Save This & Make Your Own Homemade Seasonings – Cheap, Custom, and Flavor-Packed
Forget overpriced store-bought blends filled with fillers and preservatives. Making your own homemade seasonings not only saves money but also gives you full control over flavor, freshness, and dietary needs. With just a few pantry staples, you can create bold, customizable spice blends that rival anything off the shelf.
Whether you’re cooking chili, steak, tacos, or Cajun-inspired dishes, these DIY seasoning mixes are a game-changer for home cooks who care about taste and quality.
Why You Should Make Your Own Seasonings at Home
- No additives or preservatives – Just pure spices and herbs.
- Tailored to your taste – Adjust heat, salt, or herbs as desired.
- More affordable – One-time purchase of bulk spices yields multiple batches.
- Always fresh – Homemade blends avoid the stale flavor of mass-produced mixes.
- Allergy-friendly – Great for gluten-free, low-sodium, or MSG-free diets.
🌶️ Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
This bold and smoky chili seasoning blend is perfect for chili con carne, slow cooker chili, or even taco soup. It brings the perfect balance of heat and warmth.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Use it for:
Chili, chili mac, enchiladas, spicy beef stews, and Tex-Mex casseroles.
🥩 Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
Inspired by the classic Canadian spice blend, this Montreal steak seasoning brings bold, peppery flavor to grilled or pan-seared meats. Great on steak, burgers, and even roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
- ½ tablespoon coriander seeds
- ½ tablespoon dill seeds or dried dill
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried orange peel
Use it for:
Steak, grilled chicken, pork chops, roasted potatoes, or even on homemade jerky.
Tip: Toast the whole spices in a dry pan for a minute before grinding to enhance flavor.
🔥 Bold Blackened Seasoning Blend
For those who love a kick of heat with complex spice, this blackened seasoning brings Cajun-inspired flavor to seafood, chicken, and even tofu. It’s perfect for achieving that dark, smoky crust when pan-searing.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Use it for:
Blackened fish (like salmon or catfish), shrimp, chicken breasts, or blackened burgers.
Pro Tip: Coat your protein with melted butter before seasoning for an authentic blackened crust.
🌮 Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ditch the sodium-laden taco packets — this homemade taco seasoning is flavorful, quick, and totally customizable. It’s mild enough for the whole family, with all the classic taco night flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 8 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 teaspoons paprika
Use it for:
Ground beef, shredded chicken, lentil tacos, taco soups, nachos, and taco casseroles.
Tip: Add a splash of water when cooking it with ground meat to create a saucy texture.
How to Store Your Homemade Seasonings
To keep your homemade spice blends fresh and potent:
- Store in airtight glass jars or spice containers.
- Keep in a cool, dark pantry away from sunlight and moisture.
- Label each jar with the name and date.
- Use within 6–12 months for optimal flavor.
DIY Seasoning Making Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality spices for best results.
- For stronger flavor, toast whole spices and grind just before mixing.
- Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for whole seeds.
- Don’t be afraid to tweak ratios to suit your personal flavor profile.
- Double or triple batches and store for convenience.
Make It a Meal – How to Use These Seasonings
Here are some quick ways to put these blends to use:
- Chili Seasoning: Add to slow cooker chili with beans and tomatoes.
- Montreal Steak: Rub on ribeye and grill to medium-rare perfection.
- Blackened Seasoning: Coat shrimp and serve with creamy Cajun pasta.
- Taco Seasoning: Mix with ground turkey and serve in warm tortillas.
Bonus: Use any of these blends as dry rubs, seasoning bases, or even sprinkled on popcorn or roasted nuts for a bold snack.
Final Thoughts – Spice Up Your Life the Homemade Way
Homemade seasonings are a smart and simple way to upgrade your meals, control your ingredients, and make every bite count. They store beautifully, cost pennies per serving, and deliver flavors that store-bought blends can’t match.
With these four go-to blends in your pantry — chili, Montreal steak, blackened, and taco — you’ll be ready to cook bold, flavorful meals any night of the week.