Homemade Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs used to flavor many dishes. Add it to soups, stews, roasted vegetables, marinades, pasta, and any meal that requires a bit more flavor. It can be made in under 5 minutes, lasts a long time in a sealed jar, you know the origin of all the ingredients, and it’s delicious!
If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-make Italian seasoning blend, this recipe is perfect for you. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from spaghetti to roasted vegetables.
This Italian seasoning recipe is a blend of herbs that can be used to season pasta sauces, pizza sauce, and a variety of other savory dishes. The ingredients for Italian seasoning vary but typically include oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, sage, parsley, and garlic powder.
It's easy to make your own Italian seasoning mix at home with just a few common herbs that are probably already in your pantry. You can customize the flavor profile to your own tastes, and it will only take a moment's notice to whip up a batch whenever you need it. Keep an airtight jar of Italian seasoning in your spice cabinet for all your cooking needs!
What is the taste of Italian seasoning?
Italian seasoning typically has a strong, herbal flavor. The exact taste will vary depending on the herbs used and the proportions in which they are mixed. Generally, oregano, basil, and thyme are the predominant flavors, with sage, rosemary, parsley, and garlic adding to the overall taste.
How do you use Italian seasoning?
Italian seasoning can be used in a variety of ways. It is commonly used to season pasta sauce, pizza sauce, and other savory dishes. It can also be used as a dry rub for chicken or beef before cooking. Additionally, it can be added to olive oil to create a flavorful dipping sauce for bread.
What You'll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Oregano
- Basil
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Parsley
Equipment
- Shallow bowl
- Spoon, whisk, or fork for mixing the spices
- Glass container for storing
How to Make Italian Seasoning
Assemble. Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl and mix. Transfer to an airtight jar, close, and store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Tips for Success
Here's how to make sure your Italian seasoning turns out perfect!
- Use fresh dried herbs. If using dried herbs, make sure they are of good quality and still fresh (i.e., not past their expiration date). If they have been sitting in your pantry for years, there is a good chance the flavor won't be as good.
- Add extra flavor. If you want a little extra flavor, add in some red pepper flakes or onion powder.
- Store properly. Store your Italian seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. I like to keep mine in the spice cupboard in a mason jar.
- Make a big batch. This recipe makes about ⅓ cup of Italian seasoning, but it's easy to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe. This is a great way to make a big batch of this homemade Italian seasoning mix and have it on hand whenever you need it.
Substitutions and Variations
If you don't have everything you need on hand to make this Italian Seasoning recipe, you can easily adapt it to what you do have. Need some ideas? Here are a few variations:
Use fresh herbs: While this recipe is made using dried herbs for long-term storage and ease, fresh herbs have a stronger flavor and aroma than dried, so you won't need to use as much.
Add garlic powder: Garlic powder is a common ingredient in Italian seasoning, so feel free to add it in if you have some on hand. Start with ½ teaspoon and add more to taste.
Use different herbs: Don't have one of the herbs called for in the recipe? Feel free to swap it out for another herb that you do have.
Replace certain herbs: If you do not have all of the herbs on hand, you can replace one herb with extra of another herb. For example, if you only have thyme and not basil, replace the basil with more thyme instead. You will just need to experiment with the flavor profile.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to making your own Italian seasoning mix, so feel free to experiment until you find a blend that you love.
Dishes to Use Your Italian Seasoning With
If you want to keep things super simple, use your Italian seasoning with chicken breast or Italian meatballs. If you're up for putting in a little more effort, here are some easy main dish ideas that will go well with the flavors in this recipe:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Roasted vegetables
- Bruschetta
- Chicken Parmesan
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Soups and stews
- Garlic bread
How to Store Italian Seasoning
Once you've mixed up your Italian seasoning, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. I like to keep mine in the spice cupboard. When stored properly, Italian seasoning should retain its quality for two to three years. If you notice the flavor of your Italian seasoning starting to fade, it's time to make a new batch.
Recipe FAQ's
There are a few ways you can use Italian seasoning on pizza. You can sprinkle it on top of the sauce or cheese, or you can add it to the dough before baking.
If you're using dried herbs, you may want to hydrate them with a bit of olive oil before adding them to your pizza. This will help them distribute evenly and prevent them from burning.
No, Italian dressing mix and Italian seasoning are not the same. Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that are commonly used in Italian cuisine. Italian dressing mix is a packet of dry seasonings that are used to make salad dressing or dips. It typically contains a blend of herbs, onion, garlic, and salt.
Yes, you can put Italian seasoning in spaghetti. This herb blend is commonly used in Italian cuisine and can add a flavorful depth of flavor to your dish.
You can either add the herbs directly to your sauce or use them as a garnish. If you're using dried herbs, be sure to rehydrate them in water before adding them to your sauce.
Yes, pork is a common meat to season with Italian seasoning. You can use it as a dry rub before cooking or mix it into the sauce or marinade you are using.
More Spice Blends
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Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons dried basil
- 2 Tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 Tablespoons dried marjoram
- 2 Tablespoons dried rosemary
- 1 Tablespoons dried sage
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl and mix.
- Transfer to a jar, close and store at room temperature.
Notes
- Volume: Makes about ¾ cup.
- Storage: Store in a sealed jar or container in a dry place. It lasts for 6 months (probably more) when stored in a sealed jar, and a dry place away from sunlight.
- Substitutions: Italian seasoning usually includes oregano, basil, thyme and marjoram. If you don’t have marjoram at hand, it can be omitted. Rosemary, sage and parsley can also be omitted but I suggest adding them for the best flavor.
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours
So great! I love making my own spice blends-- never thought to make this one! Thanks for a great recipe, Amy!
Debi
I like to keep this stuff in my cupboard for any occasion. My husband loves putting it on his pizza. So easy to make & se yummy!
Michaela Kenkel
I was so happy to find this because I had no idea that I ran out of it and needed it for a recipe. No time to run to the store - so I made my own! thanks!
Susannah
I just redid my spice cabinet with matching labels and I realized I was out of Italian seasoning so I made this with other spices I had. Perfection!
Mindy
I make a huge jar (doubled the recipe) and use it on pasta, pizzas, salads... such a versatile seasoning, I love having it at hand.