Out of Italian seasoning? Don't sweat it. You probably have everything you need to whip upa batch. After all, it's nothing more than a blend of common herbs.
In fact, once you see how easy it is to put together (we're talking five minutes tops), you probably won't ever buy it again. Homemade Italian seasoning is fresher and more flavorful than anything you can buy at the store, and it happens to becheaper, too. Ready to give it a try? Here's the recipe.
Italian Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 2 tablespoons marjoram
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 2 tablespoons rosemary
- 2 tablespoons thyme
Preparation
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, until well combined. If you prefer a finer consistency, you can pulse your Italian seasoning in a spice grinder or food processor; take a mortar and pestle to it; or grind it up with the back of a spoon or drinking glass.
Once you're satisfied with the consistency, you're all set!Use your Italian seasoning immediately, or store it in an air-tight container until you need it. Just besure to label the container, so you don't mix it up with another spice blend.
This recipe makes 10 tablespoons (just under 2/3 cup) of Italian seasoning as written, but it's easily scaled. Just maintain the ratio in the recipe, and you can make as much or as little as you need. To maintain freshness, aim to make no more than you can use in six months.
Customize Your Italian Seasoning
This recipe makes a traditional Italian seasoning blend, consisting of just herbs. But there are gourmet versions on the market that include things like, crushed red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and/or ground black pepper. Experiment with the recipe, until you land on something that suits your tastes and needs. One of the benefits of making your own spice blends is the ability to make them your own.When you get it just right, be sure to write down the recipe, so you can make it again and again.
Out of one of the herbs called for in the recipe? Just leave it out. Your Italian seasoning will still taste great without it.
Gift It
Make a big batch of Italian seasoning, and divide it up into smaller jars for gift giving (half pint or quarter pint jars would be perfect). Include a label with the recipe, so your friends and family can make more when they run out.
To save money, buy your dried herbs from the bulk bins at your grocery, or make your Italian seasoning with herbs from your own garden.All of the necessary herbs are easy to grow and just as easy to dry. A good number of them are even perennials. Plant them once; then, harvest and dry your herbs each year while they're in season, so you always have plenty of herbs on hand.
New to drying herbs? Pick your herbs early in the morning (when they're most flavorful). Then, secure a bundle with a rubber band and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place to dry. When your herbs feel dry and crinkly to the touch, they're ready to use. If you want to dry your herbs faster, you can also dry them in a dehydrator or a very-low temp oven.
Try This
Use your homemade Italian seasoning to make your own Italian dressing, which could be used to make a delicious Italian dressing marinade for steaks. It'll be healthier and more flavorful than a bottle of store-bought dressing (or one of those preservative-laden Italian dressing packets).
In a jar, mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning with 1/4 cup vinegar (white, apple cider or white wine) and 1/2 cup of a mild-tasting oil (canola, salad, etc.). Secure the lid. Then, give the jar a good shake to combine the ingredients, and enjoy. Your homemade salad dressing should keepfor several weeks in the refrigerator, so it's just as convenient as the store-bought stuff.
More Spice Mixes You Can Make Yourself
As you run out of your favorite spice blends, give these homemade versions a try. They’re sure to become your new favorites, and they may even help you clear some space in your pantry.
FAQs
Ingredients in Italian Seasoning
Herbs: Basil and oregano are the base of this seasoning and provide great flavor, perfect for a wide range of dishes. Aromatic: Garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme add a fragrant depth, enhancing the overall flavor of this DIY Italian seasoning blend.
What can I use if I don't have Italian seasoning? ›
Simply use equal parts basil and oregano! These are the main ingredients in Italian seasonings and the ones that have the strongest flavor profile. These are the main herbs that you need to make your own Italian seasoning. Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.
What are the three Italian spices? ›
What Are the Spices in Italian Seasoning?
- Rosemary- this herb grows abundantly all over the Italian countryside and is used in meat marinades and with grilling. ...
- Basil- is probably the most loved herb in the entire country of Italy. ...
- Oregano- this herb is a key ingredient in pasta dishes of Southern Italy.
MARJORAM, THYME, ROSEMARY, SAVORY, SAGE, OREGANO AND BASIL.
How long does homemade Italian seasoning last? ›
It's also easy to store and can last up to 6 months. To make Italian seasoning at home, simply combine dried herbs like parsley, oregano, rosemary and other spices in a small bowl or a mason jar, then seal the jar and keep it away from light and heat. Easy seasoning blend!
What are the five Italian spices? ›
8 Herbs & Spices Every Italian Cook Needs in Their Kitchen
- Basil. Basil is an aromatic herb essential to many Italian dishes, especially pesto. ...
- Thyme. Thyme is one of the main herbs in Italian cooking with a subtle minty flavor and a sweet and strong scent. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Sage. ...
- Bay Leaves. ...
- Parsley. ...
- Marjoram.
Italian Seasoning: Mediterranean Flavors
It typically contains a combination of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Sometimes, sage, cilantro, and red pepper flakes may be included in the mix. Unlike Herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning does not contain lavender.
What is a substitute for sage in Italian seasoning? ›
Italian Seasoning
This is another handy spice blend that already includes sage, along with marjoram, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Italian seasoning would make a fine substitution anywhere that dried sage makes a home, like this sausage hash.
What is the holy trinity of Italian spices? ›
Although some may debate that the holy trinity of Italian cuisine is really tomato, garlic, and basil, most do agree that the vegetable combination, or soffritto is more commonly used as the flavor base for many dishes.
What is the most popular Italian seasoning? ›
Oregano. Oregano (origano, in Italian) is ubiquitous in the United States and became popular in the States following WWI, when soldiers brought it back to America.
Great Value Italian Seasoning is an easy way to bring authentic Italian flavors into your kitchen. The expert combination of marjoram, oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, and sage is a classic mix. Give your favorite Italian recipes like baked ziti, meatballs, and spaghetti even more flavor with a dash of this spice.
Why is Italian seasoning so good? ›
Italian seasoning is a dry herb mix, usually consisting of basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. Each one of the Italian seasoning ingredients serves a distinct culinary purpose in the mix to help create an earthy, aromatic flavor that comes across with slight peppery and sweet notes.
Which Italian seasoning was recalled? ›
But it's 2021 and here we are. On Tuesday, July 27, McCormick announced a voluntary recall of three popular seasoning blends: McCormick Perfect Pinch Italian Seasoning, McCormick Culinary Italian Seasoning, and Frank's RedHot Buffalo Ranch Seasoning.
What is in Italian seasoning made of? ›
What Is In Italian Seasoning? This kitchen staple includes dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme and dried marjoram, but there are several variations that also feature additions like dried sage, fennel seeds or even spices like garlic powder or crushed red-pepper flakes.
What seasoning is similar to Italian? ›
You'll probably have something that will substitute Italian seasoning in the spice rack already! The best option includes these common herbs: dried marjoram or dried oregano with dried basil, parsley, rosemary or thyme. Mix them in a bowl and use them as you would Italian seasoning.
Which spice is most common in Italian cooking? ›
Parsley (prezzemolo, in Italian), of the flat-leaf variety, is one of the most commonly used herbs in Italian cooking. Parsley is found commonly in seafood and vegetable sauces, and in most pasta dishes, sauces, and soups.
