The world of spices and seasonings is a vast and wondrous one, full of flavor and possibility. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, having a few essential spice mixes in your repertoire can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, we’ll explore 20 flavorful spice mix recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
From classic taco seasoning to exotic ras el hanout, these blends will add depth and complexity to everything from meats and vegetables to soups and baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a quick fix or a new flavor adventure, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of spice mixes!
Classic Taco Seasoning Mix
Elevate your taco game with this simple and flavorful homemade seasoning mix. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or veggies, this blend will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None! This is a dry blend meant to be used as a flavor enhancer. Simply sprinkle it on your favorite taco ingredients and enjoy!
Homemade Curry Powder Blend
Elevate your Indian-inspired dishes with a flavorful homemade curry powder blend that’s free from preservatives and additives. This easy-to-make recipe combines the warmth of turmeric, coriander, and cumin with the subtle heat of chili peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small skillet, dry-roast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Grind the roasted spice mixture into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
5. Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, cinnamon powder, and cardamom powder.
6. Store your homemade curry powder blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None
Zesty Lemon Herb Spice Mix
Elevate your dishes with this zesty and aromatic spice blend, perfect for adding a burst of citrus flavor to meats, vegetables, or grains. This easy-to-make mixture combines the brightness of lemon zest with the warmth of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest.
2. Add the black pepper, cumin, and paprika to the bowl and mix until well combined.
3. Store the spice blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is a dry spice blend that can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Smoky BBQ Rub for Grilling
Elevate your grilled meats with this smoky BBQ rub that combines the flavors of brown sugar, chili powder, and paprika. Perfect for ribs, chicken, pork chops, or any other grill-friendly protein.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup smoked paprika
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 2 tablespoons garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Rub the mixture evenly onto your desired protein, making sure to coat all surfaces.
4. Let the rub sit for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling.
Cooking Time:
– Grill time will vary depending on the protein and heat level. As a general guideline, cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, pork chops for 3-5 minutes per side, and ribs for 2-4 hours.
Spicy Cajun Seasoning Mix
This homemade Spicy Cajun Seasoning Mix adds a bold and spicy kick to any dish, from gumbo to popcorn. With its perfect blend of spices, you’ll never need to rely on store-bought mixes again.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
– 1 tablespoon thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Add salt to taste (optional).
4. Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
None! This recipe is a dry blend of spices, so there’s no cooking required.
Use your homemade Spicy Cajun Seasoning Mix to add flavor to soups, stews, meats, and vegetables. Sprinkle it on popcorn or use it as a rub for chicken or shrimp – the possibilities are endless!
Mediterranean Herb Blend
Elevate your dishes with a flavorful blend of Mediterranean herbs. This aromatic mix is perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and grains.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
2. Add the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl.
3. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly blended.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None
Use your Mediterranean Herb Blend to add depth and complexity to your favorite dishes. Sprinkle it on meats, vegetables, or grains before cooking for a flavorful boost. Store any leftover blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Garlic Parmesan Seasoning Mix
Elevate your dishes with a flavorful blend of garlic, parmesan, and herbs. This homemade seasoning mix is perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza, vegetables, or meats.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly blended.
3. Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None! This is a dry seasoning mix that can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Sweet and Smoky Chili Powder
Add a depth of flavor to your dishes with this homemade Sweet and Smoky Chili Powder recipe. This blend combines the warmth of chili peppers with the sweetness of brown sugar and the smokiness of paprika, perfect for adding a unique twist to your favorite recipes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
2. Add the brown sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl. Mix until well combined.
3. Store the Sweet and Smoky Chili Powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None
Jamaican Jerk Spice Blend
Discover the bold flavors of Jamaica with this homemade Jerk Spice Blend recipe. Perfect for adding a Caribbean twist to your favorite dishes, this blend combines aromatic spices and herbs to create a tantalizing flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
– 1 tablespoon nutmeg powder
– 1 tablespoon allspice powder
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, toast the coriander seeds and cumin seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 5 minutes or until fragrant.
2. In a spice grinder or mortar, grind the toasted spices into a fine powder.
3. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the ground coriander mixture.
4. Mix well to combine.
5. Sift the blend through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or large particles.
Cooking Time: None required – simply store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Herbes de Provence Mix
This classic French herb blend is a staple of Provençal cuisine, adding depth and warmth to a variety of dishes from roasted meats to vegetables and soups. With this simple recipe, you can create your own Herbes de Provence mix at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
– 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the dried herbs and spices.
2. Mix until well combined.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None! This is a dry herb blend, not meant to be cooked.
Five-Spice Powder for Asian Dishes
Five-spice powder is a staple in many Asian cuisines, adding depth and warmth to a variety of dishes from stir-fries to roasted meats. This simple recipe allows you to customize the flavor profile by adjusting the proportions of each spice.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons whole cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon ground cloves
– 1 tablespoon ground fennel seeds
– 1 tablespoon star anise powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Grind the cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds in a spice grinder or mortar until well combined.
