flavor. And once you start making your own seasoning blends, it's hard to go back!
Ingredients
2 cups chili powder
1 cup onion powder
½ cup ground cumin
4 tablespoons garlic powder
4 tablespoons paprika
4 tablespoons sea salt
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a large, airtight mason jar. Secure the lid and give it a good shake until everything is evenly combined.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Give the jar a stir before using.
How to Use
For taco meat, start with approximately 2–3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef, adding a splash of water as needed. Adjust to taste.
I also love having this blend on hand for seasoning beans, soups and other simple weeknight meals.
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Homemade ranch is another staple in our kitchen. I love keeping a big jar of this dry blend in the pantry so I can quickly mix up a batch of dressing or dip whenever we need it. It's simple to make and I especially love being able to choose the ingredients that go into it.
Ingredients
1¼ cups dried minced onion
½ heaping cup dried parsley flakes
⅓ cup high-quality salt
1 heaping tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large mason jar or airtight container. Secure the lid and shake well until evenly mixed. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How I Make Our Ranch Dressing
1 cup high-quality sour cream
Approximately 3 generous tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
Milk of choice, as needed to thin
Stir the seasoning into the sour cream, adding a little more seasoning to taste. Slowly add milk until the dressing reaches your preferred consistency.
Refrigerate for several hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to come together.
Before serving, give it another good stir and add another splash of milk if needed. Keep refrigerated and use within 3–4 days.
A little tip: If you prefer a thicker ranch dip for fresh vegetables, simply use less milk or leave it out altogether.
Homemade Italian Seasoning
This is such a versatile blend to keep in the pantry. I love having a jar ready to sprinkle over roasted vegetables, add to soups and sauces, or use whenever a dish needs a little extra flavor. It's an easy way to bring those familiar Italian herbs into everyday cooking.
Ingredients
½ cup dried basil leaf
½ cup dried marjoram leaf
½ cup dried oregano leaf
¼ cup dried rosemary, cut and sifted
¼ cup dried thyme
2 tablespoons garlic powder
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a large mason jar or airtight container. Secure the lid and shake well until the herbs are evenly mixed.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Give the jar a good shake before each use.
How to Use
Sprinkle over roasted vegetables, add to homemade pasta sauces, soups, or casseroles, or use to season chicken before cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
A Few Notes From My Kitchen
One of my favorite things about making homemade seasoning blends is how easy it is to make a big batch and have it ready whenever you need it.
Keep your blends in airtight glass jars, stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Using fresh, good-quality dried herbs and spices will help them maintain their flavor.
And if you're making a batch for your own kitchen, consider making a little extra to share! Last holiday season, I packaged these blends in small jars to give as gifts. They're such a simple, practical way to share something homemade with friends, neighbors, or a favorite hostess.
I hope these recipes become as useful in your kitchen as they've been in ours!
Recipe Inspiration & Credits
Our taco and ranch seasoning blends were inspired by recipes from Heavenly Homemakers, a wonderful resource for homemade kitchen staples.