In this post: Italian Seasoning is a flavorful blend of herbs used to flavor a variety of dishes. Here’s how to make homemade it from scratch.
Mix your very own vibrant Italian seasoning at home. Easily adjust the various spices to your preferences and get the best out of your Italian food experience.
It’s easy and you most likely have all the ingredients on hand!
What is Italian Seasoning?
No spice collection would be complete without Italian Seasoning – a blend of herbs and spices that are a perfect addition to pasta dishes, spaghetti sauce, grilled vegetables, chicken, pizza, and more.
It’s one of my favorite mixes and is right up there with my homemade taco seasoning.
What is in Italian Seasoning?
Italian Seasoning contains a lovely blend of herbs and spices that suit Italian foods well. Ironically, it is not actually found in Italian cuisine or in Italian grocers apparently.
Basic Italian Seasoning is made from:
- Basil – a sweet and savory spice
- Oregano – a strongly aromatic herb
- Rosemary – a sage-like, peppery flavor
- Thyme – an earthy almost floral taste
You can also optionally include:
- marjoram
- parsley
- savory
- sage
- garlic/garlic powder
- onion/onion powder
- red pepper flakes
What’s the Difference Between Italian Seasoning and Herbs de Provence?
Like Italian Seasoning, Herbs de Provence is a blend of herbs and spices. Named for the region in southern France, it’s delicious in French and Mediterranean dishes.
- Common to both spice blends: Thyme, basil, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram
- Only in Herbs de Provence: May also contain tarragon, savory, chervil, fennel, lavender, dill, and/or bay leaf
Why this Italian Seasoning Mix is so Good
You will love this mix for your Italian foods (and other dishes) because it is economical, delicious, and customizable to your preferences and tastes.
It’s also a time-saver because you can grab one jar when you’re cooking instead of a bunch of separate spice jars!
How to Make Italian Seasoning
Making this homemade Italian Seasoning is super easy. You simply place all the herbs in a small bowl and whisk them to combine well. Or place them all in a sealed jar and shake to mix.
If you want a finer blend, place the herbs and spices in a food processor or blender and pulse until you get the desired texture.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
- 2 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Marjoram
Directions
- Combine all the ingredients in a dish or jar and mix well.
- Use right away or store in the pantry for up to 1 year.
Italian Seasoning Uses
This herb and spice blend can be used in many dishes:
- Italian meatballs
- bruschetta chicken
- lasagna
- spaghetti sauce
- roast chicken
- pizza
- oven-roasted veggies
Italian Seasoning Substitutes
As we’ve seen, Italian Seasoning has many uses. But if you don’t have any there are a couple of things you can use instead.
- You could try oregano on its own for a warm, savory flavor.
- Or you could try using fresh chopped herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
Tools to Use:
- Spice jars with bamboo lids
- Minimalist spice jar labels
- “Picture Ledge” style shelves
How to Store
You can store your homemade Italian seasoning in an air-tight container in your pantry or on a spice rack. Any sealed jar will do. But I love these little spice jars.
If stored in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, this Italian spice mix will keep for 6 months to a year. Although it’s potency may diminish the longer it’s stored.
More Italian Recipe to Try
Italian Seasoning
Mix your very own vibrant Italian seasoning at home. Easily adjust the various spices to your preferences and get the best out of your Italian food experience. Easy and you most likely have all the ingredients on hand!
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Oregano
- 2 Tablespoons Dried Basil
- 2 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Thyme
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon Marjoram
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a dish or jar and mix well.
- Use right away or store in the pantry for up to 1 year.
Notes
- If you want a little kick added to your Italian seasoning, add about ½ a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Want a garlic or onion flavor addition? Add a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
- If you struggle to find marjoram in your area, you can order it online or simply exclude it from the recipe altogether. No need to replace it, you’ll just end up with only 8 Tablespoons of seasoning instead. This won’t ruin your Italian seasoning recipe.
- Use this the same exact way you would any Italian seasoning you buy from the store. If it calls for 1 Tablespoon of Italian seasoning in a recipe, use exactly 1 Tablespoon of this homemade seasoning. No changes are needed.
- If desired, you can also add ½ Tablespoon dried sage. This isn’t necessary, but a personal preference.
Do you make your own spice blends? Or do you prefer to buy them from the store?
