Why You’ll Love Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
This homemade seasoning blend is quick, convenient, and made entirely from pantry staples. Preparing your own blend also lets you control exactly what goes into it and adjust the herbs to suit your taste.
It takes only a few minutes to prepare, stores well for months, and can replace store-bought Italian seasoning in virtually any recipe. Since there’s no added salt, you can season your food separately and have better control over the final flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary, preferably crushed (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried marjoram (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon ground sage (optional)
Directions
- Add the dried oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and sage to a small bowl.
- Stir thoroughly until all of the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- For a finer seasoning blend, gently crush larger pieces of rosemary between your fingers or with a mortar and pestle before mixing.
- Transfer the Italian seasoning to a small, clean airtight container. A spice jar or thoroughly cleaned recycled spice container works well.
- Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for up to 4 months.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
This recipe makes a small batch of Italian seasoning that can be used as needed. If you cook with Italian seasoning frequently, simply double or triple the ingredients while keeping the same proportions.
Variations
Garlic Italian Seasoning: Add garlic powder for a savory, garlicky flavor that works particularly well with roasted vegetables, chicken, and potatoes.
Spicy Italian Seasoning: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Rosemary-Free: Leave out the rosemary if you prefer a smoother, less piney herbal flavor.
Simple Italian Herb Blend: Use only oregano, basil, and thyme for an easy three-herb version.
Parsley Italian Seasoning: Add dried parsley for extra color and a mild herbal flavor.
Extra Oregano: Increase the oregano slightly if you prefer a stronger Mediterranean-style flavor.
Fine Italian Seasoning: Pulse the herbs briefly in a spice grinder or crush them with a mortar and pestle for a finer, more uniform texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store homemade Italian seasoning in a tightly sealed spice jar or another airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry location. A pantry or spice cabinet away from the stove is ideal.
For the best flavor and aroma, use the seasoning within 4 months. Dried herbs may remain usable beyond this period when properly stored, but their flavor gradually becomes less pronounced.
Always use a clean, dry measuring spoon when removing seasoning from the container. Avoid shaking the jar directly over a steaming pot because moisture can enter the container and cause the herbs to clump or deteriorate more quickly.
Reheating is not necessary because this is a dry seasoning blend. Simply add it directly to recipes during cooking or sprinkle it over foods before roasting or baking.
FAQs
What is Italian seasoning made of?
Italian seasoning typically combines several dried herbs commonly associated with Italian-inspired cooking. Oregano, basil, and thyme form the base of this recipe, while rosemary, marjoram, and sage add additional layers of flavor.
How much homemade Italian seasoning should I use?
The amount depends on the dish, but starting with about 1 teaspoon is a good approach for many recipes. You can always add more after tasting.
Can I use this seasoning instead of store-bought Italian seasoning?
Yes. You can generally substitute this homemade blend for store-bought Italian seasoning in equal amounts.
Is there salt in Italian seasoning?
This homemade version contains no added salt. That makes it easy to control the salt level separately when preparing your recipe.
Do I have to use all of the optional herbs?
No. Rosemary, marjoram, and sage are optional. The oregano, basil, and thyme still create a flavorful blend on their own.
What can I use Italian seasoning for?
Use it in pasta sauces, pizza sauce, soups, stews, marinades, roasted vegetables, potatoes, chicken, meatballs, garlic bread, salad dressings, and many other savory dishes.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes. Double, triple, or quadruple all of the ingredients while maintaining the same proportions. Store the extra seasoning in an airtight container.
Should I grind the herbs?
Grinding isn’t required. However, crushing large rosemary pieces or briefly grinding the entire mixture can create a finer blend that distributes more evenly throughout dishes.
How can I tell if my Italian seasoning is still fresh?
Open the container and smell the seasoning. A fresh blend should have a noticeable herbal aroma. If the scent has become very faint and the herbs contribute little flavor, it is time to make a fresh batch.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Fresh herbs aren’t suitable for this shelf-stable seasoning because they contain moisture and spoil much more quickly. Use dried herbs when preparing a blend intended for pantry storage.
Conclusion
Homemade Italian Seasoning is one of the easiest ways to keep a versatile herb blend ready for everyday cooking. With oregano, basil, thyme, and optional rosemary, marjoram, and sage, it delivers plenty of herbal flavor without requiring a long ingredient list.
Mix a batch in just 5 minutes, keep it in an airtight spice jar, and reach for it whenever pasta, pizza, vegetables, soups, sauces, or savory main dishes need an extra boost of Italian-inspired flavor.
Homemade Italian Seasoning
A simple homemade Italian seasoning blend made with fragrant dried herbs. Perfect for pasta, sauces, vegetables, marinades, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary (preferably crushed, optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried marjoram (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon ground sage (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all of the spices together until evenly combined.
- Transfer the Italian seasoning to a small airtight container, such as a spice jar or recycled empty spice container.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 4 months.
Notes
- Crushed rosemary blends more evenly with the other dried herbs.
- Rosemary, marjoram, and sage are optional and can be omitted according to taste.
- Keep the seasoning in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 11 kcal
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.2 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
