Homemade seasoning salt is an absolute game-changer for any cook’s pantry, and once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions. This simple homemade spice blend comes together in just minutes and transforms everything from roasted vegetables to grilled meats with incredible flavor. The beauty of making your own seasoning salt is that you control every single ingredient, ensuring freshness and quality that commercial blends simply cannot match.
I first started making my own seasoning salt years ago when I realized how often I was reaching for it in my kitchen. Whether it’s crispy roasted potatoes, perfectly seasoned chicken, or even popcorn night with the family, this blend has become an essential staple. The combination of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and a carefully curated selection of dried herbs and spices creates a complexity that elevates any dish.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can adjust the ratios based on your personal preferences—if you love garlic, add more garlic powder; if you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper. I typically make a large batch and store it in glass jars throughout my kitchen for easy access. Proper storage is key to maintaining freshness, and keeping your seasoning salt in airtight containers away from heat and light will ensure it stays vibrant and flavorful for months.
According to Serious Eats’ guide on seasoning salt, the foundation of a great blend starts with high-quality salt as your base. I recommend using kosher salt because its larger crystals mix better with the other ingredients and distribute more evenly when you’re seasoning your food. The garlic and onion powders should be fresh and aromatic—give them a sniff before adding to ensure they haven’t lost their potency.
This seasoning salt works beautifully on roasted vegetables of all kinds, from Brussels sprouts to carrots and zucchini. It’s also phenomenal on grilled chicken, fish, and beef. I often make a double batch because my family goes through it so quickly. The combination of flavors—savory, slightly sweet, with just a hint of heat—makes it addictive on practically everything.
For those looking to dive deeper into spice blending, the New York Times has an excellent primer on creating your own spice blends. Once you master this seasoning salt, you’ll feel confident experimenting with other homemade seasonings like taco seasoning and Italian herb blends. The possibilities are truly endless when you take control of your pantry’s flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Gather all your dried herbs and spices, ensuring they are fresh and fragrant. Open each container and take a quick sniff to verify they haven’t lost their potency over time.
- Pour the kosher salt into a small bowl or measuring cup as your base ingredient for this seasoning blend.
- Add the garlic powder and onion powder to the salt, stirring well to combine these aromatic powders evenly throughout.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even distribution.
- Add the black pepper, cayenne pepper, and dried rosemary to the mixture, stirring continuously to break up any clumps.
- Mix in the celery seed and dried red pepper flakes, stirring until all ingredients are completely combined and the mixture appears uniform in color and texture.
- If you notice any clumps of dried herbs, use the back of a spoon to gently crush them against the side of the bowl, or use a small food processor to pulse the blend into a finer consistency.
- Transfer the seasoning salt to an airtight glass jar or container, making sure to seal it tightly to maintain freshness.
- Label your jar with the date and contents so you remember when you made it and can reference the recipe later.
- Store your homemade seasoning salt in a cool, dark place away from direct heat and sunlight for optimal flavor preservation.
- Shake the jar well before each use to ensure all ingredients remain evenly mixed, as the heavier salt may settle over time.
- Use generously on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, popcorn, eggs, and any other dishes that need a flavor boost.
Pro Tips
- This seasoning salt keeps for up to 6 months when stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dark place—though it’s so good you’ll likely use it up much faster.
- Feel free to customize this blend based on your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- For a smokier version, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika to give your seasoning salt a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
- If you don’t have fresh dried herbs available, you can substitute with fresh herbs that have been finely chopped and dried in the oven at a low temperature, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- This homemade blend is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made seasoning salt from the grocery store, especially when you buy your spices in bulk.
- For a finer texture, pulse the mixture in a food processor for a few seconds until it reaches your desired consistency, but be careful not to over-process as you don’t want to create a paste.
- This seasoning salt works beautifully as a homemade gift for friends and family who love to cook. Package it in pretty jars with custom labels for a thoughtful, personalized present.
- Double or triple this recipe to create a larger batch for your pantry, which is perfect if you use seasoning salt frequently in your cooking.
- Store extra jars in your freezer to extend shelf life even further and preserve the freshness of the herbs and spices.
- Experiment with adding other ingredients like lemon zest powder, garlic salt, or dried chives for variations on this classic blend.
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