Easy Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe

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Italian seasoning is one of my favorite go-to herb and spice blends—it’s incredibly versatile and adds so much flavor to just about everything! From tomato sauces and meat marinades to pizza, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even soups, this classic blend brings a warm, earthy, and slightly savory flavor that ties a dish together beautifully.

Making your own homemade Italian seasoning is quick, budget-friendly, and allows you to control the freshness and ratio of each ingredient. Once you try this blend from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind!

Once you try this homemade Italian seasoning, you’ll want to keep a jar on hand at all times. It’s incredibly quick to put together, packed with fresh flavor, and truly tastes better than most store-bought spice blends. Plus, you can easily double or triple the batch to save time in the kitchen.

What I love most is how incredibly versatile it is. I use it in everything from flaxseed crackers and keto croutons to bruschetta chicken and meatloaf. It adds the perfect herby touch to so many of my favorite recipes.

While it might seem convenient to grab a pre-made blend from the store, making your own allows you to fully customize it to your taste. You can easily add a pinch of sage, dried cilantro, red pepper flakes, or even fennel seeds if you’re craving a slightly bolder flavor. A sprinkle of parsley also works beautifully if you want a fresher note.

And if you’re like me and love creating your own spice blends, you’ll definitely want to try my homemade everything bagel seasoning or my favorite pumpkin spice mix next. Once you start mixing your own seasonings, it’s hard to go back!

What Is Italian Seasoning?

Italian seasoning is a flavorful blend of dried herbs and spices that brings bold, savory depth to dishes like soups, sauces, pasta, pizza, and marinades. The classic mix typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram—herbs that naturally pair well together and complement a wide variety of recipes.

Interestingly, despite the name, Italian seasoning isn’t a staple in traditional Italian kitchens. It was actually created as a convenient, pre-mixed blend for home cooks—especially in the U.S.—to easily capture the essence of Italian flavors in one jar. So while it might not be used in Italy the way we think, it’s a fantastic shortcut to bring that Mediterranean taste into your meals.

Why Are You Going To Love This Italian Seasoning Recipe

• Ready in Just 5 Minutes – No cooking or complicated steps required. Just mix and store.
• Made with Pantry Staples – Uses common dried herbs you probably already have on hand.
• Super Versatile – Perfect for pasta, pizza, soups, marinades, salad dressings, veggies, and more.
• Customizable – Easily adjust the ratios or add your favorite herbs like chili flakes or garlic powder.
• No Additives or Preservatives – 100% clean ingredients with no hidden fillers.
• Budget-Friendly – Way cheaper than buying pre-mixed seasoning from the store.
• Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Instantly adds depth and herbaceous flavor to everyday meals.
• Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free – Naturally free of gluten, sugar, and carbs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and have it ready to go for quick weeknight dinners.
• Great for Gifting – Package it in small spice jars or mason jars for thoughtful, homemade gifts.

Italian Seasoning Ingredients

This flavorful Italian seasoning mix comes together with just 8 simple pantry ingredients—no need to run to the store! Each herb adds its own unique touch to the blend, creating a perfectly balanced, aromatic seasoning you’ll want to sprinkle on everything.

• Dried Oregano: A must-have for classic Italian flavor. Oregano brings bold, herbaceous notes and is the backbone of this blend.
• Marjoram: Milder and slightly sweeter than oregano, marjoram adds a delicate, almost floral touch that softens and rounds out the seasoning.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy and savory, thyme adds depth and warmth, making the mix more complex.
• Dried Basil: With its mild sweetness and slightly peppery edge, basil brings brightness and freshness.
• Dried Rosemary: Woody and slightly piney, rosemary adds structure to the blend and pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork.
• Dried Sage: This earthy, robust herb brings an old-world charm and a deeper herbal flavor that’s especially delicious in marinades and hearty dishes.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a rich, savory layer. You can substitute onion powder if you prefer or use both for extra depth.
• Red Chili Flakes (Optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat. Totally optional—leave it out if you prefer a milder blend.

How To Make Italian Seasoning

I love how incredibly easy it is to whip up this homemade Italian seasoning—it takes just a few minutes, and the flavor is so much fresher and more vibrant than anything you’ll find in a store-bought bottle. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Combine your dried herbs and spices—oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Mix well until evenly combined.
Use a spoon or small whisk to gently stir the ingredients together, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Transfer to a spice jar or airtight container.
Pour your seasoning mix into a clean spice jar, mason jar, or airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.

Tips and Variations For This Italian Seasoning

• Blend It for a Finer Texture: If you prefer a smoother, more uniform texture (especially if using it in rubs or sauces), you can pulse the finished mix in a spice grinder or food processor for a few seconds.
• Skip the Heat: Not a fan of spicy food? Simply leave out the red pepper chili flakes to keep the blend mild and family-friendly.
• Shake to Combine: To make cleanup even easier, you can add all ingredients directly to your spice jar, seal the lid, and shake until well combined—no bowl required!
• Use a Funnel for Easy Transfer: A small kitchen funnel makes it easier (and less messy) to pour your seasoning into jars.
• Double or Triple the Batch: This blend stores well, so feel free to make a larger batch if you cook often or want to gift it to friends.
• Add Your Own Twist: Customize your blend by adding onion powder, parsley, fennel seeds, or even a touch of lemon zest powder for a citrusy flair.
• Store It Properly: Keep your Italian seasoning in an airtight container stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture—like a pantry or spice drawer. This will help it stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
• Label Your Jar: Don’t forget to label your jar with the name and date so you know exactly when you made it.

Storing Ideas

To keep your homemade Italian seasoning fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container—a small spice jar or mason jar works great. Keep it in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or spice drawer, away from heat, light, and moisture.

When stored properly, this seasoning blend will maintain its best flavor for up to 6 months. Just give it a little shake before using if it’s been sitting for a while!

Frequently Asked Questions