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Being at home more means cooking more often. Of course, I’m cooking something nearly every day by nature.
I have loved making my own spice blends at home with the extra time I have.
The first time happened out of necessity. I needed some spices and the store didn’t have my go-to packaged version.
So, I looked up the ingredients and tried it on my own. The result teriffic!
I couldn’t believe I hadn’t made my own before.
Making your own blends is easy!
Make sure to scroll down to the bottom for some spicy inspiration from some of my favorite bloggers.
What is a spice blend?
Spice blends – or spice mixes – are a combination of multiple herbs and spices blended together to make a specific flavor profile.
Some common spice blends you’ve probably heard of are pumpkin spice, lemon pepper, garam masala, chili garlic, and others.
You can usually purchase spice blends at the store in small bottles or packets.
Why would you make your own spice blends?
Making your own spice blends has a few benefits.
First, it’s economical.
Making your own blends at home can be made at a lower cost than store bought options.
You can buy spices in the bulk section and get what you need, rather than a pre-determined amount.
Creating your own blends also allows you to control how much of an ingredient you want in your flavor profile.
Let’s say you’re making pumpkin spice, but nutmeg is a little strong for you.
You can dial it back to an amount that suits your taste buds. That makes it perfect and unique to you.
It’s also environmentally friendly. You can store your spices in reusable jars, and you don’t have to worry about single use plastics.
What tools do you need to make spice blends?
All you need is a good spice grinder, small food processor, or high powered blender.
How to make your own spice blend
Take two or more spices and consider what pairs well together, or what you’re trying to achieve with your dish.
Blend them together with your grinder if you’re using whole spices.
Some good combinations are sweet and salty, spicy and sweet, savory and smokey.
Truly, the combinations are endless, and you can make hundreds of different spice blends for what you’re cooking.
If you’re using already dried spices, you can blend them together in your grinder, but that’s overkill.
You could put them in an air-tight jar and shake them up. until thoroughly mixed. Or, mix them together in a bowl. before sprinkling them on food.
How to store homemade spice blends
Spices should always be stored in a cool, dry place. Make sure to use an airtight glass container.
How long will spice blends last?
Your spice blends will last up to a year. I recommend giving them a sniff test to make sure they still have a strong smell and have not lost their potency.
Now, here are some spice blends that are easy to make at home, and can enhance your dishes. Make sure to share this pin via Pinterest, and bookmark it for later in case you can use it later on!
Homemade Old Bay Seasoning
My Old Bay seasoning is great in a pinch. Use it on seafood (like my favorite crab cakes) chicken, burgers, or even popcorn!
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: Better Than Store-bought
Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend doesn't have to come from the grocery store anymore. Make your own blend better at home with Marta's recipe.
All-Purpose Seasoning Blend
Need a spice blend you can use on just about anything? Ty's All-Purpose seasoning blend is a delicious recipe that's great on meats, veggies and more.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
You will love this easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix recipe that is fragrant, ultra flavorful and made with 7 ingredients you already have in your store cupboard.
Meat Spice Blend for Pork, Beef, and Poultry
Meat Spice Blend use spices you probably already have on hand, so it's easy to make and store. Gift it or keep it all to yourself.
Middle Eastern Spice Blend
Middle Eastern cuisine is varied and intriguing. This DIY spice blend is the base for any number of Middle Eastern favorites.
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Easy, delicious, and perfect for poultry, this homemade lemon pepper seasoning recipe is a surefire hit! Fresh lemon zest, whole black peppercorns, coarse salt, your oven, and a spice grinder are all you need to create a familiar and popular flavor profile that so many of us love. No dehydrator or other special tools required!
Seafood Seasoning
Learn how to make the best homemade seafood seasoning blend using common pantry staple ingredients for all your fish, shrimp and other recipes in under 10 minutes.
Piri Piri – Mozambique Spice Blend
Piri Piri is a popular spice blend that is a little spicy and herby with just the right balance of sweet and salt to compliment anything from roasted potatoes to grilled lamb chops. From Mozambique to Brazil, wherever the Portuguese went, this delicious spice mix went with them. Now it's time to add it to your pantry!
Berbere – Authentic Ethiopian Spice Blend
Whether you use it to make traditional Ethiopian foods or simply use it as a dry rub for barbecue, Berbere is the ubiquitous spice blend used in traditional Ethiopian foods that is so adaptable to add some African spice to any meal.
Homemade Chili Powder
Learn to make your own homemade chili powder with simple pantry ingredients, which makes it easy to prepare and very economical. This is the best chili powder to boost the flavor of your chili.
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
This amazing Jamaican jerk seasoning is tasty and easy to prepare, with authentic Jamaican flavors, including allspice, thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Seasoned Salt
A big batch of seasoned salt is the perfect flavor for all seasons! This sugar free spice blend is the percect balance of herbs, citrus and heat.
One Response
Thanks so much for including my fajita seasoning mix – I really appreciate it!