Homemade Seasoning Blends (+ Free Printable Tags)

Creating your own homemade seasoning blends is one of the simplest ways to elevate cooking from scratch, save money, and gain complete control over ingredients. When you mix your own spices, you skip unnecessary fillers and anti-caking agents, avoid hidden additives like maltodextrin, and ensure every jar is fresh and flavorful. 

You also shorten the time between harvest and table, which means better taste and more nutrients in every sprinkle. So don’t keep these gems all to yourself. Go ahead and print off my free printable labels and pair your seasoning mixes with these gifts-in-a-jar recipes for easy, handcrafted Christmas gifts!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Seasoning Blends

On our homestead, herbs are just as important as vegetables. I grow a medicinal herb garden alongside culinary varieties and make it a priority to prune herbs in the fall so they come back strong in spring. 

Learning how to dry fresh herbs for homemade seasoning blends and herbal recipes is one of the easiest ways to preserve the harvest and keep your pantry stocked all year long. Here are more reasons you should make homemade seasoning blends.

• Wholesome - You control the freshness and quality. Made with real pantry staples, free from preservatives and anti-caking agents.
• Frugal - Homemade seasoning blends cost a fraction of store-bought versions and can be customized to your family’s preferences.
• Versatile - Works in a variety of recipes, and customizable to your family’s favorite flavors.
• Fast - Quick to mix together in just minutes, and makes an easy last-minute gift.

Sourcing Dried Herbs

There are several ways to source high-quality herbs for homemade seasoning blends. Growing your own is always my first choice. I think the flavor depth of homegrown, dried herbs is much better than that of store-bought herbs. It’s impossible to know how long the herbs have been on the shelf when you buy them. 

But there are other reliable options if your garden is not producing yet. If growing your own is not an option, buying in bulk is the next best thing. Buying in bulk is typically more economical and ensures fresher product compared to small pre-packaged jars.

• Online Co-ops - Online co-ops often offer bulk herbs delivered to drop locations. I use Azure Standard. Simply pop in your zip code to see where they deliver in your area. Using that link will get you 10% off your first order of $100 or more when you use the coupon code “Melissa15” at checkout. 
• Online Herb Companies - Trusted online herb companies like Farmhouse Teas carry both culinary and medicinal herbs.
• Amazon - If ordering on Amazon, I prefer the Starwest brand in the bulk herb and spice section.
• Grocers - Local grocery stores sometimes surprise you with bulk spice sections, especially in natural food stores.

Using Homemade Seasoning Blends

One of the best parts of homemade seasoning blends is their versatility. With a few jars in your pantry, dinner becomes much easier. If you are just getting started, these are my go-to homemade seasoning blends, complete with printable labels:

Italian Seasoning

This DIY Italian seasoning is a standard for classic marinara sauce, but it can also be used in the following ways:

• Sprinkle over homemade pizza before baking. (My family’s favorite is this chicken Alfredo pizza recipe.)
• Toss with olive oil and brush over chicken
• Add to roasted potatoes and vegetables
• Mix into no-knead bread dough, these quick dinner rolls, or focaccia
• Whisk into vinaigrettes and marinades
• Add to breadcrumbs for a flavorful coating.
• Sprinkle seasoning over a fresh batch of popcorn or rutabaga fries.
• Use to season these homemade Italian Crackers or baked kale chips.

Taco Seasoning

As the name implies, this DIY taco seasoning mix brings bold flavors to Taco Tuesday, but don’t limit it to just Taco Tuesday! Here are some other ways to incorporate Mexican flavors into your dishes:

• Homemade burritos and quesadillas
• Make seasoned black beans for meatless tacos.
• Use in this Instant Pot chili recipe or sprinkle into soups for extra depth
• Stir into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick taco dip. (I love this thick and creamy homemade yogurt recipe.)
• Season rice steamed in homemade chicken bone broth.
• Sprinkle seasoning over a fresh batch of popcorn or rutabaga fries.
• Mix into these easy homemade crackers or Mexican crackers.

Ranch Seasoning

If you have kids, then ranch dressing is probably a staple in your home. This DIY ranch seasoning does so much more than getting picky eaters to eat their vegetables. 

• For a simple ranch dressing, stir 1 to 2 tablespoons into sour cream and milk. For more ranch dressing variations, check out my recipe for homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.
• Stir into mayonnaise and yogurt for a tangy dip. (I love this whole egg mayonnaise recipe and homemade yogurt recipe.)
• Sprinkle over roasted potatoes before baking.
• Use as a dry rub for chicken, pork or roast beef.
• Add to breadcrumbs for a flavorful coating.
• Sprinkle seasoning over a fresh batch of popcorn or rutabaga fries.
• Mix into these sour cream and onion crackers or baked kale chips.

Storage Tips

Proper storage keeps homemade seasoning blends fresh and flavorful.

• Use Glass Jars - These glass herb and spice storage jars are my preferred storage option. They help preserve freshness and do not absorb odors the way plastic can. Spices are at their peak flavor for about six months, but remain usable beyond that. Pro-Tip: Look for jars with tight-fitting lids and shaker tops for easy use.
• Label Clearly - If gifting, download my free printable tags on Kraft cardstock paper for a charming homestead touch. You can also simply label jars with a permanent marker. Add red and white baker’s twine for a festive finish.
• Ideal Environment - Store jars in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and direct sunlight to maintain potency.

Getting Started

Making homemade seasoning blends is a beginner-friendly, yet practical homestead skill that saves money, improves flavor, and ensures your family is eating real food without unnecessary additives.

With a few jars in your pantry, you will always be ready to turn simple ingredients into something truly delicious. Now that you know how easy they are to make, mix up a few, snap a photo and tag me on social media @melissaknorris so I can see! I love getting a glimpse of what you all make in your kitchens.