Italian seasoning is a staple in pretty much every household for its sheer versatility. Whether you’re whipping up a vegetarian meatloaf or zucchini stew, this special blend of herbs adds a unique and aromatic flavor profile that rounds out any recipe. It’s easy enough to just buy Italian seasoning from the store, but once you see how flavorful it is when you make it from scratch, I guarantee you’ll resist the urge to use store-bought mixes. All you need are 6 ingredients and about 5 minutes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Dried Basil: The backbone of Italian seasoning, basil adds a sweet, slightly minty flavor. Substitute it with dried mint or tarragon if needed. Dried Oregano: For that classic earthy, slightly bitter taste. Extra marjoram can be used as a milder alternative. Dried Rosemary: Its piney flavor is unique, but dried thyme makes a suitable substitute. Dried Marjoram: Sweet and citrusy, marjoram is similar to Mediterranean oregano but milder. I suggest replacing it with Mexican oregano for a closer match if necessary. Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy, subtly minty aroma. Swap thyme with dried tarragon or parsley if it’s unavailable. Dried Sage: Gives the mix an earthy element with hints of eucalyptus. You can substitute it with dried thyme or savory or leave it out.
How to Make Italian Seasoning Mix
Storage
Italian seasoning mix should stay fresh for up to 6 months in an airtight jar or glass container. However, since you’ll be combining more than one ingredient, it’s best to check the expiration dates on each individual spice. This will give you a better idea of how long your blend will last. For optimal storage, make sure to keep it in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight. I like to store mine in my pantry, but a spice drawer works, too.
Top Tips
Use Fresh Herbs: Freshness is key for Italian herbs. Freshly dried herbs have a more intense and aromatic flavor. Equal Ratios: Use the listed measurements of each herb for a well-balanced mix. Fine Grinding: For a finer texture, briefly pulse the herbs in a spice grinder. Label the Jar: Always label the jar with the date of mixing to track the freshness.
Variations
My favorite part about making my own seasoning blends is being able to customize the herbs and ratios. No rosemary on hand? Add extra thyme or omit it. Want a garden-fresh flavor? Include some dried parsley. I’ve designed this recipe to be a guideline that you can follow to get the basics down pat. Each time you make it, you can experiment to make it your own!
Fun Ways To Use Italian Seasoning
There are countless ways to use Italian seasoning mix, but here are a few recipes to get you started:
Vegetarian Baked Ziti Eggplant Meatballs Air Fryer Pizza Ricotta Stuffed Peppers Sweet Potato Fettuccine in Gorgonzola Sauce Vegetarian Lasagna
