Easy Italian Herb Seasoning Blend (Make In Minutes)

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Learn how to make Italian seasoning blend from a few dried herbs you might already have in your spice cabinet. A quick and easy Italian seasoning blend to use in sauce, season chicken, mix in meatballs, and more.

Italian seasoning mixture in an airtight container.

Please don’t feel you need to rush to the grocery store to buy an Italian seasoning packet; learn to make it at home. Dress up your dinner tonight with this flavorful seasoning blend.

Want more delicious Italian recipes to try out? If you’re keen to find some more tasty Italian recipes, you could start with an Italian sausage and zucchini galette for a tasty lunch option. Or, for a twist on the classic Italian side dish, make some peach and rosemary focaccia bread.

Looking for another way to use some dried herbs? Check out this Mediterranean Herb Seasoning that works just perfectly with chicken!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You control the ingredients used! If you don’t like something, you can swap it out!
It takes minutes to mix up, and has a long shelf life! So you can whip up a batch and then have it on hand for future uses.
You might have all the ingredients on hand, so you can use what you have instead of buying a bottle from the store.
The blend is versatile! You can use it to make pasta sauce, season vegetables, make meatballs, and more. The uses for homemade seasoning are endless.
No need to run to the store for seasoning in the middle of cooking

What Is Italian Seasoning Used For?

This homemade Italian seasoning mix is a versatile blend of dried herbs that brings the essence of Italy right into your kitchen. It typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, though variations can exist by adding other herbs like sage or coriander.

The combination creates a perfect harmony of flavors that complement a wide array of dishes. Italian herbs seasoning infuses meals with a Mediterranean flair, from a quick sprinkle over roasted vegetables to a robust addition in pasta sauces, meats, and soups.

It is especially useful in dishes where a dried herb mix is preferable for longer cooking times, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Whether you’re crafting a homemade pizza, marinating chicken, or seasoning homemade bread, this blend is your go-to for adding an Italian flavor touch.

What’s in This Italian Seasoning Blend Recipe?

Oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram, and basil on a black wooden board.

Oregano is often considered the backbone of any Italian seasoning mix. Famed for its bold, earthy flavor, it adds depth to any dish it graces. It’s a staple in Italian cuisine, essential for achieving that authentic Mediterranean taste.
Basil brings a sweet, aromatic quality to the blend, complementing the more robust flavors of the other herbs. Its fresh, slightly minty profile is key in many Italian dishes, sauces, and pestos.
Thyme introduces a subtle, dry aroma with hints of mint, which can elevate the complexity of flavors in the seasoning. It’s versatile in cooking and suitable for a wide range of dishes, from meats to vegetables.
Rosemary offers a woody, citrusy fragrance that is unmistakable and irresistible. Its needle-like leaves are ground into the mix, lending a touch of the Mediterranean coast to your cooking.
Marjoram is similar to oregano but with a sweeter and more delicate flavor, adding a layer of warmth to the seasoning blend. It’s particularly good in lighter dishes where it won’t overpower other ingredients.
Sage rounds out the blend with its peppery yet somewhat eucalyptus-like flavor, contributing an additional layer of complexity. Often associated with holiday cooking, sage brings a comforting note to the Italian seasoning mix.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional mix of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage offers a classic Italian seasoning blend, there are several substitutions and variations you could explore to suit your taste preferences or to make use of what you have in your pantry. Here are a few suggestions:

Parsley can be added for a fresh, slightly peppery taste. It blends well with the other herbs and adds a pop of color.
Coriander brings a lemony, floral flavor to the mix, introducing a unique twist that pairs amazingly with fish dishes.
Chili flakes can be a great way for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
Garlic powder is a great addition if you love garlic. It complements the other herbs and adds an extra flavor dimension, making the blend even more versatile.

How to Make 6 Ingredient Italian Seasoning (step-by-step directions)

Collage of Italian seasoning being mixed in a glass bowl.

Grab a small bowl suitable for mixing ingredients.
Into this bowl, add each of the spices as the recipe indicates.
Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all herbs and spices. (Photos 1 & 2)
After mixing, use this Italian seasoning blend in any recipe that requires it.

Recipe Tips

You are welcome to adjust the amount of spices used. If you want less thyme, feel free to reduce the amount used.
Make sure you are using fresh spices so you get a delicious flavor. The flavor will be lacking if your spices are expired or close to it.
Make sure the spice blend is in a sealed container so moisture gets in and spoils the mixture.

Gift Spice Blend For A Gift

If you or someone you know enjoys cooking, consider making this blend and gifting it to them. Buy a nice container for holding spices or even a small mason jar.

Tie some ribbon on and add a label saying what it is and the ingredients used. Pair with a cutting board, kitchen utensils, etc.

Storing Tips

You will store the spice mix in an airtight container. They sell spice jar containers at the store or shop online. That is what I tend to do with my DIY spice blends.

When stored properly, the spice mix can last for 6 months to a year. Look at the expiration dates on all the herbs you mix in. Then, base it on the one that expires first.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade Italian seasoning blend enhances a multitude of dishes with its rich Mediterranean flavors. Here are some delicious examples of where you can incorporate this versatile blend:

Classic Italian Pasta Sauce: Elevate your homemade marinara or tomato sauce with a teaspoon of this blend, bringing a depth of flavor to pasta dishes such as sausage rigatoni.
Grilled Vegetable Medley: Before grilling, toss your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant in olive oil and sprinkle generously with the seasoning for a savory side dish. Or you could try adding it to something zucchini fritters to give it an Italian twist.
Homemade Pizza: Sprinkle this blend on your pizza dough and toppings for an extra Italian zest. It’s perfect for both traditional and experimental pizza recipes such as Pepperoni Pizzadilla.
Roasted Chicken: Rub chicken with olive oil and this Italian seasoning before roasting to infuse the meat with aromatic herbs. You can also use it to add extra flavor to something like Italian Chicken Penne Pasta.
Italian Salad Dressing: Mix this seasoning with olive oil and vinegar to create a simple yet flavorful dressing for your salads. You could use it with recipes like a cold Italian tortellini salad to enhance it.

These are just a few examples of how you can use the Italian seasoning blend to bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen. Experimenting with this blend in various dishes will surely delight your taste buds and add an Italian flair to your cooking.

Italian seasoning in a glass jar with lead leaning on it.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use this homemade italian seasoning recipe for making soup?

This Italian seasoning blend is versatile and can be used to add depth and flavor to soups, stews, and broths. Start with a teaspoon for a pot of soup and adjust to taste.

How does making my own seasoning compare to store-bought herb blends?

Making your own seasoning allows for customization of flavor and spice levels. Additionally, it often results in a fresher, more aromatic blend without any added preservatives or fillers that can be found in some store-bought mixes.

Is this seasoning blend suitable for a gluten-free diet?

The herbs and spices used in this blend are naturally gluten-free. However, always ensure that the ingredients you use are not processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products if cross-contamination concerns you.

Can I make a salt-free version of this Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can easily make your own Italian seasoning blend without salt to control your sodium intake. The blend of herbs alone provides plenty of flavors. If you wish, you can add a salt substitute or simply use less salt in the recipes you prepare with this seasoning.

What’s the best way to grind the herbs if I prefer a finer texture for my seasoning blend?

If you prefer a finer texture for your seasoning blend, using a coffee grinder or a spice mill is the best way to achieve it. Make sure the grinder is clean to avoid mixing flavors. Pulse the herbs until you reach the desired consistency.

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