Bring homemade Italian Seasoning to your side dish game with a blend of savory dried basil, oregano, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until uniform for a perfectly balanced mix. In just five minutes, you can whip up a fresh, aromatic seasoning that elevates roasted vegetables or grilled meats, making everyday dinners feel a little more special.
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Italian Seasoning
- Dried Basil – A must-have for that classic Italian herb flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Adds a robust, earthy depth to the mix.
- Dried Thyme – Brings a subtle, slightly minty note that ties everything together.
- Dried Rosemary – Use it for that piney, aromatic kick—just don’t skip it.
- Dried Marjoram – A slightly sweeter herb that complements the others beautifully.
- Dried Sage – Adds a warm, peppery touch that rounds out the blend.
- Garlic Powder – For that essential savory punch.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the overall umami profile so well.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Just a hint of heat to balance the herbs.
Cook Time for Italian Seasoning Blend
Now, here’s my favorite part about this homemade Mediterranean seasoning blend: it practically makes itself while you’re waiting for your kettle to boil. There’s zero cooking involved, making it the ultimate quick kitchen project.
The whole process is a simple measure-and-mix affair, just like my favorite almond pesto dip. You’ll be done in a flash.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 0 minutes | 5 minutes |
How to Make Italian Seasoning
Step 1: Measure Everything Out
Grab your measuring spoons. You’ll need 2 tablespoons each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Then, measure 1 tablespoon each of dried marjoram, sage, garlic powder, and onion powder. Finally, add just 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Getting this right is key for a perfectly balanced savory dried herb mixture.
Step 2: Combine the Herbs
Place all of those beautiful dried herbs—the basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage—into a medium mixing bowl. I love watching the colors swirl together; it’s like a little piece of my Provençal garden right there on my counter.
Step 3: Add the Powders and Heat
Now, add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the bowl. This is what gives your spice mix for pasta sauces that incredible depth and a gentle, warming kick.
Step 4: Whisk It All Together
Take a whisk or a fork and blend everything thoroughly. You want the mixture to look completely uniform, with no clumps of one single herb or spice. This ensures every pinch is packed with flavor.
Step 5: Store for Freshness
Transfer your finished Italian seasoning blend into an airtight container, like a glass jar. Seal it up tight to lock in all those beautiful aromas.
Step 6: Find a Home for Your Blend
Store the jar in a cool, dark place, like your spice cabinet. For the absolute best flavor, try to use your homemade creation within 6 months.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
After making this blend more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few simple tricks to make it truly yours. A great homemade Italian seasoning recipe is all about adapting to your taste and what’s in your pantry.
- Flavor Swap: Out of marjoram? A pinch more dried oregano works beautifully as an Italian seasoning substitute. They’re cousins, after all!
- Diet Tweaks: This blend is naturally sugar-free and whole30 compliant, making it a perfect, healthy boost for dishes like my one-pan herb roasted turkey.
- Texture Fix: If your dried rosemary is particularly woody, give it a quick crush with a mortar and pestle before adding it to the mix. This prevents any overly tough bits in your final blend.
- Storage Secret: For maximum freshness, I always include a small silica gel packet in the jar. It’s the best way to keep your aromatic blend for bread dipping perfectly dry and clump-free. It works wonders for my basil lima bean hummus toppings, too!
Italian Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
Method
- Measure out all the dried herbs and spices using measuring spoons to ensure accuracy.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
- Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until evenly distributed. The mixture should appear uniform in color and texture.
- Transfer the Italian seasoning blend to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or spice jar, for storage.
- Store the seasoning in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Use within 6 months for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
Beyond its incredible flavor, this homemade Italian seasoning recipe packs a surprising nutritional punch. Dried herbs are little powerhouses of antioxidants and essential oils, and since we skip the fillers and anti-caking agents, you’re getting nothing but pure, wholesome ingredients.
Each herb brings its own benefit to this savory dried herb mixture—think of oregano for its antioxidants, or rosemary for its anti-inflammatory properties. I love that something so simple can elevate both taste and wellness in my family’s meals, from my healthy pasta salad to roasted vegetable dishes.
Herbs have been cherished in Mediterranean cooking not just for taste but for their wellness properties. If you’re curious about the Italian seasoning origins, you’ll find that these traditional blends have always valued both flavor and natural goodness.
This blend is naturally salt-free, sugar-free, and low-calorie, making it a wonderful way to add depth to lighter dishes like my Greek tomato eggs, without any guilt. It’s flavor that feels good, inside and out.
A Lighter Version of Italian Seasoning
If you’re looking to keep things even simpler or need to work around an allergy, this homemade Italian seasoning blend is wonderfully adaptable. The beauty of making it yourself is that you control exactly what goes in—and what stays out.
For a gentler version, simply omit the red pepper flakes. You’ll still get that beautiful aromatic flair without any heat, which works perfectly in dishes like my tzatziki sauce recipe or sprinkled over roasted carrots.
And if you’re someone who prefers a single-herb focus sometimes, this mix can also serve as an Italian seasoning substitute when you’re out of store-bought blends. Just remember: the flavors are more vibrant and fresh, so you might find you need a little less than usual.
Another idea? Try pairing a lighter touch of this Mediterranean spice mix with lean proteins like those in my chicken burgers—it enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
If you or someone you love is living with dietary sensitivities, I totally understand how important it is to find recipes that fit—without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. This homemade Italian seasoning is one of my go-to solutions because it’s naturally sugar-free and diabetic-friendly, letting you add big taste while keeping things simple and mindful.
Since there’s no added sugar or high-glycemic ingredients, this blend is already a great choice for those watching blood sugar. I love using it as a rub for grilled chicken or stirred into tomato-based sauces—it brings so much complexity without needing a pinch of sugar.