2. Add the star anise powder and toasted Szechuan peppercorns to the mixture and grind until smooth.
3. If desired, add the cayenne pepper and grind until well combined.
4. Store the five-spice powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
– None required! Simply mix the spices together and store for later use.
Ras el Hanout Moroccan Spice Mix
Discover the aromatic flavors of Morocco with this classic spice blend, perfect for adding depth and warmth to your dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. In a small dry pan, toast the coriander, cumin, and caraway seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant (about 5 minutes).
2. Allow the toasted spices to cool completely.
3. Grind the cooled spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Add the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cloves, and cardamom to the powdered mixture and stir well.
Cooking Time: None
Use your homemade Ras el Hanout Moroccan Spice Mix to season meats, vegetables, grains, and more. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend
Create your own delicious Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend at home with this simple recipe. Perfect for baking pies, cakes, and other fall treats, this blend adds a warm, comforting flavor to any dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
2. Mix until well combined and fragrant.
3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None needed! This blend is ready to use straight away.
Adobo Seasoning for Latin Cuisine
Adobo seasoning is a staple in many Latin American cuisines, adding depth and warmth to various dishes. This simple recipe allows you to create your own blend at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the oregano, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Add salt to taste, but be cautious not to over-season, as adobo seasoning is meant to enhance flavors rather than overpower them.
4. Store your homemade adobo seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
None required! This recipe is simply a blend of spices that can be used immediately.
Savory Italian Herb Mix
This aromatic blend of herbs adds depth and flavor to a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to roasted vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create your own flavorful mix in minutes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried basil
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the dried herbs (oregano, thyme, and basil).
2. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly blended.
4. Store the Savory Italian Herb Mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of mixing.
Use this flavorful blend to add depth and aroma to your favorite dishes, such as pasta sauces, roasted vegetables, or soups. Enjoy!
Harissa Spice Blend for North African Dishes
A staple in North African cuisine, Harissa is a flavorful spice blend that adds depth and heat to various dishes. This recipe makes approximately 1/4 cup of Harissa, perfect for seasoning tagines, stews, and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to desired level of heat)
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine coriander seeds and caraway seeds.
2. Dry toast the seed mixture in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Allow the toasted seeds to cool completely.
4. Grind the cooled seeds into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
5. Mix the ground seeds with cumin powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cloves, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
6. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None required
Use your Harissa Spice Blend immediately or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 months.
Biryani Masala Spice Mix
Experience the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine with this homemade Biryani Masala Spice Mix. This blend of aromatic spices adds depth and warmth to your favorite biryani dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
– 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
– 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Dry roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds in a small pan over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Let the roasted spices cool completely.
3. Grind the cooled spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
4. Mix in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, turmeric powder, and salt.
5. Store the Biryani Masala Spice Mix in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: None (this is a spice blend)
All-Purpose Seasoning Salt
Elevate your dishes with a versatile seasoning salt that adds depth and flavor without overpowering. This blend of herbs and spices is perfect for everyday use, from seasoning vegetables to enhancing soups and sauces.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
– 1/2 tablespoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Mix until well combined and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the salt.
3. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time:
None! This recipe is simply a blend of ingredients that can be used immediately or stored for later use.
Chai Spice Mix for Beverages
Elevate your beverage game by creating your own blend of Chai spices, perfect for brewing hot or iced tea. This mix combines the warm, aromatic flavors of traditional Indian chai.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon ground cardamom
– 1 tablespoon ground ginger
– 1 tablespoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, black pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Store the spice mix in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Usage:
Add 1-2 teaspoons of this Chai Spice Mix per cup of hot or cold brewed tea. Adjust to taste, as the intensity of the flavors may vary depending on your brewing method and personal preference.
Korean Gochujang Spice Blend
This aromatic spice blend captures the bold flavors of Korea’s national chili paste, gochujang. With its rich umami taste and spicy kick, this blend adds depth and excitement to a variety of dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine chili flakes, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground ginger.
2. Mix well until the spices are evenly blended.
3. Add sesame oil and mix until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None (this is a spice blend)
Use this Gochujang Spice Blend to add bold flavor to marinades, stir-fries, soups, or sauces. Enjoy!
Summary
Discover the secret to elevating your cooking with these 20 flavorful spice mix recipes! From classic taco seasoning to exotic Moroccan ras el hanout, and from savory Italian herbs to spicy Cajun seasonings, this collection has something for every palate. Whether you’re grilling up a BBQ feast or whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, these blends will add depth, complexity, and excitement to your dishes. With recipes ranging from sweet and smoky chili powder to zesty lemon herb mix, there’s never been a better time to spice things up in the kitchen!
