If you enjoy cooking a great way to save money is to make your own spice blends and mixes! It is fun to be able to control exactly what you are putting in them. You can make changes based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
As a general rule of thumb, we never add salt to spice blends. This allows you to adjust the amount of spices you have without adjusting the amount of salt. If you want something really spicy it doesn’t have to taste like a salt lick. Store bought spice blends almost always have salt as the first or second ingredient.
Spice blends can be mixed ahead of time and stored in air tight containers. We really like these and have found that all of these recipes fit in them when made in bulk.
Spice Blend Recipes:
Taco Seasoning
-2 Tbsp Chili Powder
-2 Tsp Cornstarch
-1 Tsp Coriander
-1 Tsp Cumin
-1 1/2 Tsp Hot Smoked Paprika
-1/2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
You can make it more or less spicy by the amount of Cayenne Pepper you add. If you really like it hot you could also throw in some Red Pepper Flakes.
This will season 1 lb of ground meat.
Cajun Spice Blend
-2 1/2 Tbsp Paprika
-2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
-1 Tbsp Black Pepper
-1 Tbsp Onion Powder
-1 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper
-1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
-1 Tbsp Dried Thyme
This yields 2/3 cup. It can be used on almost any kind of meat and is actually very good on potato chips and fries.
Chili Seasoning
-4 Tbsp Chili Powder
-1 Tsp Garlic Powder
-1 Tsp Onion Powder
-1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
-1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
-1 Tsp Dried Oregano
-2 Tsp Paprika
-2 Tsp Cumin
-4 Tsp Black Pepper
When cooking use 1 1/2 Tbsp per lb of meat.
Ranch Dressing
-1/3 Cup Nonfat Greek Yogurt
-1/3 Cup Buttermilk
-3 Tbsp Mayonnaise
-1 1/2 Tsp Lemon Juice
-1 Tsp Dijon Mustard
-1/2 Tsp Onion Powder
-1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
-1 Tbsp Chives
-1 Tsp Parsley
To save time, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time. When ready to use, you will then just add the wet ingredients, mix, and serve.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can easily make some by mixing 1 cup Milk with 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes and then it is ready to use!
Pumpkin Pie Spice
-1 Tsp Cinnamon
-1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
-1/4 Tsp Ginger
-1/8 Tsp Cloves
Makes enough for 1 pumpkin pie.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
-2 Tbsp Paprika
-2 Tbsp Crushed Black Pepper
-1 Tbsp Granulated Garlic
-1 Tbsp Granulated Onion
-1 Tbsp Crushed Coriander
-1 Tbsp Dill
-1 Tbsp Crushed Red Pepper flakes
This is great on steak and potatoes.
Chinese 5 Spice Powder
-2 Whole Star Anise
-2 Tsp Szechuan or Generic Peppercorns
-1 Tsp Cloves
-1 Tsp Fennel
-1 Tsp Coriander Seed (optional)
-1 Cassia or Cinnamon Stick (broken into pieces)
This is perfect for vegetable stir-fry, dry rubs for meat, rice dishes and more. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way.
Jerk Seasoning
-3/4 Tsp Pepper
-3 Tbsp Paprika
-3 Tbsp Garlic Powder
-1 Tbsp Allspice
-3/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
-1 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
To use mix with oil or honey and brush onto chicken, pork, or seafood.
Curry Powder
-2 Tbsp Whole Cumin Seeds, toasted
-2 Tbsp Whole Cardamom Seeds, toasted
-2 Tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds, toasted
-1/4 Cup Ground Turmeric
-1 Tbsp Dry Mustard
-1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
Before using, grind the powder in a spice grinder and then add to dishes.
Italian Seasoning
3 Tbsp Dried Basil
3 Tbsp Dried Oregano
3 Tbsp Dried Parsley
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tsp Onion Powder
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
1/4 Tsp Black Pepper
1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
Yields 7 Tbsps of seasoning.
Blackened Seasoning
-1 Tsp Basil
-1 Tsp Thyme
-1 Tsp Garlic
-1 Tsp White Pepper
-1 Tsp Black Pepper
-1 Tsp Onion Powder
-2 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
-1 Tsp Paprika
Combine all ingredients and use on meat, pastas dishes, and more.
Do you make your own spice blends? What are you favorite spices to make yourself?