For an even gentler impact, consider pairing it with high-fiber foods like beans or whole grains, which can help support glycemic control. And if you ever want to experiment, you could add a tiny amount of a natural sweetener like stevia to balance tomato acidity in sauces, though honestly, this herb blend adds so much depth, you might not need it.
Remember, making your own spice mixes means you avoid hidden sugars and fillers. It’s one less thing to worry about—and one more way to cook with love and care.
How to Serve Italian Seasoning
I’ll never forget the first time my grandmother saw me using this homemade Italian seasoning blend. She smiled and said, “That’s not just for pasta, honey.” And she was right—this versatile mix has found its way into nearly every corner of my kitchen, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Try it as a simple herb blend for roasted chicken—just rub it under the skin along with a little olive oil before baking. Or sprinkle it over tomatoes and mozzarella for a quick Caprese pasta salad that tastes like a summer afternoon in Provence.
It’s also wonderful stirred into olive oil as an aromatic blend for bread dipping—my family loves this with a crusty loaf while I’m finishing up dinner. And if you’re firing up the grill, don’t forget to season those BBQ chicken breasts with a generous shake of this mix. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
However you use it, this Italian seasoning blend was made for sharing—at the table, in a meal prepared with love, or tucked into a little jar for a friend. Because good food, like good company, is meant to be passed around.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what can go wrong when making this Italian seasoning recipe—usually through my own happy accidents in the kitchen! Here are a few common mistakes and how you can steer clear of them, so your blend turns out perfect every time.
First, don’t use stale herbs. If your dried basil or oregano has been sitting in the cupboard for years, it won’t bring that vibrant flavor we’re after. Always give your herbs a quick sniff—they should smell fragrant and earthy, not dusty or faint.
Another misstep? Grinding the herbs too finely. You want a textured mix, not a powder. Trust me, I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned into something closer to dust than a savory dried herb mixture. A coarse grind helps the flavors bloom when you cook.
Also, avoid adding salt to your blend if you plan to store it. Salt can draw moisture and cause clumping over time. Instead, season your dishes with salt separately—it gives you more control anyway. For more tips on keeping spices fresh, check out this guide on the classic Italian herb blend from the experts.
Lastly, don’t skip the marjoram! I know it’s easy to overlook, but it adds a sweet, floral note that makes this homemade Italian seasoning truly special. If you’re out, my all-purpose seasoning can work in a pinch, but marjoram really makes the difference here.
Remember, cooking is all about learning and laughing along the way. Even my not-so-perfect batches have ended up adding love to our meals!
How to Store Italian Seasoning
My grandmother always stored her herbs in little glass jars lined up on the windowsill—sunlight streaming through, labels handwritten in her loopy cursive. I still think of her every time I tuck a batch of this Italian seasoning blend away. Proper storage keeps those earthy flavors bright and ready for your next kitchen adventure.
To keep your homemade Mediterranean seasoning blend fresh, store it in an airtight glass jar away from heat and light. A cool, dark cupboard is perfect. I like to use small mason jars with tight-fitting lids—they’re charming and practical.
If you’ve made a big batch, you can also freeze portions in sealed bags for up to six months. Just portion out what you’ll use in a few weeks and pop the rest in the freezer. Herbs retain their flavor beautifully this way.
Remember to label your jar with the date. This blend will stay fragrant for about six months, but I bet you’ll use it up long before then! Try sprinkling it over my one-pan herb roasted turkey or stirring it into my almond pesto dip for a flavor boost that feels like a hug from the Mediterranean.
Try This Italian Seasoning Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time my daughter helped me make this Italian seasoning blend. She stood on a step stool, carefully measuring oregano into the bowl, her little hands so serious and proud. When she shook it over our dinner that night, she beamed and said, “I made this, Mama.” That’s the magic of homemade—it’s not just about taste, but about the memories you stir into every jar.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted friend in your kitchen, too. Whether you’re whipping up a quick healthy pasta salad for lunch, marinating easy grilled chicken breast for a weeknight dinner, or crafting a cozy Caprese pasta salad for a picnic, this blend will meet you with flavor and heart.
Try it in my cilantro lime chicken for a zesty twist, or add a sprinkle to my basil lima bean hummus for an herby kick. However you use it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Food is best when shared, after all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian seasoning made of?
Traditional Italian seasoning includes dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Sometimes it has garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or sage, too. My homemade version lets you tweak the blend to match your taste—making it as classic or creative as you like!
What is a substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you’re out of Italian seasoning, don’t worry! You can use equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a simple swap. Or try my all-purpose seasoning for a versatile alternative that works in most dishes.
What are the top 5 Italian seasonings?
The top five herbs in most Italian seasoning blends are basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Each brings its own magic—basil for sweetness, oregano for earthiness, rosemary for piney depth, thyme for subtle warmth, and marjoram for a floral hint.
What ingredients are in McCormick Italian seasoning?
McCormick’s blend typically contains marjoram, thyme, rosemary, savory, sage, oregano, and basil. Their mix is well-balanced, but I love making my own because I can skip any additives and adjust the flavors to match my family’s preferences.
More Homemade Blends You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making your own Italian seasoning, you’re going to adore these other DIY mixes. They’re simple, fresh, and full of that from-scratch goodness we all crave.
- Almond Pesto Dip – A nutty, herby spread that’s perfect for sandwiches or veggie dipping.
- Cilantro Lime Juice – A refreshing, zesty drink that wakes up your taste buds.
- Watermelon Basil Juice – Sweet summer fruit meets aromatic basil in this thirst-quenching sipper.
- Tzatziki Sauce – Creamy, cucumber-kissed, and ideal for gyros, salads, or pita dipping.